1. INTRODUCTION

Data about groundwater is collected and compiled by many organisations across Australia. The largest hydrogeological databases are maintained by State and Territory land and water agencies, supporting their role of managing the natural resources under their jurisdiction. These databases are populated by information derived from the registration of bores as well as from monitoring programs initiated by the agency. Groundwater research or mapping agencies such as CSIRO, the universities and the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) also actively collect groundwater data to achieve project outcomes. Organisations at a community level, such as Landcare and catchment groups, also routinely monitor their local groundwater system. Private consultants collect groundwater data in specific areas for specific clients.

There are many users of groundwater data. Much of the data maintained by the States are in the public domain and accessed by a diverse client base, including primary producers, drillers, mining companies, community groups, local councils and consultants. The data is used to answer many questions: is there useful water under my property?; how deep do I need to drill?; are groundwater levels rising in my area?; where is this contamination coming from?