Water management is a hot topic in Australia right now – why?
Our urban water systems are under pressure—from climate volatility, population growth, ageing infrastructure, and financial constraints. The stakes are rising as laid out in the newly released Urban National Performance Report 2023–24 from the Bureau of Meteorology.
This isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic one requiring a rethink about how we manage water.
As urban centers swell and weather patterns shift, water security becomes a balancing act. Utilities have to do more with less, while customers demand reliability, affordability, and transparency. The old playbook—mega-projects, full asset ownership, slow upgrades—is cracking under the weight of these challenges
The Bureau of Meteorology’s report doesn’t just diagnose the problem. It calls for a rethink.
The Report highlights inefficiencies, urges smarter planning, and points to the need for innovation—not just in technology, but in business models. That’s right up my alley.
I have an upcoming series to look at the strategic issues:
Smart Water, Smarter Models will explore how service-based approaches like Metering as a Service (MaaS) and Data as a Service (DaaS) are reshaping the landscape. These models offer a new way forward—leaner, faster, and more adaptable.
Key Findings from the Report
• Water security remains fragile, especially in regional areas.
• Capital constraints are real—many utilities are deferring upgrades.
• Customer expectations are shifting toward transparency and value.
• Operational pressures include ageing assets, climate variability, and digital lag.
Strategic Opportunity
Traditional models are straining. MaaS and DaaS offer alternatives:
• Lower upfront costs
• Faster deployment
• Scalable data insights
• Reduced operational burden
These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re practical tools for a sector under strain and in need of a transition – and now!
Want to know more?
Follow the series as we unpack what these models mean for the future of water management in Australia. We’ll explore the risks, the rewards, and the path forward.
📎 The Urban National Performance Report 2023–24 from the Bureau of Meteorology is available on their official site. You can access it directly here.
This article does a great job of showing why water management in Australia is no longer just about infrastructure, but about rethinking strategy altogether. I like how you connected the Bureau’s report to practical solutions like MaaS and DaaS—it makes innovation feel tangible instead of abstract. The point about customer expectations shifting toward transparency also stood out, because it highlights that this issue is as much social as it is technical. Do you think regional utilities, with tighter budgets and resources, can realistically adopt these service-based models as quickly as metro areas?
Thanks @Kavitha—really appreciate you taking the time to comment. You’re spot on about the social dimension, great pickup. The shift toward innovation, transparency, and trust is one of the most underappreciated forces reshaping water management today.
As for regional utilities: it’s a very good question. The short answer is yes, though not always in the same way or at the same pace. Service-based models like MaaS and DaaS help level the playing field by removing upfront capital barriers, introducing hard-to-access skills from SerCo teams, and offering scalable outcomes. But success depends on alignment—between local needs, governance appetite, the right delivery partner, and of course, budgets.
We’re seeing growing interest from regional councils who want reliability without the financial burden of ownership. It’s early days, but the momentum is real.
MarkA
Hi Mark,
Your post on the Urban National Performance Report 2023-24 highlights some alarming findings about the state of our urban water systems. The pressures from climate change, population growth, aging infrastructure, and financial constraints are indeed concerning.
I agree that we need to rethink our approach to water management and explore innovative solutions, both in technology and business models. The service-based approaches like MaaS and DaaS sound promising, but I’m worried about the willingness of utilities to adopt these new models given the significant changes required.
What do you think are the main obstacles to implementing these approaches, and how can we overcome them to ensure a sustainable future for our urban water systems?
I’m eager to read your upcoming series on Smart Water, Smarter Models. It’s crucial that we have an open dialogue about these issues and collaborate to find solutions.
Thanks for bringing attention to this critical matter.
All the Best,
Eric
Thanks @Eric—I appreciate your considered response. You’re 100% right about the “tension”: the need for innovation is clear, but the path to adoption isn’t always straightforward. We’re dealing with business models that go back more than a generation—rethinking that isn’t easy.
The biggest obstacles I see are less about technology and more about mindset and structure. Utilities are often locked into legacy models, constrained by capital cycles, and cautious about accepting any risk. MaaS and DaaS challenge those norms—not just by offering new tools, but by reframing what “ownership” and “outcomes” mean in a digital age.
Overcoming that requires trust, transparency, and a clear value proposition. In my view, this is where service-based models shine: they reduce upfront cost, introduce specialist capability, and deliver measurable results. But it takes leadership to embrace the shift—and that’s what I hope to support through the Smart Water, Smarter Models series.
Thanks again for your comment—really appreciated. Keep an eye out for the follow-on!
MarkA