01
Executive overview
Key findings
40%: combined reservoir storage in January 2025, the lowest level in more than 25 years
26,176 ML: Adelaide Desalination Plant output in 2024-25, against a capacity of 100 GL a year
A$799.9 million: total capital investment in 2024-25, a record level (actual)
June 2027: revised first-water date for the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant, six months later than the end-2026 date
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Buyer relevance
Who the report is for
Contractors and suppliers to Australian water utilities
See which SA Water projects are moving, from the June 2027 Eyre Peninsula first-water date to Mount Bold's 2028 early works, and who already holds framework agreements.
Lenders, rating analysts and infrastructure investors
Track the regulatory and ownership changes ahead of July 2028 against A$8,098.8 million of long-term borrowings at June 30, 2025.
Water policy and planning teams
Compare South Australia's source mix, desalination backstop and dam safety program with their own system's climate exposure.
Peer utilities and consultants
Benchmark SA Water's 27,653 km network, its break rate and its 22-of-22 service result in 2024-25.
03
Decision scope
Questions answered
How much did SA Water rely on desalination in the 2024-25 dry year?
The Adelaide Desalination Plant produced 26,176 ML, about five times the 5.3 GL average SA Water cites, while reservoir storage fell to 40% in January 2025.
What is happening to SA Water's next price determination?
The regulator released a draft framework on November 10, 2025 and has since stopped work on it while the state plans an SA Gas and Water Trust; the current A$5,330 million revenue cap runs to June 2028.
How large is SA Water's capital program?
The 2024-28 program is A$3,602.0 million in inflation-adjusted terms, and capital investment reached A$799.9 million in 2024-25.
Is the network holding up?
Service results improved, with 22 of 22 standards met, but main breaks rose to 16.78 per 100 km in 2024-25 and unplanned interruptions were 208 per 1,000 properties against a target below 153.
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Inside the report
Inside the complete report
Executive Overview
1. Water Resource Profile
2. Governance and Institutional Framework
3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Strategic Outlook and Opportunities
Source Register
05
Public preview
What to watch next
1. Water Resource Profile
Reservoir levels and desalination output in 2025-26 and 2026-27; the state's next annual water security update; any change to the Eyre Peninsula restriction level or the 15 ML-a-year cap before the plant operates.
2. Governance and Institutional Framework
Introduction of the Trust legislation and the Commission's role in it; whether the Commission restarts SAWRD28 or the government sets another price-setting process for July 2028; appointment of the Trust's first chief executive; any change to the board.
3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery
2025-26 break and interruption figures; the 2025-26 annual and investment reports; whether the Commission's 2025-26 performance report shows all 22 standards met again; recycled water volumes as northern Adelaide schemes expand.
Strategic Outlook and Opportunities
The Eyre Peninsula revised budget and June 2027 first water; Coober Pedy's handover by the end of 2026; Mount Bold procurement ahead of 2028 early works; the 2025-26 annual report and audited accounts, especially capital spending, borrowings and electricity costs.
Inside the report: the 2024 regulatory determination in figures and the analysis of SA Water's governance reform.
06
Included
What you receive
The complete PDF report: 13 pages, 6 sections, 10 tables and a register of 29 sources.
This edition
November 2026, First edition.
07
Evidence & method
Evidence and method
The report draws on SA Water's 2024-25 annual report and regulatory investment report, the Auditor-General's audited financial statements, the regulator's 2024 determination and performance reports, national performance report datasets for 2018-19 to 2024-25, and state budget, regulator and press sources on the 2026 governance changes and project status.
Sources
29 sources, listed in the report's source register. Evidence current to 5 November 2026. Principal data periods: FY 2024-25 (year ended June 30, 2025) annual report, audited financial statements and national performance data; the 2024-28 regulatory period; project, leadership and regulatory status checked to November 5, 2026. All currency is Australian dollars (A$)..
Evidence boundaries
This report uses authoritative source material available at the stated research cutoff. It distinguishes published facts, calculated values and analytical interpretation. No independent modelling is performed. Forward-looking analysis reflects published plans, documented trends and stated uncertainties. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment or engineering advice.
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Lead analyst
Robert C. Brears
Founder, Our Future Water Intelligence
Robert C. Brears is a water-security specialist and author whose work examines utility governance, infrastructure investment, climate resilience and long-term water-system change for executive and policy audiences.
- Decision-focused utility intelligence
- Published water-policy author
- Evidence-grounded system analysis
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Buyer FAQs
Before you purchase
Who can use the report?
Licensed for internal use within one purchasing organization. The PDF and its contents may be shared with colleagues within that organization. External redistribution, resale and public publication are prohibited without permission.
How is the report delivered?
The PDF is available to download immediately after confirmed payment, through our secure delivery system.
Can my organization buy wider access?
Institutional purchasing: For invoice enquiries, multi-organization licensing or broader access requirements, contact Our Future Water Intelligence.
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Water Systems Overview: SA Water
- Format
- Length
- 13 pages
- Edition
- November 2026, First edition
- Price
- USD 499
11
Report details
Publication details
- Publisher
- Our Future Water Intelligence
- Report family
- Water Utility Intelligence Report
- Edition
- November 2026, First edition
- Format
- Length
- 13 pages
- Reference
- OFW_EXT_WATER_SYSTEMS_OVERVIEW_SA_WATER_a125059b2685
- Evidence current to
- 5 November 2026
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