In summer 2023–24 we saw hot and dry conditions across the Great Southern region and east to Esperance, which affected our communities, waterways, wetlands, farm dams, soils and vegetation. Throughout 2024 we also had multiple lowest-on-record streamflows and below average rainfall.
We are expecting dry seasonal conditions again for the rest of the summer.
For the Great Southern and Esperance regions, the Bureau of Meteorology reports that:
- rainfall is going to be less than average over the coming months
- it is going to be hotter and drier in February and March 2025, with an 80 per cent chance of exceeding the median temperature
- soil moisture will continue to be below average.
To support our communities and environment during this expected weather conditions, we ask you to use water wisely and ensure that you have a secure source of water for this dry season.
You can read more about how the South West is tracking for rainfall and streamflow this season on our website.
Domestic gardens, firefighting and non-intensive stock watering
Access to water is essential to making sure that you and your property are climate resilient.
Groundwater bores for domestic gardens, firefighting and non-intensive stock watering do not require a water licence. Farm dams, tanks and most pumps in streams (where the watercourse is unproclaimed) also do not require a water licence.
If you use a farm dam, tank or pump from watercourse or wetland, we recommend that you:
- check your pumps and tanks are working
- make sure you have enough water stored to meet your needs for this dry season.
You can find out more at Season 2024: information for WA farmers and Drought Response WA.
If you use a groundwater bore for domestic gardens, firefighting and non-intensive stock watering we recommend that you:
- check your bore and pump infrastructure for obstructions, sediment, or clogging
- drop your pump or intake deeper into your bore, where depth allows
- automate irrigation pumping to be pre-dawn or dusk timing (before 9am or after 6pm)
- coordinate with neighbours to stagger your irrigation pumping demands
- reduce the frequency and duration of your irrigation
- adhere to garden bore use restrictions.
Groundwater licence holders
We encourage all water licence holders to use water efficiently and remain within your annual entitlement.
We recommend that you regularly monitor water use (meter readings) to help forecast your water needs and adapt your use. Metering data must be submitted using the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Water Online portal.
If your monitoring shows that you are likely to exceed your licence entitlement, please notify our South Coast regional office as soon as possible for advice at southcoast@dwer.wa.gov.au or call 08 9841 0100.
What if I run out of water?
To access a publicly available regional standpipe, please contact your local shire. These supplies are there to help you in emergency situations. You can find information about access and locations of regional standpipes at Regional standpipes - Water Corporation and Water carting and standpipes in the Great Southern.
You can read about accessing strategic community water supplies for non-potable sources at Management of strategic community water supplies. For more information, please contact our rural water team on 1800 780 300 or email ruralwater@dwer.wa.gov.au or contact your local shire.
Dry season impacts on waterways
The hot and drier conditions this season may contribute to algal blooms and fish kills in our rivers and estuaries.
They occur naturally in our waterways, but lower water levels and higher temperatures can cause them to become more prevalent or cause blooms.
Some forms of algae can be harmful to humans or aquatic life and can sometimes lead to fish kills. Others can discolour water, leave residue or cause skin irritation in swimmers if they reach high enough concentrations.
Visit Threats to waterways for more information.
If you see an algal bloom, please report it to:
- our ALGALWATCH team on 08 6250 8064 (office hours) or email peu@dwer.wa.gov.au
- the South Coast regional office on 08 9841 0100 or email southcoast@dwer.wa.gov.au
