MINIMUM CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER BORES IN AUSTRALIA

©Water Bore Construction

Water bores are the most common means of tapping groundwater. The siting, design, materials, and construction method used all influence the quantity and quality of water obtained.

The Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia, developed by NUDLC aims to:

• protect groundwater resources from contamination, deterioration, and uncontrolled flow associated with poorly constructed bores
• ensure long-term economic production of groundwater of the best possible quality.
• outlines the minimum requirements for constructing, repairing, and decommissioning water bores in Australia
• provides the technical base for licensed drillers, for bore permits, and as a reference for bore construction
• is extensively used by regulators and the drilling industry
• provides a consistent standard reference across Australia for bore licensing and drillers licensing
• deals with the ‘whole life’ of the water bore from tendering and licensing to construction, development and decommissioning for shallow small-diameter and lower yielding bores through to deep large-diameter and high-yielding bores.

The National Uniform Driller Licensing Committee

The National Uniform Driller Licensing Committee (NUDLC) is a voluntary group comprising senior water bore drilling representatives from each State and Territory department, the Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA), and Australian Drilling Industry training Committee (ADITC). NUDLC has been in continuous operation since 1990. It is experienced body which has made considerable progress in ground water resource management matters, and is able to provide information and technical advice on matters relevant to the management of and access to groundwater to assist in the development of policy advice.