Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Safeguarding bore water on Ugar Island
Bore water supplies at Ugar Island in the Torres Strait, far north Queensland, are dependant on annual rainwater recharge and are so fragile that if over-pumped become prone to saline intrusion.
The Island is working on a new project to carry out a groundwater hydrological survey to safeguard bores.
Funding
Work is funded by the Australian Government with support from the State Government.
In 2002 the water being pumped from two bores produced a salt reading of 3,200 parts per million. Potable or drinking water should be less than 700 parts per million. So the bores were de-commissioned, the 4.9 megalitre storage lagoon pumped right down and for the past three years an emergency supply of drinking water has been hired.
Activities
The aquifer (underground water bearing rock layer) is being rested to protect the island's freshwater lens from being totally depleted and to give the groundwater system an opportunity to regenerate.
"In the past when salinity levels were low, the island would run the bores, which feed into the storage lagoon," said Project Manager Stuart Duncan. "When salinity levels were elevated the island would rely on the stored water.
"The two bores feed into the lagoon, which also collects rainwater. Water from the covered and lined lagoon is filtered and disinfected before being pumped into a 30 kilolitre fibreglass reservoir for the community."
Recent abnormal weather patterns, however, have prevented the rain-fed storage lagoon from being replenished, placing a high demand on the groundwater system.
"While the main rains do fill the lagoon, the length of the wet season has been too short to replenish it as the water is drawn down," Stuart said. "Traditionally the lagoon would remain full - or close to full - into mid-April.
"This project will help improve the total environmental health of the Ugar community, firstly by improving the reliability of the potable water supply, which improves public health and enhances the general lifestyle of the community."
More information
- Stuart Duncan, Project Manager: (07) 4069 2672 or stuart.duncan@icc.qld.gov.au
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window