2010 - Australia's most precious resource
Australia is the world's driest inhabited continent. Our rainfall is the lowest of the five continents (excluding Antarctica) with 80% of Australia receiving an average annual rainfall of less than 600 mm. But our water use is high. Each year we consume more than 24,000 gigalitres of water - for irrigation, industrial use and household use such as running the tap and flushing the toilet. It is important that we all take steps to protect our water supplies now and in the future.
It is important that we all recognise water as a precious resource.
Australia's water supplies are facing some major challenges. A changing climate and a growing population are just two challenges that will have an impact on our water supplies. As climates change across the world Australia is likely to experience more frequent and intense storms, floods and droughts. A growing population will lead to greater demand for our already stretched water supplies.
Australia's water suppliers have already taken steps to secure our water supplies for the future. This includes the construction of desalination plants and other climate-independent methods of sourcing water such as recycling. Diversifying our water sources is crucial so we aren't solely reliant on water from rivers and dams. Water restrictions and managing our own water use are also important ways to conserve water.
We can all play a part to help secure our precious resource - water.
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