Adelaide's Record-Breaking Summer Water Usage

0:00On March 16th, here's the latest out of Adelaide. Adelaide just wrapped up its thirstiest summer in 20 years, with the city using a record 58.2 billion liters of water. That's the most supplied by treatment plan since the 2003 to 2004 season. Statewide, the total hit 89.8 billion liters, the second highest since the turn of the millennium. Earlier this summer, demand spiked even higher than last year's already intense levels. Officials at SA Water points a hotter weather from climate change and a booming population as the main drivers behind the surge. Households are actually using less per person than before, thanks to smarter habits from the drought era. But overall consumption is climbing back toward early 2000 levels, putting pressure on supplies. One standout day saw 1.31 billion liters pumped out in just 24 hours, ending at 8 a.m. on January 27th. That mashed Adelaide's warmest night on record, with a low of 34.2 degrees Celsius. According to SA Water's water security expert,

1:01the past two summers used about 21% more water than the average over the last decade. They're urging everyone to stay vigilant as these trends continue. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. Some chase peace. I put my head in it, and so will I, solely pillow.com.