Indigenous communities
Water supplies in remote areas of the Territory are largely dependent on groundwater supplies. This groundwater is usually sourced from small local aquifers. Water supply issues are experienced widely across Indigenous communities in the Territory. Around one third of the 72 communities serviced by Power and Water Corporation are known to experience some measure of water source ‘stress’ through water shortages or restrictions. The need to conserve water and manage it well in these communities is incredibly important.
Community Water Planning
Power and Water has developed a Sustainable Water Management Strategy to improve the reliability and responsible use of water resources across Indigenous communities, enabling domestic and development needs to be met now and into the future. The strategy is delivered through Community Water Plans (CWPs) which are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
The Community Water Planning team works closely with community residents and stakeholders to develop and adopt locally-relevant water management plans in priority communities.
Water use
Whilst it is important to make sure that water is used wisely in any community, it is equally important to make sure that enough water is used to keep families and kids and houses healthy and clean.
In many Indigenous communities, houses are on community title land and are rented from the government or from local housing associations. Changes to fixtures and fittings in rental properties may not be possible, however, there are actions that individuals can take to save water.