Water Resources and Irrigation
1856 - 2003
1856
Waterworks and Drainage Commission established and work commences on a water supply system for Adelaide which became the first formal State control over Adelaide's water supply.
1881
Sewerage system for Adelaide commenced.
1886
Expansion of water supply into country SA commences with the construction of Beetaloo Reservoir which became the first expansion of government water supply into country.
1926
Irrigation and Drainage Commission established with a focus on a drainage system for the South East.
1929
Engineering and Water Supply Department established.
Sewerage Act empowers EWS to construct and operate sewerage systems.
1932
Waterworks Act empowers EWS to construct and operate water supply systems.
1940
Construction of the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline commences which became the first inter-basin transfer from the River Murray.
1949
Groundwater pumped from the Uley-Wanilla Basin to Port Lincoln.
Mannum-Adelaide pipeline commenced.
1976
Water Resources Act enables water resources to be conserved, developed and managed for the benefit of the people of SA.
1978
EWS takes over Government Irrigation Areas from Department of Lands.
1981
First EWS Corporate Plan is published indicating long term directions.
1994
Water Resources Branch transferred from EWS to the Department for Environment and Natural Resources.
1995
EWS becomes SA Water - a Government-owned corporation.
Catchment Water Management Act 1995 - which paved the way for major reform of water resources management.
2003
Permanent water supply restrictions introduced for SA.
Cartoons
Click the link below to view cartoons by Tim Dendy.
Water cartoons (PDF 5.1 MB)
