SAwater

SA Water is a South Australian state government-owned corporation responsible for the provision of drinking water and the management of wastewater services in South Australia. It operates the state's water supply and sewerage networks, treatment plants, desalination facilities, and related infrastructure, serving urban centers and regional towns. The organization's core duties include sourcing, treating, and delivering potable water, collecting and treating wastewater, and maintaining network reliability and customer service. It also engages in water efficiency programs and drought resilience measures, such as desalination and water recycling projects, to diversify supply and protect water security amid climate variability.

The corporation sources water from multiple supply sources, including the River Murray and local catchments, and it manages the treatment and distribution network to deliver safe drinking water. Wastewater is collected, treated to appropriate standards, and discharged or reused in line with environmental regulations. SA Water also invests in infrastructure renewal, asset management, leakage reduction, and energy efficiency across its operations.

Governance is by a board appointed by the Government of South Australia, led by a chief executive officer, with oversight by the relevant government minister. The company operates within the statutory framework and is subject to price and service regulation by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), which sets performance standards and approves tariffs.

Historically, SA Water emerged from earlier state water utilities and was established as a government-owned corporation in the 1990s as part of utility reform. Since then it has pursued modernization programs, including large-scale infrastructure projects and sustainability initiatives to support long-term water security for the state.