Australia’s urban water industry has committed to diversifying water sources and improving treatment processes to meet climate change challenges.
Releasing a new climate change position last week, the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) said the industry is well positioned to respond and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate on the services it delivers and improve community resilience.
Among other commitments, the industry will:
- Build resilience in water infrastructure through holistic adaptation to climate change, including diversifying water sources and improving treatment processes;
- Implement circular economy principles in the management of water, waste and energy;
- Support healthy waterways to protect and restore ecological and community values; and
- Reduce network water loss and encourage efficient water use.
WSAA executive director Adam Lovell said collaboration and partnership with customers, communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait, government stakeholders and other sectors will be key to meeting future challenges.
“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,” Mr Lovell said.