Australia’s water sector continues to advance on critical fronts, with new partnerships, infrastructure upgrades and groundbreaking research shaping the way services are delivered and managed.
This week, a major collaboration in Queensland is set to transform the delivery of billions of dollars’ worth of water infrastructure over the next decade, while in South Australia, a remote community is celebrating the arrival of safe drinking water for the first time.
Across the states and territories, projects supporting environmental health, customer wellbeing and liveability are gaining momentum – from smarter erosion prevention and tree resilience tools to drinking fountains and sewerage upgrades.
Meanwhile, international developments are offering promising solutions to some of the world’s biggest water challenges. Researchers are uncovering new ways to address PFAS contamination, preserve fragile freshwater resources and protect biodiversity under climate stress.
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AWA member receives national honour for water sector leadership
Australian Water Association member Daniel Lambert has been formally appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia, recognised for his contributions to engineering and the water sector.
The honour was awarded during an Investiture Ceremony at Government House, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours and Awards System.
Lambert, a respected leader in water sustainability and innovation, acknowledged the role of family, colleagues and the wider water community in his journey, highlighting the sector’s collective commitment to creating lasting, positive change.
Sequana expands to the UK, bringing Australian water expertise
Australian consultancy Sequana has expanded into the United Kingdom, bringing decades of hands-on experience in water security and climate-resilient infrastructure.
With the UK experiencing record drought, population growth and complex regulatory demands, the firm says its integrated approach can help utilities deliver reliable services while building community trust.
Sequana Chair Mike Walsh said: “From landmark desalination projects in Victoria, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide, we bring global best practice, delivered locally. Our track record equips us to support the UK as it faces intensifying climate change, regulatory scrutiny and rising community expectations".
New family violence guidance for essential services
The Essential Services Commission has released an updated Better practice in responding to family violence handbook, designed to help water and energy businesses assess and improve their practices around customer care.
The refreshed guide introduces Safety by Design principles and includes lived experience insights and practical case studies.
Commission Chairperson Gerard Brody said: “Over the last six years, our understanding of family violence risk has grown. This updated handbook captures our increased knowledge.”
“We invite energy and water businesses to consider their practices against the principles and actions in this handbook and consider where there is room to grow and strengthen their response”.
Urban Utilities partners for long-term infrastructure delivery
Urban Utilities has awarded three contracts under a new partnership model to deliver a multi-billion-dollar capital works program across South East Queensland. WSP and Aurecon have been selected as integrated services providers, while Downer, Stantec, Fulton Hogan, SMEC and Mott MacDonald will form two delivery groups.
CEO Paul Arnold said: “By creating stronger foundations for early collaboration, we’re enabling deeper integration between our design and construction partners, generating more opportunities for smart solutions while maintaining a sharp focus on safety.”
“These organisations share our commitment to enhancing outcomes for customers as we work to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, while responding to ageing infrastructure and more frequent extreme weather events," he said.
Brisbane hosts global river resilience symposium
Brisbane welcomed delegates from around the world last week for the 26th International River Symposium. With the theme River revolution: accelerating solutions for climate resilience, the event focused on practical, nature-based strategies to safeguard rivers under climate stress.
International River Foundation Chair Michael Wright said: “Rivers are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, communities, cultures and economies, but they’re facing growing pressures from climate extremes. This event unites global leaders in science, industry and government to take bold, practical action to protect and restore river health.”
“With the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, our rivers will soon be on the global stage. The Symposium provides a unique opportunity to apply the latest research and best practice so that our waterways are healthier, more resilient, and enduring assets for generations to come," he said.
Aqua Analytics expands into Western Australia
Aqua Analytics has acquired Engineered Efficiency’s water loss operations in Western Australia, expanding its national presence and capability in non-revenue water reduction.
Managing Director Hugh Chapman said: “Western Australia is a key market, and this expansion allows us to support our clients more effectively with a local presence. This move complements our organic growth and brings a proven, experienced team into our business, ensuring we can deliver our full suite of services with greater efficiency and responsiveness across the country”.
New safety plans for popular water storages
Goulburn-Murray Water has released updated Recreation Area Management Plans for 10 storages, including Lake Eildon and Yarrawonga Weir. The plans outline safety and access measures, developed through broad consultation with Traditional Owners, local councils and visitors.
General Manager Water Storage Services Jon McKeown said: “While the primary role of our storages is to harvest and store customers' water entitlements, with over 2.5 million visitors since 2021 we know how popular these places are with recreational users”.
Gippsland Water boosts drinking fountain access
Two new drinking fountains have been installed in Sale and Briagolong through a joint effort between Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council, as part of the Drink Gippy Tap campaign.
Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: “Our customers have told us they want to be able to refill their water bottles when they’re out and about… These new additions bring the total number of drinking fountains in Wellington Shire up to 16.”
“We’re keen to install more drinking fountains and we’re inviting community members to jump onto our website and give us their suggestions," she said.
Marree residents receive safe drinking water for the first time
SA Water has opened a new desalination plant in Marree, bringing clean drinking water to the South Australian outback town for the first time. Until now, residents had relied on bottled water or rainwater tanks.
Peter Seltsikas, General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure, said: “Whether it’s irrigating a veggie patch, boiling the kettle or topping up a glass of water straight from the kitchen tap, we are excited to see the positive social and economic benefits Marree’s desalination plant will deliver for the region”.
Tree ‘personality’ could guide drought response
Flinders University researchers have developed a novel method to measure how individual trees respond to drought, likened to a personality test.
Professor Walter Guan explained: “Some trees take up water from soil more efficiently than others when soil water is abundant, but become less safe in drought – just like humans with different personalities respond to different stressors.”
“Knowing a tree’s ‘personality’ will be useful for councils and residents to take care of urban trees by retaining stormwater in soils for trees vulnerable in droughts," he said.
Yarra Valley Water completes Lilydale sewer connection project
Nearly 200 households in Lilydale now have access to piped sewerage thanks to upgrades delivered under Yarra Valley Water’s Community Sewerage Program.
General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said: “Managing septic tanks can often be a hassle… Connecting to sewerage is more convenient for property owners and better for the environment.”
“We’re very pleased more people have the option to connect to sewerage now that we’ve completed the works in Lilydale," she said.
Ancient aquifer discovered under U.S. seafloor
An international research expedition has revealed a massive freshwater aquifer buried beneath the seafloor off the U.S. northeast coast. The find could one day provide a vital water source in the face of growing global demand.
Co-chief scientist Brandon Dugan said: “We need to look for every possibility we have to find more water for society… We looked in one of the last places you would probably look for fresh water on Earth”.
Cranfield scientists target erosion hotspots
Cranfield University researchers have developed a new method for pinpointing soil erosion hotspots along waterways, combining sediment fingerprinting with erosion modelling.
Dr Katy Wiltshire said: “Using this new method we can precisely identify areas where soil erosion pollutes waterways, and develop targeted strategies to address this at source.”
“Something as simple as planting along riverbanks, cover crops, or ploughing fields in a different direction, can have a positive impact”.
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