Water audit warns of overuse

THE first comprehensive analysis of the nation's water resources has warned of potential overuse in key areas across the country, and says double-counting of supplies is commonplace.

The report, obtained by The Australian yesterday, also says a lack of co-ordination between the states and territories could intensify the problem of over-allocation.

In an effort to guard against the overuse of water, the report suggests tinkering with a key definition in the National Water Initiative - Australia's blueprint on water reform - relating to allocation levels and strengthening the regulation of farm dams.

Australian Water Resources 2005, prepared for the National Water Commission, identifies 22 water management areas across the country that may be under stress because of entitlement and allocations policies and practices.

They include the Great Artesian and Lake Eyre basins, and the water supplies for Adelaide and Perth.

Longer-term monitoring is required to properly assess risks, the report says.
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