MINERAL RESOURCES
TASMANIA
GROUNDWATER PROSPECTIVITY
GROUNDWATER PROSPECTIVITY SERIES
TASMANIAN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
MEANDER CATCHMENT
MINERAL RESOURCES TASMANIA
450000mE
5425000mN
455000mE
460000mE
465000mE
470000mE
475000mE
480000mE
485000mE
490000mE
495000mE
500000mE
20
0
Little Black
Sugarloaf
40
0
300
200
0
30
400
Four Springs
40
0
Plain
Black Sugarloaf
0
30
Bridgenorth
3893
15387
2254
2237
Bradys Plain
200
0
30
200
0
30
5420000mN
3914
0
30
Avenue Plains
Kimberley
Legana
2277
The Tump
40
0
30
0
400
3915
3950
3951
300
200
Sun Ridge
15155
3952
North
Riverside
Birralee
Storehouse Plain
Richland
Hill
Foresters Hill
Notley Hills
2278
Sunnyside
Stoodley
Freshwater
Point
300
200
Loch
Lea
Grindelwald
20
0
Notley Hills
300
20
0
200
200
200
300
5420000mN
BOREHOLE DEPTH
Lone Pine
Point
20
0
Frankford
40
0
30
0 Hill
Long
Merseylea
Dilston
Glengarry
Hi
lls
510000mE
5425000mN
100
W
ur
ra
W
ur
ra
s
ise
yR
on
St
Railton
505000mE
Rosevears
Native Plains
Tasmania
DEPARTMENT of INFRASTRUCTURE
ENERGY and RESOURCES
3942
Gannons Hill
5415000mN
Rosevale
0
e
30 idg
R
af
rlo
ga
Su
ck
Bla
100
5415000mN
Riverside
17194
Big Tamar Hill
Coates Hill
40
0
200
30
0
300
Panorama
Sugarloaf
15153
Brook Head
50
0
0
40
400
15156
2206
3935
2205
2248
3888
Gardners Ridge
2470
40
0
4744
2379
17280
2355
2397
17684
2432
Pum
ices
ton
e
2433
2487
4725
Rid
ge
16648
2428
200
2475
4727
4739
4741
15484
16539
17253
2407
4732
5395000mN
18195
Spear Hill
Cubits
Sugarloaf
2408
2378
Cluan
18216
2449
15481
2489
30
0
0
30
4885
Kentish Hill
15119
2447
15635
Plains
2466
17679
2467
0
50
2486
4726
0
20
3795
Bishopsbourne
15180
2481
200
2360
500
Gum Top
200
50
0
5390000mN
600
00 00
10 11
4700
2474
0
90
Bogan Gap
700
12
00
2361
Cobblers Hill
Quamby
Bluff
17781
4699
Glen
800
Meander
Stella
0
90
Bracknell
2473
80
0
700
800
Toiberry
2386
2454
Pats Saddle
17267
600
10
00
00
11
Mother
Cummings Peak
17261
Whisky Jims Hill
Archers
Sugarloaf
70
0
500
TI
ER
S
2496
2495
17733
2497
Tea Hills
2390
15116
Nells Bluff
0
16
17279
2400
Western Creek
2399 2471
15485
2483
s
ier
nT
ua
Cl
0
40
Golden Valley
Native Plain
2411
5395000mN
17278
18180
15483
17277
Oaks
2476
2472
15115
4698
4697
2465
170
2491
2372
15109
2438
4718
2371
HISTORICAL STANDING WATER
LEVELS 1967 - 1999
3834
15113
2484
Illawarra
2353
Whitemore
2482
18419
2376
2375
Pearns Sugarloaf
2370
Stockers
15665
17739
5390000mN
4719
4715
Gibsons Sugarloaf
Ritchies Plain
17282
15482
4751
30
0
4886
17281
Quamby Brook
2363
Caveside
18188
400
17689
2364
2321
15131
15129
2429
2430
2413
175
2352
15112
4750
17687
2412
18213
18209
Paulys Hills
2415
15125
18212
2448
18208
500
5385000mN
Panorama Hill
ill
eH
Val
n
i
a
unt
Mo
Liffey
Jackeys Marsh
Warners Sugarloaf
5385000mN
Cressy
600
Rocky Hill
Drys Bluff
Borehole SWL (m)
0- 5
Stone Hut
0
140
1300
00
11
00
12
700
Ironstone Mountain
Bastion Bluff
10 - 15
15 - 20
00
12
Liffey Bluff
00
12
600
Meander Crag
5380000mN
Whitehorse Hill
Not
available
McRaes
