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Water is a scarce and essential natural resource. Conserving and maintaining water quality is especially important in Australia, the world’s driest inhabited continent. Preventing or reducing water pollution protects our water quality and is essential to maintaining the health of our environment and our own quality of life.
Interesting facts about water
- Less than 1.5% of the Earth's total supply of water is accessible fresh water.
- Every year, polluted water kills more than 24 million people in the developing world. Most of those killed are children.
- Industry is only one source of water pollution. Other sources include sewage treatment plants, households, streets and footpaths.
- Individuals pollute water by littering (including cigarette butts), pouring oils down drains and using chemicals on their gardens. These pollutants are then washed or blown into stormwater drains and local waterways.
Council only has jurisdiction to act on certain complaints, and shares the responsibility of water pollution issues with other government bodies. Please refer to the information below which outlines authorities for various water pollution types.
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