Bore water is usually deemed to be safe for consumption, but because of that, people forget to limit its usage. This is where bore water testing comes into play, letting us know how we should assess water levels and extraction pressure on aquifers to allow sustainable consumption.
Key Takeaways
- Bore water testing reveals salinity trends that show how over-extraction pressure affects the aquifers
- This data helps manage the existing Water Allocation Plan (WAP), reducing aquifer stress
- Contaminants are identified to stop them from spreading, and, as per the bore yield and quality monitoring, we can make sustainable decisions for water extraction
Bore water is groundwater that is extracted by drilling a bore into underground aquifers or water storage. This water is then pumped to the surface for use. Now, groundwater accounts for 30% of Australia’s total water use, mainly consumed by the remote and arid regions. And they use it for agriculture, household needs, and mining.
Aquifers, however, contain harmful chemicals and microorganisms through which the water passes during extraction. Adding to the issue of reducing groundwater levels with less water replenishment and more extraction, despite Australia having over 900,000 bores. This is why, before consumption, this hidden water crisis cannot go without proper bore water testing.
But how can bore water testing support sustainable groundwater use? Let’s dig deeper into the facts to know how proper water testing allows eco-friendly water consumption.
Why Does Australia’s Bore Water Need Protection?
Australia’s bore water needs protection for various reasons.
Climate Change & Declining Water Replenishment
Although rainfall in northern Australia remains higher than usual, the south-east and south-west parts of Australia have seen a decrease in rainfall amounts. 16% rainfall decline in the south-west and around 9% decrease in rainfall in the south-east as of 2024. This has also caused severe marine heatwaves and increased drought in the southern regions.
This has caused groundwater replenishment to decline as well, with drier climates causing aquifers to dry disproportionately. Considering that the water consumption rates remain stable and high, the aquifers do not get the time to recharge. So, sustainable water consumption is essential for all in Australia.
The Over-Extraction Problem
In most cases, over-allocation is the primary driver for groundwater depletion, followed by increasing salinity. Even though Australia’s National Water Initiative enforced sustainable extraction limits in water management plans to manage environmental externalities, water demand is not decreasing. So, Australia is also not immune to the global problem of groundwater level decline.
How Bore Water Testing Supports Sustainability
- Bore water testing reveals salinity trends that help us understand the over-extraction pressure on the aquifers
- Data gathered from regular monitoring helps manage the existing Water Allocation Plan (WAP) that works under the “Landscape South Australia Act 2019”. This helps reduce aquifer stress
- When the contamination is identified early, we can prevent it from spreading to other sources or consumers, safeguarding long-term groundwater availability
- This, followed by bore yield and quality monitoring, will allow us to make responsible decisions for extraction based on the data
- This data can then be collected from all bores in Australia to assess and support basin-scale management
Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs)
Australian wetlands, terrestrial ecosystems, and river baseflows all depend on groundwater levels. Therefore, over-extraction also affects native species, coastal systems, and streamflow apart from humans. This made Australia’s National Water Initiative protect GDEs under Australia’s “Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act”. So, businesses need to understand GDE implications as they are required for “Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
What is Bore Water Tested for in Australia
In Australia, bore water is tested for the following:
Natural Contaminants
Groundwater includes iron, manganese, salinity-caused alkaline soil, nitrates/nitrites, hydrogen sulphide, “naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)”, E.coli, and coliforms.
Human-Induced/Industrial Contaminants
Lead, chromium, arsenic, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents, herbicides, pesticides, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
PFAS
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as “forever chemicals” that are found in bore waters near fire training facilities, airports, and military sites. Drinking water sourced from aquifers accounts for around 2 to 3% of total PFAS exposure in Australia.
As per the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, these contaminants should not be present or can be present under safe limits in bore waters.
What Does Bore Water Testing Involve?
The testing process includes monitoring pH, salinity, metals, hydrocarbons, and other dissolved constituents in the groundwater. It also involves checking bore water sources for elements such as pesticides and pathogens, which are tested in NATA-accredited laboratories. This helps assess the suitability of bore water for irrigation, site use, and livestock, making water testing an essential service.
The Key Parameters Tested
- Chemical pollutants (heavy metals like lead, chromium, and arsenic, pesticides, industrial chemicals, electrical conductivity, VOCs, and hardness)
- Nutrients (evaluating levels of nitrogen and phosphorus to prevent eutrophication)
- Physical parameters (like temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, colour, and odour)
- Biological indicators (such as microorganisms, total coliforms, heterotrophic plate count, and aquatic life to consider ecosystem health)
- Emerging pollutants (such as PFAS, hydrogen sulphide, and microplastics)
- Flow Rate/Bore Yield (essential for sustainability, helps us know how much water an aquifer can sustainably yield, via a pump test through constant monitoring of water flow)
Other Assessments
- Hydrogeological Assessments: These help study groundwater resources in only a specific area by drilling boreholes to analyse if there is enough water in that site and take further actions.
- Aquifer Testing: For this test, boreholes are drilled to extract and add a limited quantity of water to the same boreholes to study changes in groundwater layers.
Comprehensive site and borehole assessments ensure that the water levels, the water quality, and all other related aspects meet the safe-to-consume guidelines.
Who Needs Bore Water Testing?
Private bore owners need these tests to be done just like government-owned ones. But other people need them as well to make sure that they, too, get the best quality water for consumption while keeping the extraction levels in check.
- Homeowners and Residential Properties
- Farmers & Agricultural Operators
- Property Buyers and Real Estate
- Construction, Industrial, and Mining Sites
You Can Also Ensure Sustainable Water Consumption from Bores!
Considering that sustainably using bore water is essential because of Australia’s groundwater problems, you should also contribute to it. Since proper testing ensures sustainable consumption, you can hire professional environmental remediation services yourself. Test the water source periodically and ensure that the main aquifer is tested every 2 years. And you’ll have healthy drinking water without harming the environment!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Bore Water Safe to Drink in Australia?
The raw water extracted from bores is not safe to drink. It is only safe after the water goes through the required treatments and is tested by water utilities like NATA-accredited labs.
2. How Often Should We Test Bore Water?
After initial analysis, bore water should be assessed every 2 years with consistent monitoring for undesirable changes. In case there is any change in odour or colour, further testing is suggested.
3. What is the Difference Between Bore Water and Ground Water?
There is no difference because they are water from the same resource. Bore water is groundwater that is extracted from underground aquifers through drilled boreholes by a pump.
4. What is a Nata-accredited Laboratory, and Why Does It Matter?
The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) is Australia’s national body for laboratory accreditation. It matters because they ensure that your water for consumption meets international standards of safety, quality, and unbiased assessments.
