Accessing Groundwater
Groundwater is increasingly seen as an alternative or additional source of supply to surface water. It has been effectively used to supplement supplies in severely drought-affected regions of Victoria and is an excellent short-term measure. However groundwater, like surface water is vulnerable to drought and climate change and the allocation of this resource is carefully managed and monitored.
The Groundwater and Licensing Branch (GLiB) is the Victorian Government’s lead organisation responsible for monitoring and managing groundwater in Victoria. It is also responsible for the oversight of all water licensing in Victoria. Individual licences for groundwater use are issued by rural water corporations
The Victorian Water Allocation Framework provides the basis for the way both groundwater and surface water are allocated and licensed.
The GLiB manages the important State Observation Bore Network which monitors groundwater levels and quality at approximately 2500 sites throughout the State. The data generated through regular monitoring provides essential information for the sustainable management of groundwater resources into the future.
To assist intending groundwater users to gain access to additional information about groundwater, DSE has prepared the Groundwater Notes Series. These five notes provide information and advice in relation to groundwater, its management, bore application requirements, bore maintenance advice and sources for further information.
Groundwater Licensing
Groundwater, like surface water, is allocated under the Water Act 1989. A person wishing to drill for groundwater is required to apply to the relevant rural water corporation for a bore construction licence. This process must also be followed in relation to altering or decommissioning a bore. Licences are issued with conditions to ensure that:
- the bore is constructed to protect the groundwater resource
- information form the bores is obtained for future reference
- the bore is located to minimise extraction interference with other users or the environment.
The Water Act requires that all persons who wish to extract groundwater (except domestic and stock users) apply for a groundwater licence.
Groundwater licences are issued to protect the rights of licence holders; ensure that water is shared amongst users; and to ensure that environmental requirements are protected. To generate greater understanding about groundwater licensing for commercial purposes DSE has prepared the Groundwater Licensing and Trading Fact Sheet below.