Resources Victoria geoscientists are collecting groundwater samples across the state's northwest to help safeguard this valuable resource.
Over the next 12 months, the Geological Survey of Victoria will be sampling about 200 public groundwater bores in road reserves between the NSW border and Horsham.
The information gathered will help determine baseline groundwater chemistry throughout the region. Where possible, soil and vegetation will also be collected to also establish an environmental benchmark.
Groundwater is liquid stored in porous geological formations called aquifers and is relied upon as a primary water source in many parts of the world, including many places in Australia.
It is important to understand how water enters an aquifer, moves through rock and its chemical composition, so that it can be protected from contamination and overuse.
Activities will be conducted in partnership with the CSIRO and will have no impact on water tables, flora or fauna. The program is an initiative of the Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap.
The information gathered may be used by groundwater users, the minerals industry, the agricultural sector, water suppliers and regulators.
