Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
Australia’s water sector is driving forward with community campaigns, structural reforms, infrastructure investments and new research partnerships that aim to strengthen resilience, sustainability and service delivery.
This week, WaterAid’s Walk for Water mobilised people nationwide to raise awareness and funds for global clean water access, while AECOM launched a new leadership structure to sharpen client delivery. Utilities and researchers across Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and WA revealed new projects spanning estuary monitoring, reclamation plant upgrades and catchment protection.
Internationally, a breakthrough photocatalytic film may offer safe drinking water for billions still without reliable access.
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National
Better Homes and Gardens spotlights water security ahead of National Water Week
In the lead up to National Water Week, Better Homes and Gardens has been shining a light on water security through a three-part segment series. The final instalment airs on Friday 17 October on Channel 7, featuring AWA CEO Corinne Cheeseman discussing the role of desalination and innovation in securing Australia’s water future. The first two segments, already screened, explored water efficiency in the home and the value of recycled water.
Australians walk for water
WaterAid’s Walk for Water was held from 6–10 October, with people across the country walking, running or riding to raise funds for WaterAid’s global work.
The campaign highlights that 703 million people worldwide still live without access to clean water, with women and girls disproportionately affected by the long and unsafe journeys to collect it. Walk for Water gives Australians the chance to raise funds and awareness, helping communities gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. Last year alone WaterAid directly reached over 1.1 million people.
AECOM launches new leadership structure
AECOM Australia and New Zealand has transitioned to a business line-led structure, with six new specialist managing directors appointed. Of note to the water sector is Ben McMaster’s appointment as Business Line Managing Director, Water, with Laura Fluck moving to Program Management, Resources & Industrial, and Advisory.
Regional Chief Executive Mark McManamny said: “This transition helps sharpen our focus on what matters most – our clients and the communities we serve, making it easier for them to access our industry-leading expertise.”
“I’m thrilled to introduce our new leadership team; they’re experienced, passionate, and ready to help tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. I’m especially proud that we’ve achieved gender balance in leadership, reflecting our values and commitment to diversity and inclusion across our organisation.”
AWA recruits governing committee for Beyond Zero Specialist Network
The Australian Water Association has launched the Beyond Zero Specialist Network to lead the water sector beyond net zero.
The network will set best-practice standards for emissions monitoring, promote innovation, and help drive an equitable transition toward a climate-resilient future. Professionals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to contribute around 2–4 hours per month. Learn more here.
States and territories
TasWater and GHD partnership to deliver smarter services
TasWater has announced a decade-long partnership with engineering firm GHD to design and deliver billions of dollars in water and sewerage upgrades.
General Manager Project Delivery Tony Willmott said: “TasWater is investing billions of dollars in essential water and sewerage infrastructure over the coming years. To deliver this responsibly, we need trusted partners who can provide not just technical expertise, but also a shared commitment to our communities."
"Our partnership with GHD will help us plan and design the right projects, at the right time, with the best value for customers. Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter and more sustainable water future for Tasmania," he said.
Catchment program doubles estuary protection targets
Tasmanian farmers and landholders have exceeded targets under the Catchment Works Program, delivered by NRM North since 2018 as part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan.
With support from TasWater’s Launceston upgrades, the program more than doubled expected reductions in pathogens entering the estuary. In addition to extensive fencing and riparian protection, 44 cross-connections between sewage and stormwater were identified and rectified across Launceston through council partnerships.
NRM North Operations Manager Jesse Webster said: “Stock exclusion fencing along waterways was the major feature, with close to 660 kilometres installed across dairy and grazing properties. More than 2,600 hectares of milking platform now have improved effluent management, along with over 3,100 hectares of riparian area protected.”
Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant upgrade approved
Coliban Water has received state approval to replace Castlemaine’s existing water reclamation plant with a modern facility at its Langslow Street site.
Acting Managing Director Danny McLean said: “Our existing plant treats wastewater from more than 10,000 customers and businesses in Castlemaine, Campbells Creek, Maldon, Chewton, Harcourt and Newstead. This upgrade will sustain the needs of these communities for the next 25 years."
"The new plant will have state-of-the-art technology, reduce noise and odour and deliver a range of community and environmental benefits, including the continued flow of recycled water into Campbells Creek to support native flora and fauna."
Unitywater and UniSC sign $1.1m research agreement
Unitywater and the University of the Sunshine Coast have signed a $1.1 million agreement to deliver environmental research projects across South East Queensland.
CEO Anna Jackson said: “This agreement with UniSC is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate on a number of our nature-based environmental projects and turn world-class research into real-world solutions that boost performance and drive lasting environmental improvements for the community.”
Projects include trialling shellfish reefs in the Pine River, seagrass sites in Moreton Bay Marine Park, the use of Diatomix to encourage diatom growth and improve water quality, and research into how changing water pressures affect the life of pipes.
New directors join Gippsland Water Board
Gippsland Water has welcomed two new directors, Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan, bringing community leadership and governance expertise to the organisation.
Board Chair Tom Mollenkopf AO said: “Kellie and Sam’s impressive experience and diverse viewpoints will help us deliver even greater benefits to our communities.”
Muir, a Wiradjuri man raised on Yorta Yorta Country, brings corporate affairs experience and a strong record of community volunteering, while O’Callaghan is a long-serving health and community services leader and former Mayor of Latrobe City Council.
UNSW research links deforestation to flood risk
UNSW researchers have shown that large-scale deforestation can increase flood risk in catchment areas by up to 700%.
Professor Ashish Sharma said: “What we have shown is that the probability changes from a one-in-64 year flood event, to a one-in-eight year flood event if there has been deforestation. So we can say there is an eight-fold increase in the likelihood of there being a flood.”
The findings underscore the importance of forest canopy preservation in flood mitigation, strengthening the case for integrating land management and climate resilience strategies.
Monbulk septic-to-sewer campaign launched
Yarra Valley Water and Yarra Ranges Council have launched a new campaign encouraging households and businesses in Monbulk to connect to modern sewerage systems, replacing ageing septic tanks.
General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said: “Customers tell us they no longer face ongoing maintenance or upgrade costs, odours or boggy patches in their yards. Customers also say they feel more confident when hosting family and friends, knowing their systems can cope with the extra use.”
The campaign highlights the environmental, health and lifestyle benefits of moving away from outdated septic systems, including cleaner waterways, reduced odours and greater confidence for property owners.
WA launches new water monitoring boat
Western Australia has unveiled a new vessel, Ernest, to monitor estuaries in the South West, named after estuary science pioneer Dr Ernest Hodgkin.
Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch said: “It is fitting this new vessel is named in his honour as it recognises his lasting contribution to estuary science. The monitoring data collected from this new boat will be critical to maintain our most at-risk waterways and ensure their resilience for future generations.”
Built in Albany and fitted with advanced monitoring equipment, the $212,654 vessel will support data collection in the Hardy Inlet, Augusta and the Leschenault Estuary, informing climate-resilient management strategies.
South East Water upgrades Clyde wastewater services
South East Water has commenced major upgrades at Clyde, including the Ballarto Road Pump Station and Sewer Rising Main, which will deliver a new 16 km pipeline to the Pakenham Wastewater Treatment Plant.
General Manager Liveable Water Solutions Charlie Littlefair said: “We’re investing in infrastructure that supports one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities while meeting the challenges of a growing population. We’re proud to support Victoria’s housing priorities by building essential wastewater networks that enable sustainable development in growth corridors like Clyde.”
International
New photocatalytic film promises safer drinking water
Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in China have developed thin, floating films that harness sunlight to eliminate over 99.99% of bacteria in contaminated water.
The study, published in Nature Water, found the films can be reused more than 50 times while maintaining stability and cost-effectiveness. By producing oxygen-centred organic radicals that last longer than conventional reactive oxygen species, the technology can suppress bacterial regrowth for several days.
This breakthrough could transform access to safe water for the 4.4 billion people worldwide who still lack reliable supplies, particularly in remote and low-income regions where large treatment plants and stable electricity infrastructure are not feasible.
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