SA Water releases plan to safeguard Eyre Peninsula’s water security

Rebates on the purchase of new water-efficient appliances are a key feature of SA Water’s new water security response plan, providing a framework to protect the region’s drinking water supplies and helping local customers save water.

Released today, the plan outlines four water security response levels and actions required to be taken by the community based on drinking water availability, ranging from normal water availability to an extreme water shortage.

Based off the current availability of groundwater sources, the region’s water response level is currently at level two of four. Level two requests the community to save water but does not involve water restrictions.

This follows updated advice from the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board this year that a review of the Southern Basins Water Allocation Plan (WAP) will likely reduce the amount of water SA Water can source from the Uley South Basin from mid-2026.

Around 75 per cent of the region’s total drinking water is currently sourced from the Uley South Basin and other groundwater sources, with the remainder from the River Murray.

SA Water’s General Manager of Customer, Community and Engagement David Coombe said it is an important step in maintaining the region’s long-term drinking water security.

“Our priority remains constructing a new desalination plant at Billy Lights Point to deliver a climate-independent source of drinking water by mid-2026, and we are continuing with efforts to make this happen,” David said.

“The water security response plan takes a responsible and considered approach in preparing for all scenarios to maintain water supply for our 35,000 local customers on the Eyre Peninsula until the plant is operational, or in the event of any reductions to our water availability.

“The current availability of groundwater sources means the region’s water security response level is set at level two of four, and this level will see a continued focus on water wise community education together with the new water efficiency rebates program for our residential and business customers purchasing water-efficient appliances and household fixtures.

“From next month, eligible customers on the Eyre Peninsula will be able to access rebates on new showerheads, dual flush toilets and washing machines with 4-star Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) ratings or higher, as well as pool covers and irrigation timers carrying a Smart Approved Watermark certification.

“Replacing old appliances and fixtures can make a real difference in reducing our everyday water usage, and every drop counts when it comes to securing the region’s drinking water supply.

“We’ve spent recent months engaging with key stakeholders across the region, including peak primary production groups, industry bodies and all ten local councils, to help us shape this plan and further build our understanding of how water is used by our customers.

“We will continue to work with our customers and the wider Eyre Peninsula community on the roll-out of key actions from our plan, as we work towards maintaining a secure and sustainable drinking water supply for our customers into the future.”

Mr Coombe said the current response level means the utility is unable to support new large industrial or commercial customers until a new desalination plant is operational.

“It is clear that without action we may risk not being able to meet customer demand, and this is why we have made the decision not to connect new industrial or business customers using more than 15 megalitres of water per year until the desalination plant is operational,” David said.

“While there are currently no water restrictions for existing local customers, we’re encouraging all our customers and the broader Eyre Peninsula community to come together and save water.

“We don’t take the implementation of these measures lightly, and we recognise that water restrictions may be required in response levels three and four of the plan if water allocations are reduced or the delivery timeframe of the desalination plant shifts.”

SA Water is continuing to work collaboratively with the primary production sector on applicable water savings measures, with more information to be made available from early 2025.

To find out more and read SA Water’s Eyre Peninsula water security plan, visit sawater.com.au/EPwatersecurity.

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