Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the FOI Act) makes it possible for you to access information that we hold. This promotes transparency, accountability and helps you to participate in our decision-making. We fully support the objectives and spirit of the FOI Act, while at the same time recognising stakeholders' right to privacy.
For more information about the type of SA Water documents available under the FOI Act, please see our Freedom of Information Statement.
Information available to you
We publish a range of information for everyone to access.
You may be able to find what you’re looking for without lodging a Freedom of Information request.
Pro-disclosure
We proactively publish information such as financial information, overseas travel and other public records.
This information is available to everyone and does not require an FOI application.
Disclosure log (information previously released)
The disclosure log lists non‑personal information that has already been released through Freedom of Information requests.
Checking the log may help you find information without needing to make a new request.
Our response to Freedom of Information requests
In the 2024-2025 period, SA Water received 71 new applications for information, pursuant to the FOI Act. 5 additional applications were carried over from the 2023-2024 period.
Members of Parliament submitted 10 applications for information. The remaining applications were submitted by members of the public, law firms and media organisations.
The outcome of the applications completed during the 2024-2025 period is as follows:
| Access granted in full | 11 |
| Access granted in part | 38 |
| Applications refused - includes applications where documents were either available online or where no documents were discovered within scope of the request | 3 |
| Applications withdrawn | 1 |
| Applications carrying over to 2024-25 | 23 (5 personal + 18 non personal) |
| Applications transferred to another Government agency | 1 |
| SA Water FOI Determinations on internal review during the 2024-2025 period | 4 (all confirmed) |
| Determinations reviewed by Ombudsman SA during the 2024-2025 period | 1 |
| Determinations reviewed by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal during the 2025-2025 period | 0 |
Applying for access
The type of your request will determine the form to use. You can download an application form from the State Records website which can be submitted in person, by post or by email. You can also submit your application using the SA.GOV.AU online application form.
If you are unable to lodge online via the portal, then you can lodge your application by email, post or in person when you can lodge your application by email, post, or in person.
- By email: freedomofinformation@sawater.com.au.
- By post: the Freedom of Information Officer, SA Water, GPO 1751, Adelaide SA 5001.
- In person: Ground floor, SA Water House, 250 Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide.
Freedom of Information fees and charges
The fees outlined below are pursuant to Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Variation and Freedom of Information Act 1991 - Applicable to Section 13(c), 29(2)(b) and 19(1)(b) and (c). Payments can be made to SA Water by cheque or money order, or electronically if making an application through the sa.gov.au portal. If you can't do this, please contact us.
Detail | Fee |
|---|---|
Application Fee: Access a document | $43.30 |
Application Fee: Internal Review | $43.30 |
For our work accessing documents about you. *NOTE: Only the first two hours are free. We may then charge $14.40 per 15 minutes. | $0* |
For our work accessing documents that are not about you. | $16.40/15mins |
Photocopies (per page) | $0.30 |
Transcripts (each) | $9.70 |
For all other formats, SA Water will charge the cost of reproduction. | TBA |
When to contact us
You need to contact us if you:
- believe our information about a person is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading
- need to discuss a previous application
- are following up an application you recently lodged
- need help to clarify the information you are after
- need a document in a different format (i.e. electronically)
- can't pay by money order or cheque