SA Water has been actively managing carbon emissions for many years and has targets formalised in a Climate Change Sector Agreement. These targets include 20% renewable energy generation from onsite and purchased renewable energy each year, and a commitment to reducing emissions by 60% of 1990 levels by 2050.

SA Water has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs for customers including:

• Energy efficiency – SA Water has ongoing programs to improve and optimise energy efficiency across all facilities including treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Onsite renewable energy generation - SA Water has onsite renewable energy generation at a number of facilities across the state including Bolivar and Glenelg wastewater treatment plants. Mini-hydro facilities at Seacliff and Hope Valley generate renewable electricity.
• SA Water House – SA Water is a signatory to the CitySwitch Green Office program and the Adelaide CBD head office at Victoria Square / Tarndanyangga has a six star NABERS energy rating.
• Low emissions vehicles – SA Water’s light fleet includes a number of hybrid vehicles.
• Adelaide Desalination Plant - Almost all electricity emissions from the operation of the Adelaide Desalination Plant have been offset with accredited Renewable Energy Certificates generated within South Australia.
• Bio sequestration – SA Water currently offsets a portion of emissions through carbon sequestration from native vegetation plantings around reservoirs, which also provides many additional benefits through improved biodiversity, water quality and weed control.