The Australian Water Association has shone a spotlight on South East Water at OzWater’25, with two of the utility’s projects named finalists in the National Water Awards.
The Water Saver App – a digital tool designed to help customers take control of their water use – earned finalist status in the Customer Experience category, while the utility’s research into irrigation for urban cooling was named a finalist in the Research and Development Excellence category.
South East Water said it developed both initiatives in partnership with University of Melbourne.
South East Water General Manager Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Daniel Sullivan, said the recognition reflects the utility’s focus on developing future-ready solutions.
“We’re proud to be recognised on a national stage for projects that put customers first and push the envelope of innovation,” Mr Sullivan said.
“These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to innovate at scale – from helping customers save water at home to exploring smart ways to cool urban spaces and protect the environment.”
The Water Saver App has been likened to a ‘smart watch for water’, combining cutting-edge technology and behavioural science to empower customers to save water and reduce their bills.
South East Water said the app has progressed through three rigorous pilot trials to date, with feedback from users being overwhelmingly positive and water usage reducing up to 47L per day per participating household.
Meanwhile, the utility said the irrigation for urban cooling research was undertaken to demonstrate the benefits of smart irrigation and misting of green spaces with rainwater or recycled water at Aquarevo House and Burnley.
South East Water said both projects demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in building a more sustainable and liveable future.
The Australian Water Association announced the 2025 National Water Awards at the Ozwater’25 gala dinner on 21 May in Adelaide.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements across the national water industry in areas of innovation, leadership and addressing the challenge of driving a sustainable water future.
