Canberra: Key findings

For the water account period 01 July 2022 – 30 June 2023

  • Total annual rainfall was above average for the third consecutive year, with the region experiencing its wettest three-year period on record.
  • End-of-year storage volume remained stable, finishing at 101% full by 30 June 2023, the same as the previous two years.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use was 50 GL, around 6% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

1,020 mm

28% above the average of 797 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

above average

for most of the year

Storage

Storage icon

101% full

no change from last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Canberra region. A total of 50 GL of water was used in the region in 2022–23. Surface water made up 99% of total water sourced. Groundwater made up 1% of the water sourced.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Canberra region. A total of 50 GL of water was supplied to users in 2022–23. 95% of total water supply was for the urban system. 5% was for individual users.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

1,173 GL

surface water available in 2022-23

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slightly more than last year

Water accessible

57 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2022-23

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5% less than last year

Water taken

50 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken 2022-23

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6% more than last year