In 2007 PB commenced an 18 month research project for the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) to assess the sustainability of a potential borefield to provide an alternate potable water source for Sydney during times of drought. 

Doudles Folly Creek is an important catchment for the Nepean and Avon dams and is subject to substantial volumes of water transfer from the Shoalhaven Scheme through to Warragamba Dam. Groundwater and surface water in the area also supports surrounding farms, local creeks and springs.

PB developed a research program to determine groundwater-surface water linkages and assessed impacts to local and regional water users.

The project demonstrated and quantified the importance of fracture flow in the Hawkesbury Sandstone when assessing groundwater-surface water connectivity and regional groundwater flow. It also emphasised the importance of understanding the properties of the sandstone rock mass. 

The volume and quality of data collected in the study was substantial, and will allow SCA to extrapolate trends for borefield design and operation on a larger scale. The study provided a framework for assessment of borefield feasibility that ensures development of groundwater resources is sustainably achieved without impacting valuable nearby water resources. 

Awards

2008: NSW Water Research Merit Award, from the Australian Water Association