Week in water: updates from across the sector

Water sector activity this week spans environmental accounting, major water security investment, sewer network upgrades, irrigation planning, groundwater supply and international climate resilience, reflecting a continued focus on efficiency and long-term sustainability.

From national ecosystem data and regional infrastructure funding to operational planning and nature-based solutions, developments across the sector highlight both immediate pressures and long-term adaptation.

NATIONAL

National ecosystem accounts released
The Federal Government has released the second set of National Ecosystem Accounts, designed to improve environmental stewardship and help inform future decision-making.

The accounts put a dollar value on the carbon storage, fresh water and wild fish that Australia’s environment provides to the national economy.

In 2022-23, the environment contributed 10.8 million megalitres of surface water for household use and use as a material, valued at $864 million. The accounts also recorded an increase in critically endangered animal species, Weeds of National Significance and sustained rising ocean temperatures.

Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “It’s clear Australia’s environment isn’t just what we can see – it’s a crucial part of our economy, underpinning industries, livelihoods, and entire ecosystems".

“The more data we have, the better we understand how the environment is changing and how to best look after it.”

STATE AND TERRITORY

Hunter Water turns to Tomago Sandbeds as storages decline
Hunter Water has begun supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds to supplement surface water storages as dam levels continue to decline across the Lower Hunter.

Overall water storages have reduced by more than 20% since the start of November due to below-average rainfall, with storages currently at 63.7% capacity.

Hunter Water Executive Manager Customer Delivery Glen Robinson said the Tomago Sandbeds play a significant role in the region’s water supply system and can provide up to 20% of the Lower Hunter’s drinking water on average during times of shortfall.

“Operating the Sandbeds now gives us additional flexibility in managing our water system and helps ensure supplies remain available for the community,” Robinson said.

Record funding to boost WA water security
The Western Australian Government is investing $2.7 billion next financial year to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable water supplies.

The investment forms part of a wider $6.4 billion capital works program across Water Corporation, Aqwest and Busselton Water over the next four years. Through the 2026-27 State Budget, $64.1 million will support existing and future water sources for the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, which provides drinking water to more than 2.5 million people.

Water Minister Don Punch said: “This Budget invests in WA's water future by strengthening water security across Perth and regional communities while supporting jobs and economic growth throughout the State.”

Sewer upgrades completed in Bentleigh and Noble Park
South East Water has completed major sewer works across Bentleigh and Noble Park to boost capacity for Glen Eira and Greater Dandenong’s growing populations.

The upgrades include a new relief sewer to increase network capacity and reduce the likelihood of surcharges and spills during wet weather events, strengthening the area’s sewer network for the next 50 years.

South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said: “These upgrades reduced the risk of spills in wet weather and adds extra network capacity, helping protect local homes, parks and the environment for decades to come".

“We know these works were significant, and we thank the community for their patience as we completed excavations and reinstated the areas,” he said.

South East Water recognised at Victorian operator awards
South East Water has been recognised at the Victorian Water Industry Operators Association Awards, winning Network Operator of the Year and being named a finalist for New Operator of the Year.

Water Network Technician Ethan Mansfield took out the top honour of Network Operator of the Year, selected from participants in WIOA’s Network Operator Development Program. Sewerage Operations Technician Nikita Woods was named a finalist for New Operator of the Year.

South East Water Service Delivery General Manager Tim Lloyd said: “Ethan and Nikita show professionalism, teamwork and a strong commitment to safety. Their recognition reflects the quality of their work and the pride they take in serving our customers and community".

“We’re proud to see their efforts recognised across the Victorian water industry,” he said.

Irrigators urged to prepare before dewatering campaign
Goulburn-Murray Water is reminding irrigators to plan their water orders before its 2026 dewatering campaign begins.  Each year, GMW dewaters parts of its channel network to undertake maintenance works on assets usually beneath the waterline. The works take place during the irrigation off-season, between 16 May and 14 August.

GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth said customers should prepare for the period between seasons when they will not have access to water.

“Customers will not be able to order water during the irrigation off-season, so it is important they have plans in place if they need water during this time, such as filling their tanks and dams in advance,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL

Kiwa Initiative launches new Pacific resilience projects
The Kiwa Initiative has announced the launch of four new projects at its 12th Steering Committee Meeting, held in Suva, Fiji.

One of the new projects, Kiwa PRESERVE, will be led by WaterAid Australia across Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Timor-Leste from May 2026 to September 2029, with €5,000,000 in funding. The project will address water security, food production and livelihoods through nature-based solutions.

WaterAid Australia Chief Executive Tom Muller said: “Across the Pacific, communities are already experiencing the impacts of climate change on water, food, and livelihoods. Kiwa PRESERVE will tackle these challenges with locally led, nature-based solutions that protect water sources, strengthen resilience, and ensure entire communities have a voice in shaping their future.”

Water Europe calls for targeted Water Framework Directive revision
Water Europe has published its position on the upcoming revision of the Water Framework Directive, calling for a targeted approach to strengthen implementation and enable investment while safeguarding the Directive’s core environmental standards.

The organisation’s position is structured around four priorities: improving permitting frameworks while preserving environmental safeguards, embedding digital water governance, integrating water security as a core objective and strengthening transboundary river basin governance.

Water Europe President Hans Goossens said: “Any revision of the Water Framework Directive must fully safeguard its core principles while strengthening implementation and effectiveness. The issue is not the level of ambition, but our collective capacity to deliver in practice and align with the objectives of the Water Resilience Strategy and a Water-Smart Economy.”

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