Perth: Key findings

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

  • Annual rainfall for the Perth region during 2023–24 year was the lowest on record, with the region receiving just 61% of its long-term average.
  • Total storage volume in the Perth region decreased by 12.2% during the reporting year, finishing at 38.7% full on 30 June 2024.
  • Water taken from surface water and groundwater resources for consumptive use in the Perth region was 760 GL, around 8% more than last year.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

483 mm

39% below the average of 794 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

below average

at all sites

Storage

Storage icon

38.7% full

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12.2% less than last year

Water use from all water sources

Water sourced

Graph showing breakdown of water sources used in the Perth region. A total of 882 GL of water was used in the region in 2023-24. Approximately, 67% of the water sourced was from groundwater, with desalinated water accounting for 14% of the total water sourced. Surface water contributed 22% of the total water sourced, while less than 1% of the water sourced came from inter-region deliveries.

Water supplied

Graph showing breakdown of water users in the Perth region. A total of 882 GL of water was supplied to users in 2023-24. Approximately, 56% of total water supply was for individual users, while 37% was for the urban system. The remaining volume (8%) was for the irrigation scheme.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

1,188 GL

surface water available in 2023-24

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41% less than last year

Water accessible

927 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2023-24

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6% more than last year

Water taken

760 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken in 2023–24

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8% more than last year