Groundwater Resources

This section of the VRO website is a collaborative effort between the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (external link) and Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Much of the content was developed within the former Department of Natural Resources and Environment. DSE is now the lead agency in Victoria for the management of water resources across the state. Visit the Water section of DSEs website (external link) for up to date information about: Victoria's Water Allocation Framework, River Health, Irrigation, Water in Cities and Towns, Water Saving and Recycling Projects as well as Water Governance Arrangements.

Groundwater Basins
This map shows Victoria's 5 major sedimentary basins which host the major aquifers yielding useful supplies of groundwater.

The Groundwater Resource
This map differentiates 5 quality classes of groundwater, based on salinity levels. These classes are further differentiated by yield rates.

Aquifer Lithology
This map shows the four main types of aquifers, based on rock characteristics.

Private Groundwater Extraction Bores
This map shows the density and distribution of privately owned bores used for extracting groundwater.

Minor and Divertible Groundwater Resources in Victoria

One in ten Victorians use groundwater - from private bores, springs or public water supplies - for at least part of their daily water supply. Bottled mineral water is also extracted from groundwater.

The suitability of groundwater resources is determined by both the quality of the water and by the available yield.

Groundwater Volumes

Groundwater resources, like surface water resources, are measured in terms of the average rate at which they are renewed. These are expressed as annual volumes.

Minor sources are those that are too sparse for major water supply development, but may be useful for meeting local demands. Divertible resources are those considered suitable for development.

The total estimated groundwater resource of Victoria, from both divertible and minor sources is 970,000 ML per annum. About 90% is available from the divertible resource and 10% is provided by minor sources.

Related Links

Groundwater Glossary

Groundwater Notes (external link)
The Groundwater Notes Information Series is available on the DSE website. These notes provide information on groundwater occurrences in Victoria as well as information on bores.

Groundwater Database (external link)
The DSE Groundwater Database contains information on approximately 135,000 boreholes throughout Victoria. It stores information primarily of interest to groundwater management and investigations, but is a useful resource for all environmental studies where groundwater or catchment condition is a focus. This database was last updated in 2002. More recent data is available on DSEs Victorian Water Resource Data Warehouse website (external link).

Centre pivot irrigation, using groundwater,
northern Victoria
Photo: Primary Industries, DPI

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