Drought Plan Activated for NI

Published on 13 January 2025

Dry conditions continue to impact on Norfolk Island’s water supplies, and with no forecast of rain in the immediate future, Norfolk Island Regional Council has implemented a drought plan to alleviate potential water scarcity. Long-term water security is high on the list of Council’s priorities, with planning and monitoring activities ongoing throughout the year.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) shows a December 2023 rainfall total of 68.2ml, compared to just 13.6ml in December 2024, with no indicators that January 2025 will receive any significant rain.  NIRC also uses groundwater data from the CSIRO and the Commonwealth Government in drought-planning to ensure we have the clearest picture of our water situation.

NIRC’s draft Interim Drought Response Plan 2024-2025 details the activities to manage water resources during an extended dry period and to minimise the likelihood of a water emergency on the island and is being actioned.

The plan details five drought response levels, which are triggered by the amount of water resources available through private and public water sources. Both Council staff and water carters monitor bore levels and other storage availability on a weekly basis, and NIRC also analyses groundwater level data, rainwater tank levels and natural water courses and dams to determine available water resources.

Currently, the island is at medium, which is anticipated to change to a higher response level as dry conditions continue.

Definition of drought response levels

Defined water priorities have been established, with non-essential activities being minimised or completely stopped, including reduced use of water for essential fire drills and the halting of watering of public gardens or recreation areas. The public, including the business community, also has a responsibility to monitor their own tank and bore water levels to better understand their water situation, and then make appropriate changes to the way they use water.

When local demand can no longer be met through private sources, public water resources will be made available to the community through water carters.  Currently, the desalination plant contains 227,000 litres of water in its three dedicated storage tanks, in addition to NIRC’s multiple water storage facilities spread across the island. The total volume of NIRC’s stored water is currently 2,124,500 litres.

The desal plant had been operating up until late December, when a part degraded, requiring replacement over the Christmas break, which meant delays caused by supplier closure.  Replacement of the part has been prioritised and it’s anticipated the plant will resume operation shortly.

Norfolk Islanders typically use significantly less water in their day-to-day activities than Australians do, for example, using, on average, 140 litres or less per person per day, compared to the Australian average of 340 litres per person per day. Despite this already low usage, Council encourages people to think about how they can further reduce water consumption, particularly in dry periods.

Norfolk Island daily household water usage is likely to be lower than the average Australian figure of 340 litres per person, however every person on the island should be reducing their water use during drought conditions, whether resident or visitor. NIRC acknowledges the assistance of tourism operators in getting information about our water situation and waterwise messages out to their customers / visitors to Norfolk.

More information on water levels and related actions will be shared regularly with the community as trigger points are reached.

Image :  The main storage tank at NIRC’s desalination plant.