Science the key to help preserve Perth green spaces

• ​Geophysical surveys underway at Lake Monger Reserve
• Investigations help plan for sustainable management of Perth's groundwater

Water and Science Minister Dave Kelly today announced the start of a series of groundwater investigations that will help maintain the city's green spaces, so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

The Department of Water will this week conduct two geophysical surveys at Lake Monger Reserve to investigate underlying aquifers and groundwater movement. 

The surveys involve two-dimensional seismic and electrical resistivity imaging. Lake Monger is the first of several survey sites including UWA Sports Park and Shenton Park Field Station.

The work is part of the Western Suburbs Managed Aquifer Recharge and Kings Park Formation Investigation Program, which is being run in partnership with the Western Suburbs Regional Organisation of Councils and the Town of Cambridge.

The objective of the program is to better understand the effects of groundwater use and explore the option of pumping highly treated wastewater or stormwater into the aquifers for later re-use.

The program also includes installing groundwater monitoring bores up to about 300 metres deep.

The surveys are temporary, non-intrusive and pose no threat to pedestrians, the environment or adjacent properties.

Comments attributed to Water and Science Minister Dave Kelly:

"It is no secret that Western Australia is becoming hotter and drier. Since the 1970s, Perth's rainfall has declined by more than 15 per cent.

"The McGowan Government understands that our drying climate has increased pressure on available water resources for a range of uses including drinking water supply, local horticulture and the irrigation of green spaces.

"That is why these scientific investigations are important to identify new ways to maintain urban green spaces, reduce urban heat and help ease pressure on public water supply schemes.

"Scientific investigations and research will also help us develop new ways to store and recycle stormwater and wastewater, two important strategies in addressing the State's climate challenges."