What you need to know about droughts and saving water

Droughts can happen anywhere and anytime in Australia, and they are a recurring feature of our landscape.

It is a cycle in which we are either preparing for drought, in drought or recovering from drought.

South Australia is the driest state on the world’s driest inhabited continent and that means it is even more important that we use water as efficiently as possible.

I hear we are in drought. Is that true?

Australian state and territory governments do not make formal drought declarations in line with the National Drought Agreement 2024-2029.

However, the Bureau of Meteorology’s 2024 annual climate summary for South Australia shows:

• Rainfall totals were among the lowest 10% of all years since 1900 across central and eastern agricultural districts, including areas of lowest on record on Yorke Peninsula.
• Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and the South-East districts were in serious to severe rainfall deficiency for most of the year.
• Mean maximum temperatures were among the highest 10% of all years since 1910 for most of South Australia, including an area of highest on record from Yorke Peninsula to the Mid North and Riverland districts.
• South Australia's area-averaged mean maximum temperature was 28.7C, 1.96C above the 1961-1990 average, the third-highest on record for all years since 1910.

What is the current situation in metropolitan Adelaide?

Reservoirs are used as primary water storage areas to supply homes and businesses across South Australia.

Reservoirs do not only store rainwater but are also used as storage for River Murray water when required.

Adelaide’s 10 reservoirs hold about 200,000 megalitres of water – about one year’s supply – when full. SA Water publishes updates on reservoir levels.

The Adelaide Desalination Plant provides an additional source of water for Adelaide, especially when catchment supplies are lower.

In response to the lowest rainfall in metropolitan Adelaide since 2006 – 347mm in 2024, which is almost 200mm below average – production from the Adelaide Desalination Plant was temporarily increased in January 2025.

This was to ensure SA Water customers in metropolitan Adelaide continued to have a consistent water supply throughout summer without the need for water restrictions.

The desalination plant contributed 5.766 megalitres (5.766 billion litres) to Adelaide’s water supply in January 2025.

What can I do to save water?

There are numerous effective ways South Australians can save water both indoors and outdoors.

Implementing these tips can help conserve water and reduce your water bills.

Indoors

• Install water-efficient fixtures: Use water-efficient showerheads, taps and dual-flush toilets to reduce water usage significantly.
• Fix leaks: Regularly check for, and repair, any leaks in taps, toilets and pipes. Even small leaks can waste a lot of water over time.
• Shorten showers: Aim to keep showers under 4 minutes. This can save a substantial amount of water.
• Use full loads: Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to maximise water efficiency.
• Turn off taps: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands.

Outdoors

• Water-wise gardening: Choose native or drought-resistant plants that require less water. Mulching can also help retain soil moisture.
• Efficient watering: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Use a drip irrigation system to target the roots directly.
• Collect rainwater: Install rainwater tanks to collect and store rainwater for garden use.
• Cover pools: Use a pool cover to reduce water evaporation when the pool is not in use.
• Follow watering restrictions: Adhere to local watering restrictions and guidelines to ensure water is used efficiently.