Palmerston groundwater study
The Water Resources Division within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to undertake groundwater sampling in Marlow Lagoon and Bellamack.
DENR senior hydrogeologist Steven Tickell said this is the first time such activities had been undertaken in these Palmerston suburbs and that assistance from residents would be required.
"The Palmerston Dolostone aquifer lies under the western side of Palmerston and we are keen to improve our understanding of the groundwater quality and quantity that lies within it," Mr Tickell said.
"That's why we are inviting residents to help us with this study by allowing us access to their bores, to obtain water samples.
“This aquifer is relied upon for irrigating parks and gardens but does not supply drinking water.
"Recent sampling of park irrigation bores has indicated the groundwater salinities have risen during the past 30 years and would like to increase our sample size by accessing residential bores.
"We don't have a specific number of samples in mind but would particularly like to sample bores along one or two east-west traverses, in order to see any gradient in salinity away from Darwin Harbour."
DENR has notified residents who are key to this study with sampling set to begin on 14 December 2019 and completed by the end of January 2020.
"The samples will be tested on site to determine salt content and pH (acidity/alkalinity)," Mr Tickell said.
"Selected samples will also be sent to a laboratory for analysis for the major mineral salts dissolved in groundwater such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate."
