Water and sewerage infrastructure accounts for approximately three per cent of projected growth in total DEC in the ACT between 2011 and 2031. The Audit identified that 34 GL of water was supplied to the ACT in 2011, and 35 GL of sewage was collected.
The DEC for water and sewerage infrastructure in≈the ACT is projected to grow from $209 million in 2011 to $316 million in 2031, a 51 per cent increase.
It is important to note that water and sewerage services have historically been under-priced and that this has potentially led to an understatement of DEC as measured by the National Water Commission data (and as incorporated into the national accounts and GDP numbers).
Over 80 per cent of water used in the ACT is for residential and industrial use.516 There is very little water used for irrigation.
Since 2003, water use per capita has been declining, due to a combination of demand management strategies and increased awareness of water scarcity. Between 2001 and 2013, annual water use per capita halved, falling from approximately 90 kilolitres per person per year in 2001 to just over 40 kilolitres per person per year in 2013.
The ACT enlarged the Cotter Dam in 2013, from 4 GL to 78 GL, and constructed the Murrumbidgee to Googong Transfer Pipeline in 2012. The pipeline carries up to 100 ML of water per day from the Murrumbidgee River to Googong Dam. As a result of these projects, the ACT Government Water Strategy517 notes that water supply in the ACT is secure through to 2035, even under a high population growth scenario.
When demand exceeds supply, the ACT Government has stated518 that it will consider buying water entitlements from the Murrumbidgee River catchment or reducing demand through water restrictions or other demand management options. The Murray Darling Basin Authority will establish protocols for ACT interstate water trading under the Murray Darling Basin Agreement.
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516. Australian Capital Territory Government Environment and Planning Directorate (2014b)
517. Australian Capital Territory Government Environment and Planning Directorate (2014b)
518. Australian Capital Territory Government Environment and Planning Directorate (2014b)