WSAA releases urban water industry climate change position

Friday, March 5th, 2021

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has released their climate change position for the urban water industry.

The water industry is uniquely positioned to mitigate our impact on our climate, respond and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate on the delivery of our services, and improve the resilience of our communities and the environment in adapting to a changing climate.

Through collaboration and partnership with customers, communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Māori people, government stakeholders and other sectors, the urban water industry also commits to:

• Reduce water loss in networks and encourage efficient water use by our 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.

The urban water industry’s commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals provides the framework for achieving these commitments.

Water utilities face different circumstances, capacity and capabilities to achieve these commitments. The industry will continue to work together and collaborate with stakeholders to meet the challenges of a changing climate.