Current water restrictions?

Why does Sydney die for water and use a lot of water restrictions?

• When they get a lot of damn rain (over 1,000mm per year). Even London and a lot of European cities get under 1,000mm of rain and yet they don't whine about lack of rain. Sydney should be thankful that it gets over 1,000mm of rain. That's a LOT. And thus, they should stop water restriction. How greedy their local gov is...

• Answer:

  Dams are not the answer in Australia (except up north) ... that is the main problem. We are using technology and sources derived in cool climate European counties (Australia has too high evaporation and inconsistent rain to use dams). The variable and limited rainfall in the catchments is the big issue. London sources their water from rivers (and sources the water from higher in the catchment than London). The water that feeds the River Thames and Lee derive flows from high precipitation areas. London also has underground aquifers ... Sydney does not have adequate supplies in aquifers. Local government has no say on water restrictions. It is a state issues (as is the provision of nearly all utilities in Australia). Dams are built outside of major urban areas because of pollution. You will find that most of the catchment for these dams has restricted access (either gates, fences and strict policing). This is to ensure no contamination of the water. Imagine the logistics of enforcing and protecting catchments in urban areas? The use of stormwater, greywater and wastewater for alternative supplies are a much smarter response. You mentioned Sydney gets 1,200mm a year, and most of this is directed out to the ocean (as quickly as possible). This stormwater can be harvested (either individually) or on a broad scale, treated and then supplied to houses. Similar household or broad scale systems could be established with grey and waste water ... almost neglecting the need for dams. The only problem is that it costs money, and Sydney's current infrastructure would require a massive overhaul.