Water
There would be no life on earth without water, however managing and protecting our precious water resources is one of the greatest challenges that we face in Western Australia.
Perth is the one of the driest capital cities in the world. With a combination of a drying climate and rapidly growing population Perth and the southwest is facing a serious water crisis.
Western Australia’s southwest (including Perth) has already experienced a 30% decline in rainfall, and the CSIRO predicts there could be a further 49% reduction in surface water by 2030. At the same time we have a number of new water-guzzling industries proposed, and rapid population growth placing ever-greater pressure on our water resources.
Nearly 75% of water used in Perth and the south-west comes from groundwater, and aquifers are being pumped much faster than they are naturally replenished. In the Collie region for example, groundwater is being pumped at a rate two thousand times faster than it is naturally replenished by the coal industry, leading to rivers, streams and wetlands drying up.
CCWA is Western Australia’s only independent voice on sustainable water use in Western Australia. The Council has been calling for a suite of reforms to ensure a sustainable water future for WA. We are working towards:
- A comprehensive water efficiency plan for Perth and the Southwest
- Mandatory water efficiency standards for all new homes, and grey water recycling for existing homes
- Mandatory water efficiency standards for industrial water users and preventing the expansion of water wasting industries such as coal fired power stations
- Legislation that ensures sufficient water is provided for rivers, wetlands and the natural environment
