Water

Water use generally decreased during the drought, in part due to restrictions. It has subsequently been influenced by factors, including above-average rainfall, that have reduced demand for water.

Long-term planning and knowledge have improved (e.g Goyder Institute for Water Research).

A 2012 assessment of the state’s 67 water management areas concluded that, although 35 are managed within sustainable limits, 7 are not managed within sustainable limits and 25 are partially managed within sustainable limits.

Processes for monitoring and assessing the ecological condition of South Australia’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are in place.

The extent and condition of aquatic ecosystems are variable, with many being in fair to very poor condition and few being in good or very good condition.

Short-term rainfall has increased.

Water supply diversification, including wastewater recycling and stormwater reuse, has increased.

South Australia has the highest percentage of households with rainwater tanks in Australia.

Salinity levels in the main channel of the River Murray are stable, and those in Lake Albert have decreased. Recent high inflows brought floodplain nutrients back into the river, and good flows and flood turbidity suppressed algal blooms. Management of localised sources of pollution improved water quality.

Many of the ephemeral watercourses and wetlands in agricultural and pastoral areas have responded to above-average rainfall in 2010–11.

Main pressures are unsustainable harvesting and extraction in some parts of the state; dryland salinity, loss of riparian vegetation, intensive agriculture practices, and/or soil and streambank erosion in some parts of the state; climate variability and climate change; and changes in land use.

The number of water resource management areas subject to formal management arrangements is increasing.

Groundwater levels that declined during the drought are generally beginning to recover as a result of recent increased rainfall.

Groundwater-use levels and quality (including contamination in some areas) remain an issue.

There are significant knowledge gaps in relation to trends in groundwater extent and condition in nonprescribed areas.

Main pressures are unsustainable levels of use in some areas, changes in land use and climate variability.

Recent high flows in the River Murray and above-average rainfall improved the availability of water for consumptive use across most of the state.

Salinity levels in the main channel of the River Murray are stable, and those in Lake Albert have decreased. In pastoral areas, significant flooding in 2010–11 has recharged aquifers after the drought.

Initiatives through South Australia’s Water for Good strategy are diversifying water sources for consumptive use (including desalination, stormwater and wastewater reuse), and improving the allocation and efficiency of water use.

Consumption generally decreased during the drought. It has been mitigated by increased rainfall, and initiatives to reduce demand and increase the use of alternative water sources, including recycled stormwater and wastewater.

Anecdotal information suggests that a number of community supplies in the arid regions are becoming increasingly saline, with decreasing water levels in some bores.

Main pressures are unsustainable level of use in some areas; and sedimentation, eutrophication and pollution of water sources.