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Understanding groundwater and managing a vital resource wisely during dry conditions in Southern Victoria

Groundwater is vital in dry southern Victoria, but limited rainfall and rising demand strain aquifers. Responsible use, bore maintenance, and data monitoring are key to protecting this shared resource.

By news@gippsland - 12th June 2025 - Back to News

Groundwater is a critical water source in many parts of southern Victoria for farms, towns, businesses and the environment - especially during dry conditions when rainfall and recharge to aquifers is very low, rivers can run dry, and demand for groundwater is high. Groundwater users may notice changes during these dry times that can impact the availability of water. So, what's going on and what can we do to ensure continued fair access and good management of groundwater during dry times.

Reduced rainfall and increased bore use can lower groundwater levels, slow aquifer recovery, and cause salinity or water quality changes

Safeguarding water sources

During prolonged dry periods groundwater users may experience falling bore water levels, reduced yield, slower recovery of water levels, and drying up of springs and groundwater fed dams. In some cases, bores may stop working altogether. So, let's look at why.

With less rainfall to recharge aquifers and more people turning to bores, groundwater levels can drop, and aquifers may take longer to recover. It's worth noting that lower groundwater levels can sometimes lead to higher salinity or changes in water chemistry, especially in coastal or shallow systems.

So, how can we help mitigate these problems? Checking your bore and pump is a good place to start because they don't last forever. Most bores have an average lifespan of around 30 years (with pumps much less than this), and they also need to be properly maintained so that they perform as they should.

Managing bore access

Groundwater levels in porous aquifers like sands and limestone do not change much during drought, so licensed bore yields are unlikely to be impacted. However, stock and domestic users who typically have shallower bores are more likely to be affected and might need to deepen their bores to access groundwater.

Both licensed users and domestic and stock groundwater users who want to deepen an existing bore or construct a new one must apply for a bore construction licence before any work takes place. Stock and domestic users can apply for this online at the Victorian Water Register website.  A licenced user accessing groundwater for commercial farming or business activities will need to complete an application form through Southern Rural Water.

Safe bore management

In Victoria, a Drillers' Licence is needed to construct or alter groundwater bores deeper than three metres. This licence ensures that drilling businesses meet minimum standards, comply with regulations, and protect groundwater resources.

There are limited suitably qualified drillers available to construct and deepen bores. We would encourage groundwater users to engage drillers proactively, so they are well prepared for their requirements. Please call us if you have any questions about drillers.

We remind all groundwater users that bore water quality is not guaranteed. Groundwater should not be considered safe for human consumption unless properly treated. Water should be tested to make sure it's suitable for its intended use. More information on water quality and managing potential contamination risk can be found on our bore information page.

Bore interference issues

It's worth noting that in some cases your bore may be being impacted by pumping interference from a neighbouring bore. Interference happens when pumping water from one groundwater bore impacts how another nearby bore works.

Groundwater is stored in underground layers called aquifers, and when multiple bores draw from the same aquifer - especially in close proximity - they can end up competing for the same water. In normal conditions, the aquifer may have time to recover between pumping events. But during dry conditions, recharge slows down, and more people rely on groundwater.

That combination puts pressure on the system and the effects can be felt more sharply by nearby users. If your bore and pump are in good working order and you believe that your access to groundwater is being impacted by pumping from other local bores, then you can ask Southern Rural Water to investigate.

Groundwater data tools

The Victoria Government provides groundwater (and surface water) data from aquifers (and rivers and creeks) in Victoria that can help you understand conditions in your region. This data is sourced from a network of observational bores installed into key aquifers at different depths to reflect how different groundwater systems behave.

Water levels are measured regularly, either manually (with a dipper) or automatically using data loggers that record levels continuously. Some also monitor water quality indicators like salinity, temperature, and pH. This data feeds into statewide models and tools like Water Measurement Information System (WMIS) and Victorian Groundwater Monitoring Network, helping to:

• Track trends over time (e.g. drought impacts, recharge rates)
• Support licence decisions and allocation planning
• Flag risks to users, ecosystems, and infrastructure

Despite their value, observational bores do have some limitations. For example, not every aquifer is covered, especially local or fractured rock systems, and some regions have sparse bore density. So, while they are a critical tool for understanding groundwater systems in Victoria, they work best when used alongside other information - like user metering, rainfall and river data, user records of water levels and yield and local knowledge.

Monitoring water entitlements

If you're a licenced groundwater user, you're responsible for regularly reading your meter and monitoring water use to ensure you stay within your water entitlement. If you suspect you're reaching your entitlement limit, consider trading early because sourcing volumes to trade can take some time, and processing may take between a few weeks or up to 12 months depending on the complexity of the application.

If you have any issues with your water meter or get near your entitlement limit, then get in touch with us immediately so we can help resolve any problems. We proactively monitor licenced groundwater use through our metering, telemetry and inspection programs. Any unauthorised water taken identified will be investigated and non-compliance will be penalised.

Emergency water access

If your bore runs dry and you're in desperate need for water for domestic and stock purposes during severe dry seasonal conditions, you can tap into Victoria's emergency water supply point network. For full details and your nearest location, visit: Emergency water supply points website.

Groundwater is a valuable and shared resource - but it's not unlimited. Especially in dry conditions, it's important to remember that every bore is part of a bigger system. By staying informed, keeping good records, and using groundwater wisely, we can ensure aquifers remain productive for everyone now and into the future. If you need to know more about accessing and managing your groundwater, get in touch with us.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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