Sydney: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2020–30 June 2021

  • Total annual rainfall was above average for the first time in five years.
  • Heavy rainfall in March 2021 resulted in major flooding across parts of the region.
  • Water taken for consumptive water use was 581 GL, around 3% less than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

1,236 mm

above the average of 888 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

well above average

during March 2021

Storage

Storage icon

97% full

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22% more than last year

Water use

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Sydney region. A total of 581 GL of water was used in the region in 2020–21. Surface water made up 95% of total water sourced. Desalinated water made up 3% and groundwater 3% of the water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Sydney region. A total of 581 GL of water was supplied to users in 2020–21. 91% of total water supply was for the urban system and 9% was for individual users.

Water status

Allocations

1,285 GL

total surface water and groundwater allocations

Water availability

11,621 GL

surface water available in 2020–21

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67% more than average

Outlook

Decrease

in storage expected during the 2021–22 year