Access to adequate, good quality water is vital for our environment, communities, economy and culture.  Power and Water Corporation are responsible for delivering safe drinking water across the majority of the Northern Territory.  Given the expansive nature of the Northern Territory, with many isolated regions and differing climates, this can be challenging.  Wet and dry seasons in the tropical Top End and limited rainfall in the Red Centre affect access to water sources. 

Power and Water Corporation supply water to 18 urban centres and 72 remote communities.  Most towns use groundwater except for Darwin, Katherine and some remote communities.

Regularly reviewing the monitoring program is important to ensure that appropriate protocols are in place, opportunities for improvements can be identified and efficiencies can be obtained if feasible while managing the risks.

Water Technology were engaged by Power and Water Corporation to:

• Review all remote and urban groundwater resource monitoring activities for Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory which included 72 remote communities and 17 regional urban centres to identify data gaps, inefficiencies, and alignment with community risk 
• Undertake targeted consultation with Power and Water Corporation staff, contractors, and community representatives to confirm monitoring objectives, priorities, and practical constraints
• Develop detailed monitoring plans for northern remote communities, southern remote communities, and urban communities outside Darwin incorporating standard groundwater monitoring techniques such as water level measurements, logger deployment and downloads, data processing, surveying to mAHD, and groundwater sampling
• Develop a high-level Groundwater Resource Monitoring Strategy to guide future program improvements which involved engagement with senior management and cross-divisional groups to share strategic priorities, align initiatives and identify opportunities where enhancements to monitoring could deliver broader organisational benefits
• Update data management processes
• Develop new monitoring procedures
• Undertake program implementation across the Top End region of the Northern Territory

Modernising data collection and embedding efficiencies were key outcomes of this project, achieved through close collaboration with Power and Water Corporation staff.

A cloud-linked mobile application replaced paper sheets, allowing real-time data capture and automatic upload to a central database, reducing delays and transcription errors. GPS-enabled mapping and bore-specific track maps improved site accuracy, addressing long-standing coordinate issues. Field visits were used not only for monitoring but also as opportunities for joint troubleshooting and targeted training, enabling utility support coordinators to strengthen their skills and apply consistent monitoring techniques.