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Abstract
The majority of small communities in Australia are entirely dependent for their water
supply on groundwater resources; particularly in the arid zone. Although groundwater is
abundant, a major limitation of groundwater usage is its quality, which is influenced by
either 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 water
treatment methods are presented in Part 1.
The second part is the case study of the relation of groundwater quality to geographical
aspects. The Northern Territory groundwater quality database is analysed. The location of
bore sites, which have arsenic, iron or manganese data, are refined. The results are
presented 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. Strong
correlations are found for occurrences of high arsenic and manganese concentrations and
mine sites.
Results of this study are useful in implementing groundwater quality management,
groundwater treatment and groundwater usage. In addition, these results are also useful
for the private sector in selecting groundwater for supply to mining townships and
horticultural development, particularly in the arid areas.