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About water in Australia

Changes in rainfall
& water systems

Water for cities
- State by State

Water for farmers

Water for the environment

References

Sydney, New South Wales

Whilst much of NSW will experience an increased occurrence of extreme rainfall events, Sydney is likely to experience increased reductions in its already stressed water supply systems. This is particularly likely as key rivers that feed into Sydney's water storage facilities are expected to experience a significant decline in stream flow, which may reduce water supplies far below current water requirements.

Since March 2001 NSW has been experiencing drought, whereby annual rainfall has been well below average. The consequences of drought have led to key dams residing at 43.2% full, as of February 2005 (NSW Govt 2005). Under the current water levels approximately 52 months of supply remains, with approximately 6 months of potential water supply from deep water pumps, which are currently under construction (NSW Govt 2005).

Since water restrictions came into force in October 2003, Sydney residents have made some changes to adapt to increasing water shortages. This is particular evident with water consumption being reduced by more than 10%, saving roughly 66 billion litres of water per year (NSW Govt 2005). However, more changes will be required to meet increasing water shortages.

In regards to sustainable water yields, at present, 29 out of 54 surface water management areas and 10 out of 50 groundwater management units are classified as being highly or overdeveloped in NSW as a whole (EA 2005).

Changes in rainfall & water systems: NSW