Groundwater depletion speeding up as climate dries

Perth's aquifer refills 70 per cent slower than it did half a century ago, researchers say. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's drinking water reserves are under threat as increasingly dry weather reduces the rate at which groundwater aquifers replenish.

Perth relies on groundwater to supply 40 per cent of its drinking water as well as water for agriculture, private gardens and open spaces, and its water requirements will only continue to grow as its population increases.