Canberra: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

  • Annual rainfall in the Canberra region during 2023–24 was slightly above average, with rainfall being up and down throughout the reporting period.
  • Total storage volume in the Canberra region decreased by 1.6% during the reporting year, finishing at 99.0% full on 30 June 2024, with storages recording the highest four-year average on record.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use across the Canberra region was 55 GL, around 8% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

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809 mm

slightly above the average of 799 mm

Streamflow

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below average

for most of the year

Storage

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99.0% full

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1.6% less than last year

Water use from all sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Canberra region. A total of 55 GL of water was used in the region in 2023-24. 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 55 GL of water was supplied to users in 2023-24. Approximately, 94% of total water supply was for the urban system, while 6% was for individual users.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

739 GL

surface water available in 2023-24

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37% less than last year

Water accessible

67 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2023-24

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15% more than last year

Water taken

55 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken 2023-24

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8% more than last year