Researchers from Griffith University have unveiled shocking results that collectively paint a troubling picture of the NT’s unique vital water sources. Study leader Dr. Christopher Ndehedehe of the Australian Rivers Institute Ecological Informatics. The scientists adopted a multi-satellite perspective to dissect two decades of data, literally the years of 2002 through 2022. These results show some very concerning pattern that should alarm us all. Groundwater and surface water levels are dropping. This presents alarming prospects for the sustainability of this important aquifer system.
The research drew on extensive data, including ground-based bore monitoring from the Bureau of Meteorology and remote sensing from multiple satellites. By collating all these data sources, we were able to get a solid picture of what the state of play is with the NT’s water systems. Nevertheless, the study found stable CLA water levels between 2002 and 2013. Between 2011 and 2022, groundwater and surface water features—like springs and wetlands—saw an especially dramatic drop.
Findings Highlight Significant Water Declines
Dr. Ndehedehe’s research showed that the aquifer was taking longer to bounce back from dry periods. Drought recovery times have extended exponentially, more than doubling from less than five months in 2014 to more than 15 months by the year 2021. This trend is all the more striking given the absence of more extreme droughts during the 2011-2022 period.
“While CLA water levels remained stable from 2002 to 2013, the research shows a steep decline in both groundwater and surface water features—such as springs and wetlands—between 2011 and 2022,” – Dr. Christopher Ndehedehe
New American Economy’s groundbreaking study is a big step in that direction. It’s the first time we’ve used multi-satellite methods to evaluate surface and groundwater resources in the NT. This pioneering effort highlights the need for new technology and better real time data collection to track these leading environmental indicators.
Concerns Over Water Management Practices
The research’s findings led to an outcry over the mine’s regulation of groundwater in the NT. It increases as agricultural activities and gas developments keep encroaching. These recent findings are likely to have profound impacts on freshwater resources, according to Dr. Ndehedehe.
“Our findings raise concerns about the sustainability of groundwater regulation in the NT amid rapidly expanding agriculture and gas developments,” – Dr. Ndehedehe
Study co-author Professor Matthew Currell, of RMIT University, said the study raised red flags about current water extraction rates. He stressed that the study reveals a grave danger of over-extracting one of Australia’s three key aquifer systems if these rates continue to increase.
“This research used multiple, independent sources of data and shows that there is a serious risk of over-depletion of one of Australia’s most important [aquifer] systems if water extraction rates continue to increase,” – Professor Matthew Currell
Recommendations for Improved Water Regulation
Dr. Ndehedehe and Professor Currell are calling for stricter regional management of water resources. They are convinced that these findings underscore the need for action—now. They’re convinced that more effective monitoring strategies can make a critical difference in helping the aquifer be used sustainably.
“We need improved water regulation, and our findings highlight how satellite-based monitoring can fill critical data gaps to better inform water management strategies,” – Dr. Ndehedehe
The researchers strongly contend that more urgent action is needed if the Northern Territory’s water resources are to remain healthy and sustainable in the long term. Yet with development pressures only increasing, we must make every effort to focus on smart growth practices that will help preserve these critical ecosystems.