Capability 1.3.3
Water Supply
Definition
The availability, reliability and sustainability of water resources and innovation in water usage, with First Nations water rights and cultural values recognised in regional planning and resource management.
Examples
- Use of closed-loop and water efficient cooling systems in facilities (e.g. recycled water usage in Western Sydney and CDC Data Centres).
Indicators
- Water usage effectiveness
- Percentage of recycled or reclaimed water used
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Moderate commitment
Recognises importance of water supply and water conservation efforts but doesn't include any specific details (Action 1, p12). The 2026 expectations of data centres and AI infrastructure developers (Action 1) include 'Expectation 3 – Sustainable and efficient water usage'. Moderate commitment by government in the plan exceeds the recommendation to maintain and monitor by encouraging sustainable private sector activity.
Stocktake
National performance report 2024–2025: water and wastewater service providers. Bureau of Meteorology. 2024. https://www.bom.gov.au/water/npr/index.shtml
Water in a World of Data Centres – New WSAA Community of Practice. Water Services Association of Australia. 12 August 2025. https://wsaa.asn.au/Web/Web/News%20items/WaterinaWorldofDataCentres.aspx
Science for a Water-Secure Future. National Water Grid. 2023. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/science-for-water-secure-future-report-2023.pdf
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments