TasWater has released its fifth Price and Service Plan, outlining a significant program to strengthen water security across Tasmania. The Taswater PSP5 plan responds to rising demand, climate change, and ageing infrastructure, which are placing increased pressure on water supply systems.
Only 48 per cent of customers currently receive the level of reliability TasWater aims to deliver. Many towns have recently faced extended water restrictions during dry periods, including Whitemark, Orford, Triabunna and Scamander.
Much of Tasmania’s drinking water is drawn from run-of-the-river sources. When rivers run low, communities depend on stored water, yet many dams are ageing or operating below capacity, limiting how much water can be held for dry periods.
The Taswater PSP5 plan highlights that without action, more communities will face restrictions and uncertainty.
The plan proposes major upgrades to improve storage, treatment and network connections.
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What the Taswater PSP5 plan will deliver
TasWater has outlined a 367.7 million dollar investment package focused on improving long-term water security.
This includes upgrades to major dams such as Ridgeway in Hobart, Pet near Burnie and Blackman River in the Central Highlands.
Several water treatment plants will also be modernised to meet contemporary standards. Improving treatment capacity will help ensure a safe, reliable supply during peak demand and variable source water conditions.
Network connections are a key feature of the program. Projects such as the Mt Leslie Water Treatment Plant to Upper Brougham Tank Pipeline will help balance supply and reduce drought risk in Greater Launceston.
TasWater will also secure additional bulk water licences to support long-term supply across systems. Future planning remains broad, with options such as desalination and aquifer recharge included for assessment.
The Taswater PSP5 plan also invests in community education programs. These include the Water Guardians initiative, water-efficiency audits, and subsidised water-saving products aimed at reducing per-person consumption.
Targets to strengthen Tasmania’s water future
By 2030, TasWater aims to reduce the number of customers affected by water restrictions from 15.6 per cent to less than 3 per cent. The plan also targets improvements in dam safety, increased storage capacity and stronger system resilience.
Daily water use is another priority. TasWater aims to lower average consumption from 217 litres to 170 litres per person per day, reducing pressure on supply systems and delivering household savings.
Community feedback played an important role in shaping the plan. In TasWater’s PSP5 survey, 60 per cent of respondents identified water security as a top priority.
Residents said the state must plan ahead.
“Tasmania gets a lot of rain, but fresh water is scarce, so TasWater needs to get ready,” one respondent said.
Another highlighted the generational importance of the investment.
“I won’t see the benefit in my lifetime, but it’s for my children. We need to start planning.”
Why the Taswater PSP5 plan matters
TasWater said PSP5 is focused on future-proofing the state’s water systems so that Tasmanians can rely on a safe and secure supply, regardless of climate pressures or population growth.
The initiative represents one of Tasmania’s most comprehensive water resilience programs, supporting safer infrastructure, stronger networks and more reliable supply for communities across the state.