Speeding the transition towards integrated groundwater and surface water management in Australia

Conjunctive water management involves the combined use of groundwater, surface water and/or additional sources of water to achieve public policy and management goals. Conjunctive water management enables greater water supply security and stability, helps adaptation to climate variation and uncertainty and reduces depletion and degradation of water resources. There are many opportunities to benefit from improved conjunctive water management if institutional and political barriers can be overcome. This article provides the first comprehensive assessments of progress towards conjunctive water management on a continental scale across the Australian States and Territories, and suggests an innovative approach towards overcoming barriers to integration. Conditions for the implementation of conjunctive water management have only been partially met by the Australian States. There has been progress towards integrated groundwater and surface water accounting and planning, but there is still little systematic attempt to plan and manage surface water and groundwater storage and use at a regional scale over time. Current policies effectively subsidise surface water storage and aquifer storage and recovery entitlements are not in place in some jurisdictions. A new paradigm of conjunctive water management is required involving systematic consideration of the beneficial integration of groundwater, surface water and other water sources in water plans and projects. Transition to conjunctive water management can be promoted by networks including change agents, bridging organisations and water management institutions supported by strong leadership from governments.