Annual Reports

SA Water continues to play a vital role in the lives of South Australians by delivering safe, reliable drinking water and managing wastewater services across a vast and diverse state. We consistently meet high performance standards even under complex and challenging conditions.

As a state-owned corporation, SA Water is governed by a board of seven directors appointed by the government. While guided by our legislated responsibilities we work in close partnership with government to support broader priorities and deliver services that matter for the communities we serve. The board continues to provide strategic oversight and accountability while enabling the organisation to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

SA Water plays a vital role in South Australia’s growth, working alongside government to deliver the infrastructure needed for a thriving, liveable state. By rapidly responding to increasing demand for water and wastewater services, we’re helping to fast track housing supply, attract investment, and support development across regional and metropolitan areas. From new residential communities to industrial precincts, our work ensures that growth is supported by reliable, sustainable services – laying the foundation for South Australia's future.

This year, SA Water delivered a record level of capital investment, reflecting our commitment to building the infrastructure South Australia needs both now and for generations to come. These investments are not only helping to unlock thousands of new homes but also strengthening water security and supporting the resilience of businesses and communities across the state.

However, serious challenges remain. We will have to develop new water resources as the climate warms and dries and as our population and economy grow. Ageing infrastructure requires continued maintenance and replacement, something that is often overlooked. The board will continue to work with government and the broader community to address these challenges.

I acknowledge the Board for its dedicated and collaborative governance over the past year. In August 2024, we welcomed Monish Bhindi and Tricia Blight to the board, whose expertise further strengthens our leadership. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief Executive, David Ryan, his executive team, our valued partners and all of our people for their continued commitment and outstanding contribution to delivering essential services to South Australians. Most importantly, I want to recognise the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of all our people across SA Water, whose efforts every day make our achievements possible.

This past year our people have played a vital role in delivering outcomes that address the evolving needs of our customers, communities, and the state we serve. As we commenced the 2024–28 regulatory period on a strong operational foundation, and a renewed focus on providing services that meet the daily expectations of our customers while supporting South Australia’s longterm growth and sustainability.

The new regulatory period, which began in July 2024, has ushered in our most ambitious capital program to date, with $3.3 billion in net capital expenditure approved by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA). This includes $1.5 billion dedicated to supporting the State Government’s Housing Roadmap. In response to unprecedented housing demand, our infrastructure investments will deliver tens of thousands of new homes. Through our newly formed Growth Group, we are accelerating the delivery of water and wastewater services to meet demand in key growth areas such as Riverlea, Roseworthy and Angle Vale.

Delivering infrastructure at this scale, speed and complexity requires close coordination between our people, partners and systems. A key factor in accelerating project delivery has been the way we procure materials and collaborate with our delivery partners to ensure the right resources are available at the right time. We are also transforming how we plan and execute projects by leveraging data more effectively, enhancing customer and developer experiences and embedding sustainability into everything we build.

While enabling growth remains a priority, our commitment to reliability and equity is unwavering. We continue to invest in the maintenance and renewal of our infrastructure to support current and future generations. This balanced approach ensures sustainable and dependable water services for all South Australians.

A key focus this year has been on the early works on the construction of a new desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula an important step toward securing a reliable and sustainable water supply for the region. This infrastructure is a central component of the Eyre Peninsula Water Security Response Plan, released in November 2024. The plan outlines how we are addressing the urgent challenges of ensuring safe drinking water for the community. Alongside infrastructure investment, continued community engagement remains critical to meeting the region’s long-term needs.

Another key priority has been the significant upgrades to regional water infrastructure. We have invested in renewing and enhancing critical assets across regional South Australia to ensure communities in areas such as Oodnadatta, Marla, and Maree receive safe and reliable water services. These projects improve water quality and system resilience and support regional economic development and community wellbeing.

South Australia has experienced one of its driest years on record, with much of the state receiving far less rainfall than usual. This has led to the lowest inflows into the Mount Lofty Ranges reservoirs, with the lowest levels we have seen in 25 years. We are closely monitoring these drying conditions and the potential impact on water resource planning. The Adelaide Desalination Plant (ADP) remains a vital climate independent water source, and we expect increased reliance on it during extended dry periods. At the same time, we are future-proofing our network through strategic investments, such as the Taplan water storage tanks, which will provide critical flexibility and additional security to our rural networks.

We continue to seek innovative solutions to address complex challenges. This year, we commenced a satellite-based emissions monitoring trial, using cutting-edge technology to track methane emissions from our wastewater infrastructure. This pilot program will help us better manage our environmental impact and aligns with our broader sustainability goals and net zero ambitions.

A significant achievement was the launch of our 2024–27 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Now in its sixth iteration, this RAP embeds reconciliation more deeply into our operations and culture. The plan aligns with both our corporate strategy and Reconciliation Australia’s framework to ensure focused progress and will help us transform our commitment into consistent, measurable action.

Our commitment as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact is reaffirmed as we continue to work towards delivering services and achieving positive outcomes for our community and the planet. As part of this commitment, we are a signatory to the Australian water industry’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking ahead, our progress this year has positioned us well to meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. Through enhancing regional water security, supporting housing growth and strengthening cultural foundations, we are focused on delivering trusted water services for a sustainable and healthy South Australia.

I sincerely thank our people, partners and Board for their unwavering dedication and ongoing efforts. Together, we are building more than infrastructure; we are shaping a thriving future for our state.