Inside Water September 2025

We’re Creating the Future of Water for people, communities and the environment

Future ready

FUTURE-READY. THAT WAS the theme of this year’s Intelligent Water Networks (IWN) Members Conference, and it struck a chord. Not just as a slogan, but as a provocation.

In an industry that must constantly balance day-to-day delivery with long-term thinking, resilience can no longer be treated as an outcome. It needs to be embedded in how we see, plan, and act.

This edition of Inside Water examines what that looks like across various fronts, including stormwater and water conservation, filtration, and partnerships. Each story reflects the same underlying question: How can we build more confidence into our systems, decisions, and relationships?

StormHarvester’s work with Watercare in Auckland shows what’s possible when smart monitoring is deployed at scale. Its platform isn’t just about preventing spills – it’s helping planners identify infiltration, validate assumptions, and invest with precision. For Australian utilities navigating growth corridors, legacy infrastructure, or uncertain CAPEX pathways, that kind of visibility could be game-changing.

At a vastly different scale, TouchGrid is helping households rethink their use of hot water. ShowerStar, its simple feedback device, uses realtime cues to reduce shower duration without requiring plumbing changes. The result is not just lower water bills, but meaningful reductions in energy use and emissions.

It’s a reminder that small actions, when scaled, can support infrastructure resilience from the inside out.

On the filtration front, James Cumming’s locally manufactured granular activated carbon continues to prove its value. From PFAS (perand polyfluoroalkyl substances) events to seasonal taste and odour challenges, the ability to supply

high-performance media within short timeframes is becoming a critical asset. As utilities respond to increasingly complex treatment needs, having dependable, Australian-made options on hand is no longer just convenient; it’s a strategic advantage.

SUEZ also shares insights into how it is supporting utilities through longterm partnerships. With perspectives from operational, advisory, and cultural specialists, the company highlights how resilience is shaped not only by systems but by trust. The ability to align values, share risk, and build capability over time is increasingly seen as essential, rather than just a nice-to-have.

What connects all these examples is a shift in posture. Rather than waiting for disruption, organisations are finding ways to get ahead of it. That might mean using live data to target maintenance, designing customer tools that don’t require enforcement, or embedding collaborative behaviours from day one.

None of this work is simple. But it’s encouraging to see the breadth of innovation happening: Quietly, practically, and often in partnership. If this edition prompts reflection, new questions, or simply a deeper appreciation for what’s already underway, then we’ve done our job.

Thanks for reading.

Chairman John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

Publisher Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

Managing Editor Lisa Korycki lisa.korycki@primecreative.com.au

Editor Chris Edwards chris.edwards@primecreative.com.au

Design Alejandro Molano

Head of Design Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

Brand Manager Adele Haywood adele.haywood@primecreative.com.au p: +61 403 500 544

Client Success Manager Ben Sammartino ben.sammartino@primecreative.com.au

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Cover image

StormHarvester, Watercare

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Inside Water is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Inside Water is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Inside Water are not necessarily the  opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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Seeing beneath the surface

Auckland’s largest utility is deploying network-wide monitoring to improve wastewater performance, with lessons that could reshape Australian infrastructure planning.

SOME OF THE most valuable insights in urban water management come not from grand infrastructure projects, but from silent signals buried beneath our feet. For utilities managing legacy sewer networks under growing pressure, knowing where stormwater enters the system, how assets respond to rainfall, or when performance shifts just slightly out of spec can mean the difference between routine maintenance and a major public spill.

The industry has long touted datadriven decision-making, but in many cases, visibility has been lacking.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems provide partial views, flow surveys offer snapshots, and hydraulic models rely on assumptions. What’s often missing is the connective tissue:

smart wastewater monitoring that provides live feedback at scale, tied to asset-level intelligence.

That’s where the story begins for Watercare, Auckland’s metropolitan water utility.

Facing a complex network, ageing infrastructure, and growing environmental scrutiny, the team have turned to software provider StormHarvester to assist them in their mission.

Supporting the rollout is Gus Thiele, StormHarvester’s Commercial Director for Australia and New Zealand, who brings deep expertise in applying real-time analytics to wastewater networks.

For Watercare, the move is not just about preventing overflows. It’s about gaining confidence in how the system behaves and making informed investments accordingly.

Brian Moloney (right) from StormHarvester is studying the data coming in from across the Auckland network with David Moore from Watercare. Images: StormHarvester, Watercare

A data-led shift from reactive to proactive

For Watercare, the rollout supports a broader vision to move from incident response to informed decision-making.

David Moore, Smart Systems Manager at Watercare, said the process began with a practical need.

“We tend to have a problem and we react to it,” Moore said. “What will be good is to get data to give us more, to give us the ability to make better decisions about where our problems are.”

Watercare’s short-term goals focus on reducing overflows and improving maintenance programs. In the medium term, it hopes to make rehabilitation spending more targeted. In the longer term, the ambition is to achieve real-time network control.

“Suddenly, if we have our rehabilitation, can we focus it where we have our largest issues, where we’ve got the cracked pipes that are letting groundwater in?” Moore said.

“Currently, we find most of them by identifying a problem and deploying CCTV. But with sensors, we can see what’s responding to groundwater and rainwater, then investigate more surgically in a more defined area, rather than searching for the needle in a haystack.”

Building the case for smart wastewater monitoring

StormHarvester provides the analytics behind this approach. Its platform uses artificial intelligence to learn the normal behaviour of individual assets. When those patterns shift, whether due to weather, inflow or failure, it generates alerts that cut through the noise.

“You could monitor 20,000 sensors and still only get 10 or 20 alerts a day, ones that actually matter,”

Thiele said. “We’re cutting through the noise.”

Unlike traditional systems that trigger alarms based on static thresholds, StormHarvester’s models adapt to each site’s normal operating range, accounting for local rainfall and groundwater behaviour. That flexibility helps reduce false positives and keep crews focused on the events that matter most. Thiele believes this is especially important for utilities operating in complex or budget-constrained environments.

“Australia and New Zealand will be the next adopters at scale, as long as the cost-benefit case holds,” he said.

“It’s not just about seeing more. It’s about seeing the right things, faster and using those insights to make decisions that improve efficiency, safety and compliance.”

Why Watercare? Why now?

Watercare’s decision to partner with StormHarvester followed a period of hands-on exploration and evaluation. The team travelled to the United Kingdom to see the technology in action, meeting with several of the 11 UK utilities already using the platform.

“They’ve done 11 of the 12 UK water companies,” Moore said. “There’s a lot of learning we can draw on to make this go smoothly here.”

That experience gave Watercare confidence that it wasn’t stepping into untested territory. Instead, it was adopting a mature system with years of operational learning and proven real-world value. Seeing the platform in use helped Moore gain internal buy-in, particularly among staff wary of adding complexity to their existing digital stack.

The partnership with StormHarvester was formalised through an open-market procurement process. Rather than using traditional infrastructure

tendering, Watercare adopted a lean, agile procurement model more commonly seen in digital transformation. It also opted to separate the supply of physical sensors from the analytics provider to avoid compromise.

“We thought we might end up with mediocre for both if we went all-in with one provider,” Moore said. “So, we chose best of breed.”

StormHarvester’s live demonstrations, technical deep dives, and flexible integration options helped build trust early, laying the groundwork for a smooth rollout that could begin with minimal disruption and scale as needed. Following the same process, Kallipr was selected as the sensor and telemetry partner, recognised for delivering best-inclass hardware, software and endto-end data integration.

Headquartered in Queensland, Kallipr will provide 5000 Australiandesigned and manufactured sensors built for harsh conditions and long

It’s

important to properly monitor the sensors across the network.

Gus

Thiele is the Commercial Director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) for StormHarvester.

field life. Installation began in June and is expected to take a year. They will record wastewater levels every 15 minutes and provide daily data reports to StormHarvester, allowing proactive management and intervention.

Reducing risk, not just pollution Smart wastewater monitoring is not just about preventing spills. It also supports risk reduction and longterm planning. With live data, utilities can validate models, optimise asset performance, and justify future investment more confidently.

“You’re trying to get far enough ahead that issues fall into regular maintenance, not emergency response,” Thiele said. “This gives you a new lens to see your network and validate what you thought you knew.”

Every utility system is different, and StormHarvester’s platform accommodates that by creating localised environments that plug into the tools and platforms utilities already use.

“We take it as you have it,” Thiele said. “The goal is to publish data on the platform with as little disruption as possible.”

Planners can then use that data to build or revise capital programs with greater precision, focusing investment where it yields the most benefit and deferring it where risk is low.

Strengthening the I&I business case

One of the most powerful applications of smart wastewater

monitoring is its ability to identify, track and de-risk inflow and infiltration (I&I): a persistent challenge for utilities and councils managing older or mixeduse networks.

Unwanted stormwater entering sewer systems adds volume and variability, placing unnecessary strain on pumps, pipes, and treatment assets. Traditional methods of identifying I&I rely heavily on assumptions: flow monitors, catchment studies, and modelling based on rainfall correlations. These methods can be expensive, time-consuming, and prone to generalisation.

By contrast, StormHarvester’s platform enables utilities to detect abnormal responses at the individual asset level. That means each manhole, pump station, or subcatchment can be assessed based on its actual behaviour during and after storm events, providing planners with concrete data about where infiltration is occurring and how it evolves.

“Infiltration is like a slow leak that turns into a flood during wet weather,” Thiele said. “The key is having the resolution to detect it before it gets expensive, before it gets political, and before it gets embedded into your assumptions.”

For councils managing deferred upgrades or uncertain capital expenditure (CAPEX) pathways, this visibility is invaluable. It allows project teams to build stronger business cases based on measured network response. It also means they can validate the impact of rehabilitation works, closing the feedback loop between investment and performance.

As Australian and New Zealand regulators continue to push for more efficient spending and better environmental outcomes, the ability

to tie inflow reduction directly to live data provides a compelling way to meet both objectives. It’s not just about detection. It’s about justifying what comes next.

A culture change and operational clarity

One of the biggest challenges is not technical. It’s a culture change. To manage this, Watercare is introducing the system gradually, starting with a dedicated team of subject matter experts and slowly expanding as trust builds.

“It’s a different approach, and people are always resistant to change,” Moore said. “But once we can show the wins, a before and after, we can bring everyone along on the journey.”

StormHarvester’s onboarding process includes unlimited training and direct support for multiple teams across planning, operations, and field crews.

“We’re not just training one department,” Thiele said. “We want the operators, the planners, the control room, the people on the ground, everyone, to be able to use the data and see the impact.”

Change management is often the most overlooked component of digital deployment. Thiele said that successful implementations overseas were not just about proving the technology worked, but also about showing every team member how it made their job easier or more informed.

Moore echoed the importance of early clarity. The platform’s interface and alert structure had to be intuitive, or it risked being under used. “We’ve designed the rollout to ensure people see value early. It’s not just a data firehose. It’s prioritised information that helps them do their job better,” he said.

That clarity is part of how Watercare plans to scale internal support by building confidence with every team that interacts with the system.

Lessons for Australian and New Zealand utilities

The challenges faced by Watercare are mirrored across Australia and New Zealand: rapid growth, ageing infrastructure, tight budgets, and rising public scrutiny. For Moore, the key is knowing when and where to act.

“Auckland is part of the ‘new world,’ but our infrastructure went in at the same time as Europe’s,” Moore said. “It’s legacy systems we’re dealing with. That’s where smart tools help. They buy us breathing room until the big capital projects can catch up.”

Thiele encourages cautious optimism when rolling out a project.

“Every UK utility started small with one catchment, one sensor, one business case. You prove the value and build from there,” Thiele said.

Smaller councils or regional utilities can benefit from similar principles: start with what you have, build trust with the data, and expand based on results.

There’s also value in collaboration. Moore said Watercare is in regular contact with peers across Australia, New Zealand and the UK to share insights and avoid duplication. With many jurisdictions grappling with similar climate, funding and infrastructure pressures, knowledge transfer is one of the most powerful tools in the sector’s arsenal.

Whether it’s saline intrusion in coastal cities, I&I in rural networks, or ageing pump stations in growth corridors, the lesson is clear: you can’t manage what you can’t see. Smart wastewater monitoring offers a clear way forward.

Real-time visibility, long-term resilience

The platform also plays a role in climate resilience. Auckland recently swung from drought preparation to dam overflows in under four months. That volatility is becoming the norm.

“We’re setting ourselves up to be ready for extremes,” Moore said. “With predictive models and weather analytics, we can deploy crews in advance, configure pumping stations, and reduce the environmental impact of storm events.”

Beyond emergencies, Moore sees opportunities for efficiency and energy savings.

“It’s not just insight for insight’s sake. It’s actionable, it’s measurable, and it’s directly tied to better outcomes,” Moore said.

The implications extend beyond daily operations. By gaining confidence in how the network performs under variable conditions, Watercare can also better align its

long-term infrastructure strategy. That includes smarter sequencing of capital upgrades, improved justification for renewals, and faster detection of emerging issues.

Thiele said that many of StormHarvester’s UK clients began to experience secondary benefits within months, including lower maintenance costs, fewer unplanned callouts, and improved compliance tracking.

By integrating rainfall, sewer level, and infiltration data in one place, the system effectively provides planners with a “weather radar” for their underground network. That means decisions can be made proactively, not reactively, and risk can be shared more evenly across operations, asset management, and finance.

The team from StormHarvester attended OzWater’25 in Adelaide.

automated control of wastewater systems, modulating flows, optimising tank storage, and responding in near real time.

“You’re only ever going to be able to do more with the same data set,” Thiele said. “The technology keeps improving, and once the data is flowing, the possibilities keep expanding.”

In that future, utilities could combine rainfall forecasting, realtime sewer levels, and network simulations to proactively shift flow, protect environmental assets, and reduce unnecessary energy use. Holding tanks can be drained in advance of a storm, or flows can be redirected to treatment plants when capacity is available, all without human intervention.

giving a keynote

The potential extends beyond emergency management. It includes energy optimisation, operational efficiency, and asset longevity. With power prices fluctuating, the ability to pump during off-peak hours or avoid overflow penalties is a measurable advantage.

