Water futures for Western Australia 2008 to 2030 – a water demand scenario modelling tool.
Demand for water has grown in line with the economic and demographic expansion of Western Australia.
The Department of Water guides the way the state's water resources are shared between competing users.
This includes integrating current planning activities with forward planning, to take stock of the state's water availability and predict demand.
We have assessed potential future demand for water from 2008 to 2030 in 19 water demand regions across the state.
Using a purpose-built tool – the Demand Scenario Modelling Tool - the future estimates of water use were calculated using expected trends in industry, employment and population, at a regional level.
The tool assembles information from our water resources licensing database, surveys, statistics and reports, and is used to predict the economic activity of up to 60 industry sectors in 19 water demand regions.
It also provides an effective means to identify emerging issues and to prioritise action plans that will address the potential future gaps between water demand and availability.
For further information on the modelling tool, contact the Strategic Policy and Planning Branch on 6364 7600 or email strategicwatermanagement@water.wa.gov.au.