Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will investigate water usage in the West Pilbara amid concerns vital groundwater sources in the mining-dominated region are being depleted.

WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn has asked the EPA to advise the government on the Millstream aquifer's current and future water demands, and provide advice on any regulatory gaps it identifies.

Traditional owners and pastoralists have criticised Australia's biggest mining companies for taking too much from groundwater sources in the iron-ore heartland in recent months.

The aquifer, 100 kilometres south of Karratha, is a significant cultural site for the Yindjibarndi people and supplies water to Karratha, Dampier, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson, Cape Lambert and the Burrup Pe

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