CLIMATE CHANGE FORCES REVIEW OF AUSTRALIA’S GAB WATER USEAGE

[Ancient water = PLUTONIC  (Does not recharge at lower depth) ]

“The ancient underground water basin the size of Libya holds the key to Australia avoiding a water crisis as climate change bites  the drought-hit nation.   “If artesian pressure falls too far, due to excessive extraction of water, the ancient water source will be unreachable, except through costly pumping……”

“The mining and petroleum industry extracts 31, 000 megaliters of basin water a year, which is used in production or pumped out as a by-product of mining, and …….for future expansion.

Mining giant  BHP-Billiton currently draws about 11, 680 megaliters a year from the basin to operate its Olympic Dam gold, copper and uranium mine in South Australia. It would treble water usage under a plan to double production, with the extra water drawn from the basin and a new desalination plant…..”

“With climate change, we will be more reliant on the Great Artesian Basin, so we’re morally obliged to make the best use of that water…so we don’t waste it…….”  Source:  Aus: Ancient water source vital   Michael Perry (28-12-2008)

See also The Plutonic Waters of the Great Artesian Basin (PDF)  by:  Emeritus Professor Lance Endersbee

See also: Stolen Water