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2008 Progress Report
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The 2008 Progress Report lets you find out how we’re tracking in implementing the Metropolitan Water Plan, providing water for people and the environment. It shows that Sydney’s water supply is secure until at least 2015 and we are well prepared for drought, climate change and a growing population. The report has been endorsed by the Metropolitan Water Independent Review Panel. You can also view a short two-minute summary clip which outlines the major elements of the report. The report details the progress made on: |
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- dams: getting the most out of dams and preparing for future droughts
- recycling: increasing water recycling to save drinking water for drinking
- desalination: building a desalination plant to provide a reliable water source that doesn't depend on rainfall
- water efficiency: helping the community and business to continue their great efforts in using water wisely
- river health: improving the environmental health of our rivers and catchments.
The report also shows how we’re preparing to take advantage of new technologies and ongoing research on climate change.
Downloads
- Executive Summary (PDF, 4Mb) - full colour version.
- 2008 Progress Report (PDF, 1.39Mb) - full colour version.
- Executive Summary (PDF, 266Kb) - black and white version.
- 2008 Progress Report (PDF, 1.62Mb) - black and white version.
Achievements
- We can now reach deep water in major dams, increasing the amount of dam water available for use.
- Large new water recycling projects are being built all over Sydney, including at Rouse Hill, Hoxton Park and Ropes Crossing, with more to come at Campbelltown, Liverpool and the North West Growth Centre.
- The desalination plant is on track to provide drinking water that does not depend on rainfall from the summer of 2009/10. It will be powered by 100% renewable energy.
- Programs to help business and the community be water wise are working. Greater Sydney is using the same amount of water now as in the early 1970s, even with an extra 1.3 million people.
- Projects are protecting and restoring rivers and catchments, with the main focus on environmental flows, including new works at Avon Dam which will allow the release of environmental flows for the first time since the dam was built in 1928.
- Research is under way into how climate change will affect Sydney’s water supply and demand and how best to prepare.
- Increased competition and diversity in the water industry moved a step closer under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006.
Find out more about progress on all the initiatives and the next steps planned on dams and drought security, recycling, desalination, water efficiency and rivers and catchments.
What's next?
In 2009, the Metropolitan Water Plan will be reviewed and updated to take into account the latest information, particularly on climate change. The revised Plan will ensure that the right solutions are in place to secure Sydney’s water for the long term.
"The Independent Review Panel is impressed with the progress that has been made in the last year. This plan is a vital initiative for Sydney's water future and its direction and execution are endorsed."
- Chris Davis, Interim Chair, Independent Review Panel