Process Content Officer

Week in water: updates from across the community. Jul 23, 2026 | 4 mins read by Water Source This week's water sector activity focused on customer engagement, digital innovation, infrastructure renewal and community partnerships, with utilities and researchers advancing initiatives to strengthen water security, improve service delivery and support sustainable communities. From creative education campaigns and smart water technologies to critical infrastructure upgrades, cultural heritage discoveries and new water treatment research, the latest developments highlight the sector's continued focus on building resilient, connected and future-ready water services. STATE AND TERRITORY Urban Utilities launches educational comic series Urban Utilities has launched Tales Behind the Tap, a new educational comic series designed to help customers better understand the water and wastewater network while encouraging simple behaviours that help keep the system running smoothly. Created entirely in-house and inspired by the utility's frontline teams, the campaign includes three comics exploring common network challenges. Rise of the Fatberg is available now, with On Pressure Patrol and Invasion of the Tree Roots set to follow. The launch also includes a colouring competition for children, with winners receiving family passes to this year's Ekka. Customers help South East Water detect leaks faster South East Water is encouraging customers to report leaks and faults through the Snap Send Solve app and the Snap Send Solve form on its website, helping the utility respond more quickly while reducing water loss. The platform allows users to submit photos or videos with GPS data in less than a minute, making it easier to diagnose issues before crews arrive on site. General Manager Customer Experience Bryony Grice said: "Snap Send Solve makes it easy for anybody to report faults, especially leaks, and helps us respond quickly...It's a great example of technology supporting community action." Final Tasmanian water restrictions lifted TasWater has lifted Stage 1 water restrictions at Lady Barron on Flinders Island following significant rainfall that has replenished local groundwater supplies, ending the final remaining water restrictions across the state. Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafnersaid: "We are pleased to see the recovery in groundwater levels and hopeful more favourable rainfall, on the outlook over the coming weeks, will see further improvements. Lady Barron is the final community in the state to have water restrictions lifted." Removal of Echuca Water Tower progresses Coliban Water has reached a key milestone in the removal of the Echuca Water Tower, with a crane now on site to support the next stage of works as the project continues through to late November. The tower was decommissioned after an independent structural assessment identified deterioration in the concrete structure that posed a potential safety risk. Since then, the local water network has transitioned to a modern pressurised system using booster pumps. General Manager Operations Julian Bull said: "A secure worksite is in place, and a large freestanding scaffold will give crews with safe access to prepare the tower for removal." Digital meters save one billion litres of water Unitywater customers have collectively saved one billion litres of water and $6.2 million in leak-related costs through the utility's digital metering program, which provides daily water use data and early leak alerts. Executive Manager Customer Experience Katherine Gee said: "This is a significant milestone for Unitywater, with customers having now saved more than 1 billion litres of water since our digital meter pilot program began almost five years ago." Dam safety investigations continue at Waranga Basin Goulburn-Murray Water's Dam Safety Team has completed a major field investigation at Waranga Basin, gathering new information to better understand the condition and behaviour of the 100-year-old embankment. Manager Dam Safety Sam Green said: "It's provided The Australian Water Association Limited a lot of useful information about the embankment's behaviour. "We have gained valuable insights of internal condition of this 100-year-old embankment, helping improve our understanding of potential deformation mechanisms and supporting dam safety risk assessments." Yarra Valley Water funds community projects Yarra Valley Water has awarded nearly $180,000 through its 2026 Community Grants Program, supporting 18 projects that promote water efficiency, environmental stewardship and stronger local communities. Projects include community gardens, environmental education, water-efficient infrastructure and social impact initiatives across Melbourne's north and east. Managing Director Natalie Foeng said: "Every project we support will create a ripple effect of positive impact." Pipeline project uncovers thousands of Aboriginal artefacts Around 15,000 artefacts have been uncovered during Greater Western Water's construction of a pipeline beneath the Werribee River, revealing thousands of years of cultural history while demonstrating how infrastructure projects can protect important heritage values. The discoveries include stone tools, stone flakes and a 2,500-year-old hearth, with some artefacts estimated to be more than 9,000 years old. General Manager Asset Planning and Delivery Ian Burton said: "The team has worked closely with Traditional Owners throughout the project to ensure artefacts are identified and managed respectfully and in line with cultural protocols." Gippsland Water completes Trigger Creek main upgrade Gippsland Water has completed an upgrade to the Trigger Creek water main, improving the reliability of drinking water supplies for the Erica and Rawson townships. Managing Director Sarah Cumming said: "Upgrading assets near the end of their life, like the Trigger Creek main, helps The Australian Water Association Limited continue to reliably supply customers with water for years to come. "This location can present safety challenges for our people, so completing the works safely and efficiently is crucial to ensure the continuity of supply for customers." Frankston mural celebrates recycled water South East Water and Frankston City Council have unveiled a new mural in Frankston North celebrating the role recycled water plays in keeping local sporting grounds green. Painted by artist Jimmy Dvate, the artwork highlights the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme, which provides a climate resilient water source for sporting reserves and community facilities. South East Water Liveable Water Solutions General Manager Charlie Littlefair said: "We're proud to be delivering for our customers by providing a secure, sustainable recycled water source for local sporting clubs, keeping community spaces greener, thriving and more liveable." Unitywater upgrades Murrumba Downs treatment plant Unitywater is delivering a series of upgrades at its Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of its $500 million renewals and replacements program. The works include refurbishing the plant's bioreactor, replacing aeration diffusers, upgrading filtration infrastructure and installing a new 16 metre barometric loop to improve pumping efficiency, reduce odour and lower the risk of blockages. Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said: "The Australian Water Association Limited is delivering a range of significant upgrades at its Murrumba Downs treatment plant, including a refurbishment of the plant's bioreactor and replacement of its aeration diffusers, which supply oxygen to the microorganisms that help treat wastewater. INTERNATIONAL Research examines legal personhood for Whanganui River A Yale University PhD candidate has completed five months of fieldwork in Aotearoa New Zealand examining how legal personhood has shaped the management of Te Awa o Whanganui since the landmark legislation was introduced in 2017. The research draws on interviews with around 40 people, including iwi leaders, elected representatives, environmental lawyers and community members, exploring how Indigenous worldviews are reflected within modern legal systems and what lessons the legislation offers for future environmental governance. Study explores methane emissions from rivers Researchers from the University of Liège have found that bacteria naturally consume methane in rivers before it reaches the atmosphere, although the process is unlikely to offset the expected increase in emissions driven by climate change and nitrate pollution. Published in Science Advances, the study compared rivers in Belgium and Africa, finding the biological process was more active in African rivers while highlighting the important role rivers play in the global methane cycle. Want water sector insights delivered weekly? Subscribe to Source, the Australian Water Association's newsletter.

