Water for cities and homes
Australians consume about 19,000 gigalitres (GL) of water a year. About 20 percent of this water goes to urban and industrial uses. Water shortages and the longer-term security of water supply for towns and communities are serious concerns for Australia, particularly in light of the drought which now grips large parts of Australia.
Latest news
- Review of Urban Water Entitlements in Australia
This report examines the nature and effectiveness of arrangements for urban water entitlements for existing, new and alternative water sources across Australia. It also identifies policy principles and recommendations that could contribute to optimal water management outcomes. - Urban Water Markets
This report examines the range of market-based approaches to improve the efficiency of the urban water sector, including optimal water usage, delivery of required environmental and public health outcomes and enhancing flexibility of the sector to respond to change and innovations. Complementary reform policies are also considered. - Rebates for rainwater tanks and greywater systems
The Australian Government is providing rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems.
Water saving and reuse
There are major challenges facing Australia in managing water resources due to increasing populations and demand, limited surface water sources and 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.
There are many opportunities to make better use of supplies of water that we have already developed, explore alternative sources, employ new technology and infrastructure, improve and refine management practices and draw on better information.
The Australian Government has implemented a number of initiatives to encourage water savings and water reuse, in line with the National Water Initiative objectives of facilitating water use efficiency and innovation in urban and rural areas.
- National Water Initiative
- National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns
- Green Precincts Program
- Saving water in your home
- Water reform in the urban sector
Other water-saving initiatives
Water efficiency labelling and standards
The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments, has introduced a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme. The WELS scheme requires certain types of household water-using products to carry rating labels to reflect their relative water-use efficiency.
Water recycling
The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments has commenced work on a suite of guidelines for managing the health and environmental risks associated with the use of recycled water. The first phase of the guidelines focuses on large-scale treated sewage and grey-water to be used for non-drinking purposes. The second phase will focus on stormwater reuse, managed aquifer recharge and recycled water for drinking.
National guidelines for residential customers' water accounts
Developed as part of the National Water Initiative, these guidelines are voluntary and provide a significant opportunity to engage customers in water conservation through informative water bills.
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