This week in water, extreme flooding across New South Wales has placed pressure on emergency services and infrastructure, while Australia’s water sector celebrates its best and brightest with the announcement of the 2025 Australian Water Award winners.
States and territories continue to roll out conservation and climate resilience initiatives, including new wetlands for endangered species, wildlife habitat recovery and major treatment plant upgrades.
Internationally, water utilities are trialling algae-fighting technologies, and Australia is collaborating with Japan on a renewable hydrogen future.
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Celebrating Australia’s water champions
National winners of the 2025 Australian Water Awards were announced during Ozwater’25 in Adelaide.
Honourees include Celeste Morgan as Water Professional of the Year, Dr Jess Bohorquez as Young Water Professional of the Year, and a shared win for SUEZ and Sydney Water for Organisational Excellence.
Australia–Japan partnership to lead renewable hydrogen
Australia and Japan are positioning themselves as global leaders in the renewable hydrogen sector, launching a joint report during World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The report, The Australia–Japan Renewable Hydrogen Value Chain, highlights both countries’ potential to decarbonise industries such as steelmaking and fertiliser production.
“Achieving this potential requires a sustained focus on skills, infrastructure and financing,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker. “Japanese and Australian innovation, working together in partnership, are a force to be reckoned with.”
Severe floods isolate thousands across NSW
New South Wales is experiencing one of its most destructive flood disasters, with over 50,000 people isolated and five confirmed deaths across the Mid North Coast, Hunter Valley and Central Coast.
Warragamba Dam continues to spill, while the Australian Defence Force delivers essential supplies to communities cut off by rising waters. Over 10,000 properties have been affected as emergency services issue ongoing evacuation warnings and insurance claims escalate.
Recycled water wetlands to support endangered species
Work has commenced on 35 hectares of wetlands in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges to provide habitat for two critically endangered species: the lowland Leadbeater’s Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Led by Yarra Valley Water, the project uses recycled water from the Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant to support climate-resilient swamp forest habitat.
“It’s fantastic to get work underway… to preserve endangered flora and fauna,” said Managing Director Pat McCafferty.
Once completed, the wetlands are expected to support up to 50 possums and 100 honeyeaters.
Wildlife habitat restored as Pine Valley water project expands
Unitywater is installing around 100 nesting boxes across Pine Valley as part of its revegetation plan tied to a major water infrastructure upgrade.
The $2.2 billion project supports population growth across South-East Queensland while helping restore habitat for owls, possums, gliders and more.
“We’re replacing each tree that needs to be removed with at least six new ones,” said Executive Manager Mike Basterfield. “We want to ensure we’re doing our bit to maintain and enhance koala habitat.”
Adelaide residents asked to help track street tree dieback
As South Australia faces record-breaking drought, Flinders University researchers are calling on the public to report dying street trees. The study aims to better understand which species struggle under extreme conditions to inform future urban forest management.
“With climate change upon us, and local water supplies running low, we will need to closely monitor current conditions,” said Professor Huade Guan of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.
Ti Tree Bend milestone marks step forward
TasWater has reached a significant milestone at its Ti Tree Bend site, part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan. A new 10-megalitre tank and pumpstation is nearing completion, delivering upgraded sewerage infrastructure to support estuary health and protect surrounding environments.
Australians care about the Reef but many don’t know where it is
New research from the University of South Australia has found that while Australians deeply value the Great Barrier Reef, 13% cannot identify its location.
The social media survey also revealed limited knowledge about individual reef species, prompting calls for targeted public education.
Lead author Jarrah Taylor said the findings show “an opportunity to improve awareness of the threats facing one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.”
Global recognition for Yarra Valley Water
Yarra Valley Water has received a Distinction Award in the Public Water Agency of the Year category at the 2025 Global Water Summit, recognising its efforts to go beyond essential services and deliver sustainability leadership.
Managing Director Pat McCafferty said: “Our long-term strategic planning has recognised the opportunity to go beyond essential service provision and deliver pioneering projects,” he said.
The utility has led innovation in food waste-to-energy systems, slashed emissions, pioneered recycled water offset programs, and replaced over 10,000 tonnes of construction materials with low-carbon alternatives.
Climate change altering lagoon ecosystems, study finds
New research from the University of Adelaide has found that climate change and human activity are combining to make coastal lagoons saltier, disrupting the microbial life that underpins their ecosystem function.
Published in Earth-Science Reviews, the study highlights how changes in salinity are reshaping nutrient cycles and threatening the vital services these environments provide, including carbon storage, fisheries support, and coastal protection.
“Under normal conditions, lagoons act as nurseries for fish and crustaceans,” said Dr Chris Keneally. “Their microbial makeup is what makes this happen… allowing diverse plant and animal life to flourish.”
Ultrasonic technology reduces algae in reservoirs
In Florida, the Tampa Water Department is continuing its rollout of ultrasonic technology to reduce algae in the Hillsborough River Reservoir.
The eco-friendly initiative, supported by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, has reduced the need for chemicals and improved water quality following a successful pilot trial.
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