Week in water: updates from across the community

Water sector momentum continues to build across water quality, infrastructure investment, pricing reform and community engagement, with a strong focus on long-term resilience and culturally informed approaches to water management.

From new national research into urban water practices and major infrastructure upgrades in First Peoples’ communities to regulatory decisions shaping future pricing and creative community initiatives, activity across the sector this week reflects both immediate challenges and long-term transformation.

NATIONAL

New study to strengthen urban water management in reef catchments
The Urban Water Human Dimensions Study has begun under the Australian Government’s Reefwise Urban Program, led by the University of Canberra’s Centre for Environmental Governance in partnership with the Centre for Applied Water Science.

The study will examine how councils, industry, communities and Traditional Owners understand and apply best practice urban water management, and what enables or prevents uptake.

It aims to identify the cultural, social and economic factors that shape decision making, develop practical approaches to increase adoption of best practices, and support improved strategies to protect the Great Barrier Reef and connected ecosystems.

Funded through the $1.2 billion Reef protection and restoration package, the project forms part of phase one of the Reefwise Urban Program and contributes to the long-term goals of the Reef 2050 Plan.

STATE AND TERRITORY

South East Water unveils Aboriginal artwork celebrating water and Country
South East Water has launched a new Aboriginal artwork across its operations, including digital metering vehicles and a community drinking fountain.

Designed by Karajarri artist Marcus Lee, the work reflects themes of water, Country and connection, and symbolises the organisation’s service area and relationships with Traditional Owners.

Lee said the project has been deeply meaningful: “Seeing the visual identity come to life in the community is incredibly special – it's a visible commitment to reconciliation. The artwork tells the story of water, Country and connection, and reflects the shared responsibility we all have in caring for our waterways”.

South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said: “South East Water is pleased to feature this Aboriginal artwork across our operational and corporate environments”.
“We’re proud to share this artwork with our customers and community, and we hope you enjoy seeing it across our service area”, she said.

Five projects boost water security for First Peoples communities in Queensland
Five National Water Grid projects are progressing to improve drinking water infrastructure in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, the Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal.

The projects aim to deliver reliable access to safe drinking water, with all works expected to be completed by late 2026.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “Delivering these projects marks a significant step forward in strengthening water security for First Nations communities in Queensland”.

“This partnership between all levels of government demonstrates our shared commitment to improving essential services and supporting the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities,” he said.

Goulburn-Murray Water warns against illegal water take amid dry conditions
Goulburn-Murray Water is reminding customers that support is available for stock and domestic water, while warning against illegal pumping from storages and waterways.

The organisation has reported ongoing incidents of unauthorised water extraction, including people accessing waterways from public roads and boat ramps.

Water Delivery Services General Manager Warren Blyth said: “Water theft affects everyone in the community because there's limited water to go around. Illegally pumping water from storages and waterways means less for everyone else and is not the way to receive important water supply".

“With water supplies under pressure, everyone needs to do the right thing and follow the rules. To ensure fairness in how it is used, we take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of unauthorised take,” he said.

Draft pricing decision released for North East Water
The Essential Services Commission has released its draft decision on North East Water’s proposed prices for the next regulatory period from 1 July 2026.

The commission found the proposed increases largely reflect the need to invest in infrastructure and maintain services for around 120,000 customers, but has requested revisions to operating expenditure and further consultation on customer contribution charges.

Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody said: “We think the proposed prices strike an appropriate balance that enables North East Water to maintain vital infrastructure. But we’ve asked them to revisit their proposed operational spending, which we think could be reduced.”

Draft decision outlines Melbourne Water pricing and investment
The Essential Services Commission has also released its draft decision on Melbourne Water’s pricing for water, sewerage, waterways and drainage services from 1 July 2026.

The decision supports $7.3 billion in infrastructure investment, representing a reduction on Melbourne Water’s proposal but still a significant increase compared to the previous regulatory period.  It also includes a small reduction in waterways and drainage charges for 2026-27, with further consultation open until 1 May 2026 ahead of a final decision in June.

Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody said: “The commission has considered whether Melbourne Water’s proposed prices balance the need to deliver safe drinking water and invest in infrastructure, with the need to minimise cost pressures on retail water businesses and consumers.”

“Our draft decision includes a 7% reduction to Melbourne Water’s proposed infrastructure expenditure, while still enabling them to spend more in this area than in the previous five-years period.”

Tasmania faces ongoing dry conditions as restrictions loom
TasWater has warned that continued dry conditions and below average rainfall forecasts are placing pressure on water catchments across the state. Several systems are approaching stage one restrictions, including Oatlands and Whitemark, while Greater Launceston is also being closely monitored.

TasWater Head of Communications of Engagement Liz Hafner said: “Continuing dry weather, as well as a minimal rainfall forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology, continue to threaten Tasmania’s water catchments”.

“Many areas across the state have seen their lowest rainfall on record for the year to date, and the Bureau is predicting a 75% chance of significantly less rain than average over the medium to long term,” she said.

“The ongoing lack of rainfall has seen an increased likelihood that restrictions will be needed unless usage drops or there is significant rain in several catchments. Unless significant rainfall arrives, there is a high chance that Orford and Triabunna could move to stage three restrictions in the coming weeks.”

TasWater completes East Coast Art Trail
TasWater has completed its East Coast Art Trail, transforming 17 sewage pump station switchboards into public artworks along Tasmania’s east coast.

Acting General Manager Customer and Community Kate Crawford said: “Each artwork along the East Coast Art Trail reflects the strong relationship between our communities, water, and the natural environment. It’s been a joy to see locals and visitors vote on the winning designs, engage with the trail and share their stories".

Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Cheryl Arnol said: “The East Coast Art Trail has added a wonderful splash of colour to our towns. In Orford, the mural celebrates our unique environment with striking depictions of native wildlife, coastal plants, and the river and bay that define our community”.

INTERNATIONAL

Study finds rainfall patterns shifting toward more extreme events
New research published in Water Resources Research suggests climate change is altering how rainfall occurs, with a growing proportion falling during extreme events rather than steady rainfall.

The study introduces a new metric, the Extreme Precipitation Dependency Index, and finds that even under current global mitigation targets, many regions could see a sharp increase in rainfall concentrated in very wet days.

These shifts are expected to have significant implications for water management, agriculture and infrastructure planning, as systems designed for historical rainfall patterns face increasing pressure from more intense and less predictable events.

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