Water for the Future

Policy and programs

Water policy and programs

'Water for the Future' is the Government's $12.9 billion strategy that aims to secure the long term water supply of all Australians. The National Water Initiative and The Water Act 2007 are vital elements in this national framework.

Rural water

Driving Reform in the Basin

The Driving Reform in the Basin program supports Australian Government contributions to the operation and water reform functions of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, including those under the Water Act. It also gives the National Water Commission and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission specific roles and functions under the Water Act.

Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure

The Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure program invests in key rural water projects that support sustainable irrigation communities and that save water by upgrading out-dated and leaky irrigation systems.

Restoring the Balance in the Basin (water entitlement buyback)

The goal of Restoring the Balance in the Basin is to acquire water entitlements from willing sellers that represents value for money, and use the water allocated to them for the environment. This water will be used to improve the health of the Basin's rivers, wetlands and floodplains.

Water in our environment

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

The Water Act 2007 establishes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to manage the water entitlements that the Commonwealth acquires. These water entitlements will be used to protect or restore environmental assets such as wetlands and streams.

Wetlands

Wetlands are vital to Australia. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and provide critical habitat for animals and plants.

River Health

River health is a crucial component of the sustainable management of our rivers, wetlands and groundwater basins.

Living Murray Initiative

The Living Murray Initiative was established to help improve the health of the River Murray, with a focus on six icon sites that are internationally significant wetlands supporting a rich biodiversity. The program is managed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority

Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative

The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative provides funding to accelerate work on the repair of uncontrolled artesian bores and the replacement of wasteful open earthen bore drains with piped reticulation systems through the Great Artesian Basin.

Lake Eyre Basin

The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the world's largest internally draining systems covering about 1.2 million square kilometres, almost one-sixth of Australia.

Water in cities and towns

Policy and reform in the area of urban water

The Australian Government, together with states and territories, is undertaking a range of actions to progress urban water reforms. These will assist to secure urban water supplies, use water wisely, address the challenges of climate change and support healthy rivers.

National Urban Water and Desalination Plan

The National Urban Water and Desalination Plan supports desalination, water recycling and stormwater harvesting projects in population centres of 50,000 people or more, to reduce our reliance on traditional rainfall and secure water supplies.

National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns

The National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns is providing funding to cities and towns with fewer than 50,000 people to upgrade older water systems, install new infrastructure and support practical projects that save water or reduce water losses.

Water Efficiency Opportunities

The objectives of the Water Efficiency Opportunities Program is to support and encourage water efficiency in the commercial and industrial sectors of the community.

Strengthening Basin Communities

The Strengthening Basin Communities program is assisting local governments in the Murray-Darling Basin plan for reduced water availability and deliver associated local water saving initiatives

National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative

The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative will help households and surf lifesaving clubs save drinking water by installing rainwater tanks and greywater systems.

Water Smart Australia

Water Smart Australia aims to accelerate the development and uptake of smart technologies and practices in water use across Australia.

Green Precincts

The Green Precincts Fund supports project initiatives that encourage water and energy savings measures at the community level.

Water efficiency labelling and standards (WELS)

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme labels a range of household products for their water efficiency, helping individuals to choose products such as washing machines, dishwashers, taps, showers and toilets to save water and money. The website, www.waterrating.gov.au  also provides advice to plumbers, retailers, manufacturers, builders, architects and local governments on WELS requirements, registration, legislation, compliance and enforcement.

Water quality

Water of adequate quality and quantity is central to the integrity of the environment. It is essential to our agricultural enterprises, even to our ability to ensure we have sufficient drinking water to supply our needs. The focus on our water resources is often on the volume of water available for particular purposes. However, water quality determines the suitability of water for a particular purpose.

Managing water quality requires a catchment-based approach as land uses have a major effect on the quality of water resources.

A concerted effort by land managers, industry, catchment groups, the community, environmental groups and Australian, state/territory and local governments is required to protect the quality of our water resources.

Volunteers water monitoring

Water quality in Australia

The National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) provides the information and tools to help communities manage their water resources to meet current and future needs. It provides policies, a process and a series of national guidelines for water quality management.

The Water Quality Management Framework includes a step-by-step approach to planning, implementing and managing water quality for your area, plus information about common environmental stressors.

Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) identify the most cost-effective and timely projects for investment by all parties including the Australian Government, State and Local Governments, and community and environment groups.

The Tasmanian River Catchment Water Quality Initiative built on existing river catchment auditing and monitoring work to provide information in response to community concerns about pesticide use and the potential impact of pesticide pollution on the environment, human health and industry.

Water information

Improving Water Information

Improving Water Information  provides additional funding to the Bureau of Meteorology to accurately monitor, assess and forecast the availability, condition and use of our water resources.

Sustainable Yields project

Via the Sustainable Yields project, the Australian Government has commissioned the CSIRO to undertake assessments to provide robust estimates of current and future water availability in the Murray-Darling Basin and as well as Tasmania, Western Australia and northern Australia. The results of these assessments will provide the science to help underpin the sustainable planning and management of water resources.

Northern Australia Water Futures Assessment

The objective of the Northern Australia Water Futures Assessment is to provide an enduring knowledge base to inform decisions about development of northern Australia's water resources.

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