To what extent do markets determine the distribution and use of water in Australia.
Water is an essential resource and is, fortunately, the most abundant resource on Earth. About three quarters of the Earth is covered by water, including oceans, rivers, lakes and glaciers. Of this water, however, only about three percent is fresh, with the remainder ruined by contamination such as salt and pollution. Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth. The country of Australia is made up of mostly dry or desert lands and is classed as semi-arid or arid. About eighty percent of Australia receives an annual rainfall of less than 600 millilitres, and fifty percent receives an annual rainfall of less than 300 millilitres. There are some parts of northern, eastern, south-eastern and south-western Australia that receive more rainfall. This difference is caused by elevation, precipitation and temperature. Australia has many lakes, but the water is generally salty and unsuitable for drinking. The Murray River is 2589 kilometres long, making it Australia's longest river that flows all year round, and is an important source of water for many regions. The Murray-Darling river system is Australia's longest river system at 3750 kilometres. It flows through Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and South Australia. During winter, rain and snow increase the water levels and flow of the rivers of the Murray-Darling. During the summer, evaporation and lower rainfall decreases the amount of water in the system. In southern Queensland, however, heavy rains in summer can cause flooding if the water flows into the Murray-Darling river system. Previously, the water level was too shallow for boats to travel along or to irrigate farms due to large variations in the flow of t ...