Adelaide: Outlook for 2018 Account
as at 1 June 2018
Rainfall for the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year was average across most of the Adelaide region. Annual rainfall is expected to be much less than the high rainfall during the 2016–17 year, which is likely to result in a decrease in storage at the end of the 2017–18 year. Water use is expected to increase, including an increased reliance of water transfers from the River Murray compared to last year.
For further information on the expected inflows and future commitments for the region during the 2017–18 year scroll down this page.
Future prospects
Figure S17 Water outlook for the Adelaide region for 2017–18
- There is a surplus of available water assets and future water rights over water liabilities and future water commitments that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.
Expected inflows
Figure S18 Rainfall deciles for the Adelaide region from July 2017–May 2018
- Despite average rainfall across most of the region during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year (July–May), storage volumes were 48% full at 1 June 2018 compared to 59% full at the same time last year (see the Bureau of Meteorology's Water Storages website).
- According to the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook (from 31 May 2018), below-average pressure over the Tasman Sea, associated with warmer ocean temperatures, are likely to weaken the westerlies that bring rain systems to southeast Australia during the winter months. This means the region is likely to experience below-average rainfall in June 2018.
- The expected inflows for the 2017–18 year are based on storage levels as at 1 June 2018.
Future commitments
- 2017–18 rainfall is very likely to be less than last year, which could mean users will have an increased reliance on water sourced directly from surface water and groundwater stores, particularly for irrigation purposes.
- With surface water availability very likely to be lower than last year, and less desalinated water production planned in 2017–18, there may be an increased reliance on inter-region delivery from the River Murray to meet urban demand.