Security Through Diversity
Until the 1970s, Perth relied mainly on surface water sources - dams built in the hills. Over the past 30 years, significant groundwater resources have been developed. Groundwater represents up to 60% of all water currently sourced for the IWSS water grid.
Reduced inflows into our dams have resulted in lower surface water availability. Climate change has also decreased recharge to groundwater in some areas.
In 2004, the Water Corporation developed the Security through Diversity strategy to diversify from these traditional water sources. Most recent innovations include more rainfall independent sources such as desalination, water recycling, water use efficiency, catchment management and water trading.
Water Forever will look at how these and other sources can continue to play a role in our water future.