The Great Artesian Basin

Formation:

The Great Artesian Basin covers 25% of Australia and it is a primary water source for the country. It formed in four stages over a long period of time:

• Sea flooded into Australia (leaving the basins ground lower then the rest of Australia)
• Once the the flood water left, material deposits remained
• Impermeable and permeable layers of rocks formed
•  Impermeable rock-Aquifer- Permeable rock

Problems with the basin:

• Water wastage (bores drilled into the basin decrease the Artesian pressures)
• Leading to uncontrollable discharge
• 95% evaporation of water free flowing from bores

Management scheme:

Capping and pipping (all bores will be pipped and capped)

• Reduces water wastage (water is used when needed)
• Increases basin pressures
• reduces evaporation (no feral animals and harmful weeds)

Total cost=$508 (funded by government and land owners)