The Namoi Catchment Water Study, commissioned by the NSW Government and prepared by Schlumberger, has found that mining and coal seam gas drilling at current levels are unlikely to cause extensive regional-scale damage water supplies in north-west NSW. Increased mining could be expected to place more pressure on fresh water supplies.

 

However, the study found that  ''More local scale impacts are likely and the cumulative effects of numerous developments in close proximity will increase the risk to the water resources in those areas.''

 

The study concluded that “With long-term and more extensive development, especially within the Gunnedah Basin Management Area where the likelihood of further development of coal and gas resources is highest, the cumulative effect of impacts on groundwater levels in the hard rock units and alluvium will be more significant.”

 

The study used several scenarios to estimate the likely impact of resources projects on the Namoi River and its tributaries, including variations in climate and rainfall. Generally, more mines meant more pressure on fresh water supplies.

 

The Namoi Catchment Water Study was commissioned in September 2010 to support assessment of risks associated with coal mining and coal seam gas development on water resources within the Catchment.

 

The final report is available here.