A SCIENTIFIC study is recommending surplus rainwater be stored underground instead of in dams to prepare for drought.

The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training has made the recommendation as the Federal Government tables Australia's first national Murray-Darling Basin plan in parliament.

Researcher Andrew Ross says Australia should be banking its water underground as an alternative to traditional dams during times of heavy rain.

Mr Ross says there's enormous national potential to store surplus water in aquifers, ensuring sufficient water is available for cities, homes, industry, farming and the environment when drought strikes.