This week’s water community activity focused on renewing essential infrastructure, using technology to improve services and strengthening water security.
From digital meters and drone inspections to regional water supply upgrades and research into resource recovery, the latest developments highlight efforts to support reliable services and better environmental outcomes.
Digital water meter rollout reaches 100,000 installations
Yarra Valley Water has installed more than 100,000 digital water meters across Melbourne’s north and east, helping customers understand their water use and detect leaks sooner.
Since the rollout began, the meters have identified more than 15,000 leaks, saving approximately 440 megalitres of drinking water. Installations will extend to Brunswick, Eltham, Mulgrave, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South and Wheelers Hill over coming months.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said: “Digital meters are helping customers better understand their water use and detect leaks sooner, often before they would have otherwise become aware of an issue.”
Construction begins on Traralgon Tyers Interconnect
Gippsland Water has started construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline to connect Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr and Rosedale to the Traralgon water supply network.
The project will improve supply reliability and resilience to extreme weather, with joint funding from the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Victorian Government.
Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “Not only does this project ensure a more reliable water supply for the towns of Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, and Rosedale, but it will also cater for future growth of the region.”
Research explores manufacturing uses for wastewater algae
UNSW Sydney researchers have partnered with Sydney Water and Pacific Bio to investigate whether algae biomass produced through wastewater treatment can become a material for manufacturing.
The early-stage research explores converting the biomass into a binder and combining it with discarded textiles. Textiles are an initial test case, with potential applications across other manufacturing processes.
UNSW School of Chemistry Research Officer Mariëtte van Bueren said: “We're exploring whether the unique properties of algae biomass can be used to create natural binders that could replace fossil fuel-based alternatives across a wide range of manufacturing applications.”
TasWater adjusts sewerage pricing for affected customers
TasWater is adjusting fixed sewerage pricing for sporting clubs whose primary water use is irrigation, with changes backdated to 1 July.
The utility is also developing a solution for other non-residential customers whose large water connections attract charges that do not reflect their relatively low sewerage demand. Affected fixed sewerage charges will be put on hold, with backdated refunds processed once the solution is finalised.
TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Callan Paske said: “We’ve heard the feedback from this specific customer group, and we need to own and reflect on that while taking action to rectify the issue,”
Drones support safer inspections and water sampling
Greater Western Water is expanding its use of drones for asset inspections, water quality sampling, environmental surveys and infrastructure projects.
The fleet includes a waterproof drone, while thermal imaging helps identify leaks and monitor water levels. Teams also use drones to inspect elevated storage tanks and measure sludge stockpiles, reducing the need for employees to work at heights or cross difficult terrain.
Greater Western Water Operator in Charge of Water Network Operations Brendan Dalgleish said: “The inspections help us safely and efficiently assess the condition of our water storage tanks, identify maintenance issues and prioritise works across the network.”
Goldfields pipeline upgrades begin
Construction has begun on upgrades to Western Australia’s Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme, which supplies more than 100,000 people across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.
The $543 million investment includes replacing 44.5 kilometres of pipeline and duplicating Binduli Reservoir to support a 10% capacity increase. New pipes manufactured in Kwinana are designed to last up to 150 years.
Western Australian Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli said: “This upgrade will increase the scheme's capacity by 10 per cent, helping us meet growing demand and secure reliable water supplies well into the future.”
Community partnership grants open across the Territory
Power and Water has opened applications for its 2027 Community Partnerships Program, offering up to 10 grants of between $1,000 and $5,000.
Organisations across the Northern Territory, including regional and remote communities, are encouraged to apply by 2 November 2026. The 2026 program supported eight organisations, including Bikes Mwerre, which delivered cycling, bike repair and road safety sessions in Alice Springs.
Power and Water Community Relations Manager Jane Dellow said: “For the 2027 round we want to hear from organisations creating opportunities, supporting wellbeing, strengthening communities and helping shape the Territory’s future.”
Seqwater confirms Board appointments
The Queensland Government has confirmed the reappointment of Seqwater Board Chairperson John McEvoy and the appointment of new Board member Rupert Haywood.
The Board provides governance and strategic direction as Seqwater responds to population growth, plans for future water security and invests in critical infrastructure. Seqwater also acknowledged outgoing Board member Catherine Mickel’s service since 2020.
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Emma Thomas said: “We welcome Rupert to the Seqwater Board and look forward to working with him, alongside our continuing Board members, as we plan for the future water needs of South East Queensland”.
Doomadgee water treatment plant construction underway
Construction has commenced on Doomadgee’s new water treatment plant, following the installation and commissioning of a two-megalitre treated water storage tank and associated pipework.
Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, the project has supported 11 local Indigenous jobs and invested more than $746,000 through local Indigenous businesses. Completion is expected by mid-2027, weather permitting.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Frederick O’Keefe said: “It’s exciting to see major construction underway and our local people benefiting through employment and upskilling opportunities as the project progresses,”
Research highlights cooling contribution of frozen lakes
Research led by Duke University’s Dr Sarah Cooley suggests Northern Hemisphere lakes have a greater cooling effect per unit of area than surrounding land when covered in snow and ice.
Published in Geophysical Research Letters, the study analysed 22 years of satellite observations to compare seasonal snow cover and reflected sunlight across lakes and nearby land.
In boreal forest regions, lakes can account for more than a quarter of the cooling effect from snow and ice. The findings highlight a contribution to Earth’s climate system that could be better represented in climate models.
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