Water

Feature (8)
  • Troubled waters: Australian water reform 2009
    Australia’s water is still in trouble according to a new report by the National Water Commission. 'Australian water reform 2009' is the Commission’s two-yearly assessment of progress in implementing the National Water Initiative - the blueprint for water reform that was agreed to by the Australian government and state and territory governments in 2004.
  • Model for measuring water use in the minerals industry
    The mining industry is developing a new system to measure and account for water use across the sector to ensure the scarce resource is used sustainably and efficiently.
  • Are current groundwater remediation technologies sustainable?
    As the remediation industry matures and becomes more conscious of the impact of remediation activities on the environment, the question now arises whether these technologies are sustainable remediation approaches to be considered in the future.
  • 'Big infrastructure' not the answer
    Australians have continued to make their mark on the international water scene as part of Singapore International Water Week, sharing local experience with nations struggling with extreme water challenges. And one message is that ‘big infrastructure’ is not always the solution.
  • Using community grants to improve environmental outcomes
    The Southern Hemisphere’s largest water recycling project is using a community grants program to help grassroots organisations deliver environmental programs in South East Queensland.
  • Beating water losses from evaporation
    In a continent where the evaporation rate is typically four times more than the average annual rainfall — which is declining in any case — limiting the loss of water from farm and station storages is becoming a priority, according to a report released by the Desert Knowledge CRC. The study looks at several of the new methods for lowering evaporation — floating blankets, shade cloth, floating modules and thin layers of a chemical to ‘seal’ the surface.
  • Infrastructure planned to secure water supplies
     Australia’s urban water industry is set to provide an infrastructure boom for the economy over the next decade as the industry completes its $30 billion investment program in new sources of water.
  • Water gets a tick of approval
    Everywhere you turn lately the issue of water is the number one topic. If it's not the State and federal governments deciding the fate of the Murray-Darling, it's the water police patrolling the suburbs looking for water wasters
Product (12)
  • Macquarie Industrial Solutions surface sanitiser and disinfectant
    Macquarie Industrial Solutions' BioSpray D2 Surface Sanitiser and Disinfectant is a proprietary blend of isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium solution with hospital-grade disinfecting killing power that is non-corrosive, non-staining and non-toxic.
  • Sub-surface irrigation system
    IWT manufactures KISSS, a sub-surface irrigation system for commercial agricultural and domestic applications. Claimed to use up to 60% less water than conventional irrigation systems, the system is easy to install and maintain.
  • Murray river town Echuca attains biogas re-use
    A combined effort from a number of suppliers has resulted in the successful operation of a water reclamation scheme at Echuca, on the Murray River, north of Bendigo.
  • Spray rinse gun
    The FS729 Ultra Rinse food service carries both the WaterMark to AS/NZS 3718 and WELS 6 Star Water Efficiency Rating. Tested in service by food service organisations, it has been shown to use less than half the hot water per plate washed compared with older designs.
  • Rainwater harvesting DVD
    A Rainwater Harvesting Guide, designed to inform plumbers, building contractors and interested householders about the principles of rainwater harvesting for household or even commercial building water-saving applications, is now available.
  • Rainwater storage bladder
    Reo Sac is a reinforced frameless bladder tank for hidden rainwater storage. It fits neatly under a house or decking, using unused space.
  • Produce washer
    A produce washer has been developed by Tripax Engineering and Butler Market Gardens for washing whole heads of lettuce and bunch products to remove soil and foreign matter from the heads before packing.
  • Water management tool
    The FloPro series 3 uses ultrasonic technology to measure water flows practically anywhere. Insertion probes can be used to measure flow in full pipes, or strap-mounted sensors do the job in partially full pipes or channels, making it suitable for wastewater plants.
  • Waterless urinal
    The Desert Cube waterless urinal system uses a small dissolvable microbial cube which eliminates the need for a flushing mechanism. The system uses the existing urinal bowl or trough, transforming it to a waterless system.
  • Hot water system
    The Wilson ECOHP commercial hot water system is suitable for dairy farmers who use the system for sterilisation and wash-down of milking machines and lines.
  • Water-saving device
    A large quantity of water is wasted from hot water outlets while waiting for the hot water to arrive. Using the Aqua-technique water saver system, this water is re-circulated, saved and reused, so that it is not lost.
  • Save water website
    The savewater.com.au website is used for practical information on the water-saving elements of the new 5 Star standard for new houses and apartments in Victoria. It combines information on the requirements of the standard with water-saving product ideas that can help to achieve it.
News (61)
  • ACCC issues draft advice on water trading rules
    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued its draft advice to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority on the development of water trading rules. The ACCC is inviting submissions from interested stakeholders.
  • Industry expert joins Acciona Agua Australian team
    Acciona Agua has announced the appointment of Brian Nicholas as Director - Business Development in Australia.
  • Water industry seeks 40,000 long-term employees
    The Australian water industry is keen to recruit 40,000 trained water professionals within a decade, to ensure Australian households continue receiving clean, fresh water.
  • WA Minister for Water to open international Water in Mining conference
    The Hon Graham Jacobs MLA, Western Australian Minister for Water and Mental Health, will officially open the Water in Mining Conference 2009 (WIM 09) from 15-17 September 2009, where sustainable work operations in the minerals sector will be addressed.
  • ACCC issues enforcement guidelines for water rules
    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued guidelines outlining its approach to enforcing the Water Market Rules 2009 and Water Charge (Termination Fees) Rules 2009.
  • Australia the world leader in urban water efficiency
    Following the release of the annual report card by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), its Executive Director, Ross Young, has noted that Australia is leading the world in implementing water efficiency programs in cities and towns.
  • Australian teen competes in Stockholm with her water-smart, climate-friendly biodiesel
    Tasmanian high school student Storm Holwill represented Australia in the world’s leading secondary schools water science competition, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, held in Sweden.
  • Global water leader highlights need to reassess the value of water
    Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch’s global water business, has shared insights into the new realities of water management in a white paper titled ‘Communicating the Value of Water — The UK Water Industry’s Challenge’.
  • Focus on 'Securing our Water Future' for National Water Week
    National Water Week 2009, the premier, all-encompassing community water awareness event in Australia, will be held from 18–24 October 2009.
  • Queensland to host Australia’s biggest water gathering
    Queensland will again be at the centre of the national water debate, when Brisbane hosts the Ozwater water conference and exhibition in March 2010.
  • Water deal a breakthrough for the Murray
    The Victorian and federal governments’ breakthrough agreement to partially lift the 4% cap on interstate water trade and allow the Commonwealth to buy an anticipated 460 billion litres of water