Where salinity is low and yield is high
How much fresh water is stored in aquifers across the region?
Fresh water = salinity less than 1,000 mg/L
It is estimated that a total of 153,500 GL of fresh water is stored in
What is the salinity and yield like in local areas?
Salinity and yield vary greatly across the region depending on which aquifer group you are using and where your property is located. To get an accurate indication of the salinity and yield you can expect on your property you need to drill a bore and have the water tested.
To view this information on a map visit the South West region map or you can download or print a summary of the likely salinity and yield of groundwater near your property on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.
Salinity and yield by local area
| Aquifer group | Local area | Salinity | Yield |
| Upper | Bungaree GMU | Very good | Good |
| Cardigan GMU | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Colongulac GMU | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Glenormiston GMU | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Warrion GMU | Good | Moderate | |
| Far West area (non-GMU) | Moderate | Poor | |
| Central area (non-GMU) | Poor | Poor | |
| Eastern area (non-GMU) | Poor | Poor | |
| Middle | Condah GMU | Moderate | Very good |
| Glenelg GMU | Moderate | Good | |
| South West Limestone GMU | Good | Good | |
| Lower | Gellibrand GMU | Good | Very good |
| Gerangamete GMU | Good | Very good | |
| Jan Juc GMU | Moderate | Good | |
| Newlingrook GMU | Very good | Good | |
| Paaratte GMU | Good | Good | |
| Portland GMU | Good | Very good | |
| Warrnambool area (non-GMU) | Moderate | Moderate | |
| North central area (non-GMU) | Moderate | Poor | |
| West of Geelong (non-GMU) | Poor | Moderate |
This table shows the likely salinity and yield in different local areas and aquifer groups across the region.
Learn the basics
For background information on salinity visit our What is groundwater salinity page.
For background information on yield visit our What is groundwater yield page.