Australian researchers say up to 50 per cent of the global water supply is stolen.

Although individuals and companies may be responsible for the theft, it reflects a system wide failure, according to the study by the University of Adelaide and the University of New South Wales.

The researchers say that when regulators fail to understand the value of water, inadequate penalties increase the risk of theft.

In a review of three case studies, including cotton growers along the Barwon-Darling River system in central Australia, they suggest there is evidence for the importance of well-resourced (financial and human) enforcement and compliance monitoring, especially in the remoter parts of delivery systems.

The experts say this would increase the probability of detection and prosecution as an important driver of theft reduction.

The team found that the Australian case demonstrates that exposing the theft can change social norms for the better.

The study is accessible here.