It is difficult to estimate how much water is held within our aquifers. Our best estimate suggests there is over 300,000GL of usable, freshwater within the aquifers of Southern Victoria. That’s about 12 times the estimated volume of Port Phillip Bay.
How much we can use depends on the rate of recharge. If we take out groundwater more quickly than it is recharged groundwater levels will start to decline. If this continues for long enough it can have negative impacts on both water users and the surrounding environment. Currently less than half a percent of the total volume of groundwater stored in aquifers is licensed for use.
Just how much groundwater is there?
This infographic shows how much groundwater is estimated to be held in the aquifers of Southern Victoria. It also shows how much of that might be usable, and how much is actually licensed for use.
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