This week's water sector activity focused on major infrastructure investment, long-term water security, environmental restoration and community partnerships, with utilities and governments advancing projects to support growing communities, strengthen resilience and protect natural environments.
From once-in-a-generation drinking water infrastructure and recycled water expansion to environmental restoration, education initiatives and biosecurity improvements, the latest developments highlight the sector's continued focus on delivering reliable, sustainable and future-ready water services.
Wollert recycled water facility moves into design phase
Yarra Valley Water has taken a major step towards expanding recycled water services in Melbourne's north, with its upgraded Wollert recycled water treatment facility progressing into the early design phase.
The new facility will increase treatment capacity from 2.9 million litres to 10 million litres per day, supporting future housing growth while reducing demand on Melbourne's drinking water supplies.
General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said: "Moving into the early design phase is a significant milestone that will help ensure we can continue providing reliable recycled water services for growing communities, reducing demand on Melbourne's drinking water supplies and supporting more sustainable water use."
Once in a generation water project reaches major milestone
Sydney Water has completed one of the most complex operational activities undertaken on Greater Sydney's drinking water network in almost 30 years, successfully connecting the new Prospect Pre-Treatment Plant to the existing system.
The new facility forms part of Sydney Water's approximately $838 million investment in strengthening the resilience of Greater Sydney's drinking water network. Once operational, it will be capable of pre-treating up to 625 million litres of raw water each day before it enters the existing filtration process, helping manage changes in water quality following storms, droughts and bushfires.
Project Director Katherine Marshall said: "This was one of the most carefully planned operational activities undertaken on our drinking water network, requiring extensive coordination to safely integrate new infrastructure while maintaining reliable drinking water supply."
Unitywater begins construction on Moreton Bay reservoir
Unitywater has begun construction of a 15ML water reservoir as part of the Pine Valley Water Supply Project, which will support more than 100,000 future residents across Caboolture West, Morayfield and Narangba.
The project includes more than eight kilometres of connecting pipelines and will eventually deliver three new reservoirs to support growth across the region as part of Unitywater's $2 billion infrastructure investment over the next five years.
Chief Executive Officer Anna Jackson said: “We have an important role to play to support growth in South East Queensland and are investing $2 billion in our service region over the next five years to enable new homes."
Abergeldie begins work on Yanco Creek modernisation
Construction is underway on new water regulators and supporting infrastructure as part of the Yanco Creek Modernisation Project in southern New South Wales, helping improve water management across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Delivered by Abergeldie in partnership with the NSW Government and funded by the Australian Government, the works include new regulators, fishways and access culverts designed to improve flow management while delivering stronger environmental outcomes.
Abergeldie Chief Executive Officer Mark Bruzzone said: "We are proud to be working with the Australian and NSW Government on this key infrastructure project. These works are critical to improving the efficiency of water delivery across the Murray-Darling Basin."
Investigations continue into Longwood water supply
Goulburn Valley Water is investigating options to secure a more resilient long-term water supply for Longwood following significant damage to the town's water treatment plant and catchment during the January 2026 fires.
Engineering company Jacobs has been engaged to assess the option of supplying treated drinking water from Seymour via Avenel, while community consultation will also form part of the planning process through a new Customer Reference Group.
General Manager Planning and Assets Regan Flanagan said: "The Longwood fires had a significant impact on the town's water supply and on the quality of untreated water within the catchment, highlighting the need for a more resilient solution."
Hunter Water announces 2026 Love Water Grants recipients
Hunter Water has awarded more than $123,000 through its 2026 Love Water Grants program, supporting 16 community organisations, schools and community groups delivering water conservation and sustainability initiatives across the Lower Hunter.
Managing Director Jennifer Hayes said: "We were pleased to support 16 projects with a total of $123,839 in funding, following a rigorous assessment process."
"These projects represent a diverse range of communities and audiences and demonstrate practical, innovative approaches to water conservation and sustainability."
New truck wash strengthens Tasmania's biosecurity
Delivered by TasWater, a new $3.1 million truck wash facility at Smithton is helping strengthen biosecurity protections for Tasmania's livestock industry while improving environmental outcomes and road safety.
The purpose-built facility includes advanced waste management systems that separate solid waste while treating liquid waste through the utility's sewerage network.
General Manager Project Delivery Tony Willmott said: "This project demonstrates TasWater's commitment to investing in infrastructure that protects the environment, supports sustainable waste management and delivers lasting benefits for Tasmania."
Gippsland Water plants 10,000 native trees and shrubs
Gippsland Water has begun planting 10,000 native trees and shrubs across the region after customers voted in favour of the initiative as part of the utility's environmental program.
The planting program supports biodiversity, restores native vegetation and contributes to the organisation's net zero emissions goals, with works already underway at several sites across Gippsland.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: "Customers told us they wanted to see practical environmental action and this program delivers on that feedback. It also demonstrates how customer feedback directly influences the decisions we make."
Proposed desalination agreement supports Pilbara water security
The Western Australian Government, Rio Tinto and Yindjibarndi WaterCo are working towards an agreement that could see the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant become majority owned by Yindjibarndi WaterCo while strengthening long-term water security across the Pilbara.
The proposal would support the delivery of around four billion litres of drinking water each year while reducing pressure on important groundwater sources and creating long-term economic opportunities for Traditional Owners.
Yindjibarndi WaterCo Chair Michael Woodley said: "The agreement results from the Yindjibarndi people's longstanding drive to protect water on our Ngurra Country, and our goal to build shared understanding and shared responsibility."
"This is another step on the Yindjibarndi path to self-determination by delivering a secure, long-term economic return and, over time, enabling us to grow operational capability through employment, training, and contracting arrangements."
Eyre Peninsula desalination project continues despite tunnelling challenges
Construction continues on SA Water's Eyre Peninsula desalination plant, although harder-than-expected granite beneath the seafloor has delayed marine tunnelling and pushed back the project's first water milestone.
Despite the revised schedule, the project continues to make significant progress, including completion and testing of a new seven-kilometre transfer pipeline and major electricity network upgrades.
Chief Executive David Ryan said: "We recognise this is a critically important project to secure the Eyre Peninsula's long-term drinking water security, and we assure the community we are working to complete the plant's construction as quickly and safely as possible."
Virtual reality brings water education to Territory classrooms
Power and Water has launched a new virtual reality experience as part of its That's My Water! education program, giving students an immersive way to explore the journey of drinking water from source to tap.
Around 1,000 students across 10 schools in Greater Darwin will take part in the interactive program this term, combining classroom learning with virtual reality and access to industry professionals.
Manager Water Demand Joel Spry said: "Bringing virtual reality into That's My Water! is a game changer, immersing students in the journey of drinking water and showing them first-hand how water reaches their taps."
Greater Western Water restores endangered grasslands
Greater Western Water has sown around 34 million native grass seeds and planted hundreds of native seedlings as part of a revegetation project following construction of its Western Irrigation Network recycled water pipeline.
General Manager Service Delivery Jodie Hallam said: "Revegetation projects like this provide an opportunity to give back to the landscape and play our part in caring for Country."
"As we mark World Conservation Day, it's also a chance to reflect on the importance of supporting a healthier, more biodiverse environment for native species, local communities and future generations."
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