Surface Water

Doudles Folly Creek

Sydney, Australia

Client: Sydney Catchment Authority

Parsons Brinckerhoff Role: Research

Parsons Brinckerhoff conducted an 18-month research project for the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) to assess the sustainability of a potential borefield to provide an alternate potable water source for Sydney during times of drought.

Presently, during times of drought, Sydney may be permitted to take water from the Shoalhaven River. The water is delivered to the Nepean, Avon and Warragamba dams via the Wingecarribee River and Doudles Folly Creek. Groundwater and surface water in the Doudles Folly Creek cathment area also support farms, creeks and springs in the area.

Parsons Brinckerhoff developed a research program for Doudles Folly Creek to determine groundwater-surface water linkages and assessed potential impacts to local and regional water users in the event Doudles Folly Creek was used as an alternate water source. The firm provided drilling and pumping test supervision, water level and water quality monitoring, aquifer characterisation, packer testing, tracer testing, isotope sampling, numerical modelling and sustainability assessment.

The project demonstrated and quantified the importance of fracture flow in Hawkesbury Sandstone when assessing groundwater-surface water connectivity and regional groundwater flow. It also emphasised the importance of understanding the properties of the sandstone rock mass.

The volume and quality of data collected in the study was substantial, and will allow SCA to extrapolate trends for an alternate borefield design and operation on a larger scale. The study provided a framework for assessment of borefield feasibility that ensures development of groundwater resources is sustainably achieved without ongoing impact on valuable nearby water resources. The project received the New South Wales Water Research Merit Award for 2008 from the Australian Water Association.

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Extreme weather conditions and climate change are placing increased stress on surface water resources. Parsons Brinckerhoff provides solutions that help protect surface water resources and manage them sustainably in the long term.

We are experienced in delivering surface water services to major infrastructure projects, including transport, energy, mining, residential and industrial developments. Our specialized team of hydrologists and engineers help clients manage surface water, from technical assessment and design through to advice on policy and legislation.

Our team’s experience allows us to offer a comprehensive range of surface water management services and to provide practical, cost-effective and innovative solutions for projects of any scale. Our surface water management services include monitoring and assessment of quality and flow rates, stormwater management, surface water supply, erosion control, stream restoration, lake restoration, dredging, and management of point and non-point discharges.