Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
This week in water, the State of the Climate Report confirms significant shifts in Australia’s climate, while CSIRO marks a historic step toward Indigenous reconciliation. Across the states and territories, one bulk water service provider reports unprecedented irrigation levels, and a landmark milestone in school water savings is celebrated in Victoria.
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National
Australia faces intensifying climate impacts
The biennial State of the Climate Report 2024, developed by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, highlights significant climate shifts affecting Australia, particularly in rainfall patterns.
Australia has warmed by an average of 1.51°C since 1910, with more extreme heat events, longer fire seasons, and heavier short-term rainfall. Notably, rainfall trends vary across regions.
The south-west has experienced a dramatic decline, with April to October rainfall decreasing by about 16% since 1970, and May to July rainfall dropping by 20%. In the south-east, April to October rainfall has decreased by roughly 9% since 1994. Conversely, northern Australia has seen increased rainfall and streamflow since the 1970s.
Alongside these trends, heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense nationwide, and streamflow reductions are evident at most gauges. The report underscores the pressing need to adapt to these evolving climate dynamics
CSIRO deepens commitment to reconciliation
CSIRO has launched its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at a gathering on Gadigal land in Sydney. Dr Chris Bourke, proud Gamillaroi man and Director of CSIRO's Indigenous Science and Engagement team, explained the importance of this RAP.
“The Stretch RAP marks a new chapter in our reconciliation journey, where Indigenous leadership and perspectives become fundamental to our work,” he said. “We are committed to working in respectful partnership with Indigenous Australia to deliver sustainable and holistic solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges.”
Louisa Warren, Torres Strait Islander woman and CSIRO Executive Manager, said: “Transitioning to a Stretch RAP allows us to deepen our commitment to reconciliation and create long-lasting change for the communities we partner with”.
States and territories
Urban Utilities urges storm readiness ahead of wet summer
With above average rainfall predicted this summer, Urban Utilities has released a must-do checklist to help the community prepare for excessive wet weather. The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast is predicting above average rainfall for South East Queensland from October to December.
The utility is encouraging customers to get ready for extreme weather by doing some simple checks around their home, including ensuring overflow relief gullies are clear and raised, verifying stormwater downpipes aren’t connected to the wastewater network, and keeping at least 10L of drinking water per person in an emergency kit.
Landmark water savings for schools in Barwon
Barwon Water celebrated a major milestone with its Schools Water Efficiency Program as Lorne P-12 College became the 100th school to join in Victoria’s Barwon region.
The initiative, which uses data loggers and an online dashboard to monitor water usage, has saved participating schools in the region an impressive 1.14 billion litres of water and over $3.7 million in water charges since 2012.
Barwon Water General Manager of Customers, Community and Strategy, Laura Kendall said: “Through SWEP, schools can monitor their water usage and detect leaks before it costs them valuable water and money".
Irrigation season reaches record levels in Victoria
The 2024/25 irrigation season in Victoria is seeing record-breaking demand as Goulburn-Murray Water delivers an unprecedented 373,000 ML in the first three months since the season began. This volume is over twice the usual amount for this stage of the season.
GMW Water Delivery Services General Manager Warren Blyth attributes this demand to multiple factors: “We have come off a few very wet years, which has meant our dams have been well-stocked and water availability has been high".
Sydney Water honoured for excellence in customer service
Sydney Water’s dedication to customer-centred service was recognised with two prestigious awards at the 2024 Australian Services Excellence Awards, where the organisation won both the Customer Service Project of the Year and the Customer Service Organisation of the Year.
Executive General Manager of Customer Experience Denisha Anbu said: “What we heard set the foundation for our Customer Charter, ensuring our customers’ voices were front and centre.”
Sydney Water’s Customer and Community Reference Group also provided essential insights, helping to establish priorities and service goals that reflect the needs and values of its community.
TasWater achieves record investment milestones
TasWater delivered a record $269.2 million in capital investments over the 2023-24 financial year, with 80% of funding allocated to local contractors.
TasWater CFO Kane Ingham commented on the organisation’s broader impact: “TasWater is driving economic growth for our state through sustained water treatment performance and the successful delivery of a $269.2 million capital investment program”.
Key projects under TasWater’s capital works include the upgraded Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant, the Western Rising Main Pipeline as part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan, and progress on an $18 million upgrade of the Ulverstone Sewage Treatment Plant.
International
Innovative water harvester advances in Saudi Arabia
A cutting-edge solar-driven water harvester developed by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is set to revolutionise water access in humid regions lacking freshwater sources.
The solar-driven atmospheric water extractor continuously captures water from the air, generating up to 2-3L per square metre daily. The system’s maintenance-free design offers a sustainable solution to water scarcity challenges in remote or arid regions.
Dutch startup HULO.ai wins on water management
Leeuwarden-based HULO.ai, dedicated to enhancing water supplies and reducing non-revenue water, took top honours at the Valencia Digital Summit Startup Competition.
The win reflects global interest in HULO.ai’s innovative approach to sustainable water management, gaining attention from investors and tech experts alike.
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