The Canberra region

Overview of the 2011–12 year

Rainfall across the Canberra region was generally very much above average for the 2011–12 year. These rainfall conditions, quite similar to the high rainfall observed during the 2010–11 year, contributed the increased inflows into the storages. All major water storages were almost full or close to full capacity by 30 June 2012 with storage of 206,139 ML. Closing net water assets in the Canberra region was 241,667 ML, compared to 240,607 ML at the end of the 2010–11 year. For more information on the region's water assets refer to Water accounting statements.


The key water account information for the Canberra region during the 2011–12 year are presented in the following table. Information on the uncertainty associated with the volumes presented in the table is provided in the relevant sections of the account.

 

Key water account information for the Canberra region during the 2011–12 year


Contextual information: Climate overview
Climate Overview 2011–12 2010–11 Long–term average
(1900–2011)
Rainfall: 1,115 mm Rainfall: 1,141 mm Rainfall: 801 mm
Evapotranspiration: 790 mm Evapotranspiration: 897 mm Evapotranspiration: 615 mm
For more detail on the Canberra climate refer to Climate overview.

 

Contextual information: Water overview
Water overview Molonglo River Cotter River Queanbeyan River
Above mean annual flow Above mean annual flow Above mean annual flow
For more detail on streamflow in the Canberra region refer to Water overview.

 

Water accounting statements
Accounting statements 2011–12 2010–11
Total water assets (as at 30 June) 241,667 240,607
Total water liabilities (as at 30 June) - -
Change in net water assets 1,060 86,572
Closing net water assets 241,667 240,607
For more detail on water assets and water liabilities refer to Water accounting statements.

 

 

Notes: Water resources and systems

 

Surface water storage
Surface water 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
Total capacity Volume % of capacity Volume % of capacity
207,379 ML 206,139 ML 99.4% 201,252 ML 97.0%
For more detail on surface water storage in the Canberra region refer to Surface water.

 

Water abstractions
Groundwater Total water abstracted
2011–12 2010–11 Recent activity
Surface water: 43,205 ML Surface water: 46,497 ML Water abstraction for urban
Groundwater: 770 ML Groundwater: 770 ML Water supply has decreased
For more detail on water abstraction in the Canberra region refer to Surface water and Groundwater.

 

Urban water supply
Urban water system
Total water supplied  
2011–12 2010–11 Recent activity
41,790 ML 40,944 ML Entitled diversion of allocated surface water has increased
For more detail on the urban water system in the Canberra region refer to Urban water system.