The Serpentine groundwater allocation plan area is located just south of Perth in the south-west of Western Australia. It covers a total area of 430 km2 and includes the towns of Byford, Mundijong and Serpentine.
Groundwater resources in the plan area
It includes four main aquifers, these are:
- Superficial aquifer which is the water table aquifer and unconfined.
- Leederville and Cattamarra aquifers which are semi-confined.
- Yarragadee aquifer which is confined, and not currently accessed due to its depth.
Groundwater is abstracted across the area by private self suppliers for semi rural and agricultural needs.
For planning purposes the area has been divided into ten subareas, these are: Byford 2, Byford 3, Jandakot Mound 1, Jandakot Mound 2, Keysbrook 1, Keysbrook 2, Serpentine 1, Serpentine 2, Serpentine 3 and Keysbrook.
Water planning in the Serpentine area
The Department of Water is currently developing a groundwater allocation plan for the area.
The plan will include revised groundwater allocation limits and polices for managing water abstraction and use.
If you would like to be involved in the allocation planning process and receive updates on the status of the plan, please contact the Peel regional office in Mandurah, phone 08 9550 4222, or email allocation.planning@water.wa.gov.au.
Why is the department preparing a water allocation plan?
Since 1988 the department has actively managed groundwater take in this area through licensing, however an allocation plan does not currently exist for this area. With urban intensification and potential future industrial development in the area stakeholders seek clarity on how much water is available for use.
Planning is needed to ensure that the groundwater needs of the community and the environment are protected while providing current and future users with secure water supplies.
Further information
For licensing information, please contact the Peel Regional office in Mandurah. Phone 08 9550 4222.
For planning information, please contact the Department of Water’s Water Allocation Planning branch. Phone 08 6364 7600 or email allocation.planning@water.wa.gov.au.