3.9 The STATUS entity

The observed condition of different aspects of a groundwater feature may be recorded over time. Some of these characteristics such as groundwater flow, operation or purpose are stable over relatively long periods of time. Hence a status can be assigned to a groundwater feature based on these conditions. A flow status is a general description of the nature of groundwater flow from the feature, and essentially describes whether the feature is flowing artesian or non-flowing. For example, a bore can have a ‘perennial flow’ status over a defined time period if groundwater appears to be continuously flowing from it. A functional status describes the capability of the feature to function and is a useful indicator for the value of a field inspection. A bore is deemed to be ‘decommissioned’ if it has been permanently discontinued (eg. plugged). A purpose status describes what the feature has been used for. A bore is a ‘livestock’ bore if used to supply water for animals such as sheep and cattle.

A groundwater feature can have many statuses as they can relate to many different aspects. For example, the purpose of the groundwater_feature (ie. what it is used for) is a type of status and a groundwater_feature may have been used for many purposes over time. A hole initially drilled for oil exploration may subsequently be used to monitor groundwater levels and then be converted into a groundwater production bore for irrigation. Also a groundwater_feature may also have many concurrent purposes (eg. a bore providing for both a potable and irrigation supply).

A status can also be assigned to a particular component of a groundwater feature such as a construction element. For example, a well screen has a ‘replaced’ status if it is not functional and has been replaced by a newer version. A datum_plane may still be used as a reference point for measurements and would have a ‘functioning’ status. If it has been abandoned, destroyed or replaced it would have a ‘non-functioning’ status as would be the case when the original casing that was used as a measuring point has been replaced during bore rehabilitation.

Table 3.10 Attributes of the status entity

Each status is uniquely defined by the combination of feature_identifier and status_number. The component and component_number is used if a status is defined for a component of the groundwater_feature such as a construction_element or datum_plane rather then the groundwater_feature in its entirety. Various types of statuses can be defined, such as the purpose of the feature, the nature of groundwater flow or the operating condition.

The status attribute is a code that describes the condition of a particular aspect of the groundwater_feature. When describing the purpose of a feature a hierarchical classification is used, with the level of knowledge determining how specific the purpose of the groundwater_feature can be defined. In one case it may be known that a bore supplies water for a pecan nut orchard (water supply - irrigated agriculture - horticulture - nut tree - pecan) while for another bore it is only known that it is used for a water supply of some sort. Note that when the purpose is described, this relates to the groundwater_feature itself, and not solely for the use of the groundwater derived from the groundwater_feature. Hence, the purpose codes distinguishes between when a groundwater_feature is used as a water supply for a gold mine (eg. a production bore) and when the groundwater_feature is itself a gold mine (eg. open cut pit below the watertable).

The reliability attribute is used to describe the nature of the status description. For example, the purpose of a bore may be intended, actual or licensed. A bore may have been drilled with the intent of providing groundwater for irrigation but salinity constraints limited actual use to livestock supply. The time period that the status is described for is defined by the start_date and finish_date.