AI Makes a Splash in Australia’s Water Future

Schneider Electric and Veolia deploy AI tools to improve efficiency and resilience across the nation’s utilities

12 Nov 2025

Australia’s water industry is undergoing a digital shift as artificial intelligence and automation reshape how utilities manage and protect the country’s most critical resource. New partnerships and technology investments are moving the sector toward a data-driven, resilient future.

Schneider Electric and Veolia Water Technologies are among the companies leading this change. Schneider’s EcoStruxure platform offers utilities real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to detect faults before they disrupt operations. Veolia’s Hubgrade system uses data intelligence to enhance energy efficiency and treatment performance. Together, the two groups are helping modernise how water is sourced, purified, and delivered across the country.

Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall have increased the pressure on utilities to build smarter networks. Industry specialists say AI and cloud-based tools now allow operators to forecast demand, identify leaks, and reduce energy use, improving both efficiency and sustainability.

Analysts describe the trend as part of a broader global effort to align digital innovation with environmental goals. In Australia, utilities are forming partnerships to apply predictive maintenance and advanced analytics to ageing infrastructure, creating what experts call an “intelligent water ecosystem.”

However, challenges persist. Integrating new technologies into legacy systems, ensuring cybersecurity, and retraining staff remain significant hurdles. Several state governments, including New South Wales and Queensland, are trialling smart meters and digital monitoring schemes, though these initiatives are still in early stages.

The next decade is expected to define Australia’s position in the global water sector. As AI and automation advance, policymakers and operators aim to create a more reliable and climate-ready water network. The emerging model promises cleaner, more efficient systems built on data precision and digital resilience.