Our Water Future: Demand

Based on projected population growth and given there is no increase in the current per capita water usage of 500 litres per day, water demand in Cairns is expected to increase from 26,000 megalitres per annum in 2005 to 48,000 megalitres per annum in 2044.  The growth in the tourism industry and associated commercial activity will also contribute to the demand on water resources.

Cairns Regional Council is implementing initiatives to reduce per capita consumption of water and allow for completion of feasibility studies and detailed planning for new water supply sources. Key actions to be implemented to reduce the demand on potable water include:

• Leakage reduction and repair, pressure management
  
• Cairns Regional Council operational water conservation initiatives
  
• Permanent water conservation measures
  
• Water conservation awareness and education for residential and commercial customers
  
• Investigation of practical options to supply recycled water for non potable uses

To encourage wiser use of water by all members of the Cairns community, Cairns Regional Water & Waste have launched the 'Our Cairns Water' campaign. 

For more information click here.