Regional water supply security assessments
The Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy works with councils and water service providers to better understand the ability of current water supply systems to supply water for future growth in regional urban areas.
Population growth as well as challenges from droughts and ageing infrastructure highlight the ongoing importance of water security planning. Some local governments have requested our assistance with water supply security planning.
Regional water supply security assessment program (RWSSA)
The RWSSA program is a partnership, providing a shared understanding of the potential water supply security risks for prioritised communities.
Each assessment provides an overview of the capability of the existing water sources during different rainfall events for projected population growth and water demands. Hydrologic modelling is used to assess the performance of the bulk water supply in meeting forecast demands.
Local governments and water service providers remain responsible for deciding what should be done and implementing actions to provide an appropriate level of water security for their communities.
Current regional water supply security assessments
The map below shows current completed assessments and assessments in progress.
- Bundaberg regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 3.6MB)
- Cairns regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 934KB)
- Charters Towers regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.3MB)
- Emerald regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.5MB)
- Gladstone regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 5.8MB)
- Gympie regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.1MB)
- Hervey Bay regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Mackay regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.5MB)
- Maryborough regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.3MB)
- Rockhampton regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.2MB)
- Stanthorpe regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.9MB)
- Townsville regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 2.3MB)
- Whitsundays regional water supply security assessment (PDF, 1.2MB)
RWSSAs completed and in progress


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- Last reviewed: 17 Apr 2018
- Last updated: 17 Apr 2018