Hills
Adams Peak
Blackwood Creek
200
100
0
00
12
1100
1300
Johnstones Peak
Westons Weir
Dome Hill
Not available
Auger Holes
Dry (< 0.05)
45 - 250
Hand dug wells
0.05 - <= 0.1
0.1 - <= 0.5
250 - 500
500 - 1000
< 250
250 - 500
0.5 - <= 1
1000 - 2000
500 - 1000
1 - <= 2
> 2000
1000 - 2000
5380000mN
Hand Dug Well
SWL (m)
0- 5
5 - 10
10 - 15
Yield
10 - <= 38Palmerston
Borehole Site ID Number*
4810
Salinity
5375000mN
Wild Dog Tier
Conversion factor:
1 l/s = 791.89 gph
Breona
130
0
00
13
Mother Lords Plains
0
130
Gingers Hill
AQUIFER TYPE
PROSPECTIVITY
POROUS
(INTERGRANULAR)
HIGH
Wild Dog Plains
460000mE
465000mE
Quaternary - sand, gravel and clay of alluvial, littoral and aeolian origin (Qh)
and undifferentiated quaternary sediments (Q) within the tertiary basin.
320**
Tertiary sediments - dominantly non- marine interbedded clay, sandy clay,
and unconsolidated and poorly consolidated sand, with minor occurrences of
fine quartz gravel and clayey gravel (Ts). Minor occurrences of ferricrete,
laterite and derived lag deposits (Tf).
POROUS
(INTERGRANULAR)
POROUS
(INTERGRANULAR)
FRACTURED
107*
480000mE
485000mE
490000mE
495000mE
SALINITY*
AS TDS (mg/l)
46
range
0.001 - 0.39
mean 0.06
range
20 - 2650
mean 420
The top 30m of this unit hosts unconfined and confined shallow Quaternary and Tertiary low yielding aquifers with good water quality usually suitable for domestic, stock and garden use. Vulnerability to pollution is moderate to high.
Deeper Tertiary aquifers in Meander catchment consist predominantly of fine to medium sand (thickness 3 - 48m) with occasional gravel aquifers. They are mainly confined with occasional occurrences of unconfined acquifers. Their
range
0.05 - 12.63
mean 2.12
range
150 - 3000
mean 914
depths (200- 250m). Main aquifers between Bracknell and Cressy are present at the depths of 80 and 110m.
Generally yields are suitable for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes. Moderate irrigation quantities (6- 8 l/s) may be obtained from
3 properly constructed deep boreholes. To date there has been little utliisation of this resource.
Quality: salinity of the water renders it usually suitable for most purposes. Water type of deep aquifers is mainly Na (Mg) Cl with average Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) of 1.7 (0.8- 7.2).
Vulnerability to pollution: moderate for main deep aquifers that are usually confined with extensive clay layer. Where a layer of high permeability material overlies deep aquifers vulnerability is high.
48
LOW
Quaternary clayey talus derived mainly from Permian and Triassic sedimentary
rocks, Jurassic Dolerite and Tertiary Basalt (Opt). Glacial, periglacial and
fluvioglacial sediments including till and interglacial deposits (Qp).
Undifferentiated Cainozoic sediments (TQ).
10**
Tertiary Basalt - highly fractured mainly fresh rocks (Tb).
181*
151
HIGH
Silurian - Devonian undifferentiated shallow marine quartz sandstone, siltstone and
shale (SD).
