This year we're partnering with The Water Conservancy to support Water Night. It is an annual event to help raise public awareness about how much water we use and aims to encourage everyone to value it more.
This year's theme 'from Habit to Hero' calls on us to change our water use to save more water.
To join Australia in changing how we value water and turn off non-essential taps on Water Night, 5-10 pm Thursday 23 October, visit Water Night 2025.
The latest National Climate Risk Assessment found that drought risk and water shortages will increase across Australia. This is due to:
declining rainfall
reduced streamflow
a more variable climate change
higher evaporation.
According to the report, the current risk to water security in Australia is high. If we don't adapt and mitigate, the risk is expected to increase to very high by 2050 and very high to severe by 2090.
The Australian Government plays an important leadership role in the future of Australia's water management.
The development of a new National Water Agreement (NWA) is one way we're preparing for climate change impacts. The agreement has been negotiated between all states and territories and the Commonwealth. It is now being finalised by governments.
The NWA supports the needs of:
our expanding population
the environment
critical industries including power generation, food and fibre, and mining.
Importantly, the agreement also elevates First Nations interests and influence in water management and planning.
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is a way all Australians can conserve our water resources. Its water rating label helps people choose water efficient household products like showers, taps, dishwashers and toilets.
The plumbing products we buy today will likely be used for more than 10 years, impacting our water and energy bills long-term. In 2025 the scheme is expected to save 178 gigalitres of water across Australia. That is about 18 litres of water for every Australian every day for a year. If water savings aren't enough motivation, this year Australians will save more than $1.7 billion off their utility bills thanks to WELS. That's about $240 per household.
