4.2 WATER SUPPLY

Water security was noted as a concern for RDA committees in 41 regions, often due to recent drought or limited water supply options. The need for more efficient irrigation and water management was frequently raised, as was the difficulty of balancing the demand for water for industrial, residential and amenity purposes with sustaining water security. For example, the RDA Barossa identified through its consultation process that “water stewardship and infrastructure for multiple water reuse” was a key sustainability issue for members of its communities (RDA Barossa, 2012, p. 26). Various water quality issues were also identified by RDA committees, such as salinity, contamination, pollution and the poor health of waterways.