Saltwater intrusion in Southern Eyre Peninsula, December 2009

The security of public water supplies on Eyre Peninsula is managed through the SA
Water Long Term Plan 2 . Under a scenario of continued population growth and
subsequent demand increase, augmentation of the existing groundwater based
supply will be required. Desalination of seawater has been identified as the preferred
supply augmentation option rather than drawing further on the River Murray.
However, given the extent of capital already invested in infrastructure, the continued
use of groundwater resources is the preferred water source option (more cost
effective and less energy intensive). For this reason, the proportion of the public
water supply being sourced from groundwater should continue to be maximized.
It is important that groundwater resources are managed to ensure their long term
sustainable use and to protect the natural ecosystems that depend on them. This is
particularly important as we face the considerable risk of a changing climate.
Incorporating climate change into the management of the region’s water resources is
vital and requires the consideration of the vulnerability or resilience of each resource.
1.2 Report Context and the National Water
Commission
In Prescribed Wells Areas (PWAs), groundwater use is currently managed by way of
annual allocations under a Water Allocation Plan (WAP). When undertaking its 5
yearly review of the WAPs in 2006, EPNRM consulted the community, who
expressed concern regarding the sustainability of the groundwater basins. Key
issues included (but were not limited to): the impacts of climate change, how much
water the environment needs, the impact of vegetation on recharge and the risk of
seawater intrusion.
In 2008, the EP Groundwater Allocation, Planning & Management (GAPM) Project
was launched to attempt to address the community’s concerns. The National Water
Commission (NWC) committed $700,000 over ~2 years and this was matched
through cash and in kind contributions from the state-based partners: Department of
Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, SA Water Corporation and Eyre
Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board.
The main objective of the GAPM Project is to improve the scientific understanding
that underpins the sustainable management of the groundwater resources. The
project involves a suite of detailed investigations, which are tied to reporting
milestones as follows:
2 “Meeting Future Demand : SA Water's Long Term Plan for Eyre Region”, completed in November 2008 and
accessible via the SA Water website (www.sawater.com.au)
2