Introduction
The Barossa Valley is 70km north east of Adelaide in the Mt Lofty
Ranges. Groundwater in the region is used extensively for irrigation
of vineyards and orchards as well as for domestic needs. The region
is a prescribed
wells area (since 1998) to ensure sustainable use of the water
resources including groundwater systems. >>
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There are three types of aquifers in the region (upper, lower
and fractured rock) with groundwater used from all of these. The
EPA monitors water quality mostly in the upper aquifer as this
is at most risk of being contaminated by past and present agricultural
sources. There are approx 40 Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
schemes that recharge the upper aquifer with treated stormwater.
Since 1998, River Murray water and mains water from SA Water
through the Barossa Infrastructure Limited (BIL) scheme has been
used for irrigation in areas with poor salinity groundwater.
The main problem with groundwater quality in the Barossa Valley
region is elevated nitrogen and phosphorous levels.
Water quality assessment
Water quality is assessed as being in good,
moderate or poor
condition by interpreting water chemistry data in the context
of protecting various environmental values. >>
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Groundwater samples are collected annually from thirteen bores
in the Barossa Valley. The indicators that are measured are nutrients
(nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals and salinity. The environmental
values that need to be protected are freshwater ecosystems, drinking
water, irrigation use and livestock use.
Water quality classification for 2005
|
Indicator
|
Ecosystem
|
Drinking Water
|
Irrigation
|
Livestock
|
|
|
Poor
|
Good
|
NA
|
NA
|
|
|
Poor
|
NA
|
Moderate
|
NA
|
|
|
Poor
|
NA
|
Poor
|
NA
|
|
|
Moderate
|
Poor
|
Poor
|
Moderate
|
| Salinity |
NA
|
Poor
|
NA
|
Poor
|
Notes NA = Not applicable
For freshwater ecosystems, the groundwater is of poor quality
due to its nitrogen and phosphorous levels, which is probably
due to inappropriate agricultural practices. The groundwater is
classified as poor for drinking water due to high iron and salinity
levels. This is largely due to excess irrigation water leaching
salts through the soil. For irrigation purposes, the groundwater
is poor due to its high iron and phosphorous levels. These can
lead to clogging and fouling problems with irrigation equipment.
Overall, the groundwater quality in the Barossa valley is considered
poor for livestock due to the high salinity.
Pesticides in groundwater
Groundwater samples are analysed for a number of pesticides that
may leach into it as a result of past or present agricultural
practices. Pesticides analysed in groundwater samples include
several herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. >>
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If pesticides are detected in an aquifer, the environmental values
of the aquifer are affected. Therefore, the detection of any pesticide
in groundwater is considered to be a significant problem and warrants
further assessment and or management.
The results of groundwater pesticide monitoring in the Barossa
Valley
|
Year
|
2005
|
|
Have pesticides been detected?
|
No
|
NS = not sampled
Download graphs
Annual water quality monitoring by the EPA in the Barossa
Valley was initiated in 2005. There is currently not enough data
available for graphing purposes.
Download raw water quality data
What is being done to improve groundwater
quality in the Barossa Valley
The EPA is responding to problems with groundwater in the Barossa
Valley by requiring licensees who could pollute groundwater to
monitor water quality. For example, see the Guidelines
for Wineries and Distilleries (563KB PDF).
The EPA is developing a Code of Practice for the discharge of
stormwater to Aquifer systems. This will assist the EPA to manage
the application of ASR whilst minimising the pollutant risks to
the groundwater.
The Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board is in the process
of reviewing Water Allocation Plan for the Barossa Valley Prescribed
Water Resources Area following a review of the existing plan to
ensure the sustainable use of the groundwater and surface water
systems.
In a more general sense, the EPA works with the Adelaide &
Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board, the community
and industry to increase awareness of groundwater quality problems
and develop appropriate management strategies. >>
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Efforts to improve the condition of South Australia's water resources
are being driven by various government agencies, primarily
The Environment
Protection Authority
The Department
of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
Natural
Resource Management Boards
Department
for Environment and Heritage (SA)
Collaborative projects and programs being run by these agencies
are based on the protection of environmental values, as explained
in the National
Water Quality Management Strategy.
This page was last modified 23-09-2008
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