Groundwater is water that is beneath the earth's surface in pores and crevices of rocks and soil.
The layers of soil and rock that contain useable quantities of groundwater are called aquifers. Aquifers lie beneath all parts of Victoria.
The groundwater within aquifers varies in quality from fresh drinking water to saltier than seawater.
Shallow groundwater resources can be connected to surface waters and can be both affected by drought and climate change. Deep groundwater reserves are more resilient to changes in rainfall.
Groundwater is allocated for consumptive use under the Water Act 1989.
Understanding groundwater
3D model showing all of the economic, environmental and social uses and connections to groundwater across the landscape.
Page last updated: 08/09/23
