A lifetime in water: Michael Muston on building a career with purpose

Image: Michael Muston (left) and Prof Stuart Khan (right) tasting the reuse water at the Groundwater Reuse Scheme Southern California 2017.

Careers in water offer more than just professional growth – they provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference in communities across Australia and around the world.

Few embody this ethos more than Michael Muston, who has spent nearly 60 years in the sector and 40 as a dedicated Australian Water Association (AWA) member. From laying sewer pipes straight out of high school to influencing international water reuse policy, Muston’s career is a testament to what’s possible in this vital sector.

From the ground up

“It's actually 60 years I’ve been working in water – almost. In 2028, it'll be 60 years in the water sector, and 40 years with AWA,” Muston said.

Muston’s journey began when he left high school and joined the Sydney Water Board, a trajectory into water that wouldn’t once deviate.

“I left high school and joined the Sydney Water Board – then known as the Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board. I remember the start date well: 10 January 1968. I filled that out on so many forms, it’s etched in my memory,” he said.

A knack for maths and science, along with a strong grounding in geography, pointed him towards engineering.

“In high school, I did well in maths and science, and I also studied geography, which I think really influences how you think about water – especially physical geography. It’s about water, ice, and how it shapes the landscape.”

Though he briefly considered meteorology, engineering won out – a decision underpinned by his appreciation for good teachers and the role of education in shaping futures.

“I looked into meteorology as a career, but ended up in engineering. Education is so important – particularly high school education. I was lucky to have good teachers. I really think we still undervalue education in Australia. We need good teachers in water, too.”

Learning by doing

Muston’s early years were rich in hands-on learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong career.

“I started out on building sites laying sewage pipes, ordering materials – only a few weeks out of high school, before I’d even enrolled at uni. I really did learn the industry from the ground up,” he said.

His cadetship with Sydney Water allowed him to rotate through different departments every year.

“Each year during my studies, I’d work in a different branch of the Water Board. I did everything from construction and design to catchment management. I got to experience the full spectrum – planning, implementation and operations,” he said.

These experiences helped Muston build an exceptional understanding of water systems and reinforced his passion for catchment management.

“One of the more significant rotations was the Headworks Branch – now part of what later became Sydney Catchment Authority and now State Water,” he said.

“They were dealing with the aftermath of a major water quality issue at Prospect Reservoir resulting from nutrients in the aftermath of major fires in the catchment. It taught me a lot about the value of catchment management.”

From local to global

After transferring to Wollongong, Muston gained a holistic view of operations, an experience that shaped his understanding of integrated water management.

“Wollongong was great because, unlike Sydney where water and sewage were separated into different branches, we managed everything. So, I got broad experience – one day fixing a water distribution issue, the next a sewage treatment issue. It was a comprehensive education in water systems management,” he said.

From city infrastructure to managing ports, his leadership evolved with the changing sector.

“I also worked in city operations – overseeing areas from Sydney down to National Park and westwards. We dealt with things like the monorail, third runway, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, and Darling Harbour redevelopment – big infrastructure projects,” he said.

“I then became a general manager of a local council… We restructured how we worked with the public, how we made decisions, and how services were delivered.”

His international experience, from consulting in China to participating in a European water recycling project, broadened his perspective and connected him to a global water community.

“When I got back from China, I started helping with a university-led European water recycling project. I ended up running the Australian component and attending project meetings in Europe. It opened up a whole international network.”

Heart of the sector

For Muston , the water sector has always been about people and purpose.

“What’s fulfilling about the water sector? It’s the people. I’ve always found them to be decent, committed, smart – and globally, that holds true,” he said.

“You're also doing something good. A third of the world still lacks clean water. Every step we take here helps, and that’s rewarding.”

His reflections reveal a sector that draws people in and gives them reasons to stay.

“People tend to stumble into the sector. Someone asks them to give a talk or consult on a project, and they never leave because they love it,” he said.

“Even non-technical people – community engagement professionals, planners—they often stay because the sector pulls them in. There’s something special about it.”

And for those considering a future in water, Muston offers a clear picture of who thrives.

“The people who thrive are those who think beyond the technical, those who see the big picture, who care about people, sustainability and global impact.”

Interested in learning more about fulfilling work in water? Visit careers in water to find out more.