Ongoing works and projects
Investing in the infrastructure and innovation needed to deliver water now and into the future.
FIND OUT MOREOur water
Water for a growing WA
WA's climate is changing, while our communities are continuing to grow. We're investing in WA's water future, but we all have a part to play in securing it.
HOW WE'RE ADAPTING
Everything that grows needs water
Water enables communities to grow and thrive. It supports the homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure that people rely on every day, while helping create opportunities for future generations across WA. At the same time, the way we source water has changed. We can no longer rely on traditional water sources the way we once did. That's why we're investing in new sources, innovative solutions and long-term planning to help secure WA's future.
Supporting a growing WA means planning beyond today's water needs.
Why we need to plan beyond rainfall
The challenge facing Perth and the South West isn't just how much rain falls, it's how much water reaches our dams.
Over the last few decades, streamflow into Perth's dams has declined significantly, changing the way we need to plan for the future. Even in wetter years, less rainfall reaches our waterways than it once did.
Streamflow & rainfall
Demand is growing while conditions are getting drier. The data below shows how rainfall, streamflow and dam levels have changed over the years, highlighting why we need to plan beyond rainfall to secure WA's water future.
Perth’s winter rainfall is predicted to decrease by up to 15% by 2030.
Updated: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Learn more about how this data is updated
* Average monthly rainfall (for the period 1876 - 2016).
Dam volumes, rainfall and water use data is updated every working day, streamflow is updated weekly.
Investing in WA's water future
Supporting a growing WA requires ongoing investment, innovation and long-term planning. By planning beyond rainfall and investing today, we're building resilience for the future and supporting the communities that rely on water every day.
Water recycling
Increasing the amount of water we recycle is essential to helping WA become more climate resilient. Learn more about water recycling in WA.
Learn moreEnvironment and sustainability
Caring for our most valuable resource is a big responsibility. Find out how we're planning for a sustainable future.
FIND OUT MOREHow we're securing water for the future
Building resilience for the future means diversifying our water sources and investing in solutions that can provide a secure supply in a changing climate. Together, these sources support WA's growing communities, industry and economy.
Groundwater
Groundwater remains a vital water source, but its also under pressure due to climate change and increasing demand.
Find out more
Desalination
Is a water source that doesn’t depend on rain. Since 2006, desalinated seawater has helped supply Perth with drinking water.
Find out more
Wastewater
Around 20% of Western Australia's wastewater is recycled after treatment. Our commitment is to recycle 35% of wastewater by 2035.
Find out moreOur changing water supply
Water supports our homes, schools, hospitals, businesses and communities every day. The Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS) supplies more than 2.5 million people across Perth, Peel and parts of regional WA using a mix of streamflow, groundwater, desalinated seawater and groundwater replenishment. Historically, rainfall and dams played a much larger role in supplying Perth's water. Today, a changing climate means less rainfall is reaching our dams and recharging groundwater supplies, even in years of above-average rainfall. By 2035, streamflow is expected to average around 40 billion litres per year, only a small proportion of the water needed to meet demand. That's why we're continuing to diversify our water sources through desalination and groundwater replenishment, while encouraging waterwise behaviours. Together, investing in new water sources and using water efficiently will help secure our water future. The graph shows how our water sources have evolved over time and why planning beyond rainfall is essential for a growing WA.
Waterwise garden hub
Discover waterwise tools and expert advice tailored to WA gardens for the warmer months ahead.
EXPLORE GARDEN HUB