Canberra: Key findings

For the water account period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025

  • Rainfall in the Canberra region during 2024–25 was below average for the first time since 2019–20.
  • Total storage volume in the Canberra region decreased by approximately 6 percentage points during the reporting period, finishing at 91.3% full on 30 June 2025.
  • Total water inflows to the Canberra region during 2024–25 were 613 GL, approximately 35% lower than the previous reporting period.

Climate and water

Rainfall

Rainfall icon

675 mm

15% below the average of 799 mm

Streamflow

Streamflow icon

well below average

for most of the year

Storage

Storage icon

91.3% full

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6.5% 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 58 GL of water was supplied to users in 2024–25. Approximately, 93% of total water supply was for the urban system, while 7% was for individual users.

Water status of water resources

Water availability

566 GL

surface water available in 2024–25

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23% less than last year

Water accessible

87 GL

total surface water and groundwater accessible in 2024–25

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slightly more than last year

Water taken

58 GL

total surface water and groundwater taken 2024-25

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6% more than last year