Moore views this as an enlightenment and strategic milestone, one that signifies a shift in how utilities value and utilise information.

“If we can show improvement, we win public trust,” Moore said. “If the public sees the water is cleaner, the beaches are open, and the system is working, that’s a win for everyone.”

For more information, visit stormharvester.com and watercare.co.nz

Engineering with purpose

An innovative student design addresses one of Australia’s most significant waterway challenges with a low-cost, scalable solution.

ACROSS AUSTRALIA’S INLAND

waterways, the threat of mass fish kills remains a recurring environmental crisis. As water temperatures rise and nutrient loads intensify, oxygenstarved ecosystems face catastrophic loss. However, a young Australian engineer has developed a compelling response, combining creative design and technical expertise with environmental responsibility.

Matthew Young, a first-year student at the University of New South Wales, developed a solar-powered, robotic subsurface aerator to prevent fish kills and improve water quality in the Murray–Darling Basin. The project, completed while he was a student at Barker College in Sydney, earned him national recognition through the Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize, announced during the Australian

“I wanted to be ambitious,” Young said. “Environmental issues felt important, and I started looking into problems with water quality. The Murray–Darling Basin stood out because of its size and impact.”

His research led him to a lesserknown but critical issue: low dissolved oxygen.

“Fish, plants and microorganisms all rely on oxygen to survive,” he said. “If the levels drop too far, ecosystems can collapse. It’s not just about the water; the entire landscape changes.”

Building the solar-powered water aerator

Driven by curiosity and urgency, Young began exploring ways to inject oxygen into water more efficiently. A commercial protein skimmer sparked the idea, but it was costly and

to be drawn into fast-moving water. This became the heart of his robotic system: a floating, solar-powered raft with propellers, a water pump, and a custom-built, 3D-printed Venturi nozzle. His prototype, built on a tight student budget, achieves a vertical reach of up to a metre.

“The pump forces water through the nozzle,” Young said. “That creates a pressure drop, pulling air through a second opening. Inside, the air and water mix to form microbubbles, which are then injected deep into the water.”

Designed to scale

Beyond its technical function, the system is built for scalability and autonomy.

“Because everything was 3D printed, I could adjust the design easily,” he said. “With more funding, I could upscale it quickly.”

The raft is powered by a lithium-ion phosphate battery and solar panels, featuring a wireless interface and an AI-driven monitoring system. Young Matthew Young working on

blooms. It operates independently and sends back useful data.

Testing in public waterways proved difficult, so Young trialled it in a backyard pond using a professional oxygen meter. While the testbed was small, the results were promising.

A mindset of experimentation

While not yet commercialised, the project has drawn attention from researchers and engineers.

“I’ve had a few people reach out about future collaborations,” Young said. “This was a great starting point, but I’m working on other tech-based

solutions too. I want to bring AI and automation into environmental problem-solving.

“There’s this idea that everything has already been invented, or that you need a PhD to innovate,” he said. “But anyone can solve problems. You need to select a challenge, structure your approach, and persist in working on it. Especially with water, it’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s one of the most challenging things to manage.

The robotic subsurface aerator being tested on a local waterway

Image: Matthew Young

Onsite high-frequency water analysis

Eco Detection combines world-leading technology with data analytic services to deliver defensible and tailored forensic, multi-parameter, water quality baseline assessments and studies. Taking the laboratory to the field and the data to your inbox.

Stormwater analysis in situ

Stormwater systems demand new tools to manage pollution risks before they reach downstream communities.

SOME OF THE most hazardous events in stormwater management happen when no one is watching. A heavy downpour after months of dry weather. A single pulse of agricultural runoff. A toxic flush from a forgotten culvert. These moments can create a cascade of pollution in a matter of minutes, long before grab-sample data reaches a lab.

For councils and utilities trying to protect downstream ecosystems and communities, near-instant visibility is no longer a luxury. It is an expectation.

Jefferson Harcourt, Founder and Executive Director of Eco Detection, believes the world has entered

Australian universities,” Harcourt said. “We originally built this platform for counter-terrorism, detecting homemade explosives at trace levels in the field. That same lab-in-a-suitcase technology now allows us to analyse stormwater chemistry on site, in real time, without relying on central labs.”

The system’s first deployment was in a cane drain near the Great Barrier Reef. Today, Eco Detection monitors stormwater systems across four states and is drawing attention from councils, utilities, and regulators alike.

Monitoring what matters, when it matters

Eco Detection’s approach is built to meet these challenges directly. The system can sit dormant during dry weather and activate automatically when runoff occurs. Critically, it can capture that first kill flush, the initial surge of polluted water that carries concentrations up to 30 times higher than subsequent samples.

“The dynamic range is huge,” Harcourt said. “We’re detecting everything from trace nutrients to wastewater residues. Some of our installations are at inland sites, where it may take up to five months for water to return. When it does, the chemistry is extreme. We’ve seen events with over 6000 milligrams per litre of chloride.”

The system currently tracks 13 parameters, including nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, chloride, ammonium, and heavy metals. It also integrates dissolved oxygen probes to provide a

From analysis to action

Unlike traditional sampling, which can take days or weeks to return results, Eco Detection’s platform delivers insights within minutes. Data is available to clients through a visual dashboard and automated alerts. Thresholds can be set to trigger email or SMS warnings when pollutant levels exceed safe limits. And because the system can take samples every hour, councils can begin to understand not only what is happening, but also when and why.

“Some clients are now using our data to track nutrient loads across entire catchments,” Harcourt said. “When we combine concentration with flow, we can calculate the actual load passing through. That opens the door to smarter planning, nutrient offset programs, and even interventions.”

One emerging opportunity is dynamic flow diversion. During the initial flush of a storm event, contaminated runoff can be redirected into a holding tank or treatment system, minimising the impact downstream.

Harcourt said that this type of real-time decision-making is already being trialled in drinking water systems, where bore water is pumped or paused based on live quality data.

“Water moves too quickly for manual sampling to keep up,” he said. “Our clients want to take action in the moment, not after the fact. And that’s what the public expects, too.”

Compliance and community expectations

While Eco Detection positions itself firmly as a technology provider, not an activist, Harcourt believes that the data collected through real-time monitoring will play an

increasingly significant role in both compliance and enforcement.

“Our system has forensic pedigree,” he said. “Each sample comes with an electropherogram, calibration trail, and a court-ready lab report. If you need to prosecute a polluter, this data stands up.”

He draws comparisons to the food industry, where grease traps are mandatory for every restaurant.

“But beyond that, we still see stormwater networks that allow all kinds of discharges without scrutiny,” Harcourt said. “We need better traceability. Technology like ours can help identify where pollution starts and raise the flag early enough to act.”

The technology is already being utilised to assess risk factors for algal blooms, monitor chloride spikes resulting from industrial discharge, and evaluate the performance of stormwater infrastructure in real-time. With systems now installed in Tasmania’s Derwent catchment and other urban areas, interest from councils is growing fast.

“Last week alone, I was in four states visiting clients,” Harcourt said. “Internationally, we’re seeing mandates like the UK’s Section 82, which requires real-time monitoring at 30,000 outfall sites. That shows where things are headed.”

Deployment, maintenance, and learnings

One reason for Eco Detection’s rapid uptake is the system’s simplicity. Installations typically take half a day. Data can be integrated with council platforms or accessed through a secure portal. A modular skid system allows for temporary placement and trial periods.

Most units operate autonomously for up to six months, utilising internal calibration fluids and filter tape that are easily replaceable. Clients often perform routine maintenance

themselves, with remote support from the Eco Detection team.

“We designed it for minimal touchpoints,” Harcourt said. “We don’t want to be constantly servicing probes or recalibrating in the field. That defeats the purpose.”

Despite the technical maturity, each site brings new surprises, from jammed pipes to solar panels with bullet holes. Harcourt sees these as opportunities to learn.

“There’s tremendous expertise in councils and utilities. What we bring is a tool that works with that local knowledge. Our best deployments happen when we co-design solutions together.”

A call for smarter stormwater systems

As climate variability intensifies and community expectations rise, Harcourt believes the future of stormwater management will resemble a networked system more than a static asset.

“Imagine if your stormwater system could make decisions, like diverting flow based on quality, just like your recycling bins are sorted at the kerb,” he said.

“Once we start acting on the data, not just collecting it, we’ll be in a better position to protect both our infrastructure and our ecosystems.”

For more information, visit ecodetection.com

Fast fact

Under the UK’s Environmental Protection Act, Section 82 allows citizens to act on statutory nuisances, defined in Section 79 as harmful conditions like polluted water, odours or noise, by applying directly to a magistrates’ court for enforcement.

Leading the change in stormwater design

As infrastructure demands rise, Vinidex’s twinwall stormwater systems deliver faster installs, long-term durability and sustainable performance.

AS AUSTRALIAN CITIES and regional centres continue to grow, the pressure on civil infrastructure, particularly stormwater management systems, continues to mount.

Urban development is intensifying, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and communities are placing higher expectations on the environmental performance of public works.

In this evolving environment, infrastructure must not only perform reliably and safely but also deliver measurable value across economic and environmental outcomes. For civil contractors, developers and engineers, the challenge is clear: Design and deliver stormwater systems that are faster to install, reduce long-term maintenance demands, and are built to last.

Rolling out Vinidex’s twinwall stormwater systems is an easy project for councils and water utilities to manage. Image: Vinidex

Increasingly, the industry is recognising the advantages of advanced plastic pipe systems in meeting these demands, especially twin-wall systems such as Vinidex’s StormPRO and StormFLO.

Introducing the Vinidex twinwall range Vinidex’s twinwall stormwater pipe solutions, StormPRO and StormFLO,

have established a strong track record across a wide range of civil infrastructure projects. From major road and rail works to drainage and stormwater management upgrades, these systems are engineered for strength, durability and safe, easy installation.

Built for versatility across varied stormwater infrastructure requirements, the twinwall range combines high-performance materials with lightweight, efficient construction. Both StormPRO and StormFLO incorporate recycled content while maintaining strict quality and reliability standards. Together, they provide a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional concrete stormwater pipes.

Faster installation, smarter delivery

One of the twinwall range’s most tangible benefits is its ability to improve project efficiency. The lightweight twin-wall design makes these pipes easier to handle and position compared to concrete alternatives, reducing manual handling risks and lowering labour costs.

This simplicity also helps reduce installation timeframes, a critical advantage on time-sensitive projects. With fewer joints required than concrete systems, the risk of leak points is reduced, and the overall installation process is simplified. Contractors can minimise the time spent during placement and backfilling, helping to accelerate project delivery without compromising longterm performance.

Built to last

While ease of installation is essential, long-term durability remains a key priority. The Vinidex twinwall range is engineered for a 100-year design life,

offering dependable performance under heavy traffic loads and harsh environmental conditions.

Both StormPRO and StormFLO are highly resistant to corrosion and environmental wear, helping prevent one of the most common causes of premature failure in conventional stormwater infrastructure. Their smooth internal surface ensures efficient hydraulic performance and reduces the risk of blockages over time.

With fewer joints and strong, resilient pipe structures, the twinwall range also reduces the risk of future maintenance issues, providing asset managers with a practical and proven solution for large, interconnected civil networks.

Built with sustainability in mind Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ in infrastructure projects; it’s a core requirement. Vinidex’s twinwall systems deliver a practical environmental advantage, with both StormPRO and StormFLO incorporating up to 65 per cent postconsumer recycled content. By reducing reliance on new raw materials and supporting resource recovery initiatives, these systems enable civil projects to meet increasingly stringent sustainability and emissions reduction targets. Advanced plastic systems, such as twinwall, also reduce the overall carbon footprint of stormwater infrastructure compared to concrete options, an increasingly important factor as authorities and developers strive to deliver lower-impact, climate-resilient assets.

Independently proven, industry-approved

While the benefits of modern plastic systems are increasingly recognised, independent assessment remains a crucial step for project decision-

makers. Vinidex’s twinwall range is fully approved for use on major projects by several leading road and rail authorities across Australia. These approvals are supported by independent performance assessments that confirm the range’s ability to meet or exceed key criteria, including strength, durability, and installation efficiency, when compared to conventional concrete systems.

This trusted, third-party assessment provides engineers, specifiers and asset owners with the confidence to nominate twinwall products, knowing they meet stringent Australian and international infrastructure standards.

A smarter, industry-wide shift

The shift toward more efficient, sustainable stormwater solutions is accelerating across Australia.

For contractors, engineers and developers, plastic systems such as Vinidex’s twinwall range deliver practical, measurable benefits without compromising on reliability or longevity.

They align with key project priorities: Reducing installation time and labour costs, improving on-site safety, accelerating project delivery and supporting sustainability targets. As community expectations grow and infrastructure standards evolve, investing in proven, future-ready materials is no longer a secondary consideration; it’s essential for projects looking to deliver longterm value.

For civil contractors, developers, and engineers seeking a stormwater solution that delivers on cost, performance, and sustainability, Vinidex’s twinwall range is ready to meet the challenge.

For more information, visit vinidex.com.au

FOCUS Stormwater

Water beneath our feet

Cities are sealing over the land, but below the surface, quiet innovations are restoring nature’s rhythm to the urban sprawl.

ACROSS AUSTRALIA, THE story of urban expansion is being written in concrete. As farmland makes way for dense subdivisions, the land’s natural permeability is being lost to sealed surfaces, rising flood risks, and degraded ecosystems. But while streets and rooftops become less absorbent above ground, a quiet evolution is unfolding below. Beneath parks, plazas, and even highways, modular systems are restoring the hydrological cycle by capturing, filtering, and infiltrating stormwater in a way that mimics nature. Atlantis Corporation is at the forefront of this shift, helping cities reimagine water not as waste, but as a regenerative asset beneath our feet.

