Blue Mountains City Council




 

Protection of Groundwater

"Groundwater" is water that is located beneath the Earths surface in soil pores and fractures of rock formations. A unit of saturated rock or and unconsolidated deposit is called an "Aquifer" when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which all soil pores and fractures are completely saturated is known as the "Watertable", and is of great significance for human consumption, terrestrial/aquatic ecology and drought issues.

Groundwater is naturally replenished by surface waters from precipitation, streams and rivers, whenever this water reaches the sub-surface watertable. This groundwater can travel and re-emerge at the surface, potentially becoming water bodies used by terrestrial/aquatic ecosystems, as well as for human water supply or recreational use.

Pollution is a major concern in relation to groundwater quality, as anything released into the ground or surface waters can work their way down into prevailing groundwater. Stratigraphy plays an important role in the movement of such pollutants, and this is particularly true in the Blue Mountains, where there are large underlying areas of free draining sandy soils and fractured sandstones.

On Site Sewage Management (OSSM) systems and Sewage Management Facilities (SMF's) should be selected, sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to prevent the contamination of groundwater from any treatment system and/or land application areas.
Pollution of both ground and surface waters can constitute and offence and incur regulatory action under legislation such as the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act.

Further information relating to groundwater can be found at the following Government Department websites: