Water sources and supply
Groundwater
Groundwater is made up from rain which percolates down through the rocks and soils and into aquifers. Aquifers are geological formations composed of sand, sandstone and limestone and contain usable quantities of groundwater. Approximately 35-50% of the water supplied to Perth comes from groundwater supplies.
Desalination
As Western Australia continues to experience a drying climate, bringing on new and sustainable water sources that are climate independent is increasingly important. Across the state, two large-scale reverse osmosis seawater desalination plants provide fresh drinking water into the Integrated Water Supply Scheme that services over 1.7 million customers.
Surface water
Traditionally our surface water sources, from dams in the Darling Range, have supplied approximately 25-45% of water for the IWSS. Surface water will play less of a role in our drinking water supply due to reduced rainfall and changes in rainfall timing which has reduced run-off.
More on our surface water, dam information, water storage and streamflow.
Rainfall in Perth
This section contains daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rainfall figures, and rainfall recorded at Perth dam locations.
Who uses our water?
This section has information on who uses our water, residential and business water use, and amount of water that is used in different areas inside and outside the home.
Who uses our water and where is it used?
Daily water supply figures
Graphs and information on how much water is supplied to the Perth metropolitan area daily, weekly, and over 6 months.
Regional water supply
This section contains information on some of the main water supply schemes and water sources in our regional areas.
