Climate resilient water sources go online to support water security

25/06/2015

A comprehensive national picture of recycled and desalinated water sources for over 350 sites across the country in now available online, following the launch of a new web tool today.

The Climate Resilient Water Sources web portal on the Bureau’s website captures both publicly and privately owned and operated recycled and desalinated water sources in Australia, and allows users to search information on capacity, production, location and use of these alternative water sources in their local area.

Climate resilient water sources play an important role in increasing Australia’s water security. They reduce the impacts of rainfall and temperature variations, or of long-term drought, on water availability.

Australia has a highly variable climate, together with increasing population and economic development, which means we need to be smarter in how we use our water supplies.

Recycled and desalinated water sources are a way of meeting Australia’s water demands, either as part of large centralised supply systems or small decentralised schemes.

For the first time the Climate Resilient Water Sources web portal will bring together a comprehensive map of recycled and desalinated water sources across Australia.

The Bureau’s Improving Water Information programme is building a comprehensive and reliable picture of Australia’s water resources to support policy and planning.

Climate Resilient Water Sources has been jointly developed by the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence, the National Centre for Excellence in Desalination and CSIRO.

To view the Climate Resilient Water Sources portal go to: www.bom.gov.au/water/crews