New legislative changes have come into effect in South Australia that make it easier for third parties to get access to SA Water infrastructure for private water transportation.
A formal proposal process for third party access to water and sewerage infrastructure was introduced on 1 July.
SA Water’s Senior Manager of Business Development Mark Wilson said SA Water already offers third party water transportation services, but these changes will provide a more structured arrangement.
“Our first third party partnership was set up with grape growers in the Barossa Valley in 1998 and the most recent with Clare irrigators last year,” Mr Wilson said.
“We now transport about 11GL of third party water through SA Water infrastructure per year for more than 90 customers and are actively considering more proposals.
“This new process offers a more structured way for organisations such as irrigators and local councils to arrange with SA Water to transport their own private water.
“We encourage proposals to transport fit for purpose water through SA Water infrastructure that will benefit the individual business or group and potentially help to create new investment, jobs and export earnings.”
Mr Wilson said the new legislation aims to support business growth and economic development in the state and empower the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) to oversee access arrangements.
The new proposal process won’t affect existing arrangements between third parties and SA Water, unless any substantial alterations are made to the contract, such as a significant change in the water quality or what time of year the water is transported.
SA State Parliament passed the Water Industry (Third Party Access) Amendment Bill in October 2015.
