Phase 2: Planning for Canberra's next generation of wastewater services October 2025 to June 2026

Canberra is growing, our climate is changing and some of our wastewater infrastructure is approaching the end of its service life. To ensure we can continue providing safe, reliable and sustainable services for future generations, we're planning now for what our wastewater system may need to look like over the next 50 years.

As part of the Our Water Future program, we're investigating two potential pathways for Canberra's future wastewater system. Both options are technically feasible and designed to support population growth, environmental protection and long-term water security.

What we've heard so far
To help inform this planning, we worked with a citizens' panel made up of ACT community members from diverse backgrounds and locations across Canberra. Participants explored the options, weighed the trade-offs and shared what matters most to them.

The strongest themes from the community were:

• Protecting the environment
• Minimising impacts on local communities
• Supporting future population growth
• Building a resilient and future-ready system
• Keeping services affordable for customers

Participants consistently described their vision for Canberra's future water cycle as sustainable, reliable, clean and future-proof.

Continuing the conversation
No decisions have been made.

We're continuing to investigate both wastewater system options through technical studies, environmental assessments, regulatory engagement and ongoing community input. Community feedback will help shape the solutions that best meet Canberra's future needs.

Together, we're planning a wastewater system that supports a growing city, protects our environment and helps secure Canberra's water future for generations to come.

Stay involved
There will be more opportunities for the community to learn about the options, ask questions and provide feedback as the planning progresses.