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Reservoirs Partnership Program

Applications for our 2026-27 Reservoirs Partnership Program will open in the second half of this year. Check back on this page or follow Reservoirs South Australia on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Our Reservoirs Partnership Program supports grassroots events and projects held at our reservoir reserves and managed by South Australian not-for-profit organisations through grants of up to $10,000. They champion conservation, education and recreation, and help connect communities with our reservoir reserves for their enjoyment and preservation.

Key criteria

The event or project must complement the values underpinning recreational access at South Australia’s reservoir reserves – simply captured by the words ‘Enjoy. Explore. Preserve.’

In previous years the program has supported diversity and inclusion nature-based experiences, kayaking programs for community groups, walking and trail running events, and habitat improvement works to support the local fish stocks, birdlife and aquatic environments.

Applicants will be asked to nominate which category best represents their event or project objectives:

  • conservation of our reservoir reserves and their natural environment.
  • educating communities about the environment, water sources, or the benefits of being active.
  • recreational opportunities promoting community health and wellbeing.

Each category will be rated equally, with no preference given to recreation, conservation or education initiatives.

Where an application delivers on multiple objectives, this can be included in the submission.

Applicants are required to confirm they have read and understood the conditions of access, and their proposal complies with the conditions of access relevant to the reservoir reserve they wish to host their proposal.

What we don't support

While we welcome partnerships with a range of organisations, we do not accept applications for sponsorships that support:

  • individuals
  • any project, program or event related to gambling
  • events that promote the consumption of alcohol as its core activity (such as wine festivals)
  • organisations that we are already engaged in a formal arrangement such as a Memorandum of Understanding or contractual agreement
  • projects, programs or events where there is a real or perceived conflict of interest with an existing partnership, business or sponsorship activity, and
  • charitable donations are not able to be made by our organisation.

Your application must describe the event or project’s intended audience and targeted demographic, including if you have considered how you’re helping ensure people of all abilities are able to participate.

We will also request details about any opportunities for SA Water to be involved in the event or project, and how we might be recognised in any proposed marketing or promotional activities.

Before applying, please read the conditions of access. You can also email us at reservoirs@sawater.com.au if you have any questions about your application or the program.

Our 2025-26 partners

We’re supporting 5 South Australian community organisations through the 2025-2026 Reservoirs Partnership Program, who are delivering a diverse range of activities at some of our reservoir reserves this year, ranging from paddling and cycling to citizen science and adventure racing.

Paddle SA Paddle Power

A program designed to get individuals and family groups paddling safely at Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve.
Bike South Australia Discovery Ride

Supporting families, beginner riders, schools, clubs and recreational cyclists through guided rides at Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve.
Adelaide Canoe Club Community Day

A community BBQ, come-and-try paddling sessions, interactive educational stations and conservation workshops at Myponga Reservoir Reserve.
Murraylands Multisports Total Recon Adventure Race Series

Combines running, mountain biking, and kayaking with navigation across Happy Valley and Myponga reservoir reserves.
TAFE SA Junior Bio Blitz/Citizen Science Day

A day for families with children aged 4 to 8 years to explore nature at South Para Reservoir Reserve. Activities include birdwatching, bird sound recording, and 2 nature-based workshops where children can learn more about macroinvertebrates, planting, ecosystem walks, bee hotels, nest boxes, seed bombs and nature-inspired drawing.

Events and activities hosted by this year's recipients will take place on various dates throughout the year. Activities open to the community will be promoted by the hosting organisation and shared through Reservoirs South Australia social media channels.

A group of kayakers paddling in a reservoir at sunset

Two young females high fiving each other while sat on bikes at the finish line of a race

Previous recipient: Murraylands Multisports – Total Recon Adventure Race series