The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) says its industry members want a transition to net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible. 

“The urban water industry will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” the WSAA says in its new climate statement. 

“We are achieving net zero sooner where it aligns with customer expectations.”

Australia and New Zealand are seeing ongoing changes due to human influence on the world’s climate, including more variable rainfall, more heat extremes and more frequent and intense storms.

In addition to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, the urban water industry has allegedly committed to:

  • Reduce water loss in networks and encourage efficient water use by customers

  • Build resilience in water infrastructure through holistic adaptation to climate change, including diversifying water sources and improving treatment processes

  • Recognise the importance of cultural flows and benefits of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practice in water management

  • Support green, cool and healthy environments

  • Implement circular economy principles in our management of water, waste and energy

  • Support healthy waterways to protect and restore ecological and community values

  • Engage with customers and communities to achieve a balance between climate change action costs and outcomes, including respecting the needs of current and future generations

“Mitigation and adaptation to climate change is an ongoing process and we will review and revise this statement regularly to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving area,” WSAA executive director Adam Lovell says.

“Collaboration and partnership with customers, communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Māori people, government stakeholders and other sectors will be key as we seek to meet these challenges.”