There are several definitions for water security, yet not one provides an agreed benchmark for its meaning in Australia.
Defining water security is a complex undertaking. It means more than stored volumes of water to meet specific human needs. Multiple factors affect water security, including infrastructure, climate, quality, consumer behaviour, policy, land use and allocation rights. Balancing public health, social, cultural, environmental, economic and governance aspects is also important, and sometimes these can be in conflict.
Infrastructure Australia has reviewed several existing definitions for water security. We consider the OECD definition provides a good basis for developing an Australian Water Security Framework.16
" A national water security framework would make the agreed definition for water security operational and create a clear vision for the water sector. "
The OECD defines water security through a risk-based framework that recognises water security means more than ensuring water access. It means reducing or avoiding water risks too.
Taking a risk-based approach ensures any response to water risk in one area does not defer that risk or transfer it to another area.
The OECD's framework considers these risks:
• risk of shortage
• risk of inadequate quality
• risk of excess (including floods)
• risk of undermining the resilience of freshwater systems (such as exceeding the coping capacity of surface and groundwater bodies).