Week in water: updates from across the water community
by Water Source
This week in water, Australians are stepping up and stepping out to support WaterAid Australia’s Walk 4 Water initiative, raising funds and awareness for the 703 million people globally without access to safe water. In Tasmania, Fern Tree’s exceptional water quality has earned it the title of the state’s best tasting tap water, while Yarra Valley Water's $2.6 billion investment plan aims to meet the needs of Melbourne's rapidly growing population.
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National
WaterAid’s Walk 4 Water 2024
Everyone is gearing up for WaterAid Australia’s annual Walk 4 Water from 30 September to 4 October. Participants nationwide will walk, run, ride or swim to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the 703 million people worldwide who lack access to safe water close to home.
WaterAid Australia Director of Corporate and Community Engagement Teresa Ayles said: “Supporting Walk 4 Water empowers WaterAid Australia to continue its vital work transforming lives and communities, raising much needed awareness, and making clean water a reality for those who need it most”.
Future Drought Fund announces new grant rounds
The Future Drought Fund has released two new grant opportunities aimed at enhancing drought resilience. The first, the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices, offers $40.3 million for projects between $3 million and $8 million from 2024-25 until 2029-30.
The second grant, the Resilient Landscapes Program, will provide $40 million for projects between $2 million and $6 million over the same period. Applications close on 19 November 2024.
States and territories
Fern Tree named Tasmania’s best tasting tap water
Fern Tree has claimed the title of Tasmania’s best tasting tap water for 2024 after a thrilling IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition held in Devonport. This achievement adds to the plant’s reputation for producing high-quality water that not only tastes great but also meets stringent safety standards.
TasWater General Manager of Operations Brendan Windmeyer said: “The Fern Tree treatment plant has a long-standing history of producing exceptional water for the community”.
The water will now represent Tasmania at the national competition, with hopes for back-to-back wins following Fern Tree’s 2023 victory.
Former WaterAble Chair honoured with life membership
Donald Hughan, Corporate Risk Coordinator at Goulburn-Murray Water, has been awarded life membership of WaterAble for his significant contributions to promoting disability inclusion in the water sector.
Hughan has been a key figure in the network since its inception in 2020, initially serving as Deputy Chair before taking on the role of Chair in 2021. Reflecting on his journey, Hughan said: “It’s been an amazing experience working with the other committee members to improve inclusivity in the water industry".
Yarra Valley Water’s $2.6 billion investment for Melbourne’s future
In response to Melbourne's rapid population growth, Yarra Valley Water is investing over $2.6 billion as part of its five-year plan to enhance water and sewerage services across the city.
Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager Growth and Distribution Bridie Fennessy said: “More than 30% of Victorians rely on our services every day. We service some of Melbourne’s most rapidly developing suburbs including those in the Northern Growth Area”.
The investment will support the construction of new infrastructure and upgrades to existing systems, ensuring sustainable water services for generations to come.
Sydney Water hosts Youth Eco Summit
Sydney Water has welcomed 1800 primary school children from over 70 classrooms to the state’s largest youth sustainability event, aimed at inspiring water conservation behaviors among young people.
Held at Newington Armory in Sydney Olympic Park and hosted by Sydney Water ambassador Shane Jacobson, the two-day Youth Eco Summit promotes creative problem-solving and active participation from students aged eight to 12 years.
Sydney Water General Manager of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Stuart Wallace said: “Sydney Water has many education programs, and the Youth Eco Summit has been designed to inspire and challenge the curious minds of primary school children while creating a fun, hands-on learning environment”.
Hunter Water transforms historic pump station
Hunter Water’s historic Newcastle West wastewater pump station is set to receive a vibrant transformation with a new mural as part of this year's The Big Picture Fest. Designed by Aboriginal artist Jasmine Craciun, the mural will cover the King Street side of the pump station and celebrate the cultural connection to water and the Newcastle region.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement Emma Berry expressed her excitement about the project: “We’re happy to be in partnership with The Big Picture Fest and to host one of our assets for the location of a mural. Jasmine Craciun has designed an artwork with an important message that promotes our Aboriginal history and the value of water”.
International
Indiana University study sheds light on river avulsion risks
Researchers from Indiana University have made significant strides in understanding river avulsion, a dangerous phenomenon where rivers suddenly and dramatically change course.
Published in Nature, the study could help predict and potentially mitigate the devastating impacts of river avulsion, which has historically led to catastrophic floods and continues to threaten millions worldwide.
Korea Institute develops AI model for water quality management
A research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology has developed a data-driven AI technology to accurately predict ion concentrations during electrochemical water treatment processes.
This breakthrough could enhance water quality monitoring and contribute to improved social water welfare. KIST’s Dr. Son Moon said: “The significance of this research is not only in developing a new AI model but also in its application to the national water quality management system”.
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