Tasmanian water industry
Since 1997 bulk drinking water has been provided by three bulk water authorities - Esk Water, Hobart Water and Cradle Coast Water - with drinking water reticulation and wastewater managed by local councils.
In recent years Hobart Water has assisted a number of Councils with water treatment, reticulation and wastewater management operations and maintenance, in addition to its core role of bulk water provision to its owners.
State Government
There are several State Government departments involved in water management in Tasmania, including:
- Department of Primary Industries and Water - water management and licensing,
- Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts - environmental management and wastewater operations licensing,
- Department of Health and Human Services - through the Director of Public Health administer the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines,
- Government Prices Oversight Commission - review pricing and economic parameters, and
- Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources, and the Department of Justice have roles in infrastructure provision and planning.
Water and Sewerage Taskforce
In October 2006, the Tasmanian Government formed a Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce comprising the Treasurer, Minister for Primary Industries and Water and the Minister for Tourism Arts and Environment. The Taskforce's aim is to examine options for long-term improvements of water and sewerage service delivery and infrastructure provision across Tasmania.
Want more information?
To learn more about the Taskforce, click here.