Returning nature to the city

The origins of Atlantis Corporation stretch back to a single design problem: rooftop gardens were

too heavy. In the 1980s, landscape architect Humberto Urriola saw how crushed rock substrates often exceeded structural loads, limiting green infrastructure in highdensity projects.

Determined to find a solution, he developed a lightweight alternative, the patented Drainage Cell, which allowed water to flow freely while reducing weight dramatically. This innovation didn’t just improve rooftop drainage. It sparked a broader rethink of how water interacts with the built environment.

Inspired by the vision of “Ecological City Design,” Humberto began developing modular systems that returned vegetation, permeability, and water absorption to the urban core. His approach challenged the prevailing logic of draining stormwater as quickly as possible. Instead, he proposed infiltrating it locally, using underground

This engineered soil allows for large open spaces, like parking, to absorb more stormwater for later use.

Images: Atlantis Corporation

systems that mirrored the function of healthy soil.

These early ideas helped influence the development of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in the United Kingdom and paved the way for Atlantis’ global expansion. But its Australian roots have remained central to the company’s identity. Today, the company is led by Humberto’s son, Chief Executive Officer Christian Urriola, who sees water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) as essential to the continent’s liveability.

“Farmland, which once allowed water to naturally infiltrate into the ground, is being replaced by hard, impermeable surfaces,” Urriola said. “This is contributing to a rise in urban flooding, degraded water quality, and the loss of ecological function. We need to plan cities differently, and it starts with how we manage stormwater.”

How infiltration works below the surface

At the heart of Atlantis’ offering are modular systems that capture and manage stormwater underground.

Products like the Flo-Cell, Flo-Tank, and Flo-Vault work together to divert runoff away from impervious surfaces and into absorption channels, storage tanks, or passive irrigation systems. This reduces surface runoff, moderates peak discharge, and recharges groundwater.

In dense or fast-developing catchments, these systems offer a scalable alternative to conventional pipe-and-drain networks. Instead of transferring stormwater from A to B, Atlantis’ approach slows and filters the water through bio-retention swales, vegetated surfaces, and engineered soil media. This naturally removes sediment, nutrients, and dissolved pollutants before clean water enters aquifers or is reused on-site.

At Barangaroo Headland Park in Sydney, Atlantis solutions were integrated into one of Australia’s most prominent urban renewal projects. More than 900 metres of bio-retention swales combined with Flo-Channel modules capture and treat runoff from landscaped terraces. Filtered through a multi-layered profile of river sand, geotextile, and microbial plant media, the water is stored in underground tanks that supply up to 100 per cent of the site’s irrigation needs in wet years.

“We’re enabling infiltration, reuse, and passive irrigation in a way that mimics natural hydrology,” Urriola said. “Our systems aren’t just hardware. They’re design tools that work in harmony with the site and local conditions.”

Resilience through design collaboration

While Atlantis systems are modular and off-the-shelf, their realworld performance hinges on collaboration. The company works

closely with engineers, planners, and landscape architects from the early design phase through to construction. This hands-on approach ensures regulatory compliance, WSUD alignment, and tailored configurations to suit sitespecific needs.

Whether the goal is to reduce flood risk, increase tree canopy, or harvest non-potable water, Atlantis helps deliver flexible outcomes. The systems can be sealed with impermeable liners for water reuse, adapted for passive irrigation using wicking beds, or left open to promote direct infiltration.

Made from recycled polypropylene, the tanks and modules are designed with circularity in mind. After their lifecycle, they can be reclaimed and reprocessed, reducing plastic waste and reinforcing low-impact construction practices.

“Stormwater is still too often treated as a nuisance to be drained away,” Urriola said. “But when we design with infiltration in mind, we reduce peak flows, improve water quality, and support longterm climate resilience. It’s about changing the mindset from control to regeneration.”

The future is underground and integrated

As Australia’s cities gr the pressure on stormwater infrastructure will intensify. Climate change is amplifying rainfall extremes, while compact development is shrinking the space available for conventional

Installing products like Flo-Tank are designed to divert runoff away from impervious surfaces.

treatment. In this environment, underground stormwater infiltration systems offer a powerful way to embed water management within the urban form itself.

But technology alone isn’t enough. Urriola believes real transformation will come from embedding watersensitive principles in planning frameworks and treating water quality with the same urgency as energy or emissions.

Christian Urriola, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlantis Corporation.

“If we want our cities to remain liveable, green, and floodresilient, we must recognise that land use, water management, and environmental health are inseparable,” Urriola said. “Stormwater is not waste. It’s a valuable asset, and when we manage it properly, we restore balance between nature and the built environment.”

For more information, visit atlantiscorporation.com.au

FOCUS Stormwater

Pushing boundaries in stormwater

Resilient stormwater networks demand more from infrastructure, and engineers are taking notice of new options in structured wall design.

IF A SINGLE length of stormwater pipe could tell a story, the DN1200 BlackMax® would be worth listening to.

Manufactured in regional New South Wales on one of Australia’s most sophisticated polymer extrusion lines, the latest expansion to Iplex’s structured wall range reflects more than just scale. It signals a shift in how asset managers and engineers respond to evolving expectations around longevity, lighter installations, and local resilience.

As concrete’s longstanding dominance in stormwater begins to erode, BlackMax is building momentum, metre by metre, from Albury outward.

A structured response to stormwater demands

When Michael Lancuba began working with Iplex in the early 1990s, the company’s stormwater footprint was limited.

“We weren’t a serious player in the civil space with large bore pipes,” he said. “We had PVC options up to about 300 millimetres, but that didn’t get us into major infrastructure projects.” BlackMax changed that. Designed as a twin-wall polypropylene pipe for non-pressure stormwater drainage, its structured wall profile offered engineers a durable, lightweight, and hydraulically efficient alternative to traditional concrete pipes. At the time, the range extended only to DN600, but even then, the intent was clear.

“We needed to compete in the space between DN750 and DN1200,” Lancuba said. “Our competitors in plastics were typically capping out at 900. Expanding to DN1200 makes us the clear leader in this segment.”

That segment includes road and rail projects, open-cut developments, subdivisions, and stormwater drainage upgrades. Many of those projects increasingly demand longevity under corrosive or constrained conditions. Polypropylene’s chemical resistance,

BlackMax from Iplex is built in a facility in Albury, on the southern edge of New South Wales. Images: Iplex Pipelines

low roughness coefficient, and long service life give BlackMax a distinctive advantage.

“If the pipes are designed, installed and maintained correctly, they could last more than a hundred years,” Lancuba said.

Manufacturing for performance and consistency

In Albury, the upgrade to manufacture DN1200 wasn’t a retrofit. It was a purpose-built line designed from the ground up.

Andrew Mattiske, Iplex’s Albury Manufacturing Manager, sees that as a statement of intent.

“This wasn’t about tweaking an existing line. It’s a full-scale investment in local capability,” he said.

Iplex brought more than 20 years of internal experience into the design rather than relying on off-theshelf licences.

“The innovation came from within,” Mattiske said. “We’ve been making structured wall pipe for two decades. That knowledge lives here.”

The technical process is a step up in complexity. After traditional extrusion into a die head, the pipe undergoes a secondary corrugation and welding

stage that bonds the smooth bore to a reinforced outer wall. In-house lab testing confirms every production batch meets the requirements of AS/ NZS 5065.

“That includes stiffness, flexibility, and dimensional tolerances, even the mating of male and female ends is tightly controlled,” Mattiske said.

For visiting engineers, the scale of the operation leaves a lasting impression.

“The corrugator is five metres tall,” Mattiske said. “You don’t get that sense until you stand next to it. It’s precision manufacturing at serious scale.”

Lightweight, long-lasting, and ready for site

Compared to concrete, BlackMax brings practical benefits for councils, utilities, and contractors.

“It can be up to a tenth of the weight and comes in six-metre lengths,” Lancuba said. “That means fewer joints, lighter lifting gear, faster installation, and safer handling.”

The structured wall design also supports efficient embedment.

“You can achieve the same hydraulic performance on a flatter grade,” he said. “That can mean shallower trenches and less excavation, which reduces costs.”

Councils are responding. With the extended range now available, including DN750, DN900 and DN1200, procurement teams can source complete pipe packages with compatible fittings.

“They’ve used our DN600 for decades and seen the performance,” Lancuba said. “So, the move to larger sizes is a natural progression.”

That continuity also supports resilience planning. As climate volatility drives councils to reassess infrastructure risks, lightweight pipes with chemical resistance and minimal maintenance requirements offer a compelling option.

“BlackMax can be laid in tight easements and corrosive soils,” Lancuba said. “It’s robust, proven, and ready to meet the demands of stormwater systems.”

Investing in local strength

From Iplex’s perspective, local manufacturing adds more than supply certainty. It builds confidence in the system.

“There’s real value in having an Australian-made product, but it’s not just location,” Mattiske said. “It’s the fact that the design and technical support are also based here.”

Albury’s location provides it with a geographic advantage for

BlackMax is made with precision and quality in mind.

The Albury manufacturing facility supports local jobs and the community, as well as servicing key regions across NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

distribution across Victoria and New South Wales, particularly in regional growth corridors. But the new line, partnered with Iplex’s existing Brisbane based facilities are also designed for national reach, with stock holdings and support centres around the country.

“You’re not waiting for a container,” he said. “You’re dealing with a team that knows the product inside out.”

Sustainability is another focus. Iplex selected high-efficiency extrusion equipment to reduce energy use, maximised first-pass yield to minimise waste, and granulates all offcuts for reintegration into the line.

“We’ve designed the product to be lightweight but high-performing,” Mattiske said. “You use less material but meet the same standards.”

Looking ahead, Mattiske believes the new manufacturing line reflects a broader shift in how the industry views non-concrete solutions.

“It’s a robust system, but also flexible,” he said. “There’s a lot of know-how here. BlackMax is built to last and is easy to handle, with strong resistance to sulphur corrosion and a smooth bore for superior flow. We’ve had really positive feedback from the field. No silica dust, easy joints, safer installation; it all matters.

“I feel like a kid in a lolly shop. For me, it’s exciting to see what this means for the Albury site and local manufacturing in Australia.”

For more information, visit iplex.com.au

The shower rethink

From households to hotels, smart feedback is reducing shower water use and delivering measurable savings where they count.

IT’S NO LONGER enough to rely on desalination plants and pipelines to secure Australia’s water future. As the climate shifts and populations rise, every drop saved at home becomes vital infrastructure. And while largescale supply solutions play their part, the biggest untapped opportunity may be much closer to the bathroom sink.

For Bernard Emby, founder of TouchGrid and creator of ShowerStar, household behaviour is central to water conservation.

“I have three daughters who spend a lot of time in the shower,” Emby said. “Then I started researching and realised that hot water is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the average Australian home.”

Water heating accounts for up to 30 per cent of household energy use and around a quarter of residential water consumption. Yet public awareness has slipped.

“There’s a disconnect between what young people know and what they actually do,” Emby said. “My generation saw public campaigns. My kids haven’t.”

ShowerStar is designed to bridge that gap. The device clips onto a shower pipe and utilises vibration sensors to track shower duration. It provides real-time feedback using green, amber, and red lights, nudging users to shorten their showers without requiring changes to plumbing or relying on apps.

“You don’t need to alter the shower head,” Emby said. “You just make people mindful of how long they’re showering.”

Trials have demonstrated water savings of more than 30 per cent, with 98 per cent of devices remaining installed.

The simplicity is key to its success. While the paired app can track costs and water use in detail, even households that ignore the data respond to the visual cues.

“It prompts conversations, especially with teenagers,” Emby said.

For utilities and councils, the benefits go well beyond household budgets.

“Hot water is the most expensive water in the home,” Emby said.

Bernard Emby is the founder of TouchGrid and creator of ShowerStar. Images: TouchGrid

avoids the liability issues that often complicate large-scale rollout. In Australia, three utilities are trialling the product, with Western Australia’s Water Corporation among the early innovators. In the United States, gas utilities are also exploring it as part of emissions reduction programs.

ShowerStar is also being trialled in aquatic centres, hotels, and regional areas, anywhere water use is high and savings matter.

Yet scaling innovation takes time.

“Water utilities’ greatest strength is that they’re built for scale, and their greatest weakness is that they’re built for scale,” Emby said. “Navigating regulation and risk takes patience. What makes the difference is community engagement.

“Utilities have the trust and reach to educate people in ways that startups can’t.

Ensure that you are saving as much water as possible in the shower.

“Our message is about the power of getting people to change at scale. Small changes, done widely, can have a big impact.”

For more information, visit touchgrid.com

Building better futures together

Collaborative action can deliver lasting outcomes when purpose, trust and expertise align in the global water sector.

IN A WORLD where clean water is still out of reach for millions, Australia’s water industry has never shied away from taking global responsibility. That sense of collective purpose drives WaterAid Australia’s mission in 2025. Its programs are deepening international partnerships while offering meaningful engagement for local professionals. From leadership development to climate resilience, WaterAid connects expertise with real-world outcomes, building momentum for a more inclusive water future.

Tom Muller is the Chief Executive Officer of WaterAid Australia. With a background in international development and humanitarian work, he brings deep experience across government, non-government organisations (NGOs) and multilateral partnerships. Since taking on the role, Muller has championed WaterAid’s goal of universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. His leadership reflects a conviction that Australia’s water sector can contribute to creating lasting global change.

“It’s just so core to who we are,” Muller said. “When the water industry set up WaterAid more than 20 years ago in Australia, that ethos of public good became our foundation. And it flows through everything, from our partnerships in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Cambodia to our advocacy at global forums like Stockholm World Water Week.”

Professional development with purpose

At the centre of WaterAid’s 2025 programming is Winnovators, the annual innovation challenge that asks water professionals to solve real-world problems. This year’s

challenges come from Cambodia: one involves affordable sludge treatment for private operators, the other focuses on wastewater solutions for healthcare facilities.

