British Water and the Australian Water Association (AWA) have signed a new cooperation agreement designed to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Australian water sectors and encourage greater knowledge sharing across key industry challenges.
The Memorandum of Action was signed during Ozwater’26, the Australian Water Association’s flagship industry event held in Brisbane, Australia.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work together to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration in areas including water reuse, circular economy initiatives, nature-based solutions and workforce development.
Strengthening international water sector collaboration
The partnership aims to create new opportunities for engagement between water sector professionals, organisations and businesses operating across both countries.
British Water will serve as a gateway for Australian Water Association members seeking to engage with the UK water sector, helping facilitate connections, information sharing and potential business development opportunities.
The Australian Water Association represents approximately 5,000 individual and organisational members, including utilities, regulators, government agencies, research institutions and technology providers.
Focus on shared industry challenges
Both organisations identified several areas of common interest where collaboration could help accelerate progress and support innovation.
These include water reuse, resource recovery, circular economy strategies, nature-based solutions and workforce capacity building.
As water utilities and supply chains around the world face increasing pressure from climate change, population growth and infrastructure challenges, international collaboration is becoming an increasingly important mechanism for sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Supporting innovation and business opportunities
British Water Chief Executive Lila Thompson said the agreement supports the organisation’s goal of strengthening collaboration across the global water sector.
According to Thompson, the partnership will help provide British Water members with access to international insights and experiences while supporting strategic partnerships and business development opportunities.
The agreement will also see both organisations working together at international industry events, creating additional opportunities to showcase expertise, share innovation and encourage professional engagement.
Read more H2O Global News coverage of international water sector partnerships and innovation initiatives.
Growing emphasis on global knowledge exchange
Australian Water Association Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman said international partnerships play an important role in addressing long-term water sector challenges.
Both organisations expect the agreement to support greater cooperation between professionals, researchers, utilities and technology providers while helping strengthen links between two established water markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new agreement between British Water and AWA?
The agreement is a cooperation partnership designed to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange and engagement between the UK and Australian water sectors.
When was the agreement signed?
The Memorandum of Action was signed during Ozwater’26 in Brisbane, Australia.
What topics will the organisations focus on?
Key areas include water reuse, circular economy initiatives, nature-based solutions, workforce development and innovation.
What is the Australian Water Association?
The Australian Water Association is a national industry organisation representing approximately 5,000 members across utilities, government agencies, research organisations and technology providers.
What role will British Water play?
British Water will act as a gateway for Australian Water Association members seeking to engage with organisations operating within the UK water sector.
Further information is available from British Water and the Australian Water Association.
