Environment

Water management

Like waste management, water management ranked as an important issue to Downer in the materiality assessment we conducted in 2021.

Downer has collected water data using a similar methodology that was deployed for FY20, however FY20 figures have been restated to include water data from Meandu Mine.

Downer’s overall withdrawals and discharges decreased from FY20 predominantly due to the reduction in mining activity at Meandu.

Downer’s potable water usage decreased compared to FY20, predominantly due to the divestment of Laundries, which was a considerable water consumer as a portion of the overall Group portfolio.

Water withdrawals (kL) Australia and New Zealand

FY20
FY21
% Change
from FY20
Total potable water withdrawn
3,355,513
1,817,490
-46%
Groundwater (from dewatering)
20,639,760
11,737,777
-43%
Water dust suppression
796,223
1,253,651
57%
Total potable water withdrawn
1,817,490 (12%)
Groundwater (from dewatering)
11,737,777 (79%)
Water dust suppression
1,253,651 (9%)
potable groundwater dust

Total potable
water withdrawn
1,817,490 (12%)

Groundwater
(from dewatering)
11,737,777 (79%)

Water dust
suppression
1,253,651 (9%)

Water discharges (kL) Australia and New Zealand

FY20
FY21
% Change
from FY20
Water discharged (to stormwater, creek, etc)
1,946,388
1,051,768
-46%
Wastewater discharged (non-treated)
806,341
461,398
-43%
Water discharged (to stormwater, creek, etc)
1,051,768 (70%)
Wastewater discharged (non-treated)
461,398 (30%)
water wastewater

Water discharged
(to stormwater, creek, etc)
1,051,768 (70%)

Wastewater discharged
(non-treated)
461,398 (30%)

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