15*
13
26***
475000mE
YIELD* (l/s)
Quaternary sand, gravel, and clay of alluvial, lacustrine and littoral origin (Qh)
and undifferentiated quaternary sediments (Q) outside the tertiary basin.
No data
6
8
1
vertical distribution for the interval of 150 m from the surface is described in "Geology and Groundwater Resources of the Longford Basin" (W.L.Matthews - Tasmanian Geological Survey, Bulletin 59) with indications of possible acquifers at greater
range
0.03 - 0.08
mean 0.05
range
190 - 970
mean 512
Low yields, possibly suitable for limited domestic or livestock purposes. The underlying rock types with fractured aquifers are likely to be the main groundwater source. Hand dug wells recorded in the area have depths in a range
from 3.7- 15.6 m (average 6.8) and standing water levels in a range from 0.3 - 3.4 m (average 1.0m).
A limited numer of water quality data indicates low salinity, however higher values may occurin units with higher clay content.
Vulnerability to pollution: low to moderate unless high permeability material overlies the aquifer.
range
0.05 - 37.38
mean 3.92
range
45 - 1632
mean 431
range
0.13 - 15.15
mean 2.69
No data
High success rates and high yields (short- term yields up to 38 l/s) have been reported in Tertiary Basalt. The reported yields are adequate for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes and much of the groundwater currently
used in the catchment is extracted from basalt areas. Boreholes have been established mainly in two major areas: Whitmore - Bracknell - Westbury - Hagley (in some part of this area the basalt is overlain by the upper sequence
of Tertiary sediments) and Deloraine- Exton Area. Paleozoic and Proterozoic rocks included into this unit have not been extensively tested but are expected to have high success rate and good water quality as in other parts of
the State.
Quality: water is suitable for most purposes including irrigation. Basalt aquifers water type is mainly Mg (Na,Ca) HCO3(Cl) with average Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) of 1.7 (0.8- 7.2).
Vulnerability to pollution: high unless a layer of low permeability material overlies the aquifer. Elevated Nitrate concentrations in a range from 10- 25 mg/l have been obtained in monitoring borehole 16540 over a decade. This is
probably caused by use of nitrogenous fertilisers on tertiary basalt soils.
range
330 - 2638
mean 794
No data
Permian - Triassic sedimentary rock sequences; tillite, conglomerates, siltstone,
and sandstone (Permian - Pt, Pl, Pf, Pc, Pu, P) with sandstone and mudstone
as major members in Triassic sequence (R, Rq).
67*
52
Ordovician (Gordon) limestone (Ol).
2*
1
5.5
505000mE
LOWMODERATE
Jurassic Dolerite (Jd) - sparsely to moderately fractured.
21*
9
Late Cambrian - undifferentiated dominantly quartz sandstone sequences (COu).
Proterozoic - Dominantly pelitic sequences, mainly phyllite, with greenschist
facies metamorphism (Ltp) and quartzite (Lts).
10*
5
* Deep boreholes currently in BORIS database (only boreholes with assigned coordinates are shown on map)
INKS ARE LIGHT SENSITIVE
range 0.07 - 1.77
mean 0.83
range 0.38 - 1.89
mean 0.81
** Hand dug wells - source Tasmanian Geological Survey Bulletin 59.
mean 730
No data
5370000mN
510000mE
Geological Boundaries
Generally contains groundwater, including perched water tables, but is unlikely in most cases to provide long term sustainable and sufficient yields. Possibly suitable for limited domestic or livestock purposes.
Auger holes drilled in Cluan - Bracknell area (Tasmanian Geological Survey Bulletin 59) have recorded depths in a range from 0.6 - 15.2m (mean 4.8m) with depth to water struck in a range from 0.3- 8.2m (average 2.6m).
The underlying rock types with fractured aquifers are likely to be the main groundwater source (Permian and Triassic rocks between Osmaston and Cluan and Ordovician limestone and Permian rocks between Stockers and Dairy
plains).
