2021 Somewhat adequate confidence Since 2016, drought years have affected both groundwater levels and urban water security, and increased periods of drought – which are likely with climate change – will continue to put pressure on water supplies. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 13.1 Legend How was this assessment made For more information, go toWater sources Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share this link Assessment Dependence on groundwater 2021 Somewhat adequate confidence Dependence on groundwater has increased since 2016 as a result of low surface-water availability, which has necessitated use of groundwater for urban water supply and irrigation. Groundwater levels that had not recovered from the millennium drought were further drawn down because of limited recharge Assessment Urban water supplies 2021 Adequate confidence The past 3 years have emphasised the lack of resilience of urban water supplies to drought, with most major cities imposing restrictions on water users and depending on groundwater and climate-resilient water sources such as desalination and recycling to meet water supply demands.
2021 Limited confidence The drought years experienced since 2016 have had significant impact on water-dependent ecosystems and culturally significant sites, which have received only very limited and sporadic to zero inflows, and there have been limited opportunities for filling through environmental watering. This has resulted in degradation of habitats, and reduction of breeding grounds and refuges. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.6, 15.1 Legend How was this assessment made For more information, go toNatural water systems Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share this link
2021 Somewhat adequate confidence Despite the preparation of water resource plans, which have the objective of reducing inequities, most of these have not been implemented for various reasons. The drought years experienced since 2016 have further hindered a reduction in inequities, given the limited availability of water. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.b, 6.1, 6.5 Legend How was this assessment made For more information, go toIndigenous water Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share this link
2021 Adequate confidence Use of water has decreased and water restrictions have increased as a result of dry conditions; this situation is likely to continue under climate change. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.1, 6.3, 6.5 Legend How was this assessment made For more information, go toPopulation Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share this link Assessment Per-person use of water 2021 Adequate confidence Since 2016 and, in particular, over the past 3 years, per-person use of water has decreased. However, this is partly due to a drop in water availability arising from dry conditions, which resulted in restrictions on urban water use and very small allocations for agricultural purposes. Assessment Urban water restrictions 2021 Adequate confidence There were widespread urban water restrictions in the years since 2016 due to record low rainfall, which resulted in very low inflows into urban storages. In capital cities (e.g. Sydney), restrictions were placed on watering of gardens and washing of cars; however, in regional towns (e.g. Uralla), restrictions meant that water had to be carted in for essential purposes.
2021 Adequate confidence Sustainable water management is being challenged by increasing climate change. Environmental and cultural water uses are losing the competition with consumptive use. Related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets 6.b, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5 Legend How was this assessment made For more information, go toResources Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share this link Assessment Water management plans 2021 Adequate confidence Although water management plans in various states and territories have been in place for some time, complying with new requirements has been a challenge for some states. The water resource management plans to be developed by Murray–Darling Basin states and territories as an integral part of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan have had limited success, with only 13 of the 33 plans having been accredited. Assessment Competition between consumptive and environmental water users 2021 Adequate confidence In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to reduce the imbalance between consumptive and environmental water users. This has been attempted through the development and implementation of water resource management plans. There have also been active efforts to recover water for the environment from consumptive users. However, the past 3 years of drought have meant that the focus has been on meeting critical human needs; with a few exceptions, the environment has received little water. Assessment Environmental water for cultural purposes 2021 Somewhat adequate confidence In recent years, research has been undertaken to identify cultural flow needs. These are currently very reliant on rain events, resulting in little to no water delivered for cultural values, especially during drought conditions. The outcomes of this work have informed a few cultural waterings; however, the recent drought years have adversely impacted the provision of water for cultural purposes.