The 2026 Western Australian Water Awards have celebrated the state’s outstanding projects and professionals, recognising achievements in research, sustainability, community engagement and water sector leadership.
Announced at the Water Awards Dinner held at The Ritz-Carlton Perth on 30 October, the Awards highlight the expertise and dedication helping strengthen water services and improve outcomes for communities and the environment.
AWA Chief Executive Corinne Cheeseman congratulated all the finalists and winners, acknowledging their contributions to Western Australia’s sustainable water future.
“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. These awards are a chance to celebrate the people behind the work and recognise the care, creativity and commitment they bring to our water community,” Cheeseman said.
“This year’s winners show the many ways our sector is making a difference.
“It is also wonderful to recognise professionals who are sharing their knowledge, supporting their colleagues and inspiring others to pursue a career in water. There is so much to be proud of across Western Australia’s water community.”
Winners in eligible categories will go on to represent Western Australia in the national Australian Water Awards, to be presented at Ozwater’27 in Sydney.
Organisational Excellence Award
City of Bayswater - Community Engagement Process for Maylands Lakes Environmental Restoration Project
The Maylands Lakes project combines science, adaptive management and community engagement through a staged MERI framework. Monitoring data triggers evidence-based interventions, allowing treatments to be tested, evaluated and adapted over time. This transparent approach brings the community on the journey while building a resilient, long-term pathway for restoring the lakes.
R&D Excellence (sponsored by Water Research Australia)
CSIRO and Water Corporation - Ammonia Recovery from Wastewater Using Bipolar Membrane Electro-dialysis (BPMED)
CSIRO and WCWA are transforming wastewater into a valuable resource using bipolar membrane electrodialysis to recover ammonia from centrate. The project has achieved high recovery, progressed from laboratory proof-of-concept to industry-site scale-up, and offers a pathway to lower emissions, reduced treatment costs, circular resource recovery and future green energy applications.
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (REGIONAL) (sponsored by Guidera O’Connor)
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Shire of Westonia - Warralakin Tank Refurbishment
Revitalising a historic 1929 railway water tank, the Warralakin Tank Refurbishment Project combined innovative technology with sustainable water management to restore a vital 8.8 million litre water source, strengthening regional resilience, supporting emergency services, and preserving an important piece of Western Australian heritage.
Innovating for Sustainable Water and Environmental Outcomes Award 2026 [sponsored by Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Water Corporation]
SSDP transformed cartridge filters from disposable consumables into reusable assets through a novel in-situ cleaning process. The innovation increased average filter life from 27 to 167 days, reduced waste and manual handling, improved maintenance efficiency, and demonstrates a scalable circular-economy approach for desalination and water treatment.
Student Water Prize (sponsored by GHD)
Alessandra Donati – University of Western Australia
Rain Check – Pinpointing Infiltration and Inflow Risk in the Sewer Network
Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) is a long-recognised challenge for utilities, worsened by intensifying rainfall. In 2025, stormwater entering Perth's sewers pushed treatment plants beyond design capacity, costing AUD7.65M. This Bayesian model pinpoints infiltration hotspots, revealing 10% of pipes carry approximately half the infiltration, transforming reactive maintenance into targeted remediation.
Young Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by Xylem)
Jeremy Duke – Director of Operations, Moerk Water
Jeremy Duke is Director of Operations at Moerk Water, delivering water treatment where challenges lie: remote communities, the Pacific, defence, and ports. He has helped secure Australian regulatory firsts, champions trained local operators, and co-chairs IWA Australia YWP and vice-chairs AWA WA YWP.
Water Professional of the Year (sponsored by KSB Australia)
Dr Stacey Hamilton – General Manager Operations and Planning, Busselton Water
Dr Stacey Hamilton is a nationally recognised water leader whose technical expertise, innovation and inclusive leadership are shaping a more sustainable future. A respected mentor and industry advocate, she inspires collaboration, develops emerging professionals and delivers lasting benefits for utilities, communities and the environment.
The Association congratulates all the award finalists and winners and thanks our sponsors – Water Corporation, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Sacyr, Steel Mains, Eurofins, John Holland, Acciona, Guidera O’Connor, Water Research Australia, GHD, Xylem and KSB Australia – for their support of this event and these important water community awards.
| Diamond Partners and Joint Sponsors - WA Innovating for Sustainable Water & Environmental Outcomes Award |
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Platinum Partner |
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Gold Partners |
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Infrastructure Project Innovation (Metro and Regional) Award Sponsor |
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| National R&D Excellence Award Sponsor | Student Water Prize Sponsor (Proudly supporting the WA SWP for 23 years) |
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| National Young Water Professional Award Sponsor | WA Water Professional of the Year Sponsor |