McGowan RJ; (Geological Survey of Western Australia, Perth)
Western Australia; Groundwater; Groundwater recharge; Irrigation
Much of the Ord Irrigation Area requires careful management to prevent problems with high groundwater levels and subsequent water- logging of crops and secondary soil salinisation. Management means controlling and reducing artificial groundwater recharge which may occur because of leakage of irrigation system waterways or excessive application of water to crops. The areas developed so far have shown varied but predictable responses to this artificial recharge. Irrigation activity is unlikely substantially to change groundwater levels.
