Drought prompts aerial search for underground water

An Aerial Electromagnetic Survey in operation. Deputy Premier John Barilaro (inset photo) says its important to find new sources of underground water

A team of scientists will take to the air in a bid to locate new water supplies across drought-stricken western NSW.

In one of the most ambitious aerial surveys conducted in NSW scientists hope to locate large volumes of previously unknown fresh water supplies for drought-stricken farmers.

The search area – between Bourke and Lake Cargelligo – is about 17,000 sq km in size.

Scientists will be using electromagnetic technology throughout this area in an attempt to identify undiscovered water supplies up to 200 metres underground.

The three-month survey, from late September, is part of a joint project of Geoscience Australia and Geological Survey of NSW to find new water resources for the state.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says identifying water and new mineral deposits was critical for the wellbeing of the state – especially for bush communities.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.