Vulnerability to pollution is generally moderate to high with increased risk for pollution in areas with decreased clay content.
range
0.04 - 25.26
mean 5.69
500000mE
Variable yields generally suitable for most domestic and livestock purposes. Small irrigation supplies have been obtained in Meander - Montana and Osmaston - Cluan area from fractured Permian rocks. The massive sandstone
beds at the base of the Triassic sequence (Rq) are more prospective than the mudstone rich beds in the upper part of Triassic sequence. In general these rock types are more prospective in the low- lying areas than in the high elevated areas. The majority of known boreholes have been drilled in Permian rocks (61).
Quality: variable but mostly water will have variety of uses (livestock, irrigation and domestic). Water quality data are only available for Permian aquifers. Water type is mainly Na (Ca,Mg) Cl with average SAR of 3.7 (2.5 - 4.7)
Vulnerability to pollution: high unless low permeability material overlies the aquifer. Elevated Nitrate concentrations in a range from 50- 250 mg/l have been obtained in monitoring borehole 16539 over a decade.
Geological boundaries within the
prospectivity units, described under
ROCK GROUPS
Concealed fault
Fault
Photo interpreted lineaments - possible
groundwater drilling targets
LOCATION DIAGRAM
Potentiometric Contours
Contour interval 5m
Potentiometric contours of deeper
Tertiary Aquifers 1979 - source Tasmanian
Geological Bulletin 59
Salinity Contours
Contour interval 500mg/l
Salinity contours of deeper Tertiary
Aquifers 1979 - source Tasmanian
Geological Bulletin 59
Catchment boundary
FRACTURED
10km
GENERAL AQUIFER CHARACTERISTICS
range
240 - 2250
mean 860
No data
Proterozoic - unmetamorphosed quartzwacke turbidite sequences (Lo).
HIGHMODERATE
4
900
NUMBER OF
SUCCESSFUL
BORES
LOWMODERATE
Cambrian - dominantly sedimentary sequences (sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate,
volcaniclastic breccia and minor lava ) with minor volcanic and volcaniclastic units
(Cds, Cdsv and Cda).
FRACTURED
Scale: 1:100000
2
Shepherds Hill
470000mE
NUMBER
OF BORES
ROCK GROUPS
1100
1200
455000mE
Monitored bore
AGD66 - Australian Map Grid, Zone 55.
Contour Interval: 100 metres
00
13
5370000mN
450000mE
5375000mN
* Borehole Site ID Number in italic indicates
approximate borehole location only, based
on information supplied by drillers
Cathcart Bluff
Poatina0
30 - 40
2000 - 3000
5 - <= 10
Dells Bluff
20 - 30
Auger hole/Well
TDS - Salinity (mg/l)
2 - <= 5
T
EA
GR
Breona Tier
TDS - Salinity (mg/l)
Borehole Yield (l/s)
Ritters Crag
800
Forty Lakes Peak
5 - 10
Projection Bluff
Cleft Rock
WARNING:
5400000mN
2362
15406
Glenore
Pateena
18214
4717
2351
4731
15130
4722
4710
2398
2462 2461
17276
2406
Montana
2387
2396
2380
2320
3823
4723
18215
15405
2422
2436
2381
15182
17941
4709 2377
18210
18211
2463
2435
17264
15120
2343
2464
700
400
Dairy Plains
Black Jack Hill
2403
2344
2437
17263
2383
2382
2404
2434
4742
> 170
3825
2414
15410
2421
2420
15181
2349
2358
17686
130 - 170
3824
2348
Black Hills
2339
Carrick
2457
3790
2347
2455
Fern Bank
2488
2389
300
2405
4694
20 - 30
30 - 40
15117
2391
2342
2338
Lo
ng
3
Ri
dg 00
e
2417
4716
2385
Osmaston
4693
2453
300
2485
2444
15108
2442
2443
18183
18206
18197
2373
2374
2340
2458
2452
2356
2459
4721
17688
4740
15111
18203
15132
18198
4730
4738
2450
2490
2480
2423
2460
4724
4737
Westbury 4749
17255
17275
16649
Ne
edl
es
Rid
ge
Chudleigh
2341
2456
2368
4720
90 - 100
100 - 130
Cherry Tree Hill
