Water security in Australia

Abstract

This chapter provides a contemporary snapshot of water security in Australia today, and the key policy issues to maintain and strengthen it into the future. Its focus is on risks and their management. Policy and practice are gradually moving Australia towards more sustainable water use and effective management of scarcity and quality, but pressures from population growth, economic development, and climate change have been and are ever-present challenges. The chapter details water use in major urban areas, regional and remote towns, irrigated agriculture, rainfed agriculture, the environment, mining, and electricity generation. In addition to the well-known role of markets in the irrigated agricultural sector, innovation in all major water-using sectors is contributing to maintaining water security. Two areas where progress in improving water security has been slow are also discussed. The chapter concludes with lessons from the Australian experience that may be relevant elsewhere.