“The challenges are real and practical,” Muller said. “They draw on the Australian water sector’s technical expertise while offering teams full context and support from our in-country staff.”

Winnovators has become a wellknown and unique opportunity for graduate development across Australian water utilities and engineering firms.

“Companies tell us it’s the best professional development their graduates get,” Muller said. “It creates mentoring between senior and junior staff, connects teams nationally and pushes people beyond their usual roles.”

Some concepts go beyond theory.

A sanitation project near Port Moresby, designed by a Stantec team, is now being pitched to a

Some people have to walk long distances to get clean drinking water.

Images: WaterAid Australia

has implemented a 2019 Hunter Water solution, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was amazing for those participants to see how their idea evolved and became part of WaterAid Colombia’s programs,” Muller said.

Engagement beyond the desk Events such as Walk for Water and the new Trek for Water provide professionals with a more personal connection to global issues. Walk for Water is now a fixture across the sector, as it asks participants to walk, run, or ride for five days and ask for support from their colleagues, family, and friends. It helps staff reflect on the effort required to access water in other parts of the world, while also building team spirit.

The annual Walk for Water is designed to get people thinking about where their water

“It gives people a tangible connection to our mission,” Muller said. “And it reminds us why access to clean water matters, whether you’re in Australia or elsewhere.”

Trek for Water is a more demanding experience. The three-day Queensland hike provides space for reflection, challenge, and purpose-

Supporter trips to countries such as Cambodia and TimorLeste go even deeper. Water professionals who join often return as long-term ambassadors.

“In August, we’re taking about 19 people from across the sector to Timor-Leste,” Muller said. “They’ll see our work firsthand, understand the local context better and hopefully come back as strong champions for what we’re doing.”

Resilience across regions

WaterAid’s regional programs are also adapting to the impacts of climate change. In Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, the focus includes climate risk assessments, improved water data and partnerships with women’s rights groups advocating for climate justice.

“We say climate change is water change,” Muller said. “Water is to adaptation what energy is to mitigation. We’re embedding resilience into everything, from healthcare facilities to catchment management.”

Partnerships across Australia back these efforts. WaterAid works with firms like Arup and Hach. It also partners with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), while collaborating with the Australian Water Partnership and the Australian Water Association on strategy and visibility. Its recent Ozwater breakfast on nature-based solutions drew strong interest from the sector.

With Australia bidding to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), WaterAid is working to ensure that water remains on the climate agenda.

“Water must be central,” Muller said. “Australia’s story, which includes managing drought, scarcity and innovation, belongs at the table.”

What partnerships make possible WaterAid’s strength lies not just in its delivery but in its partnerships. With more than two decades of support from Australia’s water sector, it has helped reach more than 5.7 million people with access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. At the same time, it has created opportunities for companies and individuals to engage with purpose.

2 Minute DIY install Fits all showers Auto-start sensor

“It starts with authenticity,” Muller said. “When both sides understand the public good at the heart of this work, we can co-create impact. That might be mentoring, making a technical contribution, or simply showing up. Whether it’s at Winnovators, Trek for Water or a gala ball, the commitment is what matters. And that’s what the Australian water industry brings: a unique mix of technical skill, public mission and partnership spirit. That’s what drives real change.”

For more information, visit wateraid.org

FOCUS Water Conservation

Leaks, loggers and leadership

Real-time data is empowering commercial water users to detect leaks, reduce usage, and avoid costly surprises.

A SINGLE LEAK at a coastal marina could have cost a club up to $67,000. Water loss had been invisible and silent, occurring beneath a floating pontoon with no outward sign of trouble. It might have gone undetected for months until South East Water’s Business Customer team, with the support of Iota’s monitoring platform, raised the alarm. That intervention saved up to 12.7 million litres of water before the next bill arrived.

Stories like this are becoming increasingly common, as large water users adopt innovative water management solutions to enhance oversight, reduce costs, and lower consumption.

At the centre of this shift is David Mason, Customer and Marketing Director at Iota, a wholly owned subsidiary of South East Water.

With a focus on commercialising proven innovations from South East Water’s internal programs, Mason has been instrumental in bringing digital solutions like Flow Lotic and Footprint to market.

“Our goal is to help large water users, from councils to businesses and community facilities, manage demand more effectively,” Mason

said. “Because when they save water, the whole network benefits.”

The opportunity is significant. South East Water’s commercial customers account for just eight per cent of its base but consume nearly a quarter of the water it purchases from Melbourne Water. That imbalance inspired South East Water to design and test innovative monitoring platforms that could deliver impact at scale.

Turning data into action

One of Iota’s flagship solutions is a two-part system that combines Flow Lotic Internet of Things (IoT) data loggers with Footprint, a cloudbased visualisation platform. Flow Lotic transmits usage data from main and sub-meters, while Footprint presents that data in an intuitive dashboard that supports alerts, trend analysis and custom reporting.

“We started deploying this solution over a decade ago during the Millennium Drought,” Mason said. “It was developed to help South East Water reduce network demand by engaging with its largest water users

Sandringham Yacht Club had a leak underwater that could have gone undetected.

Image: Sandringham Yacht Club

feedback and broader commercial deployments. One local council used Footprint to identify a previously undetected leak in a Melbourne parkland. Over a single quarter, that leak would have equated to 14 million litres of water and a potential bill of $55,000.

In another case, a local swimming pool was alerted to overnight water use when the facility was closed. The culprit was a faulty spa that had been cycling constantly without staff knowledge.

Sandringham Yacht Club, a more recent adopter, uncovered a submerged leak in its marina after South East Water’s Business Customer team emailed and shared Footprint’s data alert.

“In the absence of the data and email, we would not know we had a leak,” Chief Executive Officer Richard Hewett said.

“It was a failed part on a domestic waterline under the marina pontoon, so it was not visually apparent. The high winds and noise over the past week meant no one would have heard it either. The data notification enabled us to be aware of it, go looking for it, find it and repair it.”

Supporting long-term savings

While early leak detection is a strong value proposition, Mason said that the system’s broader power lies in its configurability. Customers can create customised usage profiles, adjust for seasonal trends and receive alerts only when flows deviate from their established parameters.

“The great thing about Footprint is that it doesn’t just show you data; it helps you act on it,” Mason said. “It gives users the control to define what ‘normal’ looks like for them, then flags exceptions in near real-time.”

This approach allows organisations to catch anomalies without needing

FOCUS Water Conservation

to constantly check the portal.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from customers who want by-exception reporting,” he said.

“They don’t want to log in daily. They want to be told when something needs attention.”

In some cases, organisations are using the platform for broader sustainability goals. A council in South East Water’s region is exploring the use of hot water data from sub-metered buildings to help size new heat pump systems. Others are using sub-metering to separate tenant usage in shared buildings, such as shopping centres, or to verify the performance of stormwater harvesting systems.

“These are things we didn’t originally design the platform for, but they’ve emerged through use,”

Mason said. “Once people start measuring, they begin to find new opportunities to optimise.”

WaterSmart in practice

The benefits of Footprint and Flow Lotic are now being scaled through South East Water’s delivery of Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA) WaterSmart program. The initiative targets the utility’s highest 100 consuming commercial and industrial customers, aiming to help them detect leaks, reduce waste, and manage costs. Onboarding commenced in early 2025.

“So far, they’ve rolled out approximately 250 data loggers across 40 customers,” Mason said. “Thirteen of those customers detected leaks within the first few weeks, and the total savings from January through July were 47 megalitres of water.”

The program is still growing, with an eventual target of 750 monitored sites.

“This is just the beginning,” Mason said. “As more organisations come on board, we expect to see significant

cumulative savings, not just in dollars but in overall water demand across the network.”

Empowering water champions

Iota places a strong emphasis on customer training and support. When onboarding new users, the company identifies internal water champions who can lead the implementation and get value from the data.

“These champions are critical,” Mason said. “They’re the ones who look at patterns, configure alerts and make things happen internally.”

The Footprint interface was recently redesigned to make that job easier. Enhancements include simplified drag-and-select functions, year-onyear overlays and seasonally adjusted baselines. Iota is also trialling new analytics capabilities to automate anomaly detection based on machine learning.

“We want to move toward smarter alerts without users needing to manually configure thresholds,”

Mason said. “That’s the next frontier, making it even easier to find issues before they escalate.”

Smart networks, shared responsibility

Although Footprint was built for commercial and industrial use, Mason said the benefits extend far beyond individual businesses.

“This is about building more intelligent water networks,” he said.

David Mason is the Customer and Marketing Director at Iota.

Image: Iota

“If you can reduce demand from your biggest users, that improves resilience across the whole system.”

As with any innovation, funding and responsibility are important factors. Mason said that decisions about who pays can affect rollout speed. Still, he believes the case for co-investment is strong.

“Utilities benefit from reduced demand, fewer bursts, and better customer relationships,” he said.

“Customers save money, and councils meet their environmental and planning goals. Everyone gains from these solutions.”

A call to act now

As water utilities plan for a more sustainable and resilient future, Iota sees smart water management solutions as essential infrastructure. In Mason’s view, the sector is ready, but more leadership is needed.

The data from Footprint is easy to understand and interpret, helping endusers work out what is happening in their network. Image: Iota

“Whether it’s regulatory targets, ESG (environmental, social and governance) requirements or rising utility costs, commercial and council users are actively looking for ways to reduce water use,” he said.

“If utilities don’t offer these smart water management solutions, the customers will find them anyway, and they may bypass the opportunity to align with broader utility goals.”

The message is clear. For utilities and councils, now is the time to engage, deploy and support the digital solutions that deliver smarter, faster, more transparent outcomes for everyone.

For more information, visit iotaservices.com.au

FOCUS Water Conservation

Next-generation water thinking

A specialist global conference returns to Australia, spotlighting the tools and ideas driving the next evolution in water efficiency.

IN A SECTOR built on progress, water efficiency has always walked the line between innovation and practicality. But what does the next generation of efficiency look like when cost pressures, climate uncertainty, and digital disruption collide? That question will take centre stage when global experts gather in Melbourne for the Water Efficiency Conference 2025, the International Water Association’s biennial conference on efficient water management.

This marks a rare opportunity for Australia to host one of the world’s most respected technical forums on urban water. According to Simon Fane, the timing couldn’t be better.

From convener to catalyst

Simon Fane is Vice-Chair of the Australian Water Association’s (AWA) Water Efficiency Specialist Network and Committee Chair of the Water Efficiency Conference 2025, which AWA is hosting in September. He is also Associate Professor and Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where

he blends academic research with policy and consulting.

“I’ve been working on water efficiency for over two decades,” Fane said. “There’s a lot of knowledge that risks being forgotten. Old reports, valuable insights, lessons we don’t want to lose. But we also need to look forward. The tools available today open new ways of doing things, even if the goals remain the same.”

A platform for shared learning

The event reflects global interest in Australia’s water journey.

“It’s a huge recognition that people are willing to come all the way here to learn from what we’ve done and to share what’s working in their part of the world,” Fane said.

While major events like Ozwater offer breadth, the Water Efficiency Conference 2025 delivers depth. It will focus on topics such as digital metering, leakage detection, and potable reuse.

The specialist format provides policymakers, utilities, and engineers with the opportunity to engage more meaningfully.

Presentations like this will be central to the activities in Melbourne this month.

Images: Australian Water Association

“We haven’t had a dedicated water efficiency conference like this in Australia,” Fane said. “It gives professionals the space to connect with peers facing similar issues in different contexts.”

Defining the next generation

This year’s theme, “Next Generation Water Efficiency,” reflects both technological advancement and a renewed push for systemic change.

“We’re seeing a real shift through digital technologies, from smart

Strategic collaboration: The future of water

As pressure rises on Australian water infrastructure, compounded by climate change, ageing assets, population growth, rising costs and increasing expectations, the way forward must be innovative, efficient, and sustainable.

AUSTRALIAN WATER HAS reached, and in some ways surpassed, a critical inflection point. Increasing extreme weather events brought on by climate change are pushing systems beyond their current limits. Urban sprawl and higherdensity inner-city living are similarly putting strain on assets that are often operating near the end of their lifespans.

As state governments, councils, and water authorities face the challenge of maintaining reliable, sustainable, and affordable water services, it is becoming increasingly clear that the way forward involves new thinking and collaboration across all areas to ensure the best possible outcome from the other essential input – greater investment.

“With this convergence of

pressures, there’s growing recognition that a significant increase in industry investment will be needed over the next decade or so to meet evolving requirements and customer expectations,” said Pam Johnson, Sustainability and Environment Manager at Interflow, a leading provider of pipeline infrastructure solutions in Australia and New Zealand.

“But it’s not just about investment, it’s about how we work, collaborate and deliver solutions together.”

Innovating an engineered water solution

Joseph Curkovic, a civil engineer and Interflow’s newly appointed Innovation Manager, said the asset and engineering challenges are immense.

Working together is the past, present and future of the water industry. Images: Interflow

“We’re acutely aware of the mega, macro and micro challenges facing water authorities,” Curkovic said.

“Population growth means greater demand for water and higher volumes of sewage, which puts increasing pressure on our ageing infrastructure.

“Other challenges include rainfall unpredictability, evolving regulation, budgetary constraints, increasing expectations from customers and transitioning to a net-zero environment, to name a few.”

Innovative engineering solutions play a critical role in resolving many of these complex problems, including well-established trenchless technologies which help asset owners to address challenges in rehabilitating and renewing existing pipelines.

“These techniques minimise excavations and result in minimal surface disruption, faster construction times at a lower cost, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with building new pipelines, often using open trench methods.

“As constraints tighten, expectations rise and seemingly conflicting demands increase, new technologies and methodologies are paramount to meet the future needs of our customers,” Curkovic said.

