Exciting progress is happening across WaterRA’s research projects! From innovative studies on extreme events to advancements in biosolids management, here’s what’s new:
🔬 Tackling PFAS in biosolids
We recently hosted a successful scoping workshop on PFAS destruction during biosolids thermal treatment, bringing together nine organisations across four states. This work is shaping an update to our current Request for Funding: Biosolids pyrolysis for PFAS destruction: Tracking the fate of fluorine in biosolids derived biochar production – a great opportunity for members to collaborate on biosolids management solutions.
🌏 Methane mitigation project attracts global interest
Our Request for Proposal (RFP) on Methane Emissions from Water Supply Storages closed on 28 February, and we received strong submissions from around the world! The project selection committee is now reviewing proposals, and we’re excited about the engagement in this member-led initiative.
📢 Cyanotoxin risks & a major publication
Project 3049, assessing the risks of cyanotoxins in irrigation water, is progressing well with SA Water and Flinders University. We’re thrilled that PhD student Shayne Faulkner has published a key paper on cyanobacterial toxin uptake in crops in the Springer Review of Environmental Science and Biotechnology! Our next Project Advisory Committee meeting is in April – stay tuned.
🚨 Extreme events & water quality: Phase 1 complete!
Phase 1 of Project 1152, Improving analysis in response to extreme events, is now complete, and we’re finalising the report for release. This research reviews the impacts of bushfires and floods on source water quality, identifies key water quality concerns, and evaluates monitoring approaches to strengthen industry response. At the end of the month, we’re hosting a member-only webinar to share key findings and discuss next steps. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and ask questions – register here.
🎓 Supporting early career researchers
We were proud to support Murdoch University student Sugandika Bulumulla in attending the 8th International Giardia and Cryptosporidium Conference in Melbourne. She presented findings from Project 1156: Pathogen risk associated with dead animals in treated water assets/storage tanks, which are already being applied by utilities and regulators.
📡 Satellite remote sensing for water utilities
A paper related to Project 1134 – which focuses on developing a user-friendly reliability ranking for evaluating satellite remote sensing – has been published in the Water Quality Research Journal through the International Water Association. A valuable resource for utilities navigating new monitoring technologies!
🌍 IWA Conference
Our CEO, Dr David Bergmann, will be attending the IWA Water Reclamation and Reuse Conference alongside the Global Water Research Coalition Board meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, during the week of 17th March. The conference program is available here, and David is keen to hear from members about any particular topics or speakers you’d like him to attend. He’ll do his best to provide a summary of key insights for members following the event.
Stay connected for more updates as WaterRA continues to deliver impact.
Want to get involved? Reach out to the team to explore opportunities for collaboration!