Climate & water
What has wind got to do with it?
With around half of Perth's water coming from energy-intensive desalinated seawater, our goal is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2035.
How Perth's water sources have changed over time
Climate change has dramatically affected where we get our water from. Because rainfall is unpredictable, we now have a growing reliance on more energy-intensive and expensive, rainfall-independent drinking water sources. This includes desalinated seawater - water from the Indian Ocean with salt and impurities removed. There are fluctuations in our water source mix year to year, depending on how much rainwater we get. But, on average, Perth has relied on desalinated seawater over the past 5 years for around half of its drinking water supply. This is expected to increase in the future.
Climate & environment
We have had to adapt to the impacts of climate change to protect our unique WA lifestyle. By developing rainfall-independent drinking water sources, we're securing our water future. Learn about how climate change is impacting our state, our water sources, and our journey to a sustainable water cycle.
Climate change & WA
With unpredictable rainfall and declining streamflow into our dams, we can no longer rely on rainfall runoff to meet our water needs.
Environment & sustainability
Caring for our most valuable resource is a big responsibility. Find out how we're planning for a sustainable future and reducing our emissions.
You can help
Our water has never been more valuable and how we use it can result in significant savings. Learn how you can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Streamflow & rainfall
Declining rainfall is affecting the amount of rainfall runoff (streamflow) into our dams. Stay up to date with streamflow and rainfall data and find out how our water use is tracking.
Perth’s winter rainfall is predicted to decrease by up to 15% by 2030.
Updated: Tuesday, 16 January 2024
Learn more about how this data is updated
798 ML
Used yesterday
To 9am
0.00
mm
May total
May average*
32.20
mm
88.70
mm
Current
42.5%
268 GL
Last year
45%
284 GL
Change
5.7%
-16.2 GL
* Average monthly rainfall (for the period 1876 - 2016).
Dam volumes, rainfall and water use data is updated every working day, streamflow is updated weekly.
Adapting our water sources
We're the largest water utility globally, by area serviced, on the world's driest inhabited continent. With this, we face significant climate change impacts. Find out how we've diversified our water sources to ensure a secure water supply.
Groundwater
Groundwater remains a vital water source, but its also under pressure due to climate change and increasing demand.
Desalination
Is a water source that doesn’t depend on rain. Since 2006, desalinated seawater has helped supply Perth with drinking water.
Wastewater
Around 20% of Western Australia's wastewater is recycled after treatment. Our commitment is to recycle 35% of wastewater by 2035.
News & updates
VIEW ALL ARTICLESStay up to date on how we are evolving and working to deliver water in the most sustainable way possible throughout Western Australia.
Education for sustainability
Our Partnerships and Education team are taking proactive steps towards education for sustainability.
Wind is powering our way to net zero
We are on a mission to deliver drinking water in the most sustainable way possible. That’s why we’re developing one of WA’s largest wind farms. This will provide us with a quarter of our clean energy needs.
Giving back to Perth's groundwater supply
We were the first utility in the country, and among the first in the world, to use groundwater replenishment. Stage 2 is now complete allowing us to recharge Perth's aquifers with up to 28 billion litres of purified recycled water each year.