Reservoirs Partnership Program
Reservoirs Partnership Program
Applications for the 2025-26 Reservoirs Partnership Program are now open, closing on Sunday 21 September 2025.
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.
Previous recipient, Nature Play SA – Culture, Art & Nature: Family walks and workshops
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.
Previous recipient, RecFish SA – Murray Cod “Cod Pod” Monitoring Program
2024-25 partners
Nature Conservation Society of South Australia | Bushland Condition Monitoring Understanding the factors driving woodland bird decline and guide land management practices to conserve biodiversity. |
Nature Play SA | Diversity and Inclusion Nature-Based Experiences Facilitating four events designed for individuals with vision impairment, disabilities and diverse backgrounds, featuring cultural insights led by Kaurna leaders. |
TAFE SA | Developing Environmental Resilience through Outdoor Learning Providing a hands-on conservation experience for students in their Barossa Conservation and Ecosystem Management program. |
Trail Running SA | Twilight Series These beginner-friendly, low-cost events aim to expand the trail running community and make the sport accessible to people of all fitness levels. |
Walking SA | Walk on Water This public event offers long and short trail options and encourages participation from culturally and linguistically-diverse communities and people of all abilities. |