Week in water: updates from across the water community

This week in water, the Closing the Gap Dashboard unveils updates on critical targets, including land and water ownership. Across the country, Adelaide sewers face record wet wipe blockages and Melbourne’s Aquarevo community prepares for Australia’s first integrated recycling plant. Internationally, studies highlight methane emissions from treated wastewater in rivers, while findings from COP29 reveal climate adaptation strategies transforming Pacific Island communities. 

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National 

Closing the Gap dashboard updates 
The Closing the Gap Dashboard has been updated with new data, enhancing the tracking of targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

Key updates include new reporting on Indigenous Land Use Agreements and the first historical analyses for land and water ownership, a critical indicator for sustainable resource management.  

Data updates also span education, family safety and access to information. 

National prize for young water scientists opens 
Supported by Xylem, the Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2025 is now open, seeking young scientists aged 15-20 to tackle pressing water challenges.  

This prestigious competition showcases innovative projects at Ozwater’25 in May, with the national winner advancing to represent Australia on the global stage in Stockholm. 

If you know a passionate young water enthusiast, encourage them to participate. Entrants can develop practical research projects addressing water quality, availability or sustainability, applying scientific rigour to local or global issues. 

State and territory 

Wet wipe blockages hit record high in Adelaide sewers 
Adelaide's sewers have recorded an all-time high of 1,667 wet wipe-induced blockages in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 1,344 set in 2022. The surge, particularly between April and July, highlights the persistent issue of improper disposal of wet wipes.  

SA Water Senior Manager Dr Daniel Hoefel said: “After a positive shift in people’s flushing behaviours in recent years, we were hoping to share more good news about Adelaideans’ wet wipe woes this World Toilet Day, however, the numbers don’t lie". 

“With another six weeks of the year to go we’ve well and truly surpassed the previous record, which came in 2022 and saw 1,344 blockages across our city’s sewers. 

“Fast forward to today, that figure currently sits at 1,667 – our highest of any year – and continues to climb.” 

Safety warning issued against swimming in irrigation channels 
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has reiterated its warnings about the dangers of swimming in irrigation channels as the weather warms. Though vital for agriculture, the channels are not designed for recreation and pose hidden risks like undercurrents and debris. 

GMW Water Delivery Services General Manager Warren Blyth said: “We manage approximately 6000km of channels and none of it is safe to swim in at any time or in any situation". 

“Flows in GMW channels are largely controlled by flume gates that automatically open and close depending on where water is needed and what flowrate it is needed at. This means channel conditions can change quickly and without warning. 

“If you are looking for somewhere to swim, public swimming pools are a much better option.” 

First Nations leadership at South East Water 
South East Water (SEW) has appointed Eveanne Liddle, a proud Arrernte/Luritja woman, as its inaugural First Nations Delegate. The role marks a significant step in the organisation’s commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and community relationships. 

SEW Board Chair Lynn Warneke said: “The Board warmly welcomes Ms Liddle to her independent delegate role, a first for South East Water. We look forward to hearing her strategic insights on various areas relevant to our business, including strategy development, stakeholder engagement, support for vulnerable families and sustainability". 

“Ms Liddle’s new role is part of our organisation’s action to support Aboriginal self-determination and commitment to strengthening relationships with First People’s communities.” 

Wamuran Irrigation Scheme receives regulatory approval
Unitywater’s Wamuran Irrigation Scheme has received approval to supply Class A recycled water for food crops. The initiative ensures a climate-independent water source, supporting farmers and boosting the region’s economy.

The scheme will use 2.6GL of recycled water annually, diverting 11 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorous from the Caboolture River.

Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson said: “Having a high quality, climate independent source of water gives certainty for farmers, buffering their businesses against the extremes of nature and a changing climate”.

“Our irrigation customers have been waiting for this moment and tell me they will be better placed to plan for growth, which is good for local employment and investment in the region," she said. 

Contract awarded for Australia-first recycling plant 
Aquarevo, one of Australia’s most water-efficient communities, is set to build a cutting-edge water recycling plant in Lyndhurst. Hydroflux has been awarded the contract to design, build and operate the facility, which will treat 52ML of water annually for non-drinking purposes. 

South East Water Managing Director Lara Olsen said: “We’re excited to work with Hydroflux to deliver Australian-first water treatment services to our customers that will reduce reliance on previous drinking water across our network in Melbourne’s south east”. 

Fatbergs targeted with new RMIT coating 
Solid masses of fat, oil, grease and wet wipes that clog pipes, fatbergs are responsible for 40% of blockages in Australia.  

To combat this, RMIT engineers have developed a zinc and polyurethane coating for concrete pipes, significantly reducing fatberg formation. Their findings, published in Chemical Engineering Journal, offer hope for wastewater authorities globally.

International

Hydropower collaboration key to sustaining ecosystems 
A study from Stanford University’s Natural Capital Project highlights how sustainable land management can benefit hydropower operators and farming communities in the Peruvian Andes.  

Using high-resolution models, researchers explored the Huallaga River Basin, showing how climate change increases competition for water and ecosystems play a pivotal role in balancing food and energy needs. By aligning objectives, stakeholders can mitigate trade-offs, secure livelihoods, and restore degraded ecosystems. 

Treated wastewater linked to methane emissions in Dutch rivers 
Research from Radboud University reveals that rivers receiving treated wastewater emit five times more methane than unaffected stretches. By analysing emissions at various points along Dutch rivers, researchers found peaks occurring up to two kilometres downstream of treatment plants.  

Despite meeting clean water standards, treated wastewater has measurable environmental impacts, raising concerns about nutrient influence on river ecosystems. 

Pacific climate adaptation study findings unveiled at COP29 
The Pacific Ocean Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), the largest study of its kind, was presented at COP29 by University of Canterbury Professor Steven Ratuva.  

Spanning 16 Pacific Island nations, the three-year study examines adaptation strategies like village relocation and highlights the cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change. The findings, drawn from diverse disciplines, provide a blueprint for future resilience. 

Oxford unveils Climate Policy Monitor for global regulation 
Oxford University has launched the Climate Policy Monitor, a comprehensive tool evaluating how regulations align with climate goals.  

Developed with input from 48 law firms, the Monitor measures the ambition and impact of economic rules across 250+ data points. Regular updates aim to strengthen global efforts towards net zero and guide policy improvements in key jurisdictions. 

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