Methods Pilot for the National Water Account

Throughout 2009, the Bureau of Meteorology will work closely with lead water agencies in each state and territory, as well as other Australian Government agencies and peak water industry bodies, to conduct a Methods Pilot for the National Water Account (Methods Pilot).

The Methods Pilot aims to test data availability, methods for quantifying water components, water accounting standards, governance arrangements and an approach to publication for the National Water Account (NWA). Outputs from the Methods Pilot will be published in December 2009 and the knowledge gained will guide development and production of the first NWA, due for publication in late 2010.

The Methods Pilot for the NWA will produce sub-national accounts for a select number of priority geographic areas located around Australia for the 2007/08 financial year, with the 2006/07 financial year reported for comparison.

Priority geographic areas for the Methods Pilot are:

• Murray Darling Basin
• Murrumbidgee (including ACT)
• Namoi (NSW)
• South East Queensland (QLD)
• Melbourne Region (VIC)
• Gnangara Mound (WA)
• Onkaparinga (SA).

These sub-national accounts will be prepared and presented in accordance with the Preliminary Australian Water Accounting Standard developed by the Water Accounting Standards Board. The Standard prescribes the components of a water accounting report along with definitions, recognition criteria, quantification attributes, units of account and disclosure requirements.

The Methods Pilot for the National Water Account Implementation Plan outlines the scope, resource allocation, reporting roles, production process and production schedule for the Methods Pilot.

Printed and electronic versions of the Methods Pilot of the NWA will be available from the end of 2009, via the Bureau's website.

An evaluation process will follow release of the Methods Pilot. Comment will be sought from a wide range of potential users of the product, particularly regarding how the NWA can be tailored to enhance its value. Insights gained through the evaluation process will lead to continuous improvement of the product over time.