Water Targets
Vision: The health of all ACT water ecosystems is consistently the best of all Australian capital cities and their catchments
8. Water supply catchments
Intermediate
Revegetation and better road management in the lower Cotter stabilises sediment movement to streams in the lower Cotter catchment at below pre-bushfire levels (2015)
Ensure water supply security that results in water restrictions limited to one in every 20 years or less than 5% of the time (2015)
Long-term
The excellent condition of all ACT water supply catchments provides resilience to loss of water quality in parts of the catchment due to periodic bushfires or other periodic disturbance (2030)
9. Water use
Intermediate
Achieve a reduction in per capita mains water use from 174 kL (2003) to 153 kL; and 20% of water use to be recycled, stormwater and rainwater. Total net water use remains within the Cap agreed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council and due for review in 2011 (2015)
Long-term
Reach a stabilised per capita mains water use of 130 kL and maintain the 20% increase in the use of recycled, stormwater and rainwater. Total net water use remains within the Cap agreed by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council and due for review in 2011 (2030)
10. Surface water quality
Intermediate
Surface water quality in all rivers, streams and lakes is ‘fit for purpose’ for 90% of the time with respect to the Water Quality Standards as defined in the Environment Protection Regulations 2005 (2015)
AUSRIVAS scores average ‘B’ or better (2015)
Long-term
Surface water quality in all rivers, streams and lakes is ‘fit for purpose’ for 95% of the time with respect to the Water Quality Standards as defi ned in the Environment Protection Regulations 2005 (2030)
AUSRIVAS scores average half way between ‘A’ and ‘B’ (2030)
11. Riverine ecosystems and wetlands
Intermediate
Riparian health of the Molonglo River between Queanbeyan and Lake Burley Griffin enhanced (2015)
Long-term
The extent, integrity and condition of riverine and wetland ecosystems is maintained and enhanced in accordance with their stated values (2030)
12. Environmental flows
Intermediate
The ecological objectives in the environmental flow guidelines are achieved (2015)
Long-term
The ecological objectives in the environmental flow guidelines are achieved (2030)
13. Groundwater
Intermediate
Field validation of the extent and yield of all aquifers is completed and their sustainable yields determined (before 2015)
Long-term
No water management areas experience groundwater extraction beyond sustainable yields (before 2030)
