SA Sundowner February 2026 - Brackish groundwater desalination for communities and agriculture in the Murray–Darling Basin.

Come along to learn about brackish groundwater desalination for communities and agriculture in the Murray-Darling Basin during the upcoming February 19^th Sundowner. Dr Peter Reeve will take us through how alternative and climate-independent water sources are becoming critical for agriculture and regional communities. Following on, there will be plenty of time for expanding your network over post work drinks & nibbles thanks to our sponsor GPA Engineering. This Sundowner is free for both AWA members & non-members and you are welcome to bring a friend. 

Topic: Brackish groundwater desalination for communities and agriculture in the Murray–Darling Basin.

As surface water sources become increasingly stretched in the Murray-Darling Basin, alternative and climate-independent water sources are becoming critical for agriculture and regional communities. This talk explores the potential role of brackish groundwater desalination as a practical and scalable solution. Drawing on a recent demonstration project in South Australia’s Riverland, the presentation shares insights from a pilot desalination system using low-recovery reverse osmosis with aquifer injection for brine management. It examines the technical, environmental, and regulatory challenges of inland desalination, and considers how this approach could provide drought insurance, support irrigated agriculture, and strengthen water security and resilience for regional towns in a changing climate.

Dr Peter Reeve

Peter is an environmental scientist who is keen to better understand interactions between water, human health, and the environment through the use of applied, multidisciplinary research. He has particular interests and expertise in groundwater, managed aquifer recharge, desalination, and experimental science. Peter's PhD study used experimental approaches to investigate the fate of organic pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS compounds) during managed aquifer recharge. Currently, he works for the One Basin CRC at Adelaide and Flinders universities, investigating how brackish groundwater desalination, and water banking, could help build the resilience of the Murray-Darling Basin’s irrigation regions, communities, and environment.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sundowner events are open to anyone with an interest in the water industry, and present an opportunity to meet with other professionals, regardless of experience levels. This is a free event where you can grab your first drink (beer, wine or soft) which is on the house thanks to GPA Engineering, after that you purchase your own drinks.

Please register your attendance. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Event Details
When: Thursday 19th February 2026
Venue: Some Where House 258 Pulteney St; Adelaide
Time: 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start. Event concludes at 6:30pm
What: Drinks over the bar, first drink free (beer, wine or soft) Light snacks also included, further drinks available for purchase.