ICYMI: read on for some Ozwater highlights from our research team on the ground at Ozwater’26, on challenges, innovation and optimisation …
SA’s algal bloom and its impact on desalination plants
Dr Florence Choo and Claire Kolokas gave an interesting and engaging presentation on the impact of the recent SA algal bloom on SA Water's two desalination plants in Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
A key point was that while ultrafiltration can effectively remove algal cells, dissolved organic material can still pass through and contribute to RO fouling. Florence showed how algae was identified and tracked through the treatment process, including the addition of (a lot) of chlorine in reducing organic load. This was a really great example of the operational challenges algal blooms can create for desalination systems, and the importance of adapting treatment processes to maintain performance and reliability.
Making an ageing sewage treatment do more
Scott Caunce and Tom Fair from TasWater gave a great presentation on how an ageing sewage treatment plant originally designed for BOD removal can still be pushed further to improve nutrient removal and effluent compliance without major capital investment.
The presentation highlighted some very real operational challenges, including limited clarification capacity, nitrite lock, and high chlorine demand, all within the constraints of older infrastructure (and operators). What stood out was the focus on practical process optimisation: tighter process control, targeted trials, and alkalinity dosing to improve nitrification and reduce environmental risk. A main takeaway: persistence is key to getting results. Set clear goals, understand the limits of the system, and keep optimising the infrastructure you already have.
IoT and home automation improving rainwater systems
Dan Livingston of Hunter Water gave a very practical presentation on how low cost IoT and home automation can improve the resilience of rainwater systems. This case study showed how cheap sensors, monitoring and automation can be used to maintain a remote water setup.
One of the more memorable examples was the use of object detection camera and a pump to deter ducks away from waterbodies. This was a good reminder that resilience can come from making better use of cheap consumer grade systems and data already available.
Pictured: AWA president Kevin Werksman speaking at day 1 of Ozwater'26, Australian Water Association.