by Water Source
This week in water, World Water Week took over Stockholm again (25-29 August) , discussions about per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances continue to unfold across Australia, and Sydney Water collaborates with The Wiggles to drive water literacy within the community.
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National
Water professionals from around Australia have been following various discussions being held in Stockholm for World Water Week. In particular, AWA 2024 Water Professional of the Year and proud Gomeroi man Professor Leslie (Phil) Duncan was interviewed by the Stockholm International Water Institute during the opening ceremony.
“Three years ago, there were only five Indigenous Peoples represented at World Water Week, this year there are significantly more, the numbers are amazing,” Duncan said.
“So, we have bridged that border of representation and the opportunity to amplify Indigenous Peoples’ voices globally.
“My advice to other participants is to observe how we negotiate and see our vision through the eyes of future generations. And then approach discussions at World Water Week with a shared awareness, leaving your preconceived position at the door.”
The ongoing issue of PFAS has continued to dominate the national news this week, with a Federal parliamentary inquiry called into the potential dangers posed by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
Meanwhile, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is currently conducting an independent review of the health-based guideline values for PFAS.
This update is part of NHMRC’s work to keep the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines current and scientifically sound. The review is underway, with public consultation scheduled for late 2024 to early 2025.
States and Territories
Sydney Water has joined forces with children’s entertainment group The Wiggles to release a new song, Water Saving Superheroes.
The tune is set to remind families to save water after new research shows more than half of Sydneysiders don’t know how much water they use. Data from Sydney Water shows a drop in water saving, with just 46% of customers attempting to have a shorter shower and 41% waiting for a full load before using the dishwasher.
Sydney Water Conservation Programs Manager Suhanti Thirunavukarasu said the collaboration with The Wiggles is a great community education opportunity and an important reminder of the easy steps we can all take to save water at home.
“Drinking water is a limited resource, and with a growing population and an increasing need to use water to keep Greater Sydney cool, we know that even outside of drought every little drop counts,” she said.
“By working with The Wiggles, we can now reach the next generation with important messages about water behaviours and teach them to use less water in day-to-day activities to help the water we have go further.”
In a major energy-transition milestone, Barwon Water has reached the Victorian water sector’s aim to source all electricity from renewables a full year ahead of the 2025 target.
All the utility’s services are being delivered by net-zero emissions electricity, with facilities now powered by 100% renewables.
Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said: “We’re proud to achieve 100% renewable electricity. It has been made possible through collaboration with our regional stakeholders and water sector peers, and the support of our customers”.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to a healthier environment and providing essential water and wastewater services in the most sustainable way possible,” he said.
Yarra Valley Water has been named the top-ranking water company on the prestigious Financial Times Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders list for 2024 for the second year in a row.
The list showcases the most influential companies in the Asia-Pacific region that are leading the way in climate action and sustainability.
Managing Director Pat McCafferty said: “We recognise the vital role the water industry must play in tackling the crisis, and we’re committed to taking real action now to minimise our carbon footprint and prepare our infrastructure and services for the impacts of climate change".
South East Water has welcomed Elizabeth Holley to its executive leadership team as the new General Manager of People, Safety and Governance.
Holley is a proven strategic leader having held executive positions in a range of health, not-for-profit and government organisations.
South East Water Managing Director Lara Olsen said: “As an experienced executive leader, Holley brings the right skills and experience to help deliver the organisation’s 2028 strategy focused on customers, communities, people and environment while innovating with purpose and acting with care”.
“We’re impressed with Elizabeth’s strong focus and track record on building engaged and accountable teams, especially in complex and community-oriented organisations."
Coliban Water has been collaborating to improve its tank inspection process and has introduced underwater drone technology to its approach.
Utility personnel are now able to deploy a drone underwater to look more closely at a tank’s interior. Previously, internal inspections often meant a tank would have to be taken offline to allow for this work.
General Manager Asset Lifecycle Marsha McMonigle said: “Our drinking water tanks are inspected annually and before this technology was available, our assessments were dependent on access requirements”.
“Using a drone minimises safety risks, improves our water quality information, means less disruption for customers and allows us to better plan our works,” she said.
International
Experts gathered in Bangkok last week for the latest in a series of negotiations around what would be the first international treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Final treaty negotiations are set to take place in South Korea in November.
And researchers from Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina have released a new study finding that more than half of adults surveyed worldwide expect to be seriously harmed by their water within the next two years.
The study sought to understand public perceptions of drinking water safety.
With perceptions shaping attitudes and behaviors, distrust in water quality has been found to negatively impact people’s health, nutrition and psychological and economic well-being, even when the water meets safety standards.
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