This work is being undertaken to address a significant gap in Australia’s water resource management by enhancing the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) capability to model groundwater as part of their water accounting obligations under the Water Act 2007. Currently, BoM’s land surface model, lacks a dedicated groundwater component, leading to inaccuracies in national water accounting. Additionally, the model does not incorporate real-time observational data from satellite missions, further limiting its accuracy.

This project will develop a comprehensive groundwater model that integrates advanced data assimilation techniques and satellite-based observations, such as gravitational changes and surface water heights, to improve hydrological predictions. By creating a robust, scalable system for real-time water resource management, this project will not only meet statutory requirements but also provide valuable tools for government departments, private industry, and environmental sectors in addressing water availability, compliance, and environmental flow management. The collaboration with BoM and the use of cutting-edge satellite technologies will revolutionise water monitoring in Australia and potentially serve as a model for global water resource management.