Water

Water is vital for sustaining our natural environment and supporting human activities. The impacts of drought and climate change will continue to threaten Australia's limited water resources.

 

The focus on our water resources is two-fold. Water delivers economic value through its allocation to towns, irrigation, agriculture and industry, while healthy rivers and aquifers provide environmental, cultural and recreational value. Therefore, whilst the focus on our water resources is often on the volume of water available for particular purposes, quality is of equal significance as it determines the suitability of water for a particular purpose.

 

The Australian government’s approach to water reflects this dual focus on quantity and quality, taking into account four key areas: taking action on climate change, securing our water supplies, using water wisely, and supporting healthy rivers.

 

Australia is one of the driest continents in the world, thus water conservation is of vital importance to ensure a secure water supply now and for the future. See the link below for more information on water conservation.

 

Water quality is fundamental for good river health. Water quality sustains ecological processes that support native fish populations, vegetation, wetlands, and birdlife. Similarly, many of our own uses depend on water quality that is suitable for irrigation, watering stock, drinking, fishing and recreation, and to meet cultural and spiritual needs. See the link below to find out more about what impacts our water quality.

 

 

Further Information