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You are here: Home > About water in Australia
Who uses it, and how much?
How much do we have?
Australia's water resources under climate change
Australia occupies 5.6 per cent of the world's landmass, yet receives little more then 1 per cent of its water runoff. Combined with its often erratic rainfall patterns, Australia's water resources are highly vulnerable to climate changes.
Who uses it, and how much?
Australians are one of the biggest consumers of water per head in the world, using 1.31 mega litres per person, per year (DEH 2001). This amount is allocated between agricultural, industrial, commercial and urban purposes, with agricultural uses totaling 75% of all water use (DEH 2001).
How much do we have?
SURFACE WATER
Australia's catchments have an average runoff volume of 391,661 giga-litres per year (DEH 2001). Studies indicate that to maintain sustainable ecosystems in Australia, approximately 20% of the total surface runoff can be diverted for human consumption (DEH 2001). At current, roughly 26% of Australia's surface water management areas are classified as being close to or exceeding sustainable extraction limits (DEH 2001).
GROUND WATER
With many surface water resources under stress, ground water is being increasingly utilised to fulfil water demands (DEH 2001). Between the period of 1985 to 1996/7, the extraction of ground water increased by approximately 5,000 giga-litres per year (DEH 2001).
For a more in-depth analysis of Australia's water resources, visit the Australian Natural Resources Atlas
Australia's water resources under climate change
To find out the forecasts for water resources under human-induced climate change, and how this will affect Australia's key water users, select from the following links:
 Changes in rainfall and water systems
Water for cities
Water for farmers
Water for the environment
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