Discover trends in water usage across Australia and some statistics related to water tanks and usage across Australia.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Water Account Australia details information on the physical and monetary supply and usage of water in the Australian economy.
While we await the latest release 2020, ABS Water Account, the 2019 Water Account takes us back to a period of intense drought and water shortage that heavily impacted agricultural industries and saw a dramatic fall in household water consumption as a result of harsh water restrictions being in place across most of Australia.
A reminder, during current periods of higher than average rainfall, how precious our water resource is and how rapidly our water supply can dry up.
2019 Water Account Findings
During the 2019 period, we experienced another year of lower than average rainfall that led to change within the agricultural industry driving a decrease in the use of water.
- Average area rainfall across our continent of Australia was 352mm, which was down 20% on the previous.
- Total water usage fell to 76,256 GL, a reduction of 9% year on year.
Reuse Water
Interestingly, the drought in the 2019 year saw a water reuse increase to 324 GL.
This was mostly attributed to
- Agricultural reuse: 97 GL.
Water Tanks in Australia
The latest data sourced in 2013 shows a trend of growth with more than 34% of Australian households had a water tank, and that had a suitable space for one to be installed. That trend continues to grow with water tanks being mandated in New South Wales as part of the BASIX scheme.
Water tanks are more commonly found installed in households outside city and metro regions at 44%, and only 28% in cities.
Now is an excellent time to install a water tank at your property and start harvesting rainwater for use around your home.
Utilising tank water during periods of drought is not only a cost saving benefit, but can allow you the convenience of continued water supply during water restrictions, depending on the capacity of your water tank and your household water usage.
Utilising your own rainwater is also beneficial during times of rainfall, reducing the amount of storm water produced that can contribute to flooding.
Learn more about what’s involved with installing a water tank here.