Effective governance
Legislation
SA Water was established as a public corporation on 1 July 1995 under the South Australian Water Corporation Act 1994. Our operations are guided significantly by the following legislation:
- Public Corporations Act 1993
- Water Industry Act 2012
- Safe Drinking Water Act 2011
- South Australian Public Health Act 2011
- Work, Health and Safety Act 2012
- Environment Protection Act 1993
- Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia is the state’s independent economic regulator that determines our allowable revenue, sets service standards, and monitors our performance and compliance in the delivery of essential water and sewerage services for our customers.
SA Health sets and monitors standards for drinking water quality and regulates recycled water use in the state.
The Office of the Technical Regulator sets standards and requirements for water and sewerage infrastructure, and the operation of that infrastructure, to ensure public safety.
The Environment Protection Authority sets standards for acceptable discharge from wastewater treatment facilities and monitors our operations and activities to minimise impact on the environment.
The Board of SA Water is the governing body of the Corporation and is responsible for overseeing its operations and safeguarding its long-term financial interests and viability. In doing so, the Board sets the strategic directions of the Corporation, monitors performance against approved plans and targets, and ensures SA Water operates in accordance with commercial principles while meeting its community service obligations.
Directors are appointed by the Governor of South Australia pursuant to the South Australian Water Corporation Act 1994 and Public Corporations Act 1993, and the Board is subject to direction by the Minister in accordance with those Acts.
During 2025-26, the following Directors appointed by the Governor served on the Board:
- Allan Holmes, Chair
- Monish Bhindi
- Tricia Blight
- Celine McInerney
- Kenneth Williams
- Denise Picton
- David Ryan
The Board has delegated authority for the day-to-day management of SA Water to the Chief Executive, who in turn delegates to the Executive, consistent with the Board’s approved delegations and governance framework.
In accordance with section 12 of the Public Corporations Act 1993, a charter jointly prepared by the Minister and the Treasurer, in consultation with the Board, was in effect during 2025-26. The charter sets out the nature and scope of the Corporation’s commercial and non commercial activities and guides the Board in balancing community service objectives with prudent commercial principles.
For 2025-26, no Director had a material interest in any contract or proposed contract with SA Water, other than contracts in the ordinary course of business. No Director received any benefits by virtue of a contract that was made with SA Water, other than on normal commercial terms as disclosed in the financial statements.
The Board has established a committee structure to assist in the effective discharge of responsibilities. Each committee operates under a Board-approved charter that sets out its role, responsibilities and authority. Committee charters are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
- Governance, Finance and Risk Committee – supports the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance and oversight responsibilities including oversight of financial planning and reporting, internal and external audit functions, internal control systems, risk management frameworks, legal and regulatory compliance, and fraud control.
- Customer, Sustainability, People and Safety Committee – supports the Board and has oversight on matters relating to customer outcomes, environmental sustainability and climate considerations, organisational culture and capability, and workforce health and safety. The committee focuses on strategic matters that may significantly impact our business and contributes to the development and oversight of relevant strategies, ensuring appropriate capabilities, policies and plans are in place to respond to evolving community, environmental and workforce expectations.
- Northern Metropolitan Adelaide New Water Source Committee – a special purpose advisory subcommittee of the Board. The committee provides strategic oversight of the investigation and development of the Northern Metropolitan Adelaide New Water Source project. It reports regularly to the Board on the development and assessment of project options and offers strategic guidance on stakeholder engagement and project funding and makes recommendations on matters within its charter.