The Water theme is based on hydrology which is the study of the movement, distribution and quality of water. This includes the hydrologic cycles, water resources and environmental watershed sustainability.

Hydrology includes surface hydrology, hydrogeology, drainage basin management and water quality where water plays the central role.

Water (surface water and groundwater) is concerned with information as aligned with the definitions under the Water Act 2007.

This theme includes Hydrology elements which are described as:

Surface Water • Water in a watercourse, lake or wetland. • Any water flowing over or lying on land, either: • after having precipitated naturally after having risen to the surface naturally from underground.

Groundwater • Water occurring at a place below ground that has been pumped, diverted or released to that place for the purpose of being stored there • Does not include water held in underground tanks, pipes or other works.