AWA celebrates National Water Week 2026

Hosted by Australian Water Association, National Water Week has kicked off, with the theme ‘Water is Life’.

Running 19–25 October 2026, National Water Week is an opportunity for the water sector and communities across Australia to come together to recognise the value of water, raise awareness of its importance, and encourage conversations about how we can protect this essential resource for future generations.

Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement, David Derkenne, said National Water Week is an opportunity to celebrate this year’s theme and recognise how, by working together, we can show our love for water by making the most of every drop.

“Water is one of our region’s most valuable resources. It supports our households, businesses and environment every single day,” Derkenne said. “National Water Week is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role water plays in our lives and the responsibility we all share in using it wisely.”

National Water Week coincides with the launch of Hunter Water’s new water conservation campaign, ‘Do Less, Save Lots’, which encourages the community to embrace doing less in the garden, shower or around the house to save water. Tips include taking four-minute showers, watering before 10 am or after 4 pm, using a trigger nozzle on the hose and sweeping hard surfaces instead of hosing them.

“These simple behaviours help our water storages last longer during normal conditions and become crucial during drought to reduce how much water our community uses,” Derkenne said. “Small actions taken by individuals, households and businesses can collectively make a significant difference in helping secure our water future.”

Derkenne said the National Water Week theme serves as an important reminder that water underpins every aspect of life.

“Every drop counts, and by taking simple steps to save water now, our community can help delay the need for Level 1 water restrictions, which are introduced when storages reach 60%.

“By working together and making the most of the water we have, we can help ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for our communities now and for generations to come.”

Also running alongside National Water Week is WaterAid Australia’s Walk for Water. Organisations and individuals are invited to walk, run or ride for five days to raise awareness and funds for communities without access to clean water.

This year, 14 Water Leaders from across the water industry will be ambassadors for Walk for Water, helping to rally organisations, colleagues and networks behind a shared purpose: providing access to clean water for communities around the world. They include:

• Mitch Peyre from Actemium
• Ben McMaster from AECOM
• Karen Lau from South East Water
• Denisha Anbu from Sydney Water
• Dr Ryan Signor from Alluvium Group
• Nick Quinn from Aurecon
• Gillian Blythe from Water New Zealand
• Shaun Cumming from Barwon Water
• Neal Firth from Downer
• Richard McCarthy from Interflow
• Natalie Foeng from Yarra Valley Water
• David Thomas from Sequana
• Francois Gouws from TRILITY
• Brian Krishna from Xylem
   

“At Sydney Water, everything we do is about creating a better life for our customers through world-class water services. However, across the world there is a water and sanitation crisis that keeps hundreds of millions of children out of school, adults out of work and traps people in poverty. If we solve this crisis, we can provide these communities with the hope and the power to change their future,” said Water Leader Denisha Anbu, Executive General Manager, Strategy and Stakeholder, Sydney Water.

“The one hour of walking, riding or cycling each day for one week as part of WaterAid’s Walk for Water represents the daily reality endured by millions around the world to access their closest water source. It’s something tangible and healthy we can do to raise much-needed funds for underprivileged communities”.

WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Tom Muller said, “The support of the water sector is absolutely vital in our mission to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to clean water. Their commitment, through events like Walk for Water, demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling the global water crisis and creating lasting change for communities most in need.”

To sign up or learn more, visit the Walk for Water website. For more information about National Water Week, visit the website.

Image credit: iStock.com/Oleg_Ermak