Water resources and environments
South Australia's water supplies come from a wide range of sources. Groundwater and surface water (water from dams, streams, rivers and reservoirs) provide most of our water.
We have also diversified our sources of water. In many parts of South Australia, water recycling and stormwater capture and reuse are helping provide additional water for irrigating crops, parks and gardens.
Desalinated water is another important source. In metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Desalination Plant has been producing drinking water since late 2011. Additional desalination plants are across South Australia provide drinking water to regional communities.
As a state, we have maintained good water use habits by minimising our per capita water intake with daily water saving measures. Water use has not significantly increased in our state since water restrictions were lifted in late 2010.
Surface water systems replenished by rainfall and groundwater.
Water stored in geological formations below the earth's surface.
This water can be harvested and reused.
Treated wastewater is processed to reduce nutrients and other contaminants.
Plants across South Australia treat groundwater to remove salt and impurities.
Image courtesy Vmenkov, CC BY-SA 3.0
The intentional draining or injecting of water into a well.
South Australia has six Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.
Kati Thunda Basin covers almost one-sixth of Australia.
The landscape-scale drain removes floodwaters, drains saline groundwater, and provides for environmental flows.
