Western Australia (WA) occupies an entire third of Australia and is dominated by arid lands. Its economy is closely linked to its natural resources, and is based on mining, oil extraction and agriculture. The combined effect of resource exploitation, agricultural expansion, population growth and adverse climate change is resulting in increased pressures on ecosystems services, particularly freshwater. This is leading to conflict between water users.
The state’s water system has two components, namely water supply and water demand (Figures 1 and 2). When these are balanced, the water system can be classed as sustainable. In parts of WA water demand is now far outstripping water supply and the water system is becoming increasingly vulnerable, especially in the face of competition for resources from different sectors.
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