Evaluation of the connectivity between surface water and groundwater in the Murray-Darling Basin (Resource & Environmental Management, 2006).

The aim of this project is to evaluate the level of knowledge, certainty and data gaps relating to the connectivity of surface water and groundwater within the Murray-Darling Basin. The key tasks within this project were:

• Review the current knowledge and methods used to determine hydraulic connectivity of groundwater systems and stream flow within the basin;

• Identify where this knowledge has been applied to groundwater management within the basin;

• Describe the current investigations and initiatives being undertaken within the basin to develop a better understanding of the connectivity between surface water and groundwater resources;

• Evaluate the extent to which inconsistencies in past and current assessment of connectivity limit the capacity to develop a coordinated assessment of groundwater extraction impacts at the basin-scale;

• Identify the critical gaps in the knowledge of connectivity where these knowledge gaps create the greater level of uncertainty in the current management arrangements; and

• Provide recommendations on steps required to develop a consistent approach to the assessment of connectivity with a view to supporting the implementation of agreed MDBC strategies and initiatives.

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Evaluation of the connectivity between surface water and groundwater in the Murray-Darling Basin (Resource & Environmental Management, 2006)