2439
4711
18201
18186
3768
17265
2365
18196
15110
Rollys Hill
Pumicestone Hill
3967
Needles
17269
Bee
fea
ter
Hil
17262
l
2426
300
17271
5400000mN
Red Hill
4705
4704
4703
< 10
10 - 20
150
0
300
Mersey Hill
17259
Long Plain
4729
16644
4743
15634
4728
Red
Hills
17266
Hagley
18200
15124
2446
15121
4734
2354
2409
0
16
2395
80 - 90
15
5
4695
17260
17273
15127
4736
3812
17683
2500
17256
17272
4735
2410
10 - 20
70 - 80
200
200
Alum Cliffs
Deloraine
Lemana
2402
Ashley
30
0
300
2401
18187
Exton
2394
< 10
16
5
2431
Magog
2388
4707
3959
200
200
4696
4733
2492
165
2393
2392
2384
15118
Hadspen
160
18426
2493
2479
2350
Emu Plain
4706
4747
30
0
700
600
500
4708
15107
18193
00
20
Middle Plain
2494
2345
Blakes Plains
17254
17268
17274
170
Dawson Hill
Auger Hole
Depth (m)
5405000mN
0
150
4702
3869
2369
2478
2441
16540
2366
17682
5
16
165
0
30
2440
15106
0
17
2346
Hand Dug Well
Depth (m)
2215
2149
18179
18189
2359
15114
2187
15128
2477
4714
60 - 70
200
15154
16
0
2253
2209 18182
17192
3892
40 - 50
50 - 60
2186
16645
500
400
2182
2152
2425
2424
3870
Westwood
17701
17700
500
300
idge
nR
F er
Shoulder Of Mutton Plain
3891
3887
30
0
3902
2227
Bengeo
Mole Creek
16647
Punchs Terror
4712
2211
2210
2208
4713
3871
Quamby Bend
0
100
High Plains
3901
7Gog
00
Altamont
300
Dunorlan
5405000mN
20 - 30
30 - 40
lls
Hi
ne
sto
ck
Bla
2249
2191
Garden Of Eden
10 - 20
Weetah
300
Harts Hill
< 10
5410000mN
300
Elizabeth Town
100
2241
3921
Borehole Depth (m)
500
Weegena
Selbourne
15
5
Moltema
Trevallyn Dam
2239
ier
tT
Hu
ssy
Gra
5410000mN
2240
0
20
lls
Hi
as
tm
ris
Ch
Reedy Marsh
50
0
Conglomerate
Hill
3898
Stephens Hill
Limited information available from the small number of boreholes drilled in these rock types. Generally a limited groundwater resources in other part of the State. Yields generally low, dependent on fracture frequency and localised
joint concentrations. Highly fractured areas may yield domestic and livestock supplies and occasionally small irrigation supplies in areas with annual rainfall higher than 600mm.
Quality: information from the boreholes drilled in dolerite near Elizabeth Town (outside of the catchment northwestern boundary) indicates that groundwater is suitable for most domestic purposes.
Vulnerability to pollution: moderate. If highly fractured zones occur without a low permeability cover, the vulnerability will be high.
*** Auger holes - source Tasmanian Geological Survey Bulletin 59.
RELIABILITY: In areas of the catchment where there is lack of water bore data, the groundwater prospectivity has not been proven.
While every care has been taken in the preparation of this data no warranty is given as to the
correctness of the information and no liability is accepted for any statement or opinion or for
any error or omission. No reader should act or fail to act on the basis on any of material
contained herein. Readers should consult professional advisers. As a result the Crown in Right
of the State of the Tasmania and its employees, contractors and agents expressly disclaim all
and any liability (including all liability from attributable to any negligent or wrongful act
or omission) to any person whatsoever in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by any
such person in reliance whether in hole or in part upon any of the material in this data.
Crown copyright reserved.
CATCHMENT BOUNDARIES
GROUNDWATER PROSPECTIVITY SERIES
MEANDER CATCHMENT
Data correct & plotfile generated:
April 28, 2003
/covers/project/catchment/meander/meand-map.aml