The survey measures the electrical properties of rocks, soil and water to help map underground features, such as aquifer boundaries and barriers to groundwater flow.
DWER Science and Planning Executive Director Nygarie Goyal said the investigation would enable the department to plan for the sustainable management of groundwater in the area.
“While data will be gathered over a broad area, the investigation will initially focus on the Swan Valley, which is experiencing declining groundwater levels and increasing salinity in some private bores due to increasing demand and a drying climate,” she said.
“This technology will allow us to get a picture of the area’s Superficial (shallow) and Leederville (deep) aquifers, which are vital to the Swan Valley’s horticulture, viticulture and agritourism industries, and rapidly growing urban development.
“The survey will map the extent of the groundwater system and locate any barriers which may affect aquifer connectivity and groundwater flow.
“This information will then be used to select appropriate locations for new groundwater monitoring bores and support the potential development of alternative water supply options, such as the injection of treated water to recharge the aquifers for use in agriculture and public space irrigation.”
Dr Goyal said the department would also undertake an analysis of groundwater levels and chemistry data from bores and from the Swan River, to provide a detailed interpretation of the groundwater system, so we can make the best decisions on how to use and protect this groundwater resource.
Data would also be gathered over a broader area of the Perth-Peel region, from as far south as Waroona to as far north as Yanchep, so we can balance the challenges of making groundwater available for use, against pressures including climate change, lowered groundwater levels and increased salinity in the Swan-Avon and Peel regions.
The airborne electromagnetic survey is part of the Swan Valley North East Corridor Groundwater Investigation, funded under the State Groundwater Investigation Program.
It will run from mid-November for two to three weeks, depending on weather.
If you would like more information you can contact Andy Tufts at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation on (08) 6364 6695.
