Australian Natural Resources Atlas

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Water resources - Overview - Queensland

Location map of Tenthill Creek

Groundwater Management Unit: Tenthill Creek

Introduction

The Tenthill Creek groundwater management unit (GMU) is located approximately 100 km west of Brisbane in the Lockyer Valley and is within the shire of Gatton. The GMU covers an area of approximately 25 sq km and is within the Brisbane River Basin (1432). Groundwater in the Tenthill Creek GMU is obtained from unconsolidated Quaternary alluvium. Throughout the Lockyer Valley alluvium is associated with the major creek valleys and contains clay, silt, sand and gravel. Limited groundwater is also contained in consolidated rocks including basalt, sandstone and shale. The alluvium overlies the Tertiary Main Range Volcanics, and Triassic and Jurassic sandstones. Pumping rates throughout the valley are variable, ranging from a few litres per second to over 50 litres per second. Sustainable groundwater yield in the Tenthill Creek GMU alluvium is approximately 2400 Ml/yr.

The Lockyer Valley has a sub-humid, sub-tropical climate experienceing long hot summers and relatively short mild winters. Average annual rainfall in the valley is about 820mm but in the south reaches in excess of 1000mm. Rainfall is often associated with storms of high intensity and short duration. About 70% of the annual rain falls between October and March.

The Lockyer Valley is one of Queenslands major vegetable growing areas and relies heavily upon water from both surface and sub-surface supplies. It is estimated that the entire sustainable yield of 2400 Ml/yr is used.

Vital Statistics:

Area: 40 Km2
Total water allocated: no data
Total water consumed: 2,400 ML/yr
Average salinity: 938 mg/l
Sustainable yield: 2,400 ML/yr
Depth to top of aquifier: 8 m

Further Information

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