Draft Water Security Statement

We would like to hear your thoughts on the draft Water Security Statement and how we can best be prepared to address challenges and progress opportunities about water security.

What's being decided?

We have developed a draft Water Security Statement to provide an overview of South Australia’s water resources and how they are used and managed.

Past water-related investments in infrastructure and reforms across South Australia have provided high levels of water security for the vast majority of the state’s population.

The key challenge now is to:

• build on past investment and ensure all South Australians have adequate water security
• sustainably grow the South Australian economy.

Having an acceptable quantity and quality of water for people, communities, industry, and the environment that is affordable now and into the future is essential.

The draft Water Security Statement provides a state-wide snapshot of water security across the state and highlights the actions underway to address existing and emerging water security challenges.

The draft statement includes 10 strategic priorities, from now until July 2024, that relate to preparing for future challenges like climate change and increasing demand for water.

Background

Due to our climate and geography, we often experience low rainfall and droughts. This can put our water supplies at risk. South Australia has a history of adapting well to the challenges facing our water resources and is recognised internationally for its capabilities in water resource management.

In the future as our climate changes and as demand for water increases, water security planning will help to make sure we are preparing for these challenges and making the most of opportunities to use our water most efficiently and effectively.

Access to secure sources of water is important to make sure we have the water we need for all aspects of our lives.

We are developing a Water Security Statement and strategic priorities through to July 2024 to build on past investments in water to safeguard water supplies for our industries and communities and our environment.

Get involved

Find out more:

• read the draft Water Security Statement
• read the Information Sheet for an overview of the aims and objectives.

Provide your feedback by:

• joining the online discussion
• emailing your feedback to DEWWater@sa.gov.au
• posting your feedback to:

Department for Environment and Water
Water Security Policy and Planning
GPO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5001

Please note: Your submissions may be publicly available unless you indicate on the submission that you wish for these to remain confidential. Any responses that are made on a confidential basis may still be subject to access under Freedom of Information laws.

How can your input influence the decision?

Your feedback about the draft Water Security Statement and in particular the 10 strategic priorities will assist us in understanding what you think is important when developing water security plans for the future of South Australia.

Feedback received from the consultation will be considered and guide the final Water Security Statement.

What are the next steps?

The draft Water Security Statement consultation will remain open until 5pm on Friday 18 June 2021.

Feedback from the consultation will be assessed and an Engagement Report about what we heard from the community will be published on this page.

The feedback will also inform the development of the final Water Security Statement.

The final Water Security Statement will be published on the Department for Environment and Water website later in 2021.