Reservoirs for Nature

Share Reservoirs for Nature on Facebook Share Reservoirs for Nature on Twitter Share Reservoirs for Nature on Linkedin Email Reservoirs for Nature link

SA Water is delivering one of the largest carbon and ecosystem restoration programs by an Australian water utility, investing in the rehabilitation of cleared land across South Australia.

About the Reservoirs for Nature Program

The Reservoirs for Nature program is a long-term investment in South Australia’s environment, people, communities and climate resilience. It intends to deliver lasting environmental outcomes across several of our reservoir reserve sites, beginning with Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves, with the potential for future stages pending approvals.

By regenerating native landscapes and improving biodiversity, this initiative will help restore ecological balance to some of our most important natural areas, while supporting stronger communities, deeper cultural connections, and healthier environments for generations to come.

Environmental and climate benefits

Stage 1 of the program will:

  • Restore 320 hectares of previously cleared land at Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves.

  • Generate around 67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over 25 years, helping SA Water offset emissions from major infrastructure projects, for example, the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant.

  • Support the reintroduction of 140 native flora species, including 40 species of conservation significance.

  • Create and enhance habitat for 15 threatened fauna species.

Across all of the potential sites, Reservoirs for Nature aims to restore grassy woodlands and native ecosystems, generating more than 330,000 ACCUs over 25 years if fully implemented.

Strengthening communities and cultural connection

Reservoirs for Nature is about more than just the environment; it’s about people and place. The program will create opportunities for:

  • Volunteering, education, and community participation and engagement.

  • Meaningful reconciliation outcomes through collaboration and stewardship

Program progress and next steps

Approvals for the first two sites, Myponga and Mount Bold are now in place. Site preparation works on both sites commenced in late December 2025, including fencing, ploughing and seeding activities. First plantings are scheduled to commence in July 2026, dependent on seasonal conditions.


Myponga Reservoir Reserve Plantings


Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve Plantings


Other locations that have been identified for potential future carbon plantings include:


  • Little Para Reservoir Reserve

  • Mobilong and Toora floodplains

  • Victor Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

  • Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve

  • South Para Reservoir Reserve

As the second-largest public land manager in South Australia, SA Water cares for around 70,000 hectares of land, including 40,000 hectares surrounding reservoirs and bore fields. Through projects like Reservoirs for Nature, we’re ensuring these landscapes continue to thrive - for people, for wildlife, and for the climate.

What else is happening at Myponga?

We are also establishing expanded recreational fishing opportunities at Myponga Reservoir Reserve by enabling access to deeper water. Site works for this enhanced access is happening parallel to Reservoirs for Nature. You can stay up to date here.

SA Water is delivering one of the largest carbon and ecosystem restoration programs by an Australian water utility, investing in the rehabilitation of cleared land across South Australia.

About the Reservoirs for Nature Program

The Reservoirs for Nature program is a long-term investment in South Australia’s environment, people, communities and climate resilience. It intends to deliver lasting environmental outcomes across several of our reservoir reserve sites, beginning with Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves, with the potential for future stages pending approvals.

By regenerating native landscapes and improving biodiversity, this initiative will help restore ecological balance to some of our most important natural areas, while supporting stronger communities, deeper cultural connections, and healthier environments for generations to come.

Environmental and climate benefits

Stage 1 of the program will:

  • Restore 320 hectares of previously cleared land at Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves.

  • Generate around 67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over 25 years, helping SA Water offset emissions from major infrastructure projects, for example, the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant.

  • Support the reintroduction of 140 native flora species, including 40 species of conservation significance.

  • Create and enhance habitat for 15 threatened fauna species.

Across all of the potential sites, Reservoirs for Nature aims to restore grassy woodlands and native ecosystems, generating more than 330,000 ACCUs over 25 years if fully implemented.

Strengthening communities and cultural connection

Reservoirs for Nature is about more than just the environment; it’s about people and place. The program will create opportunities for:

  • Volunteering, education, and community participation and engagement.

  • Meaningful reconciliation outcomes through collaboration and stewardship

Program progress and next steps

Approvals for the first two sites, Myponga and Mount Bold are now in place. Site preparation works on both sites commenced in late December 2025, including fencing, ploughing and seeding activities. First plantings are scheduled to commence in July 2026, dependent on seasonal conditions.


Myponga Reservoir Reserve Plantings


Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve Plantings


Other locations that have been identified for potential future carbon plantings include:


  • Little Para Reservoir Reserve

  • Mobilong and Toora floodplains

  • Victor Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

  • Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve

  • South Para Reservoir Reserve

As the second-largest public land manager in South Australia, SA Water cares for around 70,000 hectares of land, including 40,000 hectares surrounding reservoirs and bore fields. Through projects like Reservoirs for Nature, we’re ensuring these landscapes continue to thrive - for people, for wildlife, and for the climate.

What else is happening at Myponga?

We are also establishing expanded recreational fishing opportunities at Myponga Reservoir Reserve by enabling access to deeper water. Site works for this enhanced access is happening parallel to Reservoirs for Nature. You can stay up to date here.

  • Example plantings at Myponga Reservoir Reserve

    Share Example plantings at Myponga Reservoir Reserve on Facebook Share Example plantings at Myponga Reservoir Reserve on Twitter Share Example plantings at Myponga Reservoir Reserve on Linkedin Email Example plantings at Myponga Reservoir Reserve link



  • Example plantings at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve

    Share Example plantings at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve on Facebook Share Example plantings at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve on Twitter Share Example plantings at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve on Linkedin Email Example plantings at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve link

Page published: 26 May 2026, 08:59 AM