Why urban water efficiency cannot wait for drought: Episode 6 of Inside Water podcast, Chris Philpot

Why does water efficiency so often become a priority only when drought is already approaching? The Water Conservancy CEO Chris Philpot joins Inside Water host Chris Edwards to discuss why Australia needs to make water efficiency a permanent part of water planning. Drawing on around 25 years in the field, including experience during the Millennium Drought, Philpot explores how water efficiency knowledge has evolved, where capability has been lost and why demand management deserves to sit alongside recycling, desalination, dams and other supply options. The conversation also covers Smart Drop Certified, Water Night, water literacy, non-residential water audits and some of the innovations changing how homes and businesses use water. Philpot also introduces Smart Water Connect, Australia’s national water efficiency forum. The inaugural event will bring utilities, government, manufacturers, retailers and other water-using sectors together in Sydney on October 13, 2026. Inside Water explores the people, technology, ideas and decisions shaping Australia’s water and wastewater industry. Subscribe to Inside Water for more conversations with the people leading change across the sector. Follow Inside Water: LinkedIn:   / inside-water   Facebook:   / insidewatermagazine   X/Twitter: https://x.com/InsideWaterMag Newsletter: https://insidewater.com.au/subscribe/