A long-term environmental legacy.
Groundwater is water that collects and sits below the soil surface. It’s usually accessed via a deep hole bored into the earth (called a ‘borehole’), and drawn out of aquifers using a water pump.
Groundwater is a key component of the aquatic environment and contributes to rivers, lakes, wetlands and swamps. It also plays a critical water-supply role for rural and regional towns we service like Ballarat, Horsham and Hamilton, mining operations, and for irrigation and stock.
Groundwater fills a range of naturally occurring porous spaces found in soil, sand, clay and rocks and because of its variation in quality, groundwater can be used for a wide range of purposes including:
- Drinking water
- Irrigation (including domestic gardens, parks and crops)
- Water supply for livestock
- Industrial applications
- Recreational (such as filling swimming pools).
Therefore it is vital that effective water testing, analysis, monitoring and remediation of groundwater be carried out in order to protect our groundwater systems from contamination and ensure they are fit for purpose.
Groundwater contamination.
Groundwater has the potential to be contaminated by a range of hazardous substances.
These substances are typically associated with commercial and industrial land use activities (including civil construction, land development, crops and farming, energy, road and transport), to contamination (hazardous waste and landfill) all the way to naturally occurring events.
There are many industrial, commercial, agricultural and private activities that have the potential to result in groundwater contamination. Some of these include:
- Waste-water disposal activities
- Accidental spills resulting from improper chemical storage
- Intensive agriculture & use of agricultural chemicals
- Textile, clothing & explosive manufacturing
- Service stations, auto and other metal workshops
- Tanneries & gasworks
Whilst the activities that lead to groundwater contamination vary greatly, they usually result from poor environmental care and/or poor groundwater management practices.
Groundwater contamination testing.
Groundwater contamination and water testing is an essential measure to identify existing and emerging groundwater issues.
It is essential to inform how our groundwater resources are used and how the environment will be protected and treated sustainably.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that groundwater testing only be conducted by a suitably qualified environmental consultant or a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited chemical analysis testing laboratory.
At SCAADA, our team carries industry leading qualifications and only use certified NATA laboratories. This ensures that every analysis is comprehensive and conducted with the scientific rigour required for:
- Drinking water quality testing & analysis
- A full range gas chromatography analysis of organics (hydrocarbons, volatiles etc.)
- Inorganics parameters (eg: heavy metals) & ultra-trace metal analysis
- Metal and cyanide speciation & Metal leaching test procedures
- Major anion and cation determination
- Microbiological, pesticide & herbicide analysis
The EPA regulates a range of activities and programs designed to identify potential groundwater pollution which can be found by viewing Victoria’s environmental audit system.
Groundwater management plans.
Bore owners are tasked with the responsible management and use of bore water and to ensuring it is fit for purpose and intended use.
In Victoria, groundwater is managed through a range of actions overseen by the Victorian Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP). These activities ensure that all groundwater resources are shared equitably and sustainably and that any third party impacts are minimised.
Groundwater management is documented in either statutory management plans (which are a requirement for Water Supply Protection Areas under the Water Act 1989), or local management plans that are developed in accordance with DELWP guidelines to manage risks to groundwater resources.
At SCAADA you can trust our team in providing a holistic management approach, engaging with all key stakeholders to make sure the final groundwater management plan meets established guidelines and is sustainable in its application. Our groundwater management process involves a range of comprehensive steps including:
- Groundwater site investigation (testing and analysis)
- Groundwater monitoring and reporting
- Impact assessments (evaluating impact of a proposed development on the groundwater system)
- Dewatering and management plans
- Remediation strategies
- Optimisation and treatment strategies
- Contamination management (assessment, containment, remediation).
Choose SCAADA for your groundwater testing & management needs.
SCAADA offers a wide range of integrated water management and groundwater services. Our water management expertise is provided as a standalone service, or for more complex environmental issues, in conjunction with other project needs.
SCAADA’s team of environmental consultants are highly experienced in providing the groundwater testing and management planning required to deliver a comprehensive end-to-end service response.
Our experienced consultants, skilled in environmental science and engineering. They have a deep understanding of the legal obligations and national guidelines surrounding water management plans and practices.
We work with governments, local authorities, water companies and developers to ensure that water resources are effectively managed. This is achieved through both practical means and innovative solutions for collection, treatment and delivery or, alternatively, water recycling, re-distribution or removal.
Explore our environmental solutions
Air
Monitoring, reporting and designing management strategies for various air pollutant concerns including dust, smoke, pollen and other air toxins and particulates.
Water
SCAADA have a deep understanding of the legal obligations and national guidelines surrounding water management practices.
Soil
Our soil testing, management & soil remediation services are delivered as a standalone service, or for more complex environmental issues, in conjunction with other project needs.
Landfill Gas
SCAADA’s consultants have years of experienced in performing a variety of landfill gas risk assessments and investigations.
Waste Management
Our team provide waste and hazard services for a range of sectors including local and state governments, commercial and industrial companies as well as the domestic sector.
Geotechnical
SCAADA's highly skilled and experienced geotechnical consultants will conduct a comprehensive site investigation and provide a detailed report of the findings.
