Week in water: updates from across the water community

Australia’s water sector is pushing forward with a wave of new initiatives, research breakthroughs and creative collaborations – from Mob-led drought resilience projects that draw on thousands of years of Cultural Knowledge, to urgent coral bleaching responses along Western Australia’s coast, major recycled water infrastructure builds and promising low-energy PFAS treatment technologies.

Across the states and territories, utilities are investing in smarter sewer monitoring to protect waterways, finding innovative ways to recycle workwear into new products, and celebrating community pride with the crowning of the nation’s best tasting tap water.

On the international stage, scientists are pioneering safer, more affordable hydrogen storage methods that could play a key role in the clean energy transition, signalling a future where water, climate resilience and energy innovation are more tightly linked than ever.

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National 

Strengthening drought resilience on Country: Mob-led grant program launches 
First Nations businesses and organisations are being invited to lead drought resilience initiatives through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s new Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant Program. The program recognises the deep Cultural Knowledge First Nations peoples have used for over 65,000 years to manage dry times and care for Country.

Successful applicants will act as Delivery Partners, managing projects, working with communities to co-design local solutions, and supporting activities that build long-term climate resilience.

Projects must be culturally safe, community-led and focused on outcomes that strengthen connection to Country. Funding of up to $2 million per region is available, split between project management and on-the-ground activities. 

States and territories

Brushy Creek project to deliver recycled water to 5,000 properties 
Yarra Valley Water has begun construction on the Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project, which will build a 3.7km pipeline and 2.1 megalitre storage tank to supply non-drinking water to homes and businesses in Lilydale and Chirnside Park. The recycled water will be used for activities like toilet flushing, garden watering and clothes washing, helping households save up to 25% of their drinking water use. 

General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said the project would create significant water savings and support population growth without adding strain to drinking water supplies. “A major project like this helps us get the most out of every drop and ensures we can continue delivering a reliable water supply as our population grows,” she said. 

South East Water and artist explore water’s role in city life 
South East Water has teamed up with the Australian Network for Art and Technology and Melbourne-based artist Yandell Walton for Re-cultivate, a three-month creative residency using art to engage the public on water’s role in sustainable city planning.

The project will contribute to integrated water management strategies for Fishermans Bend, which include plans for a local Class A recycling plant that treats sewage for non-drinking purposes. 

“Art helps people connect with issues in unexpected ways,” said Program Manager Maarten van Herk. “We hope this project sparks curiosity and deepens understanding around technology and water.” The residency will also explore how creative storytelling can help people recognise their own role in the water cycle. 

Rocky Creek wins Tasmania’s best tasting tap water 
TasWater’s Rocky Creek supply in the Huon Valley has claimed the title of Tasmania’s best tasting tap water at this year’s IXOM competition in Devonport. The competition saw 11 treatment plants submit samples judged on colour, clarity, odour and taste. 

Rocky Creek water had previously been subject to boil water alerts before TasWater upgraded its treatment plant in 2018 under the 24 glasses Regional Towns Water Supply Program.

“It’s great to see recognition for the quality of the water our teams work hard to deliver every day,” said General Manager Operations Brendan Windmeyer. “While taste is just one part of what makes safe, reliable drinking water, it’s something the community can really connect with.” 

Smart sewer sensors trialled to protect Barwon River 
Barwon Water is trialling advanced AI-powered Spectra sewer level sensors from Kallipr to provide early warnings of blockages and prevent overflows into the environmentally and culturally significant Barwon River. The devices combine radar sensing with onboard processing, reducing false alarms and enabling faster responses without relying solely on cloud systems. 

“This is one more step in our transition from reacting to spills, to proactively identifying issues,” said General Manager David Snadden. Sewer spills cost the utility around $600,000 a year to clean up, and the new system is expected to reduce both environmental harm and operational costs. 

Gippsland Water secures funding for interconnect pipeline 
Gippsland Water has received $4.78 million from the National Water Grid Fund for a 4.3km pipeline linking Traralgon’s network to the towns of Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr and Rosedale. The project will improve water security, boost network efficiency and provide a more reliable service during extreme weather events. 

Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the funding will cover about half the project’s cost and help avoid additional pressure on customer bills.

“We’re taking tangible steps to strengthen our infrastructure now to guarantee the water supply network is resilient to the changing climate and ensure service continuity well into the future,” she said. 

Sunlight-activated material turns PFAS into harmless fluoride 
University of Adelaide researchers have developed a low-energy, sunlight-activated material that breaks down PFAS in water into harmless components, including fluoride. 

“This research represents a critical step toward safer communities and cleaner ecosystems,” said lead researcher Dr Cameron Shearer. The work, published in Small, could offer an affordable solution for large-scale water treatment and environmental clean-up. 

WA faces record coral bleaching after extreme marine heatwave 
The 2024/25 marine heatwave off Western Australia has been confirmed as the longest, largest and most intense on record – triggering the state’s most widespread coral bleaching event. Experts say the event has impacted reef systems across a vast 1,500km stretch, from medium bleaching and mortality (11–30%) to extreme losses exceeding 90%. 

Scientists from the WA Coral Bleaching Group are meeting in Perth this week for a special symposium to assess the scale of damage, share monitoring data and discuss coordinated response strategies. The gathering will also explore ways to improve early warning systems and strengthen reef resilience against future marine heatwaves. 

While the full extent of ecological impacts will take months to determine, managers are already warning that recovery will require both local protection measures and broader climate action to address warming seas. 

International  

Low-cost hydrogen cycle could transform storage and transport 
Researchers at Fudan University have developed a reversible chemical process to separate hydrogen from impurities and safely store it, offering a lower-cost alternative to existing methods. 

The approach uses organic compounds as hydrogen carriers, enabling reversible absorption and release at low temperatures – potentially overcoming barriers to green hydrogen deployment. 
 
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