This week’s water sector activity focused on climate resilience, emissions reduction, regional water security and infrastructure investment, with utilities and governments continuing to respond to growing pressure on water systems across Australia and internationally.
From groundwater supply projects and wastewater upgrades to water restrictions, emissions planning and advances in weather forecasting, the latest developments highlight the sector’s continued focus on reliability, sustainability and long-term adaptation.
Burpengary East wastewater treatment plant upgrade progresses
Unitywater is continuing a major upgrade of the Burpengary East Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase capacity for the growing Moreton Bay region.
The project includes construction of a new bioreactor, upgraded inlet works, improved odour control and modernised electrical systems. Once complete, the plant will be able to service around 81,000 residents and treat up to 14 million litres of wastewater per day.
Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said the project remains on track for completion in early 2027.
“This upgrade will increase the plant’s capacity to treat wastewater from 50,000 people to 81,000 people once it’s completed,” he said.
Victoria releases water sector emissions transition plan
The Victorian Government has released the Water Sector Emissions Transition Plan, outlining the next steps for the state’s water sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment, fuel use, construction and supply chains.
The plan builds on the sector’s transition to 100% renewable electricity and supports its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. Victoria’s water sector has already reduced emissions by more than 45%.
More than 90% of the sector’s remaining emissions come from methane and nitrous oxide generated during wastewater treatment. The Victorian Government said the plan would help water providers make timely and cost-effective decisions while supporting innovation, resource recovery and regional development.
Jurien Bay water security project underway
Construction has begun on a $23 million project to strengthen Jurien Bay’s drinking water supply and deliver an additional 100 million litres each year to meet growing demand.
The project includes commissioning a deeper groundwater bore, constructing a two-kilometre pipeline and building a new water treatment plant. Once complete, the project will increase Jurien Bay’s total water supply capacity by 24%.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “We know that climate change is placing increasing pressure on traditional water sources across Australia, particularly in regional communities that rely on shallow groundwater.”
“That’s why, through the National Water Grid Fund, the Australian Government is partnering with the Cook Labor Government to invest in practical water infrastructure that supports resilient regional communities now and into the future.”
Temporary water restrictions introduced along Barwon-Darling River
Temporary water restrictions are now in place for B and C class licences along the Barwon-Darling River and northern tributaries due to ongoing dry conditions.
The restrictions were triggered after active storage in the upper Menindee Lakes fell to 250 gigalitres and are intended to protect critical human and environmental water needs.
The restrictions apply to several licence categories across the northern Murray-Darling Basin but do not affect town water supplies, stock and domestic licences or basic landholder rights.
New equipment boosts Gippsland composting capacity
Gippsland Water’s Gippsland Regional Organics business has expanded operations with the addition of a new windrow turner at its Dutson Downs composting facility.
The EPA-licensed site is the largest organics recycling facility in Victoria and can now produce up to 70,000 tonnes of compost annually.
Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the new equipment would support more efficient composting across the expanded site.
“The additional windrow turner allows us to manage composting more efficiently across the larger site, with greater control over aeration and moisture,” Cumming said.
“That consistency is critical to producing high-quality, compliant compost, while meeting our environmental obligations.”
Northern Territory drinking water report released
Power and Water has released its 2025 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, covering water quality outcomes across 18 urban centres and 72 remote communities throughout the Northern Territory.
The report includes updates on several major water security projects, including the Manton Dam Return to Service project and the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage project, as well as remote community infrastructure upgrades supported through the National Water Grid.
Power and Water CEO Djuna Pollard said the report helps keep communities informed about drinking water quality and supply reliability.
“Our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, which is nationally recognised as leading practice in the water industry, helps us keep Territorians informed about the quality of their drinking water and the measures we take to keep water secure and reliable,” Pollard said.
Stage one water restrictions introduced on Flinders Island
Stage one water restrictions are now in place for Whitemark on Flinders Island as dry conditions continue to affect local water supplies. TasWater is asking residents and visitors to reduce non-essential water use by 20% while restrictions remain in effect.
TasWater Acting Head of Communications and Engagement Jess Sargent said conserving water would help ensure supplies remain available for essential needs.
“We always encourage Tasmanians, no matter where they live, to conserve water and ‘Save Our Thing’,” Sargent said.
Study finds AI struggles to predict extreme weather events
A new study led by researchers from the University of Geneva and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has found artificial intelligence weather forecasting models often fail to accurately predict record-breaking extreme weather events.
Published in Science Advances, the research compared leading AI weather models against the High Resolution Forecast system, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading physics-based forecasting systems.
While AI models performed well for everyday weather forecasting, the study found they consistently underestimated the severity of extreme heatwaves and wind events.
Researchers said the findings highlight ongoing challenges in using AI to forecast unprecedented climate-related events, despite rapid advances in forecasting technology.
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