Groundwater Monitoring
Summary
Groundwater monitoring involves the measurement of groundwater levels and quality over time to assess environmental conditions, contamination risks and the effectiveness of management or remediation measures. It is commonly undertaken as part of contaminated land investigations, construction projects involving dewatering, and post-remediation validation.
Groundwater monitoring provides critical information to support risk assessment, regulatory compliance and long-term site management.
Definition
Groundwater monitoring is the ongoing assessment of groundwater conditions using monitoring wells or bores to collect water level data and groundwater samples for laboratory analysis.
Monitoring programs may be short-term or long-term, depending on site conditions, contamination risk and regulatory requirements, and are typically designed to track changes in groundwater quality and flow over time.
Why Groundwater Monitoring Matters
From an environmental and health perspective, groundwater can act as a pathway for contaminant migration. Without monitoring, changes in groundwater quality or movement may go undetected, increasing the risk of off-site impacts or exposure to sensitive receptors.
Groundwater monitoring is also a key verification tool. It is used to confirm baseline conditions, assess the effectiveness of remediation measures and demonstrate that contamination is stable, improving or adequately controlled.
From a regulatory standpoint, groundwater monitoring is often required under development consents, environmental approvals or remediation action plans. Monitoring data is commonly relied upon by councils, regulators and auditors to assess compliance and site suitability.
When Groundwater Monitoring Is Typically Required
Groundwater monitoring is commonly required where:
Contaminated land investigations identify groundwater impacts
Dewatering or excavation below the groundwater table is proposed
Remediation works may affect groundwater quality or flow
Development approvals include groundwater monitoring conditions
Validation is required to demonstrate remediation effectiveness
Long-term management of residual contamination is required
Monitoring requirements are typically risk-based and site-specific.
Typical Groundwater Monitoring Activities
Groundwater monitoring programs may include:
Installation of groundwater monitoring wells
Measurement of groundwater levels and gradients
Collection of groundwater samples for laboratory analysis
Assessment of contaminant trends over time
Comparison of results against relevant criteria
Reporting and interpretation for regulatory review
Programs are often refined as site understanding improves.
Legislative and Regulatory Context
Groundwater monitoring is undertaken in accordance with environmental protection legislation, planning approvals and regulatory guidance.
In New South Wales, groundwater monitoring requirements commonly arise under contaminated land frameworks, EPA guidance and development consent conditions. Similar regulatory expectations apply across Australia.
Regulators expect monitoring programs to be appropriately designed, implemented and documented.
How We Can Help
Confluence Environmental designs and implements groundwater monitoring programs as part of contaminated land, remediation and construction support services.
Our services typically include:
Design of groundwater monitoring programs
Installation and management of monitoring wells
Groundwater sampling and data interpretation
Reporting to support regulatory and planning requirements
Ongoing monitoring and advisory support
We focus on monitoring programs that are practical, defensible and aligned with project objectives.
Related Terms and Concepts
Groundwater Investigation
Dewatering Management Plan
Contaminated Land
Detailed Site Investigation
Remediation Action Plan
Site Validation
Environmental Monitoring