Supply risks
Water supplies are at risk from a range of factors, from climate change through to changes in land use. One aim of water reform in Australia is to minimise these risks and ensure ongoing water supplies.
There are major challenges facing Australia in managing water resources due to:
- increasing populations and demand
- limited surface water sources
- the ongoing severe drought.
Even without Australia's frequent droughts, the continuing growth of Australian cities and high per capita water consumption limits water availability.
Many Australian cities and towns are facing serious challenges in meeting water demands. Climate change means traditional sources such as dams will be less reliable and may be inadequate.
To meet these challenges, not only will demand management (such as better pricing, and short-term water restrictions) and enhanced water use efficiency (better technology) be important, but so too will be non-traditional sources of water supply such as recycled water, rainwater tanks, stormwater and desalination.