How is artesian water being conserved?
State authorities are working with landholders and the Federal government to conserve artesian water and assure the future of the Great Artesian Basin. Legislation passed in the States from 1910, required that all artesian bores be licensed under various water acts. Since the 1950s, all new artesian bores have been required to have control valves installed and the water distributed by pipeline rather than open drains. Piping of water from older bores is also encouraged. Not only does piping conserve water, it also improves productivity and management practices, as water can be distributed more widely across a property. Other benefits of capping and piping bores include: • Pipes can deliver water to parts of the property that previously could not be reached by bore drains • When a number of properties are served by one bore, all properties including the ones at the end are guaranteed water • Water quality in piped systems is as good at the watering point as it is at the bore • Stock wea
