Top Sydney Water Statistics 2024

Water is a precious commodity across sectors; that is something undeniable. Human consumption needs a secure drinking water supply; otherwise, human life will perish. 

Currently, Sydney’s water supply is heavily dependent on rain. We have managed to maintain this feat, but the water source is at risk with a rapidly changing climate and a growing population. In 2021, the Greater Sydney Water Strategy forecasted an increase of 250 gigalitres of drinking water annually by 2060. 

Summers are getting hotter, and dam levels are falling. Water storage efforts are not enough, and Sydney’s water system may not be able to carry enough water for everyone.

Communities are called not to take water for granted. Desalination plants are now constantly used. However, more than existing tactics, this suggests that more adaptable technologies and flexible plumbing systems must be implemented to combat the risk of short supply. 

To sustain sustainability, a balance must be struck between leading the advancement of water management systems and optimising costs for Sydneysiders. In adherence to its operating licence, which is anchored in the Sydney Water Act 1994, Sydney Water has this duty and responsibility. 

As citizens of Sydney, we have no real control over our service provider. Hence, this is our safety net for a secure potable water source. To ensure that there are performance standards to which Sydney Water is subjected. 

Water Continuity: Drinking Water Statistics in Sydney

The first performance standard is an unaffected drinking water supply. As per the Operating Licence from 2019-2023, Sydney Water must ensure that at least 9,800 out of 10,000 properties are not subjected to unplanned water interruption. 

This phenomenon occurs when the drinking water supply is interrupted without at least 48 hours prior notice. It also means it takes more than five continuous hours for normal flow to be restored. In short, it has two main indicators: (1) the number of unplanned supply interruptions and (2) the duration. 

These indicators have a total of five branches:

• Number of fault events (mainly due to pipe corrosion and leakages, structural failure, and external damages leading to nonperformance of water supply delivery)
• Number of properties impacted per event 
• Speed of response 
• Availability of alternate supplies (prompt reconfiguration of water supply system to affected properties)
• Speed of repairs 

These components even have their specific factors and suggested courses of action. When we look at Sydney Water’s accomplishments, three out of four years in the current licence show compliance. 

In 2019-2020, they fell short of the 9,800 per 10,000 property mark by 37 properties. This reflects the drought that shook Sydney from 2017 to 2020. Rainfall was recorded to be lowest from January 2017 to December 2019; subsequently being recorded as the warmest years.

Water storage levels in Sydney dropped by 50% of full dam capacity in two years.  Not only did these affect water storage, but the dry weather also drastically affected soils, which led to pipe movements and leakages.  

Thankfully, from 2020 to 2023, Sydney Water has passed the mark. While barely compliant in the succeeding year from the drought, it showed a collective effort in water management activities. However, this does not ensure a consistent performance, as El Niño looms over Sydney in the coming years. 

Water Pressure: Recurrent Pressure Issue Statistics

Another equally important performance standard is water pressure. A little higher than water continuity standards, Sydney Water is required to ensure at least 9,999 out of 10,000 properties are affected by fewer than 12 water pressure failures. A head pressure of less than 15 m at a continuous point for an hour or so is established as a failure. 

Similar to water continuity, it also has performance drivers listed below:

• Property Specific Characteristics (height relative to reservoir)
• Network Pressure
• Local Network Demand

And these drivers have their factors and courses of action.

Unlike water continuity, Sydney Water has been compliant for four consecutive years of the licence. This suggests that 0.0025% of the connected properties have dealt with recurrent pressure problems. Additionally, they found out that these belong to known areas for low pressure. 

Dry Weather Wastewater Overflow Statistics

Part of the performance standards to look out for are dry-weather wastewater overflows. These commonly occur due to sewer blockages, and discharge can vary from 5 to 10 litres per second. Based on the operating licence, there are two key drivers:

• Number of Sewer Chokes (blockage in wastewater pipe)
• Number of properties impacted per choke 

Sydney Water has also successfully complied in said consecutive years, fulfilling at least 9,928 per 10,000 properties receiving a sewerage service unaffected by an Uncontrolled Wastewater Overflow. From 2019 to 2020, they reached 9,965 properties, a steady increase to 9,979 for the succeeding year and 9,987 for the next. From 2022 to 2023, one property wasn’t protected from prior notice. 

Another angle looked into was compliance, which requires at least 9,999 per 10,000 properties to receive a sewerage service unaffected by 3 or more Uncontrolled Wastewater Overflows. Fortunately, Sydney Water has been compliant in all years, achieving 9,999. 

Facts and Figures on Sydney’s Water

A compliant water service provider is a good indicator of striking the balance. However, measures should be applied immediately with the impending consequences of climate change and drastic droughts. Sydney Water gathering more water from desalination plants, with an additional 20,000 million litres on average, is one step. But it’s still not enough. 

One angle they are exploring is the recycling of wastewater. A series of treatments could become one solution to this dilemma. But letting the general public know and convincing them to consume such is no easy feat. With 80% of wastewater going back to the waters after a single cycle, so much potential could be wasted.  

Since this is a controversial topic, starting this process would take more than a few community consultations. Regardless, Sydney still has to act on a plumbing solution to ensure accessible drinking water for all Sydneysiders. Decisions have to be made before it’s too late.