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Water resources

Future temperature increases and rainfall changes are likely to place additional pressure on water resources in some parts of NSW. Understanding the likely changes will help decision makers manage NSW’s water supply in the long-term.

The impacts of climate change on water supply and demand in Sydney

To better understand the impacts of climate change on greater Sydney's water supply system and future urban water demand, a collaborative study was undertaken by the NSW Office of Water, the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney Water, Sydney Catchment Authority, the University of NSW and the CSIRO.

The study, known as the Sydney Water Balance Project, provides information about how greater Sydney's water supply may be affected by climate change over time.

For more information about the study or about managing Sydney's water supply, visit the NSW Government's Water for Life Website.

Implications of climate change for water resources in NSW

The 2008 report on NSW climate change impacts, Future Climate and Runoff projections (~2030) for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, details the results of modelling of the impacts of climate change on runoff and water availability across NSW.

The study was conducted by the NSW Office of Water in collaboration with CSIRO Land and Water and CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research. The modelling demonstrates an overall decrease in annual average rainfall, with winter rainfall likely to be lower across the entire region.

The NSW Climate Impact Profile contains information about the likely changes in rainfall and run off in each region of NSW in 2050. The projections in this report are based on the results of the 2008 modelling study.