Understanding climate change
It is difficult to predict the effect that climate change will have on Sydney's water availability, however some impacts may include:
- higher temperatures
- changed rainfall patterns
- increased evaporation
- longer more intense droughts.
Managing Sydney's water supply/demand balance over the long term requires improved understanding of climatic cycles and trends, as well as the potential impacts of climate change.
To do this, a number of studies are being undertaken, including one initiated by the NSW Government to examine the potential impacts of climate change on both water supply and demand across the whole of Sydney.
One study about understanding and responding to climate change is a NSW and Australian Government sponsored research project conducted in collaboration between the NSW Office of Water, the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, CSIRO, Sydney Water Corporation, Sydney Catchment Authority, the Commonwealth Government (through the Australian Greenhouse Office) and the University of New South Wales. For more information on the study, click here.
The results of this study are expected to be available in late 2009, and the study will inform future Metropolitan Water Plans.
Given that climate change projections and anticipated impacts are uncertain, it is important to maintain an adaptive approach to managing Sydney's water supply.
To find out more visit the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water website, the Bureau of Meteorology's climate information page or view Chapter 4 of the Plan.
Understanding climatic cycles and trends, as well as the potential impacts of climate change, will help us to manage Sydney's water supply and demand balance over the long term.