“What will be required is greater, more open dialogue and collaboration across the entire value chain and asset life cycle between asset owners and delivery partners like Interflow, who are leaders in trenchless technologies. It will demand increased collaboration, and ultimately, joint investments in new technologies.”

Only then, he said, will there be improved outcomes for the environment, and for communities that depend on water and wastewater networks.

The procurement challenge

More broadly, the path to sustainability and achieving netzero carbon emissions remains challenging, Johnson said.

“It’s not that solutions don’t exist – many of them do. The challenge lies in rolling them out consistently across an entire sector, across businesses of all sizes and at all stages of their sustainability journey.

“While managing our operational emissions remains challenging, it’s achievable, especially with Interflow’s strong purpose: To improve lives, communities and the environment,” she said.

“But when it comes to what we buy and how it’s made – essentially, how other businesses operate –system-wide progress will take deep collaboration, not just with suppliers but across the whole industry. It also means engaging closely with customers, to help them prepare for the changes and challenges that come with innovation.”

As major water authorities begin shifting their procurement focus to include decisions around more sustainable and performance-based outcomes, it opens the door to new ways of working that challenge well-established and accepted engineering practices.

“That gives us permission to push ahead with our innovation programs and bring our purpose to life,” Johnson said. “Without those shifts in customer expectations, some sustainable alternatives might never gain traction.”

Roles, relationships and the knowledge gap

Traditionally, contractors are rarely consulted during the design, planning and maintenance process. This relationship, Curkovic said, will have to change as the sector seeks solutions that are sustainable,

efficient and fit for future purpose.

“Contractors are often best placed to identify practical and lowerimpact solutions,” he said. “Whether it’s trenchless options, innovative processes or new materials, we know what is possible and we have the breadth of experience to have seen many of these solutions in play.”

Johnson agrees. “If we want circular economy principles to become reality, and if we want innovation in materials and delivery, everybody needs to be at the table as early as possible.”

Bringing experienced contractors into discussions earlier will also help fill a gap around asset knowledge that is developing in some councils and water authorities.

As people who deeply understand the assets reach retirement age, institutional memory is naturally lost. Contractors who have worked

Communication is central for a successful project.

on those systems for decades often know their condition and behaviour as well as anybody.

“There are new people in the industry doing really good work around the environment and in other important areas,” Curkovic said.

“Though we need to recognise the importance of decades of experience with their assets.

“Companies like ours have the experience and depth of knowledge to help with early decisions and designs. We can challenge ideas to help come up with the very best solution.

“Progressive asset owners are already seeing the benefits of early contractor engagements, with the likes of Interflow.”

Where to from here?

The myriad of pressures on water in Australia mean success is no longer defined solely by technical outcomes. It is also about ensuring long-term water security, building stronger communities, respecting cultural heritage, embedding climate resilience and enhancing biodiversity.

Achieving these outcomes requires collaboration across sectors, reflecting the spirit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 17, ‘Partnership for the Goals,’ Johnson said.

Understanding what is happening under the ground is critical for effective collaboration.

“We must partner strategically to get where we want to go, and to make sure we’re all on the same journey.”

For more information, visit interflow.com

FOCUS Partnerships

From transactional to transformational

To thrive under pressure, Australia’s water sector needs partners who bring insight, capability, and trust to the table.

AUSTRALIA’S WATER SECTOR stands at a crossroads. Communities want better transparency. Governments want smarter spending, and utilities need to deliver more with less, while staying resilient in the face of disruption. With demands for asset renewal, resilience, and climate response, clients are searching for partners who deliver and think ahead.

The challenge is not just about cost or compliance, but trust. That trust is built on expertise, sustained by operational experience, and proven through integrated partnerships. Today, water utilities are transitioning from fragmented, short-term contracts to deep, outcomefocused partnerships.

Across the water sector, there’s a growing recognition that traditional transactional models do not meet today’s challenges. They are no longer suitable for their intended purpose. These handover-heavy approaches create silos, dilute accountability, and make it harder to achieve system-wide outcomes.

It is why more utilities and government bodies are embracing collaborative procurement and longer-term, shared-outcome partnerships. These models align parties around common goals, including performance, resilience, and community value, and embed shared risk, transparency, and ongoing capability development into the relationship.

The difference? One is a contract. The other is a partnership. And in today’s climate, the latter delivers far greater value.

SUEZ is helping lead that shift. Through a model that fuses three

core perspectives—advisory, operations, and culture—the company is building integrated partnerships that deliver value across the lifecycle of water infrastructure. From technical performance to long-term collaboration, SUEZ is positioning itself as the partner of choice for organisations that want more than just a service provider.

Bridging strategy, digital and delivery

The gap between strategic planning and on-ground delivery is one of the biggest sources of time, resource and monetary waste across the sector. While engineering consultancies often deliver designs, and management consultancies focus on strategy, SUEZ is bridging the two.

Nathan Clements, Market Lead for Advisory and Digital Partnerships, is helping utilities close that gap. He’s creating a service model built around real-world operations and datainformed planning.

“We’re not trying to replace consultants,” Clements said. “Our advisory practice and approach to long-term partnering focuses on where we have unique value. That means bringing the operational lens into strategic discussions.

“As operators and utilities ourselves in parts of Europe and elsewhere, we can bring frontline experience into strategic planning and digital transitions.”

Rather than design-first thinking, SUEZ begins with performance. This approach starts by understanding what needs to be achieved and why. From there, the team

integrates global lessons into local infrastructure planning. Clients now seek these insights early in the project lifecycle.

“More utilities are turning to us to support decision-making from day one,” Clements said.

“We bring international experience to local case studies like Australia’s first biofactory at Boneo and help identify commercial structures or centralised solutions to Australian projects. We tailor them to our clients’ local conditions and align with their long-term goals.”

For example, when a utility is considering a shift to pressuremanaged zones or asset digitisation, SUEZ doesn’t just build the business case; it delivers the software, supports the rollout, and trains the teams.

“We’ve built these platforms because we face the same challenges ourselves,” Clements said. “They’re not just market-ready. They’re fieldtested. For example, we’re delivering smart water solutions in Tashkent, partnering for long term goals.”

In Dijon, France, a SUEZ joint venture is targeting 90 per cent network efficiency, saving millions of litres annually. In Australia, SUEZ is bringing operational insight to deliver measurable efficiencies to contracts in most states of Australia.

“Australia’s water industry is facing a critical shift,” Clements said. “The old capital-focused models are no longer enough. What we’re seeing now is an appetite for partnerships that enhance capability, prioritise open communication, and explore risksharing to deliver smarter outcomes. That’s where SUEZ steps in. Not just to advise, but to partner.”

Operational excellence as a system, not a slogan For Zoubir Ait Mansour, Head of Operational Excellence at SUEZ, the concept of “excellence” goes far beyond short-term wins. At its heart is customer-focused systems thinking.

Zoubir’s team supports water, desalination, wastewater and reuse operations across Australia. Their approach combines global best practices with local expertise, ensuring consistent performance for clients and end users.

“We’ve seen major gains in areas like energy efficiency, procurement, chemicals, and maintenance optimisation in all our operations, including the desalination plants, water filtration plants and wastewater sites.” Zoubir said. “What makes the difference is often simply focusing attention on the right problem, at the right time. With digital tools and advanced technologies, we achieve more than 10 per cent energy and chemical savings as the starting point.”

When needed, SUEZ brings in global technical specialists from its international network, individuals who have solved similar problems in other countries or are currently involved in research and development programs. SUEZ delivered 18 knowledge transfer projects as well as ‘thirst for knowledge’ training sessions for one contract recently, driving innovation, research and expertise to explore

new ways of thinking and create efficient processes.

“We’re able to connect subject matter experts from other operations or research centres who can assess and improve systems in ways that transform operations within days,” Zoubir said. “It means we’re never guessing. We’re applying what works.”

This global focus is valuable, as evidenced by procurement framework agreements that result in better negotiations for clients, leading to savings and better outcomes for the customers.

“When you combine strong management systems with realtime data, you unlock the ability to identify risks and opportunities early and act with confidence,” he said.

“That’s essential when managing complex, long-term infrastructure contracts. SUEZ collaboration in operations enriches operational practices, promoting innovation and continuous improvement.”

Culture: The human infrastructure Partnerships succeed or fail based on their culture. Shared systems only work when there’s shared trust. And lasting value is only created when both sides feel safe to be transparent, accountable, and collaborative.

For Robert Holmes, Senior Organisation and Partnership

Zoubir Ait Mansour is the Head of Operational Excellence at SUEZ.

Specialist, that means building a culture of trust across every layer of a project, from site teams to executives.

“We define the kind of team, behaviours, and conversations we want to build,” Holmes said. “Culture is created deliberately.”

Holmes works across disciplines to embed this trust internally and externally. From alliance formation to client-side negotiations, the focus remains on communication and psychological safety.

“People need to feel safe to speak honestly, raise issues, or share insights without fear of blame,” he said. “That’s where the breakthrough happens, and real work starts.”

He also recognises that lasting partnerships require more than structure. They require shared belief.

“Infrastructure is more than hard assets. SUEZ invests in both technical excellence and cultural clarity. That’s why people want to work and stay with us.”

To be a true partner of choice, it’s not enough to deliver great projects, said Clements.

“You need to share risk, build capability, and align on values. SUEZ brings trusted advice, experience, and insight to help clients lead with confidence.”

For more information, visit suez.com.au

Robert Holmes is a Senior Organisation and Partnership Specialist.

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Responding to Victoria’s water security challenges

With pressure from climate change and population growth, Victoria is securing its water future through smart infrastructure, desalination, and recycled water. Minister Gayle Tierney explains.

Victoria takes a long-term planning approach to water security, looking ahead up to 50 years, in addition

track water supply, demand, and recycled water for fit-for-purpose water supplies, while also improving

Gayle Tierney is the Minister for Water, among other portfolios, in Victoria.

Image: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)

Victoria produces and reuses billions of litres of recycled water each year. Recycled water is being used across Victoria for a range of purposes, from supporting agriculture to keeping parks and gardens green, while taking the pressure off our drinking water supplies.

Our Integrated Water Management Program supports further development of innovative rainwater, stormwater, and recycled water projects that alleviate demand for fresh drinking water. Since 2017, the program has co-invested $72.8 million in more than 170 projects, supporting agriculture to become more climate-resilient, replenishing waterways, and providing water for Traditional Owners for selfdetermined use.

The Schools Water Efficiency Program, the Community Rebate Program, and the water efficiency program for businesses and councils, WaterSmart, are delivering significant collective water savings. The strength of these programs lies in supporting more Victorians to make water conservation part of their everyday life.

A mix of desalinated water orders, water efficiency programs, recycled water, and stormwater treatment is all part of Victoria’s strategic approach to ensuring reliable water supplies for the future.

We recognise the need for continued investment in water infrastructure, the importance of innovation in water management, and the role of technology such as desalination.

Victoria continues to explore new opportunities to address future water security challenges while delivering safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to Victorians.

Rethinking water at home

Decentralised solutions are gaining traction as homeowners seek greater control over household water quality and infrastructure longevity.

AS AUSTRALIAN CITIES grow and climate pressures mount, the role of decentralised solutions in water management is becoming increasingly important. One company making a case for smarter, home-level filtration is Complete Home Filtration (CHF), which has seen rapid uptake of its whole-of-home systems across the country.

While utilities continue to deliver safe and compliant water to Australian homes, consumer expectations are changing. More households are seeking greater control over water quality, motivated by concerns around chlorine taste, sediment, scale, and emerging contaminants. This is where residential filtration is playing a complementary role.

“People want confidence not just in compliance, but in quality and performance at the tap,” said Suzanne Dodds, Founder and Managing Director of Complete Home Filtration.

“They want water that’s better for their families, appliances, and

lifestyles, and they want solutions that don’t rely solely on bottled or pointof-use products.”

CHF’s multi-stage systems are typically installed at the point of entry, treating all water entering the property. Its proprietary designs remove chlorine and other disinfection by-products, soften water to reduce scaling, and protect household plumbing and appliances. In regions with naturally hard or mineral-rich water, this can extend the life of everything from dishwashers to hot water systems. But beyond the consumer benefits, Dodds believes residential filtration can support broader system resilience.

“There’s an untapped opportunity to take pressure off utilities and public infrastructure by enabling better water stewardship at the household level,” Dodds said. “This is especially relevant during peak demand periods, in areas with variable supply quality, or where legacy pipework can affect taste and clarity.”

The whole-ofhome filtration systems are discreet and designed to be installed with ease by a licensed professional.

As decentralised technologies gain ground in energy and wastewater, Dodds sees a similar future for drinking water enhancement. Rather than replacing centralised systems, residential filtration works alongside them. It creates a distributed layer of assurance that improves end-user outcomes and public confidence.

“There’s a misconception that filtration at home is about mistrust,” she said. “In reality, it’s about trust and care. We trust that our utilities do a great job, but people still want to personalise and optimise what comes through their pipes.”

CHF has grown from a Western Australian startup to a national brand in just a few years, with thousands of systems installed each month. The company has invested heavily in manufacturing, customer education, and ongoing service, helping to normalise filtration as part of the modern household.

Suzanne Dodds is the Founder and Managing Director of Complete Home Filtration (CHF). Image: Complete Home Filtration

As Australia seeks to enhance urban water outcomes and reduce its reliance on bottled water, decentralised filtration may become part of the toolkit. For companies like CHF, it’s not just about removing contaminants. It’s about adding value, confidence, and longevity to every drop.

For more information, visit completehomefiltration.com.au

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Carbon with a purpose

Filtration may begin with physics, but the difference lies in how effectively it addresses real-world water treatment needs.

WHEN WATER UTILITIES encounter PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), algal blooms, or seasonal taste and odour issues, selecting the right filtration media can determine whether operations stay on track or shift into crisis mode.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) remains one of the most effective methods for removing these compounds. However, factors such as quality, consistency, and local supply are becoming just as important as technical capability.

