This week in water, leadership changes at Water Research Australia signal a renewed focus on research impact and collaboration, while utilities across Victoria and Tasmania mark milestones in sewer upgrades, regulatory processes and heat-driven demand pressures.
Major infrastructure projects are reaching key halfway points, regional growth is driving investment in long-term wastewater solutions, and water businesses are responding to extreme weather, bushfires and population change.
Internationally, new research is reshaping how we understand snowmelt and drought risk, while cities move ahead with smart metering to improve efficiency and equity in water use.
New General Manager appointed at Water Research Australia
Water Research Australia has welcomed Christobel Ferguson as its new General Manager, Research and Strategy, commencing on 2 February 2026.
Ferguson brings extensive experience across government, water utilities, consulting and international research, including time with the Water Research Foundation in the United States.
With a strong track record in leading research programs, building partnerships and connecting policy with practice, Ferguson will work closely with members to strengthen collaboration and ensure WaterRA’s research delivers practical value across the sector.
Mount Martha recycling plant upgrade passes halfway mark
South East Water’s major upgrade at the Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant has reached a key milestone, with base slabs completed for two new clarifier tanks.
The upgrade will improve resilience to severe weather and increase capacity to meet projected population growth of nearly 50% across surrounding communities by 2050.
General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said the works were essential to protect waterways and maintain reliable services: “By increasing the plant's capacity, we can reduce the risk of spills and protect local waterways".
New sewer main supports Warragul’s future growth
Gippsland Water has completed a major sewer main upgrade in Warragul’s north-east, delivering increased capacity and improved service reliability to support the town’s continued growth.
The 1.5-kilometre sewer main replaces infrastructure installed in 1971 and is designed to meet the needs of one of Australia’s fastest growing regional communities.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the upgrade was a critical investment in the region’s future: “Warragul has experienced significant growth over the last decade and is one of the fastest growing towns in Australia, with this trend expected to continue”.
EOI deadline extended for Lake Eildon commercial developments
Goulburn-Murray Water has extended the closing date for expressions of interest for commercial developments at Lake Eildon to 27 February 2026.
The extension follows recent bushfires in the region, with General Manager Water Storage Services Jon McKeown saying it was important to support affected communities and businesses.
“Given the fires remain an active situation, we have extended the closing deadline for the receipt of EOIs to enable interested parties to prepare and lodge submissions.”
The process includes up to 16 parcels of land and aligns with the Activating Lake Eildon Masterplan.
TasWater responds to draft price determination
TasWater has acknowledged the release of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator’s Draft Report and Proposed Price Determination for its fifth Price and Service Plan.
Chief Financial Officer Kane Ingham said the draft determination was a critical step in the regulatory process following TasWater’s June 2025 submission.
“We proposed an annual 8.8 per cent price increase for the period of 2026–2030, which we believe strikes a fair balance for the need for investment whilst minimising impacts to our customers,” Ingham said.
“Following the release of the regulator’s draft determination today proposing a 4.3 per cent annual increase, we will now take some time to analyse the draft outcomes and assess what it means for Tasmania’s water and sewerage infrastructure.”
He noted the risks of delaying investment in ageing infrastructure and outlined TasWater’s progress in securing grant funding and delivering operational and capital savings.
Heatwave drives record water use across central Victoria
Record-breaking heat across central and northern Victoria in January placed unprecedented pressure on local water networks, with daily water use records broken multiple times.
Coliban Water Managing Director Damian Wells said extreme temperatures, combined with bushfire response efforts, created complex operational challenges.
“It’s normal to see water use jump during a stretch of extremely hot days,” Wells said.
“We were also supporting the bushfire response, including working with the CFA to identify water sources and assessing and repairing damage to water and sewer infrastructure.”
Bendigo recorded daily usage of up to 84 megalitres during the heatwave — a 33 megalitre increase on the previous week, equivalent to filling thirteen Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Groundwater geology shapes snowmelt and drought risk
New research published in Water Resources Research has found that underground geological structures play a major role in how watersheds respond to climate variability.
The study shows that differences in subsurface characteristics influence whether snowmelt runs off quickly, recharges aquifers or is lost to evaporation, with major implications for flood risk, summer water availability and long-term drought resilience.
Understanding these processes is critical for communities reliant on mountain water for drinking supply, agriculture, ecosystems and hydropower.
Christchurch rolls out smart water metering
Christchurch City Council has begun installing smart water meters across the city and Banks Peninsula, prioritising areas without existing meters.
The meters will enable early leak detection, reduce water loss and improve equity and efficiency in water use. Installations are under way in several suburbs, with further rollouts planned across the region.
Satellite data reveals ‘creeping drought’ in Canada
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new satellite-based method to measure usable water stored in snowpacks across Canada and Alaska.
The approach shows sharp declines in snow water availability in key mountain regions that supply major river systems, with impacts extending to agriculture, hydropower, shipping and Indigenous communities.
Although mountain regions account for just three per cent of Canada’s land area, the changes affect water security for the majority of the population.
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