Scientific topics Groundwater
Last updated:27 June 2014
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When rain falls, some of it flows across the surface of the land and accumulates in rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean.
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Groundwater is an important water source in Australia for a wide range of purposes.
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Groundwater is found in aquifers which are geological formations able to store and transmit water.
![](https://www.ga.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/129691/varieties/768w.jpg)
Groundwater resources support significant urban and rural communities around Australia.
![](https://www.ga.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0004/129694/varieties/768w.jpg)
Groundwater from the GAB is a vital resource for pastoral, agricultural, extractive industries town water supply and springs - which support unique ecological communities.
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Australia's state and territory governments are responsible for the management of water resources, with coordination provided by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council.
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Includes organisations from the Australian and state governments.