The relation of groundwater quality to geographical aspects

The majority of small communities in Australia are entirely dependent for their watersupply on groundwater resources; particularly in the arid zone. Although groundwater isabundant, a major limitation of groundwater usage is its quality, which is influenced byeither natural or anthropogenic causes.Three water quality parameters are selected for the study, arsenic, iron and manganese.Comprehensive literature reviews of their occurrences, roles in water supply, and watertreatment methods are presented in Part 1.The second part is the case study of the relation of groundwater quality to geographicalaspects. The Northern Territory groundwater quality database is analysed. The location ofbore sites, which have arsenic, iron or manganese data, are refined. The results arepresented on the Northern Territory base map. The relation of the occurrences of arsenic,iron or manganese to hydro-geology, mining activity, and land uses, are discussed. Strongcorrelations are found for occurrences of high arsenic and manganese concentrations andmine sites.Results of this study are useful in implementing groundwater quality management,groundwater treatment and groundwater usage. In addition, these results are also usefulfor the private sector in selecting groundwater for supply to mining townships andhorticultural development, particularly in the arid areas