For James Cumming, a fourthgeneration Australian manufacturer, the challenge lies not in lab results, but in how its products perform during live, high-pressure conditions. That focus has shaped the company’s approach for decades. Rather than following industry trends, James Cumming prioritises dependable performance, madeto-order production and close collaboration with process engineers who understand what’s at stake when media fails. Its goal is not just to meet technical specifications, but to improve outcomes across a wide range of sites, water profiles and contaminants.

Performance where it counts

At the centre of the company’s product range is Purazorb™, a coalbased GAC developed for municipal and industrial water treatment.

Unlike many imported carbons made from coconut shells or wood, Purazorb uses Australian bituminous coal and is produced through a high-temperature activation process. This creates a pore structure that’s particularly effective at capturing larger organic

molecules such as PFAS, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). Its performance has been proven in the field, as demonstrated by a recent project at Sydney Water’s Cascades Water Treatment Plant. The company delivered a custom specification of activated carbon designed to meet non-standard size distribution requirements. Developed and manufactured at its Western Sydney plant, the solution was supplied within tight commissioning timelines.

“Our Australian-made activated carbon is certified to NSF61 and ISO9001, but just as importantly, it’s made to order,” Managing Director John Cumming said. “We can respond to site-specific needs with agility, because we control the full chain from raw material to packaged product.”

That same flexibility applies to its Australian Filter Coal, which was used in the Mt Crosby Eastbank upgrade. There, a shift from mono-media sand to dual-media filtration helped increase throughput while meeting compliance standards.

Supply certainty and sustainability

Today, the reliability of supply is just as critical as product performance. With international freight often delayed, being able to source media locally has become a strategic advantage. For water utilities and contractors, this means fewer disruptions and faster turnaround during urgent situations.

James Cumming maintains a stock on hand and collaborates with longstanding transport partners to reach both urban and remote locations. Its delivery model is built on decades of logistical experience.

Having the right grade of granular activated carbon is crucial for effective filtration.

Images: James Cumming

“Sustainability is more than a label for us,” Cumming said. “By sourcing locally and producing here in Australia, we cut down significantly on freight emissions. Our site is ISO14001 accredited, and we’ve invested in environmental upgrades from electric forklifts to packaging reuse.”

With a legacy spanning over 115 years, the company continues to evolve. Its focus includes research into new contaminants, refining manufacturing techniques, and extending reach into Southeast Asia and Europe.

“Our role is to support Australia’s water sector with filtration media that’s not just effective, but dependable,” Cumming said.

“From taste and odour spikes to PFAS events, we’ve seen how quickly things can change. What matters most is that our customers know we’re ready to help them respond.”

For more information, visit jamescumming.com.au

Pumps

Built for every condition

From mine dewatering to municipal upgrades, a national pump specialist is quietly shaping the infrastructure Australians depend on.

WHEN IT COMES to Australia’s water infrastructure, reliability doesn’t happen by accident.

Behind every functioning pump station, dewatering system, and treatment facility lies a network of skilled professionals and service providers who work well beyond the spotlight. For Michael Wallace, Managing Director of Southern Pumping, that’s exactly where his company belongs: on the ground, on call, and often on the road.

Based in the Greater Sydney area but servicing clients nationwide, Southern Pumping has grown from a local business into a key support partner for utilities, contractors and major industrial sites. While its role has often gone unpublicised, the company’s influence is embedded in water infrastructure from Kalgoorlie to the coast.

Supporting water infrastructure that works Since its founding, Southern Pumping has focused on solving infrastructure problems, not simply moving products. Wallace said that a practical mindset has helped it stand out in a sector where complexity and urgency often collide.

“We’ve always prioritised service over scale,” he said. “Whether you’re supporting a regional council or a Tier 1 mine site, what matters most is getting the right outcome the first time and being available when something breaks.”

That focus on availability and outcome has shaped the company’s business model. Instead of relying on centralised warehousing or outsourced call centres, Southern Pumping operates with decentralised field service teams, product stock on hand, and direct contact between clients and technicians. It is a structure designed to meet the realities of remote infrastructure and unforgiving site conditions. Nowhere has that responsiveness mattered more than in the water sector. Southern Pumping supports councils, utilities and treatment operators with full-system integration, from pump supply and commissioning to diagnostics and refurbishment. Wallace and his team work directly with asset managers to ensure that performance in the field matches what has been promised on paper.

“It’s one thing to select a product,” Wallace said. “It’s another to make sure it’s installed correctly, maintained properly, and still performing under pressure five years later. That’s what we’re accountable to.”

Orbit pumps are renowned for their durability and reliability. Even older units in a heavy industrial setting are still in service today. Images: Southern Pumping

A national platform built on local knowledge In mid-2025, Southern Pumping was named national distribution and service partner for Orbit Pumps, including the launch of the new VIGA helical rotor range. The partnership was a natural fit. Orbit required a hands-on team with technical depth and reach across sectors, while Southern Pumping sought to align with a manufacturer known for performance in demanding environments.

The VIGA series, developed by Franklin Electric’s Orbit Pumps, brings new efficiency to progressive cavity pump design. With a compact footprint, reduced power requirements and easy-maintenance rotating assemblies, it is tailored for infrastructure settings where space is limited, uptime is essential, and solids handling is non-negotiable.

“VIGA is compact, tough, and designed for real-world conditions,” Wallace said. “Its low power requirement and quick-swap rotating assemblies mean it’s not just easier to run, it’s easier to keep running.”

For councils and contractors facing increasing pressure to reduce lifecycle costs, simplify installations and deliver resilient systems, that kind of performance is more than a technical detail. It becomes a procurement decision with operational consequences.

“We’re already working with major mine sites on pump upgrades, using VIGA’s compact size and efficiency to reduce infrastructure costs while increasing throughput,” Wallace said.

But he said the real value lies in Southern Pumping’s ability to match the product to the problem. Whether retrofitting a failed installation or designing a new pump skid for a tight

plant room, Wallace and his team bring a problem-solving mindset informed by field experience rather than a quick patch-up job.

Looking ahead with grounded ambition

As infrastructure investment continues across the water, mining, and municipal sectors, Wallace sees a growing need for companies that can bridge the technical and practical aspects of these sectors.

He is candid about the limits of glossy marketing and vague promises in an industry defined by physical performance and longterm accountability.

Orbits are ideal for use in tight spaces, such as this macerating pump set at a retirement village.

“What we do isn’t glamorous,” he said. “But it matters. When we commission a system or provide emergency support, we know someone’s relying on that infrastructure, whether it’s a town that needs water pressure or a mine that needs to stay dry.”

That human element remains central to Wallace’s outlook. His team may work with pumps and drive systems, but their primary role is to ensure that the infrastructure remains operational and that communities continue to be supported. It is why Southern Pumping continues to invest in training, service coverage and direct relationships with the people who keep the sector running. Wallace believes that visibility and ownership go hand in hand.

“The more we understand the local needs, whether it’s a council’s ageing infrastructure or a site’s operational limits, the more value we can provide. And the more that trust grows,” he said. “With more than 50 years of reputation to uphold, we’re here for the long haul. Our job is to ensure the systems we support continue to function, regardless of the conditions. That’s how we earn trust: by showing up, solving problems and making infrastructure work for the people who rely on it.”

For more information, visit southernpumping.com.au

Smarter eyes on pumps

Monitoring pumps remotely is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for utilities managing vast, decentralised networks.

WHEN INFRASTRUCTURE IS situated kilometres from the nearest depot or road, every decision becomes a calculation of time, fuel, and risk. For many Australian utilities, remote pump stations are not only hard to reach but also challenging to manage.

Historically, operators have relied on in-person inspections, reactive maintenance, or costly telemetry upgrades to keep water moving. But with staff stretched thin and capital budgets under pressure, a smarter way has emerged. Realtime pump monitoring now delivers 24/7 insights without the need for physical presence.

By collecting vibration and temperature data directly from each pump and transmitting it via mobile networks to cloud-based dashboards, utilities can detect early signs of mechanical wear, identify efficiency losses, and schedule repairs before

breakdowns occur. It represents a step change in asset intelligence, one that is already reducing downtime and costs across Australia.

Always on, always aware

One standout example is the KSB Guard system, a sensor-based platform developed in Germany and tailored to Australian conditions. Deployed on a range of pumps, including those from other manufacturers, KSB Guard tracks vibration and thermal patterns against established baselines and alerts operators to any irregularities in realtime.

Graeme Croker, Business Development Manager at KSB Australia and national product lead for KSB Guard, said that the system was specifically designed to support customers with limited access to advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) tools.

KSB Guard is designed to track the movements within a pump to ensure maintenance is carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner.

“Without adequate monitoring, many pump stations were effectively running blind,” Croker said. “If something went wrong, the customer might not know until the asset failed.”

KSB Guard changes that equation. Each sensor-and-transmission unit attaches to a bearing housing, with data transmitted via the local 4G or 5G network to a secure cloud server. No hardwired telemetry is required. A single gateway can handle up to 30 sensors, which makes the system highly scalable across large sites or multi site networks.

The system’s learning algorithm refines its alarm thresholds over time. It combines site-specific behaviour with global performance data from KSB’s international fleet. This finetuning helps deliver early warnings without overwhelming the user with false positives.

“Once installed, the system starts to understand how the pump behaves under normal load,” Croker said. “So, when something’s off, like a bearing about to fail, you’ll know before it becomes critical.”

Maintenance with meaning Utilities using real-time monitoring are seeing operational improvements, particularly in labour allocation and asset longevity.

Rather than conducting scheduled inspections regardless of pump condition, operators can now dispatch teams based on realtime alerts.

This targeted approach is especially useful for councils and smaller water authorities that may not have in-house mechanical staff or remote telemetry infrastructure. In one recent case, Croker and his team identified a sharp vibration spike in a pump bearing.

“The system flagged the issue instantly,” he said. “We advised the

site to shut down the unit, and when it was dismantled, the bearings had actually spun on the shaft. It would have failed catastrophically if they’d kept running it.”

Beyond incident prevention, many users now treat KSB Guard as a lightweight asset management system. The platform logs operating hours and condition data, enabling operators to plan maintenance windows based on real-time health status rather than fixed intervals.

This operational agility is crucial for utilities managing decentralised networks with limited IT integration. Some customers use the app interface to track basic performance trends in place of a full SCADA system.

“They’re getting that visibility they didn’t have before,” Croker said. “They can monitor pumps, review alerts, and plan responses, all from a tablet or mobile phone.”

Tailored for remote reliability

Australian water infrastructure spans some of the most isolated regions in the world, which makes remote diagnostics more than just a convenience. With

KSB Guard’s wireless design and minimal installation footprint, even difficult-to-access sites can be integrated into a central monitoring framework without requiring heavy capital works.

“Because it’s cloud-based and self-contained, you don’t need to dig trenches or run fibre optic cable,” Croker said. “You just need mobile coverage and a basic site assessment.”

To date, KSB Guard has been deployed across various water and wastewater assets, including sand pumping systems and heavy-duty gearboxes. While the core offering is most popular with municipal utilities, Croker said interest is growing in the mining, transport, and industrial sectors, which are seeking better condition monitoring.

“There’s a lot of scope,” he said. “Anywhere there’s rotating equipment, there’s potential.”

Integration with the customer SCADA systems are available via standardised Rest API interfaces, enabling users to visualise pump performance through their existing interfaces systems, independent of the app or the web portal.

At the KSB Guard Monitoring Centre, specialists track real-time vibration and temperature data from pumps across the globe.

Croker said the human support model is just as critical as the streams of data received. Behind the digital dashboard is a team of vibration analysts, based in Australia, Germany, and India, who review alerts and recommend maintenance actions. For many regional councils without engineering specialists, that advice adds real confidence.

Looking ahead

With pressure mounting on utilities to extend asset life and reduce unplanned outages, real-time monitoring is fast becoming a strategic necessity. KSB Guard’s simplicity, scalability, and affordability provide asset managers with a practical pathway into smart diagnostics, eliminating the barriers of traditional telemetry.

Croker sees that trend accelerating.

“It’s a great product that draws on global expertise but works beautifully here in Australia,” he said. “For customers with limited resources or remote sites, it gives them the tools to stay in control and keep their pumps running, no matter where they are.”

For more information, visit ksb.com.au

KSB Guard sensors transmit pump data via mobile networks.

Strength in every layer

Beneath the surface of Australia’s infrastructure, plastic pipes are helping drive performance, sustainability and long-term public value.

IF INFRASTRUCTURE IS judged by what it prevents, plastic pipes may be among the most underappreciated assets in the Australian water sector. Their performance is silent, consistent and, when done right, largely invisible. Yet this invisibility is part of the challenge. The role that plastic pipe systems play in delivering safe, efficient and sustainable water services is often overlooked by those not directly involved in their manufacture, specification or installation.

At the forefront of changing that narrative is the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA). As Executive General Manager Cindy Bray explained, PIPA’s work centres on four strategic pillars – advocate, educate, technical and sustainability – and aims to connect the industry’s engineering precision with long-term public benefit.

“Everything we do links back to our mission to protect water and resources while reducing our global footprint,” Bray said. “That means helping the industry design, manufacture and install plastic pipes in ways that are safe, durable and capable of achieving a 100-year lifespan.”

Industry leadership and engineered integrity

Despite being highly engineered products, plastic pipes are often misunderstood. For Bray, one of the most pressing challenges is the over-simplification, and sometimes politicisation, of plastics in policy and public discussion.

“People tend to group all plastics together; however, they are not all the same. Plastic pipes are made from engineered plastics, designed for long-term service, not just any plastic,” Bray said. “There’s a misconception that you can put any type of recycled plastic into plastic pipes and get the same performance. That’s not the case.”

PIPA’s response has been twofold: Technical leadership and active communication. Recent campaigns, such as “Using Plastics for Good,” were designed to build awareness among the public, while continued engagement with regulators and utilities helps keep standards current and application-specific. PIPA also works internationally, bringing global insights into local conversations.

