Imagine a future where Australians don’t have access to readily available water. As the driest inhabited continent in the world, Australia knows the importance of water security all too well.
With its history of droughts, unpredictable rainfall and a climate that varies dramatically across regions, securing a reliable and sustainable water supply is a priority for the nation – especially since Australians use more water per person than most worldwide.
Beyond its necessity for human survival, water is also the lifeblood of Australia’s economy – supporting agriculture, industries, urban centres and ecosystems.
However, population growth and climate change continue to place increasing pressure on the country’s water resources. In fact, water consumption in larger Australian cities is expected to rise by a whopping 73% to more than 2,650 gigalitres in the next 30 years.
Furthermore, Infrastructure Australia predicts that service costs are likely to put upward pressure on household budgets. Alongside farming, industries like manufacturing and data centres need huge reserves of water for operations and cooling.
Manufacturing accounted for 40% of total water demand in the 2022 fiscal year and, according to CBRE, Australia's rapidly growing data centre industry will compound the country’s water woes.
The need for innovative solutions to manage water more effectively is more urgent than ever, with Australia facing a unique set of water challenges:
Australia has experienced some of the most severe droughts on record, significantly impacting its water availability. The changing climate means that rainfall patterns are becoming more erratic, with periods of extreme drought followed by intense rainfall and flooding. This unpredictability makes it difficult to plan and manage water resources effectively.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s population is expected to grow to over 30 million by 2030, with most of this growth concentrated in urban areas. With over 85% of Australians residing in cities, more people means greater demand for water in urban areas, placing additional pressure on a scarce resource.
Much of Australia’s water infrastructure – pipes, reservoirs and treatment facilities – was built decades ago and is now reaching the end of its lifespan. This aging infrastructure is prone to leaks and inefficiencies at a time when every drop counts, with estimates that 10% of Australia's water supply is lost due to leaks in the distribution network.
Ensuring enough water to support both the needs of humans and the natural environment is a delicate balancing act. Over-extraction from rivers and aquifers has led to serious ecological degradation in some regions, threatening biodiversity and long-term water availability.
In the face of these challenges, the need for smart water management solutions is clear. Technologies that enable more efficient use of water resources, reduce wastage and enhance decision-making are essential to securing Australia’s water future.
These solutions help utilities, industries and individuals better monitor, manage and conserve water to increase security of this precious commodity.
The most effective tool for water management is the use of advanced metering infrastructure, which provides real-time data on water consumption.
From smart meters to the software that supports digital transformation, utilities can gather detailed data on water usage patterns, detect inefficiencies and identify potential issues before they escalate.
Harnessing this data, water providers can then make informed decisions to optimise water usage, reduce wastage and provide enhanced services to their customers. Interoperability with multi-network solutions further enables adaptation to diverse environments.
Water loss due to leaks is a significant problem in Australia’s aging infrastructure. Amid the constant threat of water shortages, reducing losses through proactive management is essential.
Advanced detection technologies can help identify leaks in need of repair early, minimising water loss and preventing wastage of this precious resource. Utilities can not only conserve water but also save on the costs associated with repairing more significant damage down the line.
Furthermore, advanced data analytics tools offer powerful capabilities for predicting future water demand and optimising distribution systems.
By analysing consumption patterns, utilities and industries can make more informed, proactive decisions about resource management, particularly during periods of drought or supply restrictions.
Sustainability is at the heart of modern water management, and smart technologies help businesses and communities use water more efficiently and reduce their ecological impact.
With growing regulatory pressures and focus on corporate responsibility, Australia’s water providers are seeking solutions that enhance efficiency while ensuring compliance.
Water security is not just an environmental issue; it is an economic and human existential imperative.
As the country faces increasing water scarcity against the backdrop of aging infrastructure and a growing population, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce waste and ensure long-term sustainability.
Australia’s ability to manage its water resources effectively will be crucial to the resilience of its economy, its ecosystems and its communities. By embracing advanced water management solutions, Australia can ensure its water security for generations to come.