Rainfall & dams
Check dam volumes and rainfall and find out how declining rainfall is affecting the amount of water (streamflow) flowing into our dams. In this section you can also learn where our water comes from and how our water use is tracking.
Our water overview
Updated: Tuesday, 16 January 2024
Learn more about how this data is updated
798 ML
Used yesterday
To 9am
0.00
mm
May total
May average*
32.20
mm
88.70
mm
Current
42.5%
268 GL
Last year
45%
284 GL
Change
5.7%
-16.2 GL
* Average monthly rainfall (for the period 1876 - 2016).
Dam volumes, rainfall and water use data is updated every working day, streamflow is updated weekly.
How declining rainfall impacts our water supply
We need steady, regular rain in order to soak our catchments and get water flowing into our dams. Slowly declining rainfall means Perth's dams receive much less streamflow than in past years. Streamflow is the amount of water entering our dams from our catchments and is measured by changing water storage levels.
The water in our dams is no longer just made up of inflows from rain. Groundwater and desalinated water are stored in these dams during periods of low demand so it is available when it is most needed in the hotter months.
Learn more about how the impact of climate change continues to affect rainfall, the streams that flow into our dams and water use.
How climate change is impacting our water sources
Water sources for our largest scheme, the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS) which supplies Perth, the Goldfields and Agricultural Region and some parts of the South West have changed dramatically. Water for the IWSS is now comprised of a combination of sources, including desalinated seawater, groundwater, groundwater replenishment and streamflow into dams.
Traditionally, Perth relied heavily on streamflow into our dams as a water source, but declining streamflow has meant dams now play a bigger role as storage reservoirs. The water in our dams is no longer just made up of inflows from rain. Groundwater and desalinated water are stored in these dams during periods of low demand so it is available when it is most needed in the hotter months.
Perth's water sources at a glance
In 2022-23 the breakdown of Perth's water sources (IWSS) consisted of:
%
Desalination
%
Groundwater
%
Dams
%
Groundwater replenishment
Visiting our dams
Our dams are a great spot to visit. Find out how you can make the most out of your visit and learn more about their historical and natural attractions.
Latest dams & rainfall news
02 Oct 2023
|
Media Release
Ord River Diversion Dam restrictions in place
Water Corporation is reminding the Kununurra community and visitors not to enter restricted areas at the Ord River Diversion Dam.
02 Mar 2023
|
Media Release
Pannikin Bay closed on the Ord Dam as spillway overflows
Water Corporation has closed Pannikin Bay and is urging people in the East Kimberley to avoid the area, as the Ord Dam overflows following heavy rainfall.
