Groundwater Quality

Groundwater Beneficial Use These pages explain the Groundwater Beneficial Use concept, and include maps designed to assist those wishing to extract groundwater for agricultural or industrial uses. This project has involved the mapping of the water quality and Beneficial Use category of the major aquifers of Victoria. The suitability of groundwater resources is determined by both the quality of the water and by the available yield. One in ten Victorians use groundwater - from private bores, springs or public water supplies - for at least part of their daily water supply. Bottled mineral water is also extracted from groundwater. Related Links

Flowing test bore, Glenelg, south western Victoria, 1973 Photo: Andy Shugg

State Environment Protection Policy (Groundwaters of Victoria) (external link)
The Beneficial Use concept underpins the groundwater protection measures stated in this Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) State Environment Protection Policy.

Downloadable information on EPA Victoria's website

Groundwater Attenuation Zones (external link)
The purpose of this information bulletin is to help the community and operators of waste disposal activities understand attenuation zones, provide guidance for the implementation of this policy provision and assist in the preparation of proposals for attenuation zones.

Groundwater Quality Restricted Use Zone (external link)
The State Environment Protection Policy (Groundwaters of Victoria) (SEPP) establishes the statutory framework for the prevention and management of contamination of groundwater in Victoria. As part of this, the SEPP establishes groundwater quality restricted use zones as a tracking and information tool to be applied when groundwater is not suitable for use due to contamination. This information bulletin discusses groundwater quality restricted use zones.

The Cleanup and Management of Polluted Groundwater (external link)
This Information Bulletin provides details on EPA's requirements and expectations for developing and implementing the clean up and management of polluted groundwater to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.

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