Sydney: Outlook for 2018 Account
as at 1 June 2018
Rainfall was well below average across most of the Sydney region for the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year. As a result, a decrease in surface water storage at the end of the year is very likely. Water use, however, 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 S19 Water outlook for the Sydney 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 S20 Rainfall deciles for the Sydney region from July 2017–May 2018
- Rainfall during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year (July–May) was well below average across most of the region, including record low rainfall in central parts of the region. Storages were 69% full at 1 June 2018 compared to 91% 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, and total annual rainfall for the 2017–18 year is likely to be well below average.
- The expected inflows for 2017–18 are based on storage levels as at 1 June 2018.
Future commitments
- Surface water diversions historically vary little from year to year, and 2017–18 diversions are expected to be similar to the previous year in spite of the poor rainfall conditions.