An Australian water company has been recognised as one of the world’s top utilities, winning a distinction for Public Water Agency of the Year at the 2022 Global Water Awards in Spain.
As the only Australian organisation shortlisted at the event, SA Water was commended particularly for its net zero emissions efforts, work done to provide safe, clean water and education activities to Aboriginal communities around South Australia, and industry-leading solar energy initiative.
SA Water’s Chief Executive, David Ryan, said the international recognition demonstrates the utility’s positive standing on a global stage.
“As proactive environmental leaders, we’re taking strides towards harnessing renewables, electric vehicles and many other initiatives to achieve a net zero future, while continuing to deliver trusted water services for a sustainable and healthy South Australia,” Mr Ryan said.
“This includes our world-leading Zero Cost Energy Future project, which has seen the installation of around 370,000 solar panels across 33 pipelines, pump stations and other SA Water assets, to reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions.
“Going up against our counterparts working in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Mexico and the Philippines was always going to be a tough ask, but to be awarded a distinction is a terrific recognition for the efforts of our people.”
The global success follows further recognition by SA Water’s peers in the national water industry, having claimed two top prizes at the Australian Water Awards, held during OzWater’22 in Brisbane.
SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future project was awarded the Infrastructure Project Innovation (metro) Award, while the utility’s Our Customers program – which uses interactive workshops and training to further embed a customer-centric ethos across the organisation – was also recognised with the Customer Experience Award.
“As the country’s most prestigious water awards, we are incredibly proud to be the only water utility in Australia to be awarded prizes in two categories this year,” Mr Ryan said.
“Being recognised with awards like these by our peers is a terrific way to reflect on the achievements of our people, and the importance they play every day in making a difference for our customers, and the wider South Australian community into the future.”
