Groundwater in the Upper Murrumbidgee ... Fact Sheet for Rural Landholders

Groundwater is water found beneath the surface of the earth and it is an important part of the water cycle. When it rains on land, some water evaporates, some flows into creeks and rivers and some soaks into the soil and is used by vegetation. Excess water may soak into the soil beyond the plant root zone until it reaches the saturation zone. At this point all spaces in the soil and rock are full of water.

This fact sheet discusses groundwater in a simplified way, emphasising the relationship between groundwater and surface water. Topics discussed include:

• Groundwater & surface water
• Groundwater availability
• Groundwater recharge
• I have a bore and how do I get one?
• How do I know the groundwater is OK to use?
• Where do I get my water tested?

and contains a list of useful contacts and suggestions for further reading.

The fact sheet is available through the UMCCC's Rural Display Units in various locations around the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment, and at Cooma-Monaro Shire, Queanbeyan City and Palerang Council Offices, and the Murrumbidgee CMA Queanbeyan Office.