Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
Across Australia, long-term water security upgrades, new water quality screening tools and practical community-led programs are shaping the year ahead, alongside climate research that continues to sharpen understanding of rainfall, monsoons and flood resilience.
From a major leak reduction program delivering water savings across Far North Queensland, to a portable biosensor that could enable rapid on-site PFAS detection, the week reflects continued investment in infrastructure, innovation and smarter monitoring.
Utilities are also finding new ways to embed sustainability and social value into everyday operations – whether that’s transforming pump stations into public artworks, recycling construction materials, or supporting inclusive community sport through targeted grants.
Internationally, climate reporting has confirmed 2025 as one of the hottest years on record, while research continues to unpack how long-term warming, tectonic uplift and practical drainage design influence rainfall and flood outcomes.
National
WISER investment delivers major water savings in Far North Queensland
The Australian Government’s Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative is supporting more efficient and resilient water systems across regional communities, with Queensland projects now delivering measurable outcomes.
A $9 million leak reduction program has been completed across four Cassowary Coast towns – Innisfail, Nyleta, Tully and Cardwell – improving water reliability through water main replacements and smart water meters, and delivering more than 25 million litres of water savings.
Minister for Water Murray Watt says: “We are delivering infrastructure projects to communities who need better water security".
“The leak reduction project in Cassowary Coast is an example of all levels of government coming together for the people of Queensland. The project outcomes are sustainable, they’re real and they’re securing the critical water needed into the future for the region," he said.
States and territories
Redcliffe pump station receives makeover
Unitywater has unveiled a new mural in Humpybong Park, Redcliffe, by artist Kate Vox, transforming a local pump station into a bright public artwork celebrating the area’s wildlife.
Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Joshua Zugajev said the program helps ensure essential infrastructure fits more naturally into community spaces: "We contribute to healthy and thriving communities by providing artworks that represent the local area and natural environment".
Portable biosensor may enable on-site PFAS detection
La Trobe University researchers have developed a portable biosensor that may allow rapid, on-site detection of toxic “forever chemicals” in water, reducing reliance on specialist laboratory testing.
PhD student Henry Bellette said current PFAS-testing methods limited how often and where monitoring could occur.
“Most PFAS testing relies on expensive laboratory equipment and specialist analysis, which makes regular monitoring difficult,” he said. “This biosensor could be used on site and provides a simple yes or no result, allowing water to be screened quickly and easily.”
Unitywater turns banner mesh waste into new products
Unitywater says it is leading an Australian water sector first with a recycling initiative that turns PVC banner mesh from construction sites into new products, including corflute signage for reuse on future projects.
Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said the program, delivered with delivery partner Downer and supplier Climate One, is designed to reduce landfill and improve sustainability outcomes across operations.
“We’re really pleased this banner mesh can be recycled rather than going into landfill and this solution meets our operational requirements while improving sustainability outcomes,” she said.
More time on court for all-abilities tennis in Ferntree Gully
Ferntree Gully Tennis Club is expanding its all-abilities tennis program this summer, with support from a South East Water community grant. The project includes improved court access, specialised coaching and Auslan training for key club members.
Acting South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Caroline Patrick said the grant will help create a more welcoming and active community environment.
“This grant is helping their tireless volunteers continue to develop the program to support more people, and help get more people outside, getting fit and having fun,” Patrick said.
International
Copernicus climate report confirms 2025 among hottest years on record
The Copernicus Climate Change Service says 2025 was among the hottest years on record, with data pointing to ongoing extreme heat, ocean warming and escalating climate impacts linked to fossil fuel emissions.
The Copernicus Global Climate Highlights report shows extreme conditions are continuing to intensify, with compounding impacts across cities, ecosystems and food systems.
Himalayan uplift shaped Asian monsoons over millions of years
New Monash University research has examined how the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau influenced the development and expansion of Asia’s summer monsoon over the past 66 million years.
Dr Abhik Santra said the findings help explain how topography has shaped atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns over deep time.
“Our work helps fill this gap by showing how changes in Earth’s topography, especially the rise of the Tibetan Plateau, reshaped atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns over deep time,” said Dr Santra.
Study challenges idea that wet regions get wetter under warming
New research from the University of Utah and the Colorado School of Mines suggests rainfall patterns under extreme warming may not follow the assumption that wet places get wetter and dry places become drier.
Co-author Thomas Reichler said the study found mid-latitude regions tended to become drier, with rainfall distribution over time playing an important role in how ecosystems respond.
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