Can AI Save Australia’s Most Precious Resource?

AI pilots across Australia aim to predict water risks and boost efficiency for a more sustainable future

15 Oct 2025

Australia’s water utilities are testing a new wave of digital tools. Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape how they monitor, forecast and protect one of the country’s most precious assets. Though most initiatives remain at the pilot stage, early findings hint at a more resilient and efficient future.

At the forefront is AquaWatch Australia, a CSIRO-led program launched in 2023 and still being co-designed with research and industry partners. Described as a “weather service for water,” it combines satellite imagery, ground sensors and AI models to predict changes in water quality across rivers, lakes and coastal zones. The aim is to detect problems such as algal blooms before they emerge, moving utilities from reacting to preventing.

Utilities including Sydney Water and Unitywater are trialling AI for leak detection, predictive maintenance and energy-efficiency modelling. Many of these projects are developed with universities such as the University of Technology Sydney. “AI helps us see problems earlier and respond more effectively,” says a Unitywater operations manager.

This experimentation mirrors a broader shift in Australia’s infrastructure sector, where data analytics and automation are seen as paths to sustainability. Partnerships between utilities, research agencies and technology firms have created a test bed for innovation. It is not yet commercial scale, but it could make Australia a regional leader in smart-water management.

Obstacles persist. Data governance, cybersecurity and algorithmic transparency all need improvement. Many predictive models remain too untested for critical operations.

Still, the trajectory is evident. The fusion of science, technology and environmental management is changing how Australia handles water. “We’re not just testing new tools; we’re laying the groundwork for future resilience,” says a CSIRO researcher. If progress continues, Australia’s smart-water revolution may flow faster than expected.