Canberra: Outlook for 2018 Account
as at 1 June 2018
Rainfall was below average for most of the Canberra region during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year, which is likely to contribute to a decrease in end of year storage. Water use is expected to be similar 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 S18 Water outlook for the Canberra region for 2017–18
- There is a surplus of available water assets and future water rights over future water commitments that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.
Expected inflows
Figure S19 Rainfall deciles for the Canberra region from July 2017–May 2018
- Rainfall during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year (July–May) was below average across most of the region. Storages were 71% full at 1 June 2018 compared to 86% full at the same time last year.
- 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
- Surface water diversions and groundwater extractions are expected to be similar to the 2016–17 year.