Ground and surface waters

Surface and groundwater research aims to enable the onshore gas industry to plan and manage water resources according to the Integrated Water Resource Management framework promoted by the Global Water partnership. Essentially it aims to improve the understanding of regional groundwater flows and management of groundwater impacts.

Baseline groundwater and seismicity of northern Perth Basin

Using non-invasive monitoring methods to establish baseline groundwater and natural seismicity levels

Understanding the lifecycle of hydraulic fracturing fluids

This project improves understanding of the lifecycle of chemicals used and produced during hydraulic fracturing processes in the Northern Territory.

Environmental baseline characterisation of Northern Territory hot springs

This research project will provide baseline environmental information on the springs in Hot Springs Valley, northeast of the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.

Developing a wastewater lifecycle management framework for onshore gas development in the Northern Territory

This fact sheet describes research project activities to develop a water management framework that identifies sustainable options for managing onshore gas wastewater in the Northern Territory, should gas resource development proposals proceed.

Image showing a produced water holding pond

A review of the beneficial reuse and end use options for brine for the Narrabri Gas Project in northern New South Wales

This fact sheet describes CSIRO research activities designed to improve understanding of the beneficial reuse and end-use options for the brine produced as a by-product by the Narrabri Gas Project (NGP) in northern New South Wales.

Decision support framework for
groundwater development scenarios

This factsheet describes research into stakeholder perspectives on groundwater management and climate change adaptation, supported by the development and assessment […]

Sample jar for stygofauna field sampling

Examination of stygofauna ecosystems of the Beetaloo Sub-basin

This fact sheet provides an overview of new CSIRO research into the extent to which stygofauna present in water bores reflect their presence more widely within aquifers in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory.

CSIRO seismic survey Narrabri AgTEM equipment on 4WD

Geochemical modelling and geophysical surveys to refine understanding of connectivity between coal seams and aquifers

This fact sheet provides an overview of CSIRO research designed to improve our knowledge of groundwater systems in the Gunnedah and Surat basins in the Narrabri region of NSW.

Volcanic Warrumbungle Ranges near Narrabri, NSW

Microbial communities and their ability to degrade prospective chemicals used in coal seam gas activities

This fact sheet provides an overview of the CSIRO research project investigating microbial degradation of chemicals used in coal seam gas (CSG) activities in soils and waters in the Narrabri region, NSW.

Groundwater modelling and predictive analysis to inform CSG impact assessment, monitoring and management

This fact sheet describes CSIRO research project activities relating to independent groundwater modelling and predictive analyses in the Narrabri region of New South Wales.

Minkie Waterhole full of water, with the sun shining on it and surrounded by large trees and banks

Developing flood model scenarios for Cooper Creek

Enabling a better understanding of flooding in the Cooper Creek catchment in south-west Queensland.

Landscape in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory

Monitoring microbial communities in aquifers and soils of the Beetaloo Sub‑basin

Understanding microbial degradation of shale gas industry chemicals and fluids in the Northern Territory.

Improved approaches to long-term monitoring of decommissioned onshore gas wells

This research investigated options for long-term monitoring of well integrity in decommissioned onshore gas wells in the Northern Territory.

Studying groundwater systems in the Canning Basin in Western Australia

This project reviewed existing knowledge about groundwater systems in the Canning Basin to develop a more complete understanding of geological and hydrogeological information.

Safeguarding future groundwater use in South Australia

This project will create a modelling tool to predict how aquifers in the south east of South Australia could be used in the future given the demands of a range of industries.

Microbial degradation of chemicals and fluids in aquifers

This fact sheet describes research activities which established baselines for microbial communities in the Tertiary Limestone Aquifer in south east South Australia. In addition, researchers studied the potential for microbial degradation of chemicals used by the onshore gas industry.

Environmental monitoring and microbial degradation of onshore shale gas activity chemicals and fluids in the Northern Territory

Fact sheet to better understand how typical onshore gas chemicals biodegrade in relevant aquifers and soil types in the Northern Territory.

Characterising stygofauna and microbial assemblages in the Beetaloo Sub-basin

A survey of water bores in the Beetaloo Sub-basin to characterise subterranean groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

Groundwater characteristics in the Beetaloo Sub-basin

This project will provide information on the baseline concentrations of various compounds in the groundwater of important aquifers in the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

Windmill and corroding water tank near Balfes Creek, QLD.

Potential water impacts of coal seam gas in the Pilliga Sandstone

Analysing potential changes in groundwater flows to the Pilliga Sandstone, a Great Artesian Basin aquifer.