Non-extractable portion of groundwater
The non-extractable portion of the groundwater resource is considered a contingent water asset because it cannot be accessed due to physical and regulatory limitations.
Water entitlements
The water entitlements applicable to the Adelaide region can change by the operation of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act 2004). The Act enables water allocation plans and the areas under prescription to be amended at any time.
The Government of South Australia Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, and the South Australian Department for Water, are currently a developing water allocation plan for the Western Mt Lofty Ranges Prescribed Water Resources Area and the Central Adelaide Prescribed Wells Area. The water-allocation plan will establish surface water and groundwater entitlements in this area. The associated water liability is contingent on the operation of the NRM Act 2004, particularly the finalisation of the water allocation plans.
Urban water supply
SA Water supplies potable water to customers in metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding areas. The volume of water delivered is contingent on customer demand. Metropolitan Adelaide’s consumption has ranged from 138,000 to 156,000 ML in recent years (SA Water 2010).
National Water Account 2010
Related links
Water links
