National Water Account: Fall in storages leads to drop in water use
30/06/2015
The Bureau of Meteorology today released the final phase of the National Water Account 2014, a comprehensive record of water resources for nine key regions across Australia during 2013–14.
Dr Ian Prosser, Assistant Director Water Information Services at the Bureau, said the 2014 account highlights a decrease in Australia’s water storage volumes and a corresponding reduction in water use in rural areas.
“The National Water Account shows that ongoing dry conditions across much of Australia contributed to a reduction in storage inflows during 2013–14, placing greater demand on available water resources,” he said.
“Overall surface water storage volumes fell from 75 per cent capacity at the start of the year to 72 per cent by the end of June 2014.
“Storage volumes in the Murray–Darling Basin region decreased from 69 per cent to 57 per cent during the year, with rainfall almost 100mm below average. This led to a decrease in trading activity and a 25 per cent reduction in water use in the region.
“As a result, overall water consumption decreased by 21 per cent compared to the previous year, despite most other regions recording an increase in water use.”
Dr Prosser said while surface water remains the largest source of water used across Australia, the account also shows a shift towards more climate resilient water sources, such as desalinated water, particularly in Adelaide and Perth.
The Murray–Darling Basin region report released today completes the National Water Account 2014, with Adelaide, Canberra, Daly, Melbourne, Ord, Perth, South East Queensland and Sydney region reports released earlier in the year.
The National Water Account builds a comprehensive record over time, and brings together data from more than 40 water agencies and partners across Australia.
The account is an initiative of the Bureau’s Improving Water Information programme, supporting policy and planning for water use in Australia.
The nine regions currently covered in the Account are home to about 80 per cent of Australia’s population and represent 70–80 per cent of total water use.
For further information or to watch the video visit: www.bom.gov.au/water/nwa/2014
