Groundwater quality in Willunga Plains

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Archived water quality assessments

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. >> More

Groundwater samples are collected annually from eight bores in the Willunga Plains area. 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
Oxidised Nitrogen	Moderate	Good	NA	NA
Total Nitrogen	Moderate	NA	Good	NA
Total Phosphorus	Good	NA	Good	NA
Metals	Good	Poor	Poor	Good
Salinity	NA	Poor	NA	Good

Notes NA = Not applicable

For freshwater ecosystems, the groundwater is of moderate quality due to its nitrogen level, 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 level. This can lead to problems with irrigation equipment.

Overall, the groundwater quality in the Willunga Plains is considered good for livestock.

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. >> More

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 Willunga Plains

Year	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Have pesticides been detected?	No	No	Yes	No	No	NS	NS	No

NS = not sampled

The fungicide Chlorothalonil was detected at one well in May 2000. This fungicide is used on plants and crops and is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. No other pesticides have been detected.

This page was last modified 15-08-2006