“Our role is to ensure everyone, from asset managers to engineers,

Achieving a 100-year asset life requires the right product, proper design, and correct installation.

Images: PIPA

understands that these systems are built for longevity,” Bray said. “That includes making sure our standards, guidelines and collaborations reflect what’s happening on the ground and around the world.”

This industry-wide commitment extends to public education, where PIPA continues to bridge the gap between infrastructure function and community understanding.

“Most people don’t think about the role plastic pipes play until they stop delivering the services we rely on every day they deliver,” Bray said. “Our job is to keep that conversation going long before that point.”

Stewardship beyond the surface PIPA is also a leader in stewardship. It supports material recovery, waste minimisation and responsible use of the right recycled content, especially in non-pressure applications.

“Industry has been proactive for years about showing the sustainable benefits of plastic pipe systems,” Bray said. “Our PVC pipe and fitting manufacturers participate in the Vinyl Council’s product stewardship program. We also operate a national recycling program with designated drop-off points for off-cuts and end-of-life pipes, with manufacturers actively partnering with end users to support responsible disposal. A broader stewardship framework is

currently being developed through the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, with the aim of extending responsibility across the plastic pipe supply chain.

Yet Bray is quick to note that true circular economy thinking goes beyond recycling.

“We often focus too much on recycled content when in fact, circularity begins with longevity,” she said. “Our pipes are still in their first life cycle. They’re designed to last well over 100 years. If they’re installed correctly, they could continue long past that.”

That long-term durability underpins many of PIPA’s educational efforts, including research into life cycle performance and environmental product declarations.

“We’re here to provide evidence, not just opinion,” Bray said. “We want water authorities to make informed decisions with full visibility of environmental impacts.”

Fit-for-purpose thinking

PIPA works closely with utilities, engineers, and councils to support what it calls “fit-for-purpose” material selection, helping decisionmakers match product performance with real-world risks, expected lifespan, and value.

“We’ve done a lot of work with individual utilities and with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) to support guideline development and update standards,” Bray said.

“When an issue arises or a question comes up, they know they can come to us. We’re here to collaborate, not just consult.”

This philosophy also informs PIPA’s position on the use of recycled content in pressure pipelines. While non-pressure systems can use appropriate recycled materials, pressure pipes remain subject to

strict performance standards and are made exclusively from virgin or reworked internal material.

“Pressure pipes play a critical role. They operate under a range of demanding operating conditions. We don’t permit recycled content in those applications because the performance has to be precise and robust, and that comes from consistent material quality.”

PIPA also provides hands-on guidance through updates to product and installation standards, helping utilities and specifiers reduce life cycle risk. “Getting it right from the start saves costs, emissions and headaches later,” Bray said. “That’s why fit-for-purpose design and installation matter so much.”

Looking to the future

Innovation in resins, pipe design and trenchless technologies is creating new pathways for sustainability, even when recycled content isn’t the central lever. Bray noted growing interest in bio-based resins.

“We’re starting to see more innovation in how assets are maintained with the continued development of pipeline monitoring systems. If we can improve the monitoring of pipeline systems as they age, we gain the ability to understand the true expected service life of the pipeline, potentially extending the asset’s life.

“Manufacturing technology is also evolving. When I started, people were manually measuring pipes. Now, there are in-line sensors that continuously measure the pipe wall thickness and diameter as it is being extruded. Energy efficiency improvements have also been made

The use of plastic pipes is designed to support local communities delivering their essential services.

in manufacturing, resulting in less energy being required to convert material into a pipe.

Add to this the increasing potential of artificial intelligence (AI), remote diagnostics and digital twins. The future of asset management looks both smarter and more resilient. For Bray, that’s precisely where the industry needs to go.

“The longer we can keep assets performing without replacement, the stronger our sustainability credentials become,” she said. “And that begins with how we design and install them today.”

That mix of innovation, development of product standards and guidelines, and education is part of PIPA’s long game: Equipping the water sector with the knowledge and confidence to use plastic pipe systems that offer measurable benefits over time.

“We’re big advocates for environmental product declarations and life cycle assessments,” Bray said. “Our members are transparent about what their products do over time. That’s what supports informed decision-making.”

Bray’s final message to utilities and consultants is as clear as the standards PIPA helps maintain.

“It’s simple. To achieve a 100-yearplus asset life, you need to select the right product, design it properly and install it correctly, meeting all the requirements of our Australian Standards,” she said. “We want to see Australia’s infrastructure built to last. If there are questions, come to us. That’s what we’re here for.”

For more information, visit pipa.com.au

Water for a greener tomorrow

Households across Victoria are connected to recycled water, yet many don’t realise it. The Victorian water industry is changing that story.

IT’S EASY TO assume that water resilience begins and ends with infrastructure. But what if the biggest lever for change isn’t a pipe or a pump, but a mindset?

Across Victoria, homes are increasingly connected to dual water supplies. Yet many residents remain unaware that they have recycled water plumbed in or are unsure of how to use it and its benefits.

Victorian water corporations, led by Melbourne’s South East Water, which pioneered the use of recycled water in residential housing as early as 2006, are now confronting this underuse head-on.

There are over 150,000 residential recycled water connections across Melbourne, Westernport and Barwon regions, with forecasts reaching 500,000 by 2050. This presents a significant opportunity to save residents money, conserve precious

drinking water, and maintain open spaces and gardens in times of drought.

South East Water is leading a collaborative project to identify and address some of the barriers to recycled water usage, bringing recycled water into everyday life.

Reframing the challenge

Carine Cesar, who manages the program and works for South East Water, described the disconnect that sparked the creation of this collaboration.

“I was building my own home and realised I had access to recycled water, but couldn’t easily use it,” Cesar said. “That was the moment I saw this as a real customer challenge. If I’m confused as someone working in the industry, what chance do others have?”

That observation led to a statewide

initiative, backed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the five Victorian water corporations with residential recycled water networks, including Barwon Water, Greater Western Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Westernport Water.

South East Water is spearheading the program, with Phase 1 seeking to understand how planning, infrastructure, policy and human behaviour intersect to influence uptake and subsequent phases looking to tackle these issues head-on.

The data gathered so far is telling. The average household in the region uses just 38,000 litres of recycled water annually. That’s roughly 23 per cent of total household water use. The figure has remained flat for a decade, despite growth in infrastructure and population. Studies suggest residential use could feasibly rise to 40 or even 45 per cent with no increase in supply, just better engagement.

“We’re starting from a place of underuse, not shortage,” Cesar said. “It’s not about availability. It’s about enabling action.”

Aquarevo:

Proof of what’s possible Aquarevo, a residential development in Lyndhurst, is built in partnership with Villawood Properties and South East Water, offering a contrasting case. Homes are fitted with smart water tanks and dual plumbing for recycled water. Customers are also inducted at the point of occupancy.

“Aquarevo customers consistently show higher use of recycled water,” said Phoebe Mack, who works alongside Cesar as South East Water’s Integrated Water Planning Manager. “That’s not just about infrastructure. It’s because we knock

on doors, explain the system, the benefits and opportunities and make it easy. Awareness drives confidence, and confidence leads to action.”

One small example illustrates the point. Properties are provided with recycled water connections in the laundry; however, unlike for toilets, connection to washing machines is discretionary. At Aquarevo, South East Water takes the opportunity provided by scheduled maintenance visits for the rainwater harvesting systems to increase awareness and comfort in using recycled water in the laundry. Elsewhere, use in the laundry is often not taken up.

In Victoria, outdoor recycled water taps must have removable tap handles to prevent children from accidentally using or ingesting recycled water. Unfortunately, these handles are often lost and cannot be easily replaced. As a result, this safety control can discourage regular use of recycled water outdoors.

“It’s a classic case of design driving behaviour,” Mack said. “You can have the best technical system but if the interface is confusing or inconvenient, people will default to what they know, or what is easy, which is the drinking water tap.”

Behavioural insights and regulatory review

As part of the program’s early phase, South East Water and its partners are collecting behavioural data, usage records and legacy reports from across the state. They aim to understand not just what’s happening, but why. This includes examining long-standing regulatory controls introduced when residential recycled water first became widely available.

“We’re asking: Did we get the settings right 20 years ago?” Mack

said. “Probably not. Some controls were overly conservative, and we’re seeing that they may have created deterrents to use, not just protections.”

Rather than lobby for wholesale policy change upfront, the team is mapping out pilot interventions that align with current regulations while testing new approaches. The goal is to build evidence before engaging with developers, local councils and regulators on broader reform.

“We want to challenge the system but do it in a way that acknowledges why the rules exist,” Cesar said. “We’re not dismissing safety. We’re just asking whether the controls match the actual risk.”

Collaboration

and long-term thinking

The project’s collaborative structure is both a strength and a necessity. Each participating utility brings its own data, challenges and insights to the table, enabling statewide trends to emerge. While the current project has a defined scope, both Mack and Cesar are clear about it. True success will require long-term structural change and a cultural shift.

“This can’t be a one-off push,” Mack said. “We don’t want to be back here in 10 years saying, ‘let’s try again to increase use. Success means making recycled water a visible, valued and

The removable purple taps are designed with efficient water use in mind.

normal part of the home, just like electricity or gas.”

That means addressing not only customers but also the entire chain of influencers, including real estate agents, hardware store staff, appliance installers, and local builders.

“A plumber might not know what the purple pipe is for. A washing machine installer might connect to the tap they’ve always used,” Cesar said. “Those are missed moments. We need to shift understanding across the system.”

From scarcity to abundance

Beyond usage metrics, there’s a deeper question at play. Both Mack and Cesar believe it is central to water’s role in liveable communities.

These hose attachments ensure the responsible use of recycled water on the garden.

“In Australia, we’re wired to think of water as a scarce resource,” Mack said. “But recycled water flips that script. It’s a renewable, sustainable supply. The more people we have, the more recycled water we generate.”

If managed well, recycled water can support greener gardens, cooler suburbs and more climateresilient housing. This is especially relevant in growth corridors and infill developments. But to get there, water corporations must reframe their offer.

“This isn’t about selling a product. It’s about enabling a shift,” Cesar said. “Recycled water in housing is part of how we build more sustainable communities. But it only works if people know it’s there, trust it and feel it adds value to their lives.”

For more information, visit southeastwater.com.au

Infrastructure meets opportunity

Two major events in Melbourne this September will unite trenchless innovation and major project insight under one roof.

AUSTRALIA’S WATER AND infrastructure professionals will soon have the chance to explore trenchless technology and major projects in one location. Held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, No-Dig Down Under and Converge Expo will bring together equipment, expertise and connections across two co-located trade events.

No-Dig Down Under 2025 is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest trenchless technology event and the second largest of its kind in the world. It will include more than 6000 square metres of exhibition space with live demonstrations of trenchless methods. Attendees will see horizontal directional drilling, pipe relining, vacuum excavation and microtunnelling in action.

Engineers, contractors and utilities will be able to engage with suppliers, manufacturers and service providers from across the sector. The event offers a hands-on view of new products and techniques, making it a valuable experience for teams planning or delivering underground infrastructure.

The conference program will run alongside the exhibition, featuring case studies, expert talks and international insights. Topics will include trenchless methods in cities, coastal zones and remote areas. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited training courses will also be available, helping professionals build practical skills and stay aligned with industry standards.

Networking remains a key part of the No-Dig Down Under

experience. The welcome reception helps set a positive tone on the first evening. The Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) Gala Dinner is a recognised highlight, bringing the sector together to celebrate excellence and innovation.

There are also networking opportunities tailored for earlycareer professionals. The Young Trenchless Professionals program will support the development of future leaders in trenchless delivery.

From underground innovation to above-ground impact

Running alongside No-Dig Down Under, Converge Expo focuses on civil construction and municipal works. Its Major Projects stage will feature updates from some of Australia’s biggest infrastructure programs. These include Victoria’s Big Build, Inland Rail, water security projects and Western Sydney precincts.

Speakers will include government

FOCUS Events

No-Dig Down Under provides a fantastic experience for the trenchless technology industry.

Images: Prime Creative Media

representatives, project owners and engineering firms. They will provide updates on project timelines, procurement plans and delivery challenges.

Digging up the right solution is the key to Converge Expo.

This stage is designed to help councils, suppliers and consultants understand where their services may be needed. For technical managers and asset owners, the session offers a clear view of what’s coming next. Converge will also include live machinery demonstrations, digital platforms and sustainable construction technologies. Water professionals will find value across both the project presentations and the tools on display.

Together, No-Dig Down Under and Converge Expo offer a unique space for the industry to connect. The events support collaboration between trenchless and civil infrastructure professionals, helping to align efforts across above- and below-ground delivery.

Both events will run on 17–18 September 2025. Exhibition entry is free. Conference sessions, training courses and the Gala Dinner require paid registration.

More information is available at nodigdownunder.com and convergeexpo.com.au.

FOCUS Digital Water

Smart data, fairer restrictions

Water restrictions disrupt lives and damage trust. Taggle’s digital water meters offer a more intelligent, targeted, and equitable response.

AUSTRALIA IS THE driest inhabited continent, and limited water supplies can put communities at risk, affecting both quality of life and economic resilience.

Water restrictions are a necessary tool for managing demand during periods of drought or constrained supply. However, they disrupt daily life, hinder productivity, and place considerable strain on the relationship between councils, utilities, and their customers.

Taggle is providing utilities with a smarter, more responsive approach to demand management with its digital water metering services.

With detailed insights from water consumption data, utilities can reduce the severity and duration of water restrictions. Taggle has identified three key areas where water savings can be achieved: network leaks, customer side leaks, and behaviour-driven consumption.

All three benefit from access to timely, actionable data. As the saying goes: if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it

Visibility

through data

A major challenge in water management is the lack of visibility into how water is being used or wasted.

