Water Demand

While population is the main driver of water in the urban water industry, Tasmanian industry is reliant on a consistent water supply.

The Water Management Act 1999 provides for the development of Water Management Plans, developed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development and management of a water resource.

Industries are able to obtain water in two ways, either directly themselves through a water licence under the Water Management Act 1999 or from the reticulation systems of the bulk water authorities and local government.

Water consumption in Tasmania in 2004-05 was 435 gigalitres (GL). The agriculture industry was the largest consumer, accounting for 258 GL or 59% of water consumption. The manufacturing industry consumer 49 GL or 11%, most of this being by the wood and paper products industry. Households were also a major consumer of water, with 69 GL or 16%.