Week in Water: updates from across the water community

This week in water, the Murray–Darling Basin Plan faces scrutiny as progress lags on key targets, while Australia eyes a $1.7 billion hydrogen opportunity by 2050. Across the states, researchers achieve a major breakthrough in desalination technology, Sydney secures its drinking water against extreme weather and Tasmania champions conservation. Internationally, experts outline a blueprint for using water to foster global peace and cooperation. 
 
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National 

Murray–Darling Basin Plan progress falters 
A recent study from multiple Australian universities reveals that only 26% of targets under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan have been met since its implementation in 2012–2013. 
 
 While five of seven economic indicators, such as irrigated agriculture and land value, showed improvement, most Indigenous, environmental, social and compliance goals remain unmet. 

The report calls for improved monitoring frameworks to enhance accountability and guide future reforms. Researchers highlighted the need for a Basin-wide data collection system to better assess progress under the Water Act 2007. 

Australia’s hydrogen future 
Australia’s hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing sector could generate $1.7 billion in revenue and nearly 4,000 jobs by 2050, according to CSIRO’s latest report. The country’s strong renewable energy capabilities and emerging local manufacturers position it as a leader in renewable hydrogen production. 

CSIRO Futures Energy Lead Vivek Srinivasan said : “Building an electrolyser manufacturing sector isn’t just about meeting immediate demand; it’s an opportunity to develop an industry that adds long-term value to our economy and strengthens our energy security”. 

States and territories 

Breakthrough in desalination efficiency 
A team from the University of South Australia has developed a solar-powered desalination method that evaporates seawater 18.8% faster than freshwater – a significant improvement over previous systems.  

Using clay minerals in a photothermal hydrogel, researchers overcame salt ions’ traditional drag on evaporation rates. 

Professor Haolan Xu said: “The minerals selectively enrich magnesium and calcium ions from seawater to the evaporation surfaces, which boosts the evaporation rate”.  
 
“This process occurs spontaneously during solar evaporation, making it highly convenient and cost-effective,” he said.  

Progress on Aboriginal water rights 
The NSW Government has concluded consultations on its draft Aboriginal Water Strategy, receiving input from nearly 400 stakeholders. This landmark strategy aims to recognise Aboriginal water rights and strengthen their role in water planning and management. 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said: “Consulting with a diverse group of stakeholders on the Aboriginal Water Strategy will ensure we maintain our waterways in a way that respects Aboriginal water rights”.  

“This will be another key step in closing the gap for Aboriginal people,” he said.  

Greater Sydney’s drinking water secured 
Sydney Water has partnered with Suez and Acciona to build the Prospect Pre-Treatment Plant, capable of treating 500ML daily. This facility will protect Greater Sydney’s water supply during extreme weather events. 
 
Sydney Water Program Director Caine Mertens said: “The upgrade will ensure reliable water supply during events like bushfires or drought-induced storms”. 
 
Barwon Heads sewer upgrade completed 
Barwon Water has completed the upgrade of the sewer pipeline serving the Bellarine Peninsula. The $5.5 million project moves sewage from Barwon Heads and surrounding towns to the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant. 

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming expressed gratitude for community support during the works: “This critical project ensures we can continue to provide high-quality, affordable, and secure wastewater services to the coastal communities”. 

Tasmania accelerates renewable energy development 
Hydro Tasmania has finalised an agreement with TasRex to support a $500 million solar farm near Cressy. Once complete, the 288-megawatt facility will power around 70,000 homes, becoming Tasmania’s fourth-largest energy generator. 

Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO Erin van Maanen said: “The deal gives TasRex the confidence to proceed with this major development and deliver an important new source of renewable energy to help power Tasmanian homes and businesses”. 

Tasmania’s water guardians inspire conservation 
TasWater has launched six native animal mascots – the Water Guardians – to teach children about water conservation.  

Through storybooks and online resources, characters like Winnie the wombat and Laurel the platypus aim to engage young audiences in preserving Tasmania’s water resources. 

International 

Water as a tool for peace 
A new seven-point strategy published in Nature Water by the University of Birmingham emphasises water’s potential to foster peace and prevent conflicts. The blueprint suggests integrating local knowledge, equitable governance, and gender-focused policies to enhance water access and community resilience. 

Lead author Professor Stefan Krause said: “Water can be a powerful tool for peace when managed sustainably and equitably. Our study provides a blueprint for using water to foster cooperation and prevent conflicts.” 

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