Mechanical water meters are typically read manually on a quarterly or less frequent basis, providing minimal insight. In contrast, Taggle’s digital water meters capture data as frequently as every 30 minutes to one hour. This granular data is accessible to utilities for network management, allowing them to understand, on an hourly basis, what the peak demand is by hour and zone, even down to the individual user level.

Like any network, capacity is built to meet peak demand, and

Taggle digital water meters provide insights for businesses and the community to manage water consumption. Images: Taggle

digital meters provide granular data to pinpoint precisely when and where peak demand occurs in the network, as well as identify the major contributors.

By understanding this data, targeted interventions are possible to “flatten off” and reduce peak demand, thus deferring expensive infrastructure upgrades, which become unnecessary.

Taggle’s customer portal empowers residents and businesses to make informed decisions about their usage. Automated leak alerts ensure that water losses don’t go unnoticed, supporting early intervention and greater accountability.

Network leaks

Water leaks in the distribution network are a major contributor to water losses, often occurring undetected in underground pipes or ageing infrastructure. With digital metering and the use of district metered areas (DMAs), utilities can pinpoint high-loss areas or unusual changes that suggest a mains break. This enables maintenance teams to respond rapidly and effectively.

Repairing large network leaks can save a town significant losses to its water supply, a crucial win during times of scarcity.

Customer side leaks

Taggle’s Aqualus Water meter data management platform enables utilities to proactively contact all properties with detected leaks. On average, around ten per cent of properties have leaks, some of which may be losing thousands of litres per hour, particularly on commercial properties.

Quick identification and resolution of large leaks can lead to significant water savings. Even smaller leaks, when added up across a community, represent considerable waste. By notifying residents early, utilities can reduce losses without compromising the quality of life.

Residents can also self-monitor through the customer portal, which sends monthly email reports highlighting leaks and provides usage graphs without requiring the customer to login each time. Leak and high consumption alerts are delivered via SMS or email, enabling immediate action.

Driving behavioural change

During restrictions, utilities often set watering times and days for gardens. Interestingly, Taggle has found that some of the highest water consumers are those who follow these rules to the letter, watering diligently within the allotted times, unaware of just how much water they’re using.

With access to real-time usage data through the portal, residents can see the actual volume of water being used on their lawns. They may then choose alternatives, such as using greywater from showers or cooking instead of mains water.

Data visibility encourages conscious

behaviour. When people understand their consumption patterns, they’re more likely to voluntarily conserve, and these small shifts in behaviour can add up and reduce demand.

Targeted messaging rather than blanket restrictions

Industries such as agriculture, tourism, and construction often face significant disruptions due to water restrictions. Reduced access to water leads to lower output, higher costs, lost revenue, and potential customer dissatisfaction.

By providing businesses with water usage data, utilities can help them identify inefficiencies and prevent waste. With large consumers playing a key role in overall water demand, even small improvements can make a big difference in determining whether restrictions are necessary. Instead of imposing blanket restrictions across an entire region, utilities can deliver targeted messaging that focuses on finding leaks, addressing inefficiencies, or encouraging businesses and households to reduce their use by a specific percentage. This creates a more equitable approach, rewarding those who are already conserving and guiding those who could improve their conservation efforts.

Thinking outside of the box

One utility faced a major flood that damaged water infrastructure, forcing high-level restrictions to secure the service area’s water supply. With Taggle’s equipment,

Consumption visibility can reduce waste with the top water consumers.

it was able to identify specific properties with large leaks, but due to the excess water from the flood, the leaks were physically untraceable.

The utility collaborated with affected residents, who agreed to temporarily install flow restrictors on their meters. These restrictors allowed enough water to meet daily needs without excessive waste, ultimately making a huge difference in preserving the community’s water supply and lifting restrictions to a lower level.

Typical water restriction messaging focuses on reducing garden watering, shortening showers, and turning off taps while brushing teeth. But with digital water meters, we can do much better.

While digital meters can’t prevent droughts or eliminate restrictions, they provide a level of control and insight that transforms how restrictions are applied and experienced. By enabling earlier interventions, reducing avoidable losses, and empowering customers to manage their own usage, digital meters create a more efficient and resilient water supply.

For communities and businesses, this means fewer disruptions, shorter restriction periods, and greater confidence in the fairness and necessity of restrictions. Most importantly, it fosters trust in the authorities responsible for managing one of our most precious resources.

For more information, visit www.taggle.com

Separating meter procurement

Separating meter supply from meter installation services supports economic benefits, local accountability and long-term project sustainability for utilities.

AS COUNCILS AND utilities invest in smart water infrastructure, the way procurement is structured has a direct impact on the success and cost of these projects.

One proven strategy is to separate the purchase of smart meters from their installation. This approach improves cost visibility and savings, strengthens delivery accountability and creates opportunities for local engagement.

Data Right has installed more than 130,000 meters and automated meter readers (AMRs) across 25 local government areas. Its experience shows that when councils engage licensed installers directly, projects run more smoothly, and communities receive better value for money.

Delivery clarity improves outcomes

Installing automated meter readers and smart meters requires more than just fitting devices and exchanging meters. It involves licenced plumbing, excavation, asset access and compliance with local regulations.

When installation and meter purchases are bundled into a single vendor contract, the work is often subcontracted out, yet still marked up and managed at arm’s length. This creates unnecessary cost and complexity and can delay delivery.

Ian Joblin, Chief Executive Officer of Data Right, said utilities benefit from working directly with trusted installation partners who understand local conditions and specialise in smart meter installations.

“We work with quality contractors who take pride in their workmanship. Our tailored project management ensures data accuracy, installation

integrity and a clear pathway for each client,” Joblin said.

“This process enables councils to track progress clearly and address issues promptly. It also builds confidence that the infrastructure will perform as planned over the long term.”

He said more councils are adopting this model, leading to lower costs for variations, stronger communication and higher-quality installations.

“Meter vendors will markup installation services by 20-30 per cent, creating unnecessary costs for water utilities and in the end their customers,” he said.

Supporting local delivery and governance

The benefits are particularly clear in regional and rural areas. Local contractors benefit financially from projects and ensure accountable delivery building lasting community trust.

This model also supports financial transparency. Councils can define scopes more precisely, including excavation, relocation and reporting. With meter vendors focusing on supply and support, installers are free to concentrate on quality field performance. Reflecting on the model’s success, Joblin said the structure fosters more focused and accountable delivery teams.

“We have installed more than 130,000 meters and AMRs across more than two dozen local government areas,” he said. “In every rollout, we have had direct project management involvement with the customer which provides clearer oversight and stronger outcomes. It

Data Right works with councils and utilities to properly plan the networks. Image: Data Right

allows each party to focus on their area of expertise while maintaining shared accountability.”

Built to last

For smart water projects to succeed, each delivery partner must be accountable for their role. Separating procurement and installation allows councils to work with experts in both technology and installation, eliminating overlap and confusion. It enables project managers to set clear expectations for delivery, maintain direct communication with the individuals performing the work, and resolve issues promptly when they arise.

This clarity also reduces administrative work. Councils avoid delays and duplicated efforts that often come from dealing with thirdparty intermediaries. Instead of seeking answers from a vendor that may not be directly involved in site delivery, utilities can work with installation teams on the ground who understand the network and are responsible for quality and compliance.

By enabling each contractor to focus on their area of expertise, whether that be hardware supply or field deployment, utilities create stronger partnerships, better reporting structures and infrastructure that performs reliably from day one.

“Smart metering is about more than technology. It is about ensuring delivery is grounded, efficient and built to last.”

For more information, visit dataright.com.au

NO-DIG DOWN UNDER

Queensland’s urban water workforce

qldwater’s 2024 Workforce Composition Snapshot provides the most detailed picture yet of Queensland’s urban water sector, highlighting urgent challenges in training, gender diversity, regional renewal and long-term workforce resilience.

THE QUEENSLAND WATER Directorate (qldwater) has just released its eighth Workforce Composition Snapshot, offering the most comprehensive analysis of the urban water sector workforce in Australia.

Produced biennially since 2010, these reports draw on data from member surveys to track workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities for urgent and strategic reform. While the urban water sector comprises many and varied

operational, technical, specialist, and administrative functions, the Snapshot focuses on mission-critical roles – those directly responsible for delivering safe drinking water and sanitation services to Queensland communities. This valuable initiative was devised, and continues to be supported, by qldwater’s Water Skills Partnership, a collaborative industry group whose foresight and leadership have made this dataset a national benchmark in workforce analysis.

Key insights from the 2024 Snapshot

Based on responses from 42 Water Service Providers (WSPs) representing more than 70 per cent of the sector’s workforce, the report highlights several pressing issues and emerging trends:

• Gender representation: Women remain underrepresented in operational and leadership roles, comprising just 10 per cent of the operational workforce and two per cent of supervisors. However, growth in women in scientific paraprofessional roles signals an encouraging shift in gender diversity.

• Workforce renewal: South East Queensland (SEQ) utilities demonstrate progress in engaging early-career professionals and implementing succession planning, while regional areas remain relatively stagnant, indicating an opportunity for targeted workforce renewal strategies.

• Qualifications and training gaps: There is increasing reliance on workers with plumbing or other

trade qualifications, reflecting sectoral concerns about the suitability and flexibility of the current National Water Training Package (NWP).

• Training uptake and system challenges: There is limited uptake of supervisory qualifications, and many councils lack systems to reliably track employee qualifications. Micro-credentials have gained traction, but formal qualification pathways remain fragmented. Unsurprisingly, access to the right training in the right place at the right time, at an affordable

employed to undertake training in the NWP.

• Job role specialisation: SEQ utilities typically operate with specialised teams, whereas regional operators tend to be multi-disciplined out of necessity, offering greater flexibility but demanding broader skills and tailored training support.

a range of issues that need addressing.

Image: shutterstock. com/g/ kittirat+roekburi

uncomfortable reading. What can be seen from one iteration to the next is that workforce attraction and retention are ongoing battles. Career pathways within our sector remain opaque (particularly to younger generations), we have an ageing workforce, and gender participation is declining.

ASSOCIATIONS qldwater

The inaugural comparison of regional Queensland from South East Queensland demonstrates the diversity of workforce strategies required. Emerging priorities include:

• Addressing critical vacancies: The ongoing challenge of high vacancy rates, which contribute to poor wellbeing, burnout, safety risks, and infrastructure maintenance delays, especially in regional councils.

• Investing in workforce planning: There is a need to strengthen succession planning and earlycareer engagement strategies, with a focus on improving attraction and retention, especially outside SEQ.

• Reforming training pathways: qldwater is advocating for the repositioning of the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations as a trade-level apprenticeship to

reflect the growing complexity of the sector (while still maintaining a traineeship pathway). We also need to acknowledge the movement within the industry to adopt other training packages that provide clearer entry and career pathways for staff, as well as flexibility within these training packages for the water sector.

• Improving gender diversity many other sectors, we need to continue to support inclusive practices through mentoring, visible leadership pathways, and flexible working arrangements. All these priorities underscore the urgent need for collaborative, strategic investment in workforce planning and training reform to ensure the sustainability and resilience of Queensland’s water sector.

Australia’s hub for civil, commercial, and municipal solutions

Converge Expo brings together industry leaders across the municipal, civil and commercial construction sectors who are change makers shaping Australia’s future infrastructure.

17–18 SEPTEMBER 2025 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

FOCUS The last word

The lighter side of water

To finish each issue, we aim to look at the lighter side of water and water-related issues. If you’ve seen an amusing story, let us know so we can consider it for the next issue.

Sipping the sky

What if your next glass of water didn’t come from a tap, a well, or a dam, but straight from thin air?

It might sound like science fiction, but air-to-water harvesting is making it deliciously real. From the foggy hills of Chile to the rooftop tanks of Nepal, communities across the world are tapping into atmospheric water generators (AWGs), machines and materials that pull moisture from the air and transform it into safe, drinkable water.

And the best part? The technology is getting smarter, more affordable, and more accessible every day.

Let’s start in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, which features an average rainfall of less than one millimetre per year. Here, scientists and locals have teamed up to install fog nets. These giant vertical mesh screens capture droplets from morning fog. The water then trickles down into collection tanks, supplying small villages with hundreds of litres of fresh water each day. It’s low-tech, but it works. The fog harvesters along

the coastlines of Chile and Peru have become symbols of how ancient ideas, paired with modern design, can solve even the driest dilemmas. Thousands of kilometres away in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a different kind of innovation is unfolding. Engineers have installed solar-powered AWGs on schools and community centres, capturing humidity from the air and turning it into water without needing any plumbing. These compact, selfcontained systems are especially valuable during monsoon season, when floods can contaminate traditional water sources. For children who used to walk hours to collect water, a safe drink is now just a button-press away.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. In India, startups are placing AWGs on rooftops in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, where water shortages are a daily reality. In South Africa, fog-harvesting towers are providing clean water to underserved communities in Cape Town. And in Australia, researchers are developing solar-powered nanomaterials that

absorb moisture at night and release it as liquid water when heated by the morning sun.

The science behind it is surprisingly elegant. Most air-to-water devices work by cooling humid air until it condenses into water, mimicking the process behind morning dew. Others use desiccant materials, like supercharged sponges, that trap water vapour and release it on demand.

With climate change reshaping rainfall patterns and freshwater reserves, air-to-water harvesting offers something remarkable. It provides a local, renewable source of hydration, even in places where groundwater is scarce or polluted. Sure, it’s not a silver bullet. These systems can’t yet replace large-scale water infrastructure. But they can make a big difference, especially in off-grid communities, during emergencies, or anywhere the skies are heavy, but the taps are dry.

So next time you look out at the clouds, just remember. Your future drinking water might already be floating by.

Tough outside. Smart inside.

Our new submersible motor pump can do more, but needs less: Thanks to self-cleaning, smart functions and IE-5 motors, maintenance costs and energy consumption are reduced.