Week in water: updates from across the community

This week's water sector activity focused on governance, infrastructure resilience, drinking water quality, environmental restoration and research, with agencies and utilities investing in stronger systems and community outcomes.

From major reviews of Murray-Darling Basin governance and First Peoples water management to supply upgrades, operator achievements and emerging microplastic research, the latest developments highlight the sector's diverse responsibilities.

NATIONAL

Water reviews present opportunities to strengthen Basin governance
Inspector-General of Water Compliance Troy Grant has called for stronger governance, accountability and regulatory design as three major reviews examine Commonwealth water management.

The statutory reviews cover the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the Water Act and the Inspector-General of Water Compliance. Grant has contributed evidence and recommendations addressing water resource plan implementation, the sustainable diversion limit framework and the responsibilities of government agencies.

“The review of the Basin Plan has been a lightning rod for stakeholders, but the Water Act is where the Government sets up the whole system,” Grant said.

The Inspector-General's submission to the Basin Plan review was published in July, while his submission to the Water Act review is expected to be published in September.

First Peoples invited to shape enduring water trust
First Peoples across the Murray-Darling Basin are being invited to help design a charitable trust for holding and managing water purchased through the Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program.

Independent First Peoples led consultancy Cox Inall Ridgeway will facilitate workshops from mid-August, exploring the trust's governance, beneficiaries, decision-making processes and long-term operation.

The proposed model aims to support self-determination and deliver lasting cultural, social, spiritual, environmental and economic outcomes. Separate legal, financial, governance and implementation work will test how the model could operate in practice.

Outcomes from the engagement and co-design process will be provided to the Australian Government for consideration.

STATE AND TERRITORY

Study explores converting biosolids into biochar
Gippsland Water is supporting a national research project investigating how biosolids from wastewater treatment can be converted into biochar to improve soil health.

Led by Water Research Australia and delivered by CDM Smith, the 13-month study will examine the conversion process and review evidence and testing approaches for destroying contaminants, including PFAS.

Gippsland Water already repurposes biosolids with green waste, food organics and other organic materials to produce certified compost.

Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “These findings will help water corporations across the country make more informed decisions on the creation of biochar, and the benefits it could bring.”

Buckley's Hill upgrade strengthens Morwell supply resilience
Gippsland Water has upgraded the Buckley's Hill raw water basin in Morwell, improving water supply reliability for local industry and strengthening emergency options for residential customers.

Works included repairs to the inlet structure, refurbishment of the original isolation valve and recoating of the internal pipeline and interconnection structure.

Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “The upgraded basin also provides another source of water for residential customers during emergencies, strengthening our ability to respond if normal supply is disrupted.”

West Coast Tappers retain Tasmanian title
TasWater operators Cameron Lusk and Lynden Thurston have retained their state title at the 2026 Water Industry Operators Association Water Main Tapping Competition.

Competing as the West Coast Tappers, the pair completed a live water main connection in one minute and 20.79 seconds, just 0.29 seconds outside the national record.

TasWater General Manager Operations Brendan Windmeyer said: “The Water Main Tapping Competition shines a spotlight on the highly specialised work our operators perform every day to keep water flowing for Tasmanian communities and showcases the teamwork, technical expertise and professionalism that underpin our industry.”

Rocky Creek named Tasmania's best tasting tap water
Rocky Creek in the Huon Valley has won the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water title for Tasmania for the second consecutive year.

TasWater General Manager Operations Brendan Windmeyer said: “Our reputation for producing some of the best tasting drinking water in Australia is something all Tasmanians can be really proud of.”

The Rocky Creek entry will progress to the national final, where the winner will earn the opportunity to represent Australia at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition in the United States.

Melton South pipeline to support growing community
Greater Western Water will construct a two-kilometre permanent water pipeline in Melton South to support population growth and strengthen supply reliability.

General Manager Asset Planning and Delivery Ian Burton said: “The new water main will provide the capacity needed to support the community now and into the future and help deliver a consistent and reliable water supply for our customers.”

Works will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption, with Greater Western Water continuing to provide updates to local residents and businesses throughout construction.

Treatment changes strengthen South East Queensland water quality
Seqwater is introducing water treatment enhancements at the Mount Crosby, North Pine and Beaudesert water treatment plants from mid-August.

Delivered in partnership with Urban Utilities, Logan Water and Unitywater, the changes aim to strengthen drinking water quality across Ipswich, Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay and parts of the Scenic Rim.

The pH of treated water will increase slightly from about 7.8 to 8.4, helping improve treatment performance and provide more stable water quality throughout the year, particularly during summer.

PFAS researcher receives Dennis Mulcahy Memorial Award
University of Adelaide PhD candidate Sayedali Mirkhalafi has received Water Research Australia's 2026 Dennis Mulcahy Memorial Award.

Presented through Water Research Australia's Research Leadership Program, the annual award recognises researchers who demonstrate dedication, passion and collaboration in addressing significant water challenges.

Mirkhalafi's research focuses on developing advanced activated carbon materials to remove short-chain PFAS from water.

Reservoir partnerships open for community projects
South Australian not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 through SA Water's 2026-27 Reservoirs Partnership Program.

Now in its seventh year, the program supports community projects encouraging environmental conservation, outdoor activity, recreation and learning at the state's publicly accessible reservoir reserves.

SA Water Environment and Recreation Manager Dr Brooke Swaffer said: “These partnerships don't just support activities, they spark long-term connections between people and places.”

Funding supports Sturt River restoration
The Australian Government is investing $750,000 to restore habitat and improve water quality along Adelaide's Sturt River.

Led by the City of Mitcham, the project will remove invasive weeds, plant native vegetation and stabilise riverbanks vulnerable to erosion. The works aim to improve biodiversity, strengthen the river corridor and enhance community access.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “Through this project we're partnering with the City of Mitcham to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage the precious natural environment around Adelaide.”

INTERNATIONAL

Microrobots tested for microplastic removal
Researchers in the Czech Republic have developed microscopic robots capable of removing microplastics from contaminated water and soil samples under laboratory conditions.

The microrobots use microscopic MXene particles with a large surface area and chemical properties that attract and hold plastic. Magnetic nickel nanoparticles allow the robots to be moved through water and small, water-filled spaces in soil using rotating magnetic fields.

Microplastics can become trapped between soil minerals and organic matter, making them difficult to extract through conventional methods. They can also affect soil fertility, nutrient cycling and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The research points to a potential new approach for capturing plastic particles smaller than five millimetres in complex environments.

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