Monitoring our water: It's time for the Annual Groundwater Salinity Program!
Groundwater is one of our region’s most important natural resources, and each year local landholders play an important role in helping us keep track of its health. As part of South Australia’s statewide groundwater monitoring program, groundwater users are asked to collect a salinity sample from each operational well.
Why we monitor salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS)
Salinity is the concentration of salt in the water or soil whereas total dissolved solids (TDS) are the amount of all dissolved materials (inorganic salts, minerals and organic matter) in the water. Together salinity and TDS indicate water quality and can provide accurate results even after being stored or transported.
Excessive amounts of salt or TDS in the water can affect agriculture, drinking water supplies and ecosystem health. Annual monitoring gives scientists data to help find the best strategies to manage the groundwater resource and ensure that water is suitable for people, plants and animals.
What happens with the samples
These annual salinity samples are analysed by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) to help monitor long-term water quality trends and understand how our groundwater systems are changing. Together with other monitoring activities across the state, this information supports sustainable water allocation and helps protect the resource for the future.
When and how to take part
Sampling is timed to coincide with the end of the irrigation season, when salinity levels are often at their highest. This is also the most convenient time for many irrigators, as a sample can be taken straight after an irrigation cycle without needing to start up and flush the bore.
The 2026 program runs through March and April, concluding at the end of April. Participation is free, but it is also a requirement under the region’s water allocation plans for licence holders with operational wells.
Stock and domestic groundwater users are welcome to participate provided samples are taken from operational wells using the same sampling method.
To take part:
- collect one sample per operational bore or well, taken directly from the bore
- label each bottle clearly so we can match the sample to the correct well and licence holder
- if a bore is not operational, no sample or notification is required
- stock and domestic bores can also be included if they are frequently used and well flushed (around 20 minutes) to ensure the sample reflects true aquifer conditions
Once analysed by DEW, salinity results will be uploaded to waterconnect.sa.gov.au, where participants can view their groundwater data. Historic results for individual bores are also available, allowing groundwater users to track how the condition of the groundwater resource is changing locally over time.
If your contact details have recently changed, please update them via MyWater. Details written on sample tags will not update your MyWater account. For help updating your information, contact DEWGroundwater@sa.gov.au or speak with our team.
Thank you to everyone who participates in the annual groundwater salinity program. Your sample provides valuable insights into what is happening to the groundwater at your location and contributes to the broader regional picture.
