South East Queensland: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2019–30 June 2020

  • Over the last two years, the region has experienced its driest 24-month period since 1918–20.
  • Storage volumes at 30 June 2020 were 60% full, the lowest end-of-year level in more than 10 years.
  • Total consumptive water use was 449 GL, around 8% higher than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

748 mm

below the average of 1,056 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

below average

for most of the year

Storage

Storage icon

60% full

Downward pointing arrow indicating decrease in storage

8% less than last year

Water use

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the South East Queensland region. A total of 449 GL of water was used in the region in 2019–20. Surface water made up 91% of total water sourced. Groundwater made up 6% and desalinated water 3% of total water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the South East Queensland region. A total of 449 GL of water was supplied to users in 2019-20. 84% of total water supply was for the urban system and 16% was for individual users.

Water status

Allocations

602 GL

total surface water and groundwater allocations

Water assets

1,560 GL

water assets at 30 June 2020

Downward pointing arrow indicating decrease in storage

113 GL less than last year

Outlook

similar

storage levels expected at 30 June 2021 to last year