Although adequate in the past, the major water supplies of the Mount Lofty Catchment and River Murray are finite and the volume of water available from them has reduced over time.

Development in the Adelaide Hills has reduced the volume of water flowing into reservoirs which supply the mains water system. In the future, climate change is likely to lead to lower rainfall, further reducing the volume of water captured in our reservoirs.

The extraction of water from the River Murray has been capped at 1993-94 levels of extraction. For Adelaide to obtain additional water from the river, water entitlements would have to be purchased and transferred from elsewhere; primarily from irrigation users. However, one of the aims of Water Proofing Adelaide is to reduce Adelaide’s reliance on the River Murray.

If no action is taken, as the Adelaide region grows and demand increases, the reliability of supply will reduce. This would lead to more frequent and severe water restrictions.

Meeting the Challenge

Reports, progress and links:

In all but extreme conditions supply will be maintained in line with Permanent Water Conservation Measures. Many of the strategies of Water Proofing Adelaide will lessen the impact of drought conditions. However, in times of severe drought conditions it may be necessary to impose water restrictions.

SA Water is working to ensure adequate potable water supplies are available for all customers by promoting responsible water use, purchasing additional water entitlements where appropriate, managing the network of water supply systems efficiently to minimise leakage and unnecessary use, and extending the use of reuse water instead of potable supplies, where appropriate.