Australian Groundwater Hydrochemistry Data Collection

Hydrochemistry data for Australian groundwater, including field and laboratory measurements of chemical parameters (electrical conductivity (EC), potential of hydrogen (pH), redox potential, and dissolved oxygen), major and minor ions, trace elements, nutrients, pesticides, isotopes and organic chemicals. < Value: The chemical properties of groundwater are key parameters to understand groundwater systems and their functions. Groundwater chemistry information includes the ionic and isotopic composition of the water, representing the gases and solids that are dissolved in it. Hydrochemistry data is used to understand the source, flow, and interactions of groundwater samples with surface water and geological units, providing insight into aquifer characteristics. Hydrochemistry information is key to determining the quality of groundwater resources for societal, agricultural, industrial and environmental applications. Insights from hydrochemical analyses can be used to assess a groundwater resource, the impact of land use changes, irrigation and groundwater extraction on regional groundwater quality and quantity, assess prospective mineral exploration targets, and determine how groundwater interacts with surface water in streams and lakes. Scope: The database was inaugurated in 2016 with hydrochemical data collected over the Australian landmass by Geoscience Australia and its predecessors, and has expanded with regional and national data. It has been in the custodianship of the hydrochemists in Geoscience Australia's Minerals, Energy and Groundwater Division and its predecessors. Explore the Geoscience Australia portal - https://portal.ga.gov.au/