946df4fc-1426-400d-9ccc-69db8133f236 urn:uuid eng UTF-8 nonGeographicDataset nonGeographicDataset 2025-10-16T06:26:06 creation ISO 19115 2016 Irrigation recharge 946df4fc-1426-400d-9ccc-69db8133f236 Available data about recharge from irrigation areas in the Mallee and Riverine Plains zones of the Murray-Darling Basin are reviewed. The need for clear understanding of how data have been obtained and care in their use, and the need to clearly identify the aquifer which is being recharged and to specify appropriate time and space scales are emphasised. The usefulness of the data for numerical modelling is discussed. Available data are considered adequate for establishing regional priorities for action to reduce recharge. However, site-specific data are required for design of projects at the local or sub-regional scale. Monitoring of system performance during and after implementation is necessary to verify the accuracy of data used. Options available for recharge reduction are discussed. Recharge rates in the Mallee zone are very high, and significant reductions can readily be achieved. Many irrigated areas in the Mallee zone are already tile drained, so the main benefits of recharge reduction will be lower regional water tables and reduced groundwater discharge to the River Murray. Recharge rates in the Riverine Plains zone are generally much lower, although some areas of high recharge do occur. Options for recharge reduction are identified for use in appropriate circumstances, but it is considered that residual recharge rates are likely to exceed the safe discharge capacity of the underlying acquifers. Subsurface drainage of the more intensively irrigated areas will be required (as in the Mallee zone), to avoid significant losses of production and land degradation. {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[139.07, -37.74], [148.06, -37.74], [148.06, -32.62], [139.07, -32.62], [139.07, -37.74]]]} 139.07 148.06 -37.74 -32.62 Earth Sciences GA Publication Journal NSW Published_External SA VIC Journal article (pdf) documentDigital Journal article (pdf) PDF Unnamed resource documentDigital HTML