Tackling climate extremes and water quality challenges while driving innovation for a sustainable water management future is a major focus for WaterNSW.
Australia’s water industry has entered a new era, shaped by mounting pressures from climate change, increasing demand for water resources and growing public expectations for sustainability. Once focused primarily on maintaining infrastructure, the sector is now embracing innovation, renewable energy, and advanced digital solutions to adapt to these changes.
Andrew George, a seasoned civil and environmental engineer and the managing director of WaterNSW, reflects on this evolution.
“Fifteen years ago, investment in water infrastructure was relatively light, and services were basic,” he said. “Today, the industry is fundamentally different.”
Organisations like WaterNSW, which oversees water management across New South Wales, are at the forefront of this transformation, especially in rural and regional areas where water is the lifeblood of agriculture, communities and ecosystems.
Adapting to a changing climate
The impact of climate extremes is undeniable. Floods and droughts are no longer occasional challenges; they are recurring realities.
“It used to be rare to face back-to-back floods and droughts, but now the quiet periods in between are the exception,” George said. “This volatility has forced water utilities to rethink their operational models to better support customers and communities.”
In 2022, WaterNSW implemented a significant restructuring to enhance its capacity to respond to these extremes. The aim was to ensure the organisation could provide the necessary resources and services, regardless of whether it was managing floods or droughts. However, the financial implications of this new climate reality remain a challenge.
WaterNSW captures, stores and releases water for its customers – much like a bank does with money and your savings. During floods, demand decreases because farm dams are already full. Limited water allocations also reduce sales during droughts. This variability makes financial planning complex, yet the organisation continues to prioritise long-term sustainability and resilience for the communities it serves.
Driving innovation with digital transformation
One of the most significant advancements in recent years has been using digital tools to improve water management. WaterNSW’s WaterInsights Portal, launched in 2020 before the extreme weather events of 2020-2022, has transformed how data is accessed and used.
“Our old systems couldn’t keep up with the demand for real-time information,” said George. “The portal provides near real-time data on dam levels, river flows, rainfall and water allocations, enabling customers and stakeholders to make informed decisions. Designed to meet the needs of diverse users – from farmers to environmental agencies – the portal has set a new standard for transparency and accessibility in the water sector.”
Looking ahead, WaterNSW plans to integrate even more features into the portal, including personalised accounts that allow customers to monitor their water accounts in the same way they might track their finances. This digital transformation enhances operational efficiency and empowers customers to manage their resources effectively.
The Murray Darling Basin: A balancing act
The Murray Darling Basin is one of Australia’s most vital and complex water systems. Stretching across four states, it supports agriculture, industry and ecosystems essential to the nation’s economy and biodiversity. As one of the key stewards of this basin, WaterNSW plays a critical role in implementing water-sharing plans that ensure fair and sustainable allocation.
However, managing the basin comes with significant challenges. Water stress, ecological degradation and the impact of invasive species like carp threaten the system’s health.
“Carp are a major driver of water quality degradation, and their presence undermines the ecological balance we’re trying to protect,” George said.
Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach. WaterNSW has collaborated with local landholders and organisations to improve land management practices. These efforts not only enhance water quality but also help restore ecosystems, demonstrating the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable outcomes.
Tackling water quality challenges
Water quality is a critical issue for WaterNSW, particularly in rural and regional areas where communities rely on safe drinking water. Recently, the detection of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in a specific catchment has highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance and innovation.
The organisation has launched a detailed investigation to identify contamination sources in one catchment in the Blue Mountains and develop remediation plans.
“It’s a forensic process,” said George. “Our goal is to eliminate PFAS from the catchment and restore these areas to pristine conditions.”
This effort is part of WaterNSW’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to addressing contaminants, WaterNSW is focusing on biodiversity, land restoration, and pollution reduction. These initiatives align with its long-term vision of supporting healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.
Unlocking renewable energy potential
Renewable energy has emerged as a critical focus area as the water industry evolves. Many of WaterNSW’s dams, particularly along the Great Dividing Range, already support traditional hydroelectricity. These sites are now being explored for their potential in pumped hydro energy storage, a critical component of Australia’s transition to net zero.
“Our dams represent half of a pumped hydro scheme,” George said. “Half the water infrastructure is already there; we just need the right partnerships to realise its full potential.”
WaterNSW has partnered with private-sector organisations to advance several projects, including initiatives in Sydney, the Central West and the Upper Hunter.
In addition to hydro, the organisation is exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels. While promising, these technologies require further research to ensure they do not negatively impact water quality. Together, these efforts demonstrate how water infrastructure can play a vital role in achieving renewable energy goals.
Collaboration: the key to success
The complexity of water management in Australia underscores the importance of collaboration. Government agencies, local landholders and environmental groups all have a role to play in creating sustainable solutions.
George pointed to initiatives like Queensland’s reef credit scheme, which incentivises landholders to adopt practices that improve water quality, and WaterNSW’s own partnerships with the Mulloon Institute on water quality, waterway health, and water security in the Declared Catchments as examples of what can be achieved through partnership.
“Programs like this could be replicated in the Murray Darling Basin to address some of its most pressing challenges,” he said.
WaterNSW’s mission is centred on partnerships. By collaborating with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, the organisation improves water management and drives broader environmental and community benefits.
Shaping the future of water management
As WaterNSW approaches its 10th anniversary, it is redefining its role in the water industry. No longer just a water delivery and infrastructure business, it is positioning itself as a sustainability, innovation and community engagement leader.
From renewable energy projects to digital transformation, WaterNSW is proving that challenges like climate change and resource scarcity can be met with creativity and collaboration. Balancing the needs of rural and regional communities, ecosystems, and industry is building a resilient and sustainable future for New South Wales.
For more information, visit waternsw.com.au
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