Future temperature increases and rainfall changes are likely to place additional pressure on water resources in some parts of NSW. Understanding the changes will help decision-makers manage the state’s water supply in the long-term.

Research update

We are collaborating with other government agencies and research institutions to provide updated information on the potential impact of climate change on water. The research, which uses projections from NARCliM aims to support decision-makers in strategic and operational planning. The projections are also informing the development of the next Sydney Metro Water Plan.

New research is available for climate change impacts on:

1. Groundwater recharge and surface run-off

Additional information

The following studies and websites improve our understanding of the risk of climate change to NSW water resources:

• The Eastern Seaboard Climate Change Initiative – East Coast Lows project studied the importance of these powerful storms on water security along the coast and the Tablelands of New South Wales, how they have changed over time and how they may change in the future with climate change.
• The report ‘Future climate and runoff projections (2030) for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (PDF 2.4MB) by the NSW Office of Water and CSIRO, contains modelling that demonstrates an overall decrease in annual average rainfall, with winter rainfall likely to be lower across NSW and ACT.
• The 2010 NSW Climate Impact Profile contains information about the likely changes in rainfall and run-off in each region of the state by 2050.