1.5.2.2 Groundwater

Groundwater is the most significant water resource in the Arckaringa subregion. Although multiple aquifer systems underlie the subregion, the aquifers of the GAB are the most widely utilised. In particular, the Cadna-owie Formation and the Algebuckina Sandstone (and their equivalent formations), collectively known as the ‘JK aquifer’, generally contain the least saline (freshest quality) groundwater. In most areas of the Arckaringa subregion the groundwater salinity of GAB aquifers is less than 5000 mg/L TDS (Miles et al., 2015). Groundwater from the GAB discharges to surface primarily as springs and diffuse discharge zones through overlying confining units. In contrast, discharge from the near-surface Cenozoic aquifers occurs into local wetlands, or is driven by evapotranspiration (Miles et al., 2015).

Data and information required to more fully assess groundwater quality in the Arckaringa subregion are primarily held by the SA Government DEWNR WaterConnect website (DEWNR, 2015).

Additional data are also available from the Bureau of Meteorology (Bureau of Meteorology, 2014). If available, the information that would be required to conduct a more detailed groundwater quality assessment of the Arckaringa subregion includes:

  • location information for all groundwater monitoring points, including the aquifer(s) from which the samples were collected
  • information on the time of groundwater sample collection and analysis
  • laboratory data of groundwater quality analyses, including major and trace ion water analyses, groundwater field parameter measurements, and isotopic data.

Groundwater quality data would be required to assess the nature of interactions that may occur between the various groundwater flow systems in the Arckaringa subregion. This type of analysis would help identify the water sources for groundwater discharge features that occur at surface. It could also assist in better understanding the scale and direction of groundwater flow that may occur between different aquifer systems.

Further information about groundwater quality is outlined in companion product 1.1 for the Arckaringa subregion (Miles et al., 2015). Wohling et al. (2013) is also an important reference on groundwater quality for the Arckaringa subregion. It details recent work on the geological and hydrogeological conceptualisation of the Arckaringa subregion and summarises existing water quality data, including maps that show variations in groundwater salinity.

Last updated:
11 October 2018