Welcome to the University of New South Wales Connected Waters web site

Australia is often said to be the driest inhabited continent on Earth - but that's only because of its low rainfall. In fact, while the surface of the land is dry, we have massive reserves of this most precious of resources right beneath our feet: groundwater.

Bore water, for example, from the Great Artesian Basin made it possible to open up vast inland areas for cattle-grazing. Natural springs are the source of the millions of bottles of mineral water we consume every year. Groundwater makes it possible to grow much of our irrigated crops and pastures. And we're looking increasingly to aquifers to provide drinking water for our growing towns and cities.

Groundwater use has almost doubled nationally in the past two decades, (it now makes up more than one-fifth of all the water we harvest) yet we know far too little about how to manage it sustainably. Nor do we know enough about the many and complex connections and interactions between groundwater and the surface water - dams, lakes, rivers, wetlands. These "connected waters" are crucial to Australia's social, economic and environmental future.

As the site grows, we hope to provide a lively forum for ideas, information, articles, news and research about connected waters to promote better understanding of this vital issue for members of the public, researchers and water managers alike. As well, you'll find details of UNSW's growing research effort into water issues, plus contacts and links for a wide range of water researchers and organizations.

This site is being developed thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, Mr Gary Johnston, CEO of Jaycar Electronics.