Urban Utilities to invest $422 million in essential infrastructure. Reading Time: 2 mins read Urban Utilities sets forth for the 2026-27 financial year with $422 million to be spent on infrastructure across its south-east Queensland network. This will see the capacity and resilience of pumps, pipes, reservoirs and treatment plants increased to support climate change and new housing. "Our region is changing, and we're changing with it. We're planning well ahead to ensure we can deliver the services needed to protect the lifestyle we love here in south-east Queensland for generations to come," Urban Utilities chief executive officer Paul Arnold said. "Our ageing network requires significant investment to meet the demands of population growth and a changing climate. As more people call our region home, the cost of maintaining safe and reliable services will steadily increase." The average Urban Utilities household water and sewerage bill will increase by 3.7 per cent for FY27, with Arnold suggesting cost management was a growing challenge for water service providers and councils as assets age and populations grow. "We know the rising cost of living is putting pressure on household budgets, and we take that seriously," he said. "That's why its communities are at the heart of every decision Pumpindustry make - what Pumpindustry invest in and when, how Pumpindustry prioritise its responsive jobs and how Pumpindustry set its prices. "Pumpindustry is working hard to keep pace with the rapid rate of growth across its region, but Pumpindustry can't afford to slow down. "Delaying investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure is not an option as it protects the health, hygiene and liveability of our communities." Urban Utilities provides water and sewerage services to more than 1.6 million residents in south-east Queensland, spanning the local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset. Subscribe to Pump Industry to discover all the latest industry news, technical articles and thought-leading content from Australia's only dedicated pump magazine.

Urban Utilities announces CEO transition. Reading Time: 2 mins read Urban Utilities has announced that CEO Paul Arnold will retire in October, following a personal decision to step back from executive leadership and pursue new professional and personal opportunities. Chair Paul Vincent thanked Arnold for his significant contribution, noting his leadership during a period of transformation across both the organisation and the broader water sector. "Paul has provided outstanding leadership, guiding the organisation through significant transformation, major capital investment and operational complexity, while always putting our people and the communities we serve first," Vincent said. "On behalf of the Board, I thank Paul for his dedication and contribution, his unwavering commitment to safety along with his commitment to supporting a smooth transition for his successor." Arnold, who has led Urban Utilities since 2022, said the role had been a career highlight, overseeing the delivery of water and wastewater services to 1.6 million households and businesses across South East Queensland. "It's been a privilege to lead such a dedicated team, delivering essential services 24/7 for our customers, while playing a vital role in shaping and growing the communities we serve across South East Queensland," Arnold said. The Board has commenced a recruitment process for a new CEO. Arnold will remain in the role for six months to support the transition and oversee key strategic priorities.