This week’s water sector activity focused on digital transformation, infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation, with utilities, researchers and industry organisations progressing projects aimed at improving water security, operational reliability and customer outcomes across Australia and internationally.
From digital metering milestones and irrigation upgrades to corrosion research, water literacy programs and climate science, the latest developments reflect the sector’s ongoing focus on sustainability, innovation and long-term resilience.
CSIRO launches new AI infrastructure for real-time robotics and sensing
CSIRO has launched a new AI computing infrastructure called Vetra at its Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies in Pullenvale, designed to support real-time AI processing close to where data is generated.
The modular system enables high-performance edge computing for robotics, sensors and safety-critical applications.
CSIRO’s Data61 Director Liming Zhu said: “AI is rapidly moving beyond digital systems into the physical world, including robots, infrastructure, sensing and safety critical environments”.
“Vetra enables real-time physical AI research by bringing high performance computing to the edge, where proximity to data allows systems to respond, learn and operate safely in complex environments in ways that are not possible with cloud only or distant data centre approaches.”
Schneider Electric reports early progress under Impact 2030 roadmap
Schneider Electric has released its first quarter sustainability results under its new Impact 2030 roadmap, reporting progress across emissions reduction, energy efficiency and community programs.
The company said its Impact score reached 3.40/10 in the first quarter, while Scopes 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 82.5% since 2017.
Chief Sustainability Officer Esther Finidori said: “Impact 2030 provides a framework to drive broad, systemic transformation - bringing everyone along”.
“We look forward to seeing positive outcomes accelerate quarter after quarter, as our ambition is translated into tangible, consistent and measurable progress.”
Scott Morath joins Mott MacDonald as water, environment and society market leader
Mott MacDonald has appointed Scott Morath as its new water, environment and society market leader for Australia.
Morath brings more than 25 years of experience across water, environment and infrastructure projects, most recently holding senior executive roles at Jacobs.
Mott MacDonald Managing Director for Australia Frances Badelow said: “Scott brings a rare combination of market leadership, technical depth and hands-on experience leading some of Australia’s largest and most complex water and environmental programmes”.
GMW Winter Works program underway
Goulburn-Murray Water has commenced its 2026 Winter Works program, with maintenance and upgrade works taking place across its irrigation network during the off-season.
The works include channel remodelling, culvert rehabilitation, desilting and aquatic weed treatment aimed at improving water delivery reliability ahead of the 2026/27 irrigation season.
GMW General Manager Infrastructure Delivery Services Alan Shea said: “A key focus of this year’s program is repairing and remodelling channel banks, which will improve water delivery and flow.”
Greater Western Water urges customers to protect meters from frost
Greater Western Water is encouraging customers to protect exposed water meters and pipes from freezing as winter temperatures drop across Victoria.
GWW General Manager Service Delivery Jodie Hallam said: “Whether you show off your footy colours, paint a design on a box, knit a meter ‘cosy’ or keep it simple and use a bucket, you’ll be helping protect your water supply and inspiring others in your street to do the same.”
Monash researchers explore smarter soil design to reduce pipeline corrosion
Monash University researchers are investigating how specially designed backfill materials could help reduce corrosion in buried water pipelines and extend infrastructure lifespan.
The research examines how soil conditions influence corrosion in metallic pipelines, which currently costs Australia an estimated $1 billion annually through repairs and replacement.
Lead author Thisara Senarathna said: “Our work shows backfill should be treated as part of the corrosion protection strategy itself, not just material used to support the pipe.”
Hunter Water unveils Arcadia Vale reservoir mural
Hunter Water has completed refurbishment works at the Arcadia Vale reservoir, unveiling a new mural featuring a powerful owl native to the region.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery Justin Watts said: “The Arcadia Vale upgrades were about more than maintaining essential infrastructure, they were about creating something the community can be proud of.”
Yarra Valley Water appoints maintenance delivery partners
Yarra Valley Water has appointed Service Stream and Ventia as maintenance service delivery partners under a new nine-year contract commencing in October 2026.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said: “We know how important reliable water and sanitation services are to the people we serve, and strengthening our partnerships with Service Stream and Ventia helps us keep delivering on that promise.”
Intellihub smart water service receives Smart Drop Certification
Intellihub’s smart water service has achieved Smart Drop Certification, recognising its contribution to water efficiency and sustainable water management.
The Water Conservancy CEO Chris Philpot said: “We are very pleased to see Intellihub achieve Smart Drop Certification, recognising the value its smart water service can deliver to customers and the broader water sector.”
Yarra Valley Water reaches 50,000 digital meter milestone
Yarra Valley Water has installed more than 50,000 digital water meters across Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs as part of its long-term network upgrade program.
The utility said the digital meters have already helped identify more than 8,500 leaks and save around 250 megalitres of water.
Managing Director Natalie Foeng said: “This is one of the most significant technology upgrades to our water network in decades, and it’s already delivering real value for customers.”
Water Corporation delivers waterwise education sessions in the Pilbara
More than 700 students across the West Pilbara participated in Water Corporation’s waterwise education sessions last week, learning about water sources, conservation and long-term water security.
Water Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad said: “The Pilbara is a special place with a unique water story, and we want young people here to know and own that story.”
Katherine wins Trans-Tasman best tasting tap water competition
Katherine’s drinking water has won the Trans-Tasman IXOM Best-Tasting Tap Water Competition after previously taking out Australia’s national title.
Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services Stephen Vlahovic said: “The community has worked with us over several years through major improvements to their water supply, and the result is Katherine’s tap water is now some of the Territory’s best.”
Researchers investigate why multi-year La Niña events are becoming more common
Researchers from the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology and the University of Hawaii have identified new mechanisms that may explain the growing frequency of multi-year La Niña events.
The study found existing theories only explain around 30% of observed prolonged La Niña events over the past century.
Lead researcher Tim Li said: “Currently, a widely accepted hypothesis is that multi-year La Niña events are triggered by preceding extreme El Niño events, but this mechanism explains only about 30% of the total multi-year La Niñas observed over the past century.”
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