This week’s water sector activity focused on digital transformation, infrastructure renewal and long-term water security, with utilities, researchers and industry organisations progressing initiatives to improve operational efficiency, support growing communities and strengthen climate resilience.
From wastewater network upgrades and reservoir renewals to new research on wastewater treatment and water pricing decisions, the latest developments reflect the sector’s continued focus on sustainability, service reliability and future planning.
Businesses accelerate AI adoption despite capability gaps
New research from Schneider Electric has found Australian businesses are increasingly adopting automation and artificial intelligence, although financial and technical barriers continue to slow implementation.
The company’s 2026 Energy Tech Pulse survey found 67% of Australian leaders view automation as critical to competitiveness, while half expect AI investments to deliver returns within three years.
Schneider Electric Vice President IT and Datacentres Farokh Ghadially said: “These insights demonstrate that Australian businesses clearly see the value of automation and AI in driving efficiency and competitive advantage.
“However, cost pressures and capability gaps are slowing the pace of progress. The challenge now is to make digital tools more accessible and scalable, so that organisations of every size can capture the full benefits of automation.”
Yokogawa receives net-zero target certification
Yokogawa Electric Corporation has received certification of its net-zero targets from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), confirming the company’s greenhouse gas reduction plans align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target.
The company aims to achieve a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 compared with 2019 levels and reach net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
Yokogawa said it will focus on reducing emissions throughout its supply chain, including working with suppliers, improving product energy efficiency and developing lower-emission technologies and solutions.
Unitywater completes major wastewater pipe renewal
Unitywater has completed one of Australia’s longest single-shot expandable spiral relines on a wastewater pipe, renewing a 200-metre section of pipeline in Caloundra that services around 17,500 residents.
The project forms part of Unitywater’s $400 million replacements and renewals program aimed at improving water and wastewater assets across its service area.
Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said: “This method is much less disruptive to the community and more cost-effective than if we were to completely replace the pipe, which requires open-cut trenching and coordination and shutdown of assets while these works take place.”
The works were completed while the pipeline remained operational, avoiding service interruptions for customers.
Beca expands Queensland presence through acquisition
Beca has acquired regional environmental and planning consultancy CQG Consulting, adding more than 45 specialists to its Australian business. CQG Consulting has offices across regional Queensland, including Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville and Brisbane.
Beca Managing Director Australia Andrew Mailer said: “It brings talented Queenslanders into our business and allows us to offer greater diversity of expertise to CQG’s strong client base across regional Queensland.”
The acquisition supports Beca’s growth strategy in key sectors including water, energy, defence and infrastructure.
Yarra Valley Water adds first electric utility vehicles
Yarra Valley Water has introduced its first electric utility vehicles as part of its transition towards net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The vehicles will be powered by 100% renewable electricity and join the utility’s growing electric vehicle fleet.
The vehicles will be used by Customer Response Officers to investigate water pressure and water quality enquiries, with onboard testing equipment enabling water sampling and analysis in the field.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said: “When someone has a concern about their water supply, they want help fast. These electric vehicles mean our team can test water on the spot, while also reducing emissions in the neighbourhoods we serve.”
Research highlights wastewater treatment concerns
New research from Flinders University has examined how chemicals commonly used in caravan and camper toilets may affect regional wastewater treatment systems.
The study found many caravan users regularly use toilet additives containing bronopol, a disinfectant that can break down into potentially harmful compounds.
Researcher Rajshekar Indela said: “While these products help maintain hygiene inside caravans, the chemicals may interfere with the beneficial microbes used in wastewater treatment systems.”
The findings highlight potential challenges for smaller regional treatment systems that receive concentrated caravan wastewater through dump points and caravan parks.
Regulator approves Melbourne Water and North East Water pricing plans
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on Melbourne Water’s prices for the next five years, beginning on 1 July 2026. The decision supports approximately $10 billion in spending, including $7.3 billion in infrastructure investment to maintain water, sewerage, waterways and drainage services.
The approved investment includes upgrades to sewerage and drainage infrastructure to support population growth and maintain reliable services, while new connection principles will apply to large commercial and industrial water users.
The Essential Services Commission has also released its final decision on North East Water’s prices from 1 July 2026. The decision allows North East Water to invest $280 million in drinking water, sewerage and infrastructure projects across its service area.
Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody said: “The final prices balance North East Water’s need to invest in infrastructure that delivers safe, clean drinking water, while making sure customers are not asked to pay more than is needed.” The decision also supports expanded customer assistance and hardship programs.
Gippsland Water trials 360-degree inspection technology
Gippsland Water has trialled 360-degree camera technology at sewer pump stations to improve infrastructure inspections and reduce safety risks. The cameras provide a complete view inside wells without requiring staff to enter confined spaces.
Acting Managing Director Simon Aquilina said: “We care deeply about the safety of our people and any investment we can make to improve it is worthwhile.”
Around 40 sewer pump stations across the Gippsland Water service area have trialled the technology, which will help inform future maintenance and asset planning.
Dry conditions continue to pressure storages
Coliban Water says low inflows and ongoing dry conditions have increased the likelihood of water restrictions next summer unless significant rainfall occurs over winter and spring. Despite 188mm of autumn rainfall, only 143 million litres flowed into the region’s reservoirs.
Coliban Water General Manager Water Climate Strategy Adam Crameri said: “Over the past two years, we’ve seen very low inflows which are down on the long-term median of 29 billion litres. As a result, our storage levels are still very low.”
Coliban Water is continuing to invest in infrastructure upgrades, recycled water initiatives and water efficiency programs to strengthen long-term water security.
Works begin on historic Hobart reservoir upgrade
TasWater has commenced the final stage of upgrades to the Waterworks Upper Reservoir at Ridgeway, one of Hobart’s oldest water assets. The reservoir was constructed between 1885 and 1888 and remains an important part of Hobart’s water supply network.
TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Callan Paske said: “This reservoir has been quietly doing its job for well over a century, and these upgrades are about making sure it can keep doing that for generations to come.”
The works include pipework upgrades and improvements to internal access within the intake tower, with construction expected to continue until late July 2026.
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