Water resources on Tasman Peninsula

Abstract

Tasman Peninsula is in a higher rainfall area than most of southeastern Tasmania but the elevated topography ensures that run-off is rapid. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The early convict settlements obtained most of their water from nearby streams, although some water was collected from roofs of buildings and wells. Present supplies are taken largely from the same sources and farmers have constructed dams for irrigation supplies and stock. Some development of groundwater resources from fractured rock aquifers and from coastal sand deposits has been undertaken. Small irrigation quantities are sometimes obtained although usually the bores are only capable of domestic and stock supplies. The quality of groundwater is variable but mostly the water has a number of uses. There is considerable scope for expanding the use of both surface and groundwater on the peninsula.