Water security strategy
Barossa Australia, in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and industry stakeholders, is leading the development of the Barossa Water Security Strategy—a plan that ensures a reliable water supply through to 2050, supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Why does Barossa need a water security strategy?
Barossa’s premium wine, food, and agricultural industries rely on secure water access. However, climate change, declining rainfall, and consecutive dry years have placed increasing pressure on the region’s resources.
Key challenges include:
- Over-allocation of groundwater in the Barossa Prescribed Water Resources Area
- Declining surface water reliability, particularly in the Eden Valley
- Projected increases in demand from agriculture, industry, and population growth
Without intervention, the region risks water shortages that could impact productivity, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. The strategy explores ways to increase water security, improve efficiencies, and diversify water sources.
Building a resilient water future
The Barossa Water Security Strategy is based on:
- Extensive research & technical analysis, including climate modelling and hydrological studies
- Stakeholder consultation, with three workshops held in 2021 to co-design future scenarios
- A long-term vision, ensuring Barossa’s water future is climate-resilient and supports economic growth
The strategy aligns with broader South Australian water security planning efforts, ensuring Barossa remains resilient in changing conditions.
Key water security projects
Several initiatives are working in parallel to strengthen Barossa’s water security:
Barossa New Water Project
This project is investigating options to secure a reliable, climate-independent water supply, including potential connections to the Mannum to Adelaide pipeline to bring new water solutions to Barossa and Eden Valley.
Read more about the Barossa New Water Project.
Eden Valley Water Supply Investigation
Eden Valley’s water supply is highly climate-dependent, and SA Water is assessing options to improve long-term security for local businesses and growers.
Read more about the Eden Valley Investigation.
Barossa Water Allocation Plan
The Northern & Yorke Landscape Board is reviewing Barossa’s Water Allocation Plan to ensure fair and sustainable water distribution across industries.
Explore the Water Allocation Plan.
Next steps & community involvement
The consultation period for the Draft Barossa Water Security Strategy has now closed, and community feedback is being reviewed. The final strategy will be published here once complete.
For more information, contact:
Peta Brettig, Principal Policy Officer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0456 956 838
