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Australian Water Association
When we turn on a tap, flush a toilet, or see a river flowing through our city, we rarely think about the complex system behind it. But in Australia, the water industry is one of the most essential and purpose-driven sectors in the country.
Representing and connecting this industry nationally is the Australian Water Association. AWA is the peak body for the water sector. It brings together utilities, engineers, scientists, businesses and individuals, and works with government to help shape water policy and long-term planning. It also supports young people through student memberships, events, and early-career programs.
If you’re into building things, solving real-world problems, working with technology or protecting the environment, the Australian water industry offers stable and meaningful career pathways that make a direct difference to everyday life.
Variety of Roles
The water industry offers many different types of careers, not just engineering or working in treatment plants. Technical roles include civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical and environmental engineers, along with scientists who work in areas like water quality testing, microbiology, chemistry and studying water systems in rivers and catchments.
There are also hands-on operational roles, such as treatment plant operators, technicians, and field workers, who help run and maintain water infrastructure every day. In addition, the industry offers growing career opportunities in digital technology and data, including system monitoring, modelling, and smart water networks.
Other important roles include environmental planning, water resource management and infrastructure planning, as well as business and support roles such as project management, finance, safety, communications, community engagement and regulation. Together, these roles all contribute to delivering safe, reliable water services to communities.
Why the Water Industry
The Australian water industry is responsible for supplying safe drinking water, treating wastewater, managing stormwater, protecting our waterways, and planning for droughts, floods and climate change. In a country known for its extremes, from prolonged drought to intense rainfall, water management is not just important, it’s critical to our economy, public health, environment and community wellbeing.
This industry brings together engineers, scientists, environmental specialists, digital and data experts, planners, operators, project managers, community engagement professionals and many more. It combines cutting-edge technology, sustainability, climate resilience and community impact, all in one sector.
This means diverse career pathways, strong job stability, and the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges that directly affect people’s lives. Whether your background is engineering, science, business, IT, communications or environmental studies, there is a place for you in water.
Water isn’t just pipes and treatment plants. It’s what that keeps communities running, and the people working in this industry are the ones making sure it stays that way.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the Australian Water Association, everyone is welcome. AWA is committed to building a culture where different perspectives are genuinely valued, and that shows up across their events, programs and content.
Gender Diversity
The Australian Water Association plays an active role in improving diversity and inclusion across the water sector, with a strong focus on gender equity. AWA’s various programs help ensure greater visibility of women and diverse voices in industry leadership and decision-making. As part of this commitment, AWA has introduced targets to achieve balanced representation on event panels and among keynote speakers, working towards 50/50 gender parity at major national events. AWA also hosts Women of Water networks and events across the country.
LGBTIQA+
Pride in Water is the network for LGBTIQA+ people and allies in the water sector. Its goal is to further LGBTIQA+ inclusion across the sector by helping build workplaces where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, included, and valued. Memberships help fund sector-wide inclusion through events, training, and practical resources, saving organisations thousands of dollars while strengthening LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
“AWA is delighted to join Pride in Water, to nationally support our LGBTIQ+ members, customers and community. AWA will continue to enhance diversity and inclusion across the water sector as a part of our Strategy, so that we can continue to inspire and drive a sustainable water future.” — Corinne Cheeseman, CEO, Australian Water Association
First Nations Peoples
The Australian Water Association began its formal reconciliation journey in June 2023, launching its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, known as a Reflect RAP. This first stage focused on learning, listening and building stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The next step is its Innovate RAP. This stage is about turning learning into action. It focuses on strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, making sure Traditional Owner voices are included in decision-making, and promoting Indigenous knowledge and perspectives within the water industry.
Through this process, AWA aims to help the water sector better respect, recognise and work alongside Australia’s First Nations peoples.
For Parents, Carers, and Educators
The Careers in Water program introduces students to the wide range of career pathways available in the Australian water industry. It is designed to help young people understand how water is managed, treated and delivered across Australia, and the many roles involved in keeping this essential service running.
The program showcases opportunities across engineering, science, environmental management, operations, planning, digital technology and business. It also highlights the skills and study pathways needed for these careers, helping students make informed decisions about future education and training.
Students get access to real-world examples, industry professionals and practical insights into how they can contribute to something that affects every single person in the country.
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