Water for future generations

Planning for future water supplies

SA Water currently sources water for our customers (including drinking water supplies) from reservoirs, the River Murray, desalination plants and groundwater. Groundwater is also used for non-drinking water supplies, in addition to recycled wastewater. Key future challenges in sourcing water include responding to changing needs of communities in response to growth and climate change. This is likely to necessitate an approach that considers all available water sources. We are developing plans to meet geographic and time scales that enable the provision of sufficient quality water resources. These plans will help meet the demands of growing and diverse communities and economic activities now and in the future.

This comprehensive approach to planning is addressing challenges that may impact on water supply and demand. These impacts include weather patterns, climate change, extreme events, scarcity of water, government policy, remoteness, rate and location of growth, infrastructure, social licence and resource capacity/knowledge, as summarised in the infographic below.

Facing up to future challenges

A series of regional water security strategies are being developed to inform long-term water security planning. Water resource management using this approach involves comprehensive planning at short, medium and long-term timescales. Consideration is given to all water supply sources through integrated water cycle management and includes engagement with a range of stakeholders.

We are working with a range of state government agencies to plan future water supplies across all state regions include the

• Department of Environment and Water
• Environment Protection Authority
• Primary Industries and Resources SA
• Planning and Land Use Services (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
• Infrastructure SA,
• Department for Health and Wellbeing
• Department for Infrastructure and Transport

along with local councils, and Landscape Boards. Community engagement occurs with key community representatives in each region.