The Race to Reinvent Australia’s Water Network

Aqua Analytics and Kallipr drive a surge in smart water technology across Australia

13 Oct 2025

Australia’s water sector is entering a new phase of modernisation as utilities adopt digital tools to manage supply, reduce losses, and improve efficiency. Real-time sensors, data analytics, and early-warning systems are now being tested across the country, marking a growing move toward intelligent water networks.

In September 2025, Melbourne-based Aqua Analytics expanded its national footprint by acquiring Engineered Efficiency’s Western Australia operations. The acquisition boosts its service capability in the west and supports utilities tackling non-revenue water losses, an issue estimated to cost the sector millions each year. The move forms part of Aqua Analytics’ wider ambition to establish itself as a national leader in smart water management.

Meanwhile, Brisbane technology company Kallipr is conducting trials with Barwon Water to test radar-enabled sewer sensors that identify potential overflows before they occur. The pilot, which began earlier this year, aims to demonstrate how real-time monitoring can mitigate environmental risks and lower maintenance costs. “The ability to act before incidents happen is a game-changer,” a Barwon Water spokesperson said.

Several regional councils, including Toowoomba and Cairns, are also assessing digital metering programs. These initiatives would allow households to track consumption in real time while helping utilities predict demand and detect leaks more accurately.

Analysts say Australia’s shift toward digital water infrastructure is accelerating, though progress remains uneven. Growth in the sector is expected to continue through 2030, driven by climate pressures, regulatory tightening, and the pursuit of sustainability-focused solutions. However, persistent challenges, including limited funding, complex data integration, and cybersecurity risks, may slow widespread adoption.

With mergers consolidating expertise and pilot projects expanding in scope, Australia is positioning itself as a regional hub for digital water innovation. The pace and scale of these efforts in the coming years will determine how fully utilities can transition to data-informed management and smarter network operations.