Groundwater

​​​Tasmania's groundwater resource is not evenly distributed across the state. Approximately 12,000 bores and wells tap this resource for irrigation, mining, town water and stock use.

In this topic

  • Overview of Groundwater
    An overview of groundwater in Tasmania, detailing its significance, occurrence, and management, explaining how groundwater is stored in aquifers beneath the Earth's surface and its role in Tasmania's water resources. Also outlined is the importance of sustainable management practices to protect this vital resource.
  • Bass Strait Islands Water Resilience Program
    The Bass Strait Islands Water Resilience Program is aimed at enhancing water management and resilience in the regions and outlines the program's goals, including improving water supply, infrastructure, and sustainability practices to support local communities.
  • Groundwater Management
    Information about groundwater management in Tasmania including strategies and regulations, effective monitoring and assessment and best practices for groundwater management such as challenges like over-extraction and environmental impacts.
  • Wells and Bores
    Information about wells and bores in Tasmania including their construction, management, regulatory requirements, and the importance of proper drilling practices.
  • Groundwater Information Access Portal
    The Groundwater Information Access Portal in Tasmania is designed to provide users with comprehensive data and resources related to groundwater. It allows access to various datasets, maps, and tools for managing and understanding groundwater resources effectively. The portal aims to support stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding groundwater usage and conservation.
  • Groundwater Prospectivity Maps
    Groundwater prospectivity maps represent an initial summary of the available historical groundwater information.
  • Groundwater-Surface Water Connectivity
    The connectivity between groundwater and surface water in Tasmania is highlighted, including their interdependence and implications for water management - emphasising the importance of understanding these interactions for sustainable resource use and maintaining ecosystem health.
  • Aquifers
    Information about aquifers in Tasmania, detailing their significance as sources of groundwater, explaining the types of aquifers present, their characteristics, and the role they play in the hydrological cycle.
  • Tasmanian Drillers Licence
    A Tasmanian Drillers Licence is required for individuals or businesses involved in drilling activities for wells and bores - the application process, requirements, and responsibilities of licence holders is explainind.

​The Sassafras Wesley Vale groundwater area has been proclaimed as a part of the Sassafras Wesley Vale Water Management Plan. A Plan of the area is available:

  Sassafras Wesley Vale Water Management Area Plan   (4Mb)


The Draft Framework for Integrated Management of Groundwater and Surface Water in Tasmania is available:

  Groundwater and Surface Water Connectivity in Tasmania Draft Framework   (5Mb)