This paper conveys the verbal account of Nepabunna community’s perceptions of their water resources, and the usability
and sustainability of their water supply. Nepabunna, a remote Aboriginal community in South Australia relies on meagre
rainfall for its potable supply. Non-potable groundwater is reticulated to community buildings to make up for the shortage
created by the paucity of potable water. One of the issues raised by the community is the incompatibility of its’ location
with the available water resources. It is estimated that the groundwater resources will not be able to sustain the community
beyond ten to fifteen years. Results indicate an incompatibility between available water and lifestyle, that is, despite the
paucity of water, the community has flush toilets and water-based air coolers with the resultant per capita consumption
going up to about 836 l/p/d. The community has high expectations in terms of water supply, and for a way forward to be
found changes will have to occur in water management, and the community engaged to enable ownership and acceptance
of future water supply options
