This section looks forward 12 months and considers what water assets, claims, and commitments might affect the region's water resources.

Table N23 shows that there is a surplus of available water assets over water liabilities and future commitments that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.

The expected diversions, extractions, and releases of water are based on abstractions made during the 2014–15 year; however, it is estimated that the volume of surface water diverted for irrigation may increase next year for water supply to the Goomig Farmlands (see Major water reforms).

According to the Bureau's Climate outlook, it is expected to be a relatively dry wet season across the region, similar to the 2014–15 year; however, expected net inflows into the surface water storages over the next 12 months will still be in surplus. Assuming similar climate conditions to this year, expected precipitation (approximately 550,000 ML) and river inflows into the storages (approximately 2,700,000 ML) should marginally exceed the expected evaporation from the storages (approximately 2,500,000 ML). 

The Department of Water sets extraction limits on groundwater aquifers to protect groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Only water above the prescribed minimum water-table level is recognised as a water asset in the account. The volume of water that is beyond this extraction limit is considered a contingent water asset for aquifers in the region; however, similar to the recognition of groundwater assets, there is currently not enough information available regarding groundwater resources in the Ord region to allow for a volumetric estimate.