Independent UWA Report Confirms Sustainability of Groundwater Use by WA Source Operators

Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026 

The Australian Beverages Council Ltd (ABCL) has today released an independent scientific review confirming that groundwater abstraction operations by its Western Australian source operators are sustainable and use groundwater responsibly. 

This landmark report, Responsible use of groundwater, was conducted by hydrologists and hydrogeologists at The University of Western Australia, providing an independent, evidence-based assessment of groundwater operations in the Perth region.  

Key findings from the review include: 

• ABCL member operations represent less than one-thousandth of total groundwater use in the Perth-Peel region.  
• In 2024, ABCL member operators in the Shire of Gingin used 47% of their allocated groundwater licence volumes, remaining well within permitted limits.  
• Groundwater pumping by ABCL members is meeting regulatory requirements.  

CEO of the ABCL, Mr Geoff Parker said this independent review builds on the ABCL’s launch of interactive groundwater extraction maps in 2024 and further highlights the industry’s commitment to transparency. 

“We recognise there is significant public interest in groundwater use in the Perth region. This report helps ensure that discussion is informed by evidence and science,” said Mr Parker. 

The ABCL, through the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI), is also responsible for the industry’s Model Code, which sets benchmark for safety, quality, and environmental responsibility in the packaged water industry.  

The report’s findings identified opportunities to further strengthen practices and the ABCL is committed to working with its WA members and the state government to adopt the recommended measures. 

The full report is below: 

Responsible Use of Groundwater – UWA

For media enquiries, please get in touch with lauren@ausbev.org