Canberra: Key findings

For the water account period 01 July 2021 – 30 June 2022

  • Total annual rainfall during the 2021-22 year was the region's third wettest year on record.
  • End-of-year storage was 100% full, unchanged from the previous year.
  • Water taken for consumptive use was 47 GL, around 8% less than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

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1,231 mm

54% above the average of 797 mm

Streamflow

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above average

for most of the year

Storage

Storage icon

100% full

unchanged from last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Canberra region. A total of 47 GL of water was used in the region in 2021–22. Surface water made up 98% of total water sourced. Groundwater made up 2% of the water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Canberra region. A total of 47 GL of water was supplied to users in 2021–22. 96% of total water supply was for the urban system. 4% was for individual users.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

1,152 GL

surface water available in 2021-22

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28% more than last year

Water accessible

60 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2021-22

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6% less than last year

Water taken

47 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken 2021-22

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8% less than last year