Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
This week in water, PFAS continues to be a hot topic as the National Health and Medical Research Council opens public consultation on stricter PFAS guidelines for drinking water. Across the states, Goulburn-Murray Water seeks to amplify Indigenous participation with a new board role for Traditional Owners, Sydney Water engages youth in water literacy through its inaugural ‘Water is Life’ forum and Yarra Valley Water expands critical infrastructure to support Melbourne’s growing suburbs.
Do you want in-depth articles on trends within the water community delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Australian Water Association’s National Source newsletter here.
National
NHMRC releases draft PFAS guidelines for consultation
Water organisations across Australia are reviewing the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) updated draft guidelines for PFAS in drinking water. These guidelines aim to set health-protective levels for long-term consumption and have been released for public consultation, with feedback open until 22 November.
The new guidelines propose stricter limits for three PFAS already regulated – PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS – and introduce new standards for PFBS. They are designed to minimise health risks over a lifetime of exposure, incorporating conservative safety margins to ensure public health.
NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh said: “In Australia’s system for ensuring water is safe to drink, NHMRC is responsible for producing the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. States and territories use these Guidelines in regulating water utilities and suppliers. This applies a robust approach to protecting public health across Australia”.
“This public consultation is consistent with the NHMRC’s commitment to ensure that the latest evidence and international advice is applied to our national guidelines, as well as NHMRC’s robust guideline development process and supported by best practice methods,” he said.
“NHMRC suggests that water suppliers regularly share information with the community on the current risks from PFAS in their catchment and the findings from background testing. This transparency will assist in providing consumers with reassurance about the water coming out of their taps.”
The draft guidelines will be incorporated into the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines once finalised.
Water Research Australia’s annual report celebrates progress
Water Research Australia (WaterRA) has published its 2023-24 Annual Report, showcasing advancements in research, innovation and collaboration across the water sector. The report highlights projects targeting water quality improvements, climate resilience and a shift towards circular economy practices.
The report also underlines the growing importance of partnerships, with collaboration playing a central role in the organisation’s achievements.
Survey reveals gaps in awareness on water-related emissions
The Water Conservancy’s recent survey sheds light on Australians’ perceptions of energy use related to water consumption. While 59% of respondents believe they are taking adequate steps to conserve water, behaviours such as running dishwashers without a full load (12%) and long hot showers (51%) remain prevalent.
A key finding is the public’s lack of awareness about the carbon footprint associated with water heating, with 77% of participants unaware that domestic water heating contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, on par with the aviation industry.
States and Territories
AECOM strengthens water leadership team
AECOM has appointed Barton Maher as Industry Director for Dams for Australia and New Zealand, bolstering its water leadership team. Maher will focus on helping clients address the growing demand for upgrades in dam infrastructure across the region.
“Our industry is entering a time of renewal with the amount of dams work planned and underway across ANZ,” Maher said. “I am excited to join AECOM’s dams team in supporting owners in managing the complex and important decisions they face in delivering and maintaining critical water infrastructure.”
Goulburn-Murray Water seeks Traditional Owner representation
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is encouraging Traditional Owners to participate in water management by offering a new 12-month board role for an independent Aboriginal delegate.
GMW Chair Diane James said: “The 12-month, part-time role will enable the successful applicant to develop their skills and experience on a public sector board, including in the areas of strategic planning, managing risks and governance”.
“Previous board experience isn’t required, however, an interest in water management, a connection to community, a willingness to learn, and the ability to contribute to an effective board culture are important,” she said.
Sydney Water launches new youth forum
Sydney Water marked National Water Week with the ‘Water is Life’ Youth Forum, engaging over 150 high school students from across Greater Sydney. The event, led by Sydney Water Ambassador Shane Jacobson, focused on bridging water literacy gaps and inspiring the next generation of water advocates.
Jacobson praised Sydney Water’s educational efforts: “The work Sydney Water does to educate and inspire young people to care for our waterways is really impressive. I’m proud to facilitate events like today and to be able to have these significant conversations with young adults”.
“It’s all about meaningful engagement and learning how we can provide the tools for these young people to navigate future challenges we face with our finite water resource,” he said.
Yarra Valley Water set to expand sewage transfer hub
Yarra Valley Water has announced a $20 million expansion of the Craigieburn Sewage Transfer Hub, which will feature two new storage tanks capable of holding up to 30ML of wastewater. With plans to expand capacity to 120ML, the facility aims to meet the increasing demand from Melbourne’s growing northern suburbs.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager of Growth and Distribution Bridie Fennessy said: “Investment in Melbourne’s rapidly developing Northern Growth Corridor is essential to ensure the system can meet the increasing demand for water and sewerage services”.
“We have some of the fastest growing suburbs in the nation and we’re committed to supporting new communities by providing essential infrastructure,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water has also welcomed of Yorta Yorta and Boonwurrung man Jamil Tye to its Board of Directors as an Independent Aboriginal Delegate.
Jamil welcomed the opportunity to play a pivotal role in water provision: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me. It aligns with my values, as well as my commitment to advocate for the education, health, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”.
“On my Yorta Yorta side I am a James/Cooper man from the Wollithiga/Wallithica clan, which means ‘meeting of the waters,’ whilst I am of the Yalukit-willam clan through Louisa Briggs which translates to ‘river camp’ or ‘river home’,” he said.
“I understand the important position water holds in my Peoples cultures and for everyone’s way of life. I believe that if we all saw water as a living entity and a part of us, it would be treated with much better care. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn more about water management initiatives at the highest level.”
International
Researchers warn of extinction risks for anurans under climate change
A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that frogs and toads (anurans) face severe risks due to the impact of climate change on water habitats. The research predicts that over the next 60 to 80 years, global warming will result in the drying up of many water sources crucial for these species' survival.
The team’s models project a temperature increase of 2.7°C by the end of the century, which will cause habitat losses and make life increasingly difficult for anurans already struggling with other threats such as deforestation, fungal outbreaks, pollution and rising temperatures.
The findings call for urgent conservation efforts to mitigate climate change and safeguard critical water ecosystems to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species.
Interested in staying up to date on trends and insights within the water community? Sign up for the Australian Water Association’s national Source newsletter here.
