This discussion paper argues that assumptions of future water abundance are dangerously flawed. It presents original data analysis of Australia's water use over the past four decades, and summarises recent studies of the impacts of climate change on water availability. The paper reviews recent urban water demand and population projections and examines the costs and...

Desalination is an increasingly common method of improving water security in arid and semi-arid regions. According to the International Desalination Association, the 19,000 desalination plants that now operate globally each day produce 88.6 gigalitres of water. The water from those facilities supports 300 million people.

Australia’s major cities have long relied on large dams as their main source of water. These dams, including Warragamba, are household names in their own cities. Some cities are blessed with good quality catchment areas, most notably Sydney, while others, including Brisbane, have catchments compromised by agricultural pursuits and very little green space in their...