Water Supplies; Irrigation; Arid Regions; Mines and Mining; Groundwater; Drilling; Hydrogeology; Streams (in Natural Channels); Water Quality (Natural Waters); Salinity; Water Resources Development; Rivers
Hydrogeological data in the existing Ord River WA irrigation area is outlined, and available reports from mining exploration in the region are reviewed in order to assess their value in understanding the geology and groundwater conditions within existing and proposed irrigation areas. On the Ivanhoe Plain no further work is required beyond monitoring procedures and some minor drilling in two areas. Mineral exploration on the Packsaddle Plain has identified a palaeochannel of gravel. Drilling is recommended to test the hydrogeology of the channel, to determine its relationship with the Ord and Dunham Rivers, and to assess the available groundwater for conjunctive use in irrigation. A drilling program is proposed to test the gravel sequence of the Knox Creek Plain to assess available groundwater resources, both in quantity and quality for irrigation use. Existing monitoring data on the Carlton Plain and Mantina Plain indicates saline water beneath both plains.
