Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information and COVID-19
The current events in managing and responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Australia may impact SA Water’s ability to meet the timeframes prescribed under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 for making FOI determinations.
SA Water will continue to strive to meet statutory timeframes, however it is recognised that this may not be possible at times during this period. SA Water will keep applicants informed and seek to negotiate extensions where appropriate.
All review rights remain.
If you have any questions, please call the SA Water FOI Officer on (08)7424 1777 or email freedomofinformation@sawater.com.au.
SA Water's functions and decisions directly affect the public. The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the FOI Act) makes it possible for you to access information that we hold. It promotes transparency, accountability and helps you to participate in our decision-making.SA Water fully supports the objectives and spirit of the FOI Act, while at the same time recognising stakeholders' right to privacy.
We publish a lot of information on our website, from annual reports to reservoir data. More information about SA Water and the information we hold is available in our Freedom of Information Statement.
Freedom of Information Statistics
In 2018-19 SA Water received 25 new applications for information. Eight applications were also carried over from 2017-18, leading to an overall total of 33 applications processed in 2018-19.
Under the FOI Act, members of Parliament submitted 16 applications for information. The remaining applications were submitted by members of the public, insurance companies and media organisations.
The outcome of the applications processed during 2018-19 is as follows:
- Access granted in full - 7
- Access granted in part - 12
- Applications refused - 3 (includes applications where documents were either available online or where no documents were discovered within scope of the request).
- Applications withdrawn - 2
- Applications brought forward - 8
- Applications transferred to another Government agency - 1
SA Water processed two applications for internal review during 2018-19.
The South Australian Ombudsman did not receive any requests to review any applications for internal review processed by SA Water.
What documents does SA Water hold?
SA Water holds the following types of documents:
- Accounting and financial records
- Asset management and planning records
- Corporate and strategic planning records
- Corporate files including memoranda and minutes on SA Water's operations
- Internal policies and procedures
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) records
- Personnel records.
Policy documents available to the public
The following public policies can be found on our policy page. To see our other policies, please contact us.
How do I apply for access?
The type of form you need depends on what you want to access. You can download an application form from the State Records website which can be submitted in person, by post or by email. You can also submit your application using the SA.GOV.AU online application form.
How do I lodge my application?
You can lodge your application by email, post, or in person.
- By email:freedomofinformation@sawater.com.au.
- By post: The Freedom of Information Officer, SA Water, GPO 1751, Adelaide SA 5001.
- In person: Ground floor, SA Water House, 250 Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide.
How much does it cost?
The fees outlined below are pursuant to Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Variation and Freedom of Information Act 1991 - Applicable to Section 13(c), 29(2)(b) and 19(1)(b) and (c).
Detail | Fee |
|---|---|
Application Fee: Access a document | $36.75 |
Application Fee: Internal Review | $36.75 |
For our work accessing documents about you. *NOTE: Only the first two hours are free. SA Water may then charge $13.80 per 15 minutes. | $0* |
For our work accessing documents that are not about you. | $13.80/15mins |
Photocopies (per page) | $0.20 |
Transcripts (each) | $8.25 |
For all other formats, SA Water will charge the cost of reproduction. This includes photos, x-rays, videos, and CD's. | TBA |
How do I pay the fees?
Payments can be made by cheque or money order. If you can't do this, please contact us.
When do I need to contact SA Water?
You need to contact us if you:
- believe our information about a person is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading
- need to discuss a previous application
- are following up an application you recently lodged
- need help to clarify the information you are after
- need a document in a different format (i.e. Electronically)
- can't pay by money order or cheque.
Major faults
Polkinghorns Rd
Arthurton
- 18/06/2020
Water Supply On
- 18/06/2020 03:05 PM - We are attending to an incident in Arthurton with no interruption to the water supply. The safety of our crews and customers comes first, and we always aim to minimise inconvenience by restoring services as quickly as we can. Reference Number WO: 07505663.
- See all major faults
Scheduled works
Spruance Rd
Elizabeth East
- 11/06/2021
Temporary Supply Interruption
- Estimated start time and water supply off: 15/06/2021 09:00 AM
Estimated restore time and water supply back on: 15/06/2021 04:00 PM
We’re improving your services and undertaking maintenance work in Elizabeth East. Sometimes our crews need to temporarily interrupt the water supply to our customers and/or manage traffic while they are working. Temporary traffic management may remain in place until reinstatement of the impacted road is complete. We always aim to minimise inconvenience by restoring services as safely and quickly as we can. - See all scheduled works
