The Groundwater Snapshot uses baseline groundwater quality data from key bores throughout the State including samples from 141 bores in Southern Victoria in 18 Groundwater Management Units (GMUs), and samples from 187 bores in 12 GMUs in Northern Victoria.

The results of the sampling are available on the Victorian Water Data Warehouse website.

The sampling measures groundwater quality in relation to potential hazards and land use impacts. This sampling was commenced in 2008 when key baseline data was captured. The data is now used as a benchmark for the ongoing sampling program.

Key bores in each of the Groundwater Management Units have been identified for future sampling events that will determine groundwater quality trends and confirm sampling results.

The next sampling is currently underway.

This data forms a basis for:

• determining groundwater characteristics;
• assessing impact of land-use change on groundwater;
• assessing groundwater age; and
• determining baseline water groundwater quality.

The data will be used to assist decision making by government agencies, water corporations, groundwater consultants, intending groundwater users and the general public.