The increasing value of water efficiency in a desalination future

Long term strategic planning for South Australia's water future highlights a significant investment in manufactured water, such as desalination, will be essential to support growth in a changing climate. The cost to build and operate desalination plants is significant, compared to the management of SA Water's current water resources, and is changing the value proposition of investing in water efficiency as a water resource.

Our NPV modelling indicates that an annual investment of $1.2 million in water efficiency measures could save between $44 million and $720 million in present value terms, over the 30 year period modelled. These savings are primarily driven by the deferral of large capital investment and operating costs associated with a new desalination plant.