Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
This week in water, CSIRO is calling on nature-lovers of all ages to join a national effort to monitor biodiversity through its Wild Watch citizen science program.
Around Australia, the NSW Government is inviting public input on two major irrigation infrastructure proposals in the Murrumbidgee, with upgrades promising to return nearly 10 GL of water to the environment and boost system efficiency. Meanwhile, South East Water’s targeted campaign supporting residents in financial hardship has earned national recognition for its culturally responsive approach.
And on the global stage, the Water for Women initiative closes with a celebration of nearly eight years of inclusive development, reaching millions and laying the groundwork for stronger, more equitable systems in 16 countries.
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National
CSIRO invites Australians to become citizen scientists
CSIRO’s Wild Watch campaign is calling on families, students and nature lovers to join a nationwide biodiversity mission – contributing valuable scientific data simply by observing the world around them.
Participants are encouraged to head outdoors during National Science Week and snap photos of plants, insects, fungi, marine life or animals they encounter.
These observations are uploaded to the iNaturalist app and automatically shared with the Atlas of Living Australia – the national biodiversity database hosted by CSIRO.
Water for Women comes to an end
As the Water for Women program wraps up after seven years, Fund Manager Dr Alison Baker reflects on its reach: over 4.4 million people gained access to water, sanitation or hygiene services, with 7 million more benefiting indirectly.
“Systems were strengthened, leaders were created, and inclusion was embedded,” she said. “The legacy will continue… in individuals, organisations and communities.”
Implemented across 16 countries in Asia and the Pacific, the program championed gender equality, disability inclusion and social transformation by partnering with local governments, NGOs and communities.
Sustainability School launches new chapter
Schneider Electric has launched Chapter 3 of its free online Sustainability School, helping businesses navigate electrification and digitalisation to cut emissions and boost resilience.
With research indicating that climate inaction could cost companies up to 7% of annual earnings by 2035, the program provides tools to act on decarbonisation strategies now.
States and territories
Gippsland Water completes critical upgrade
Gippsland Water has replaced lagoon covers at its Gippsland Water Factory near Morwell – a first-of-its-kind project in Australia. The facility treats wastewater from Opal’s Maryvale Mill using anaerobic digestion, requiring extensive planning due to gas and odour risks.
“This site is one of the most critical assets we manage,” said Acting Managing Director Nic Moss. “The successful completion is a testament to the fantastic talent and resources we have.”
Applications are also open for Gippsland Water’s Summer Internship Program, running November 2025 to February 2026.
Coliban Water to operate on 100% renewable electricity
From 1 July 2025, Coliban Water’s operations across 49 Victorian towns will be powered entirely by renewables.
“We’re now sourcing energy from our own solar installations and the Zero Emissions Water solar farm at Kiamal,” said Acting Executive Manager Strategy Adam Crameri.
“It improves energy security, lowers emissions and cuts long-term costs.”
The shift will save an estimated 25,500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Local hardship campaign earns national nod
South East Water’s targeted campaign supporting customers in Cranbourne has been named a finalist in the IPAA Awards’ ‘Communicating with Impact’ category.
The initiative included multilingual resources in four community languages and featured recognisable local imagery.
“Our focus is on early intervention,” said Managing Director Lara Olsen. “We want people to know they can reach out before debt becomes an issue.”
Yarra Valley Water grant supports healing garden
The Lighthouse Foundation has transformed an unused space into a sustainable garden, thanks to a Yarra Valley Water community grant.
The charity received $4,820 to install a rainwater tank and create an outdoor haven for young people facing homelessness.
“It’s amazing to see the garden already making a difference,” said General Manager of Strategy and Community Tiffany White.
19 local community projects supported in NSW
Hunter Water has awarded $125,000 to 19 community groups through its 2025 Love Water Grants program, supporting projects focused on conservation, sustainability and education.
“The strong response shows the commitment of our local communities,” said Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement Emma Berry. “These projects will deliver lasting benefits.”
Among recipients is Belmont Wetlands State Park, which will use funds to purchase a water cart for revegetation work.
$259M NSW water infrastructure upgrades
The NSW Government is calling for community input on two proposals from Murrumbidgee Irrigation under the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program.
The $132.3 million Channel Lining and Piping Project would upgrade 58 km of channels, replace 22 km with pipelines, and return nearly 5,000 ML of water entitlement to the environment.
The $126.9 million Barren Box Efficiency Improvement Project proposes new solar-powered pumping, storage upgrades, and improved management to return a further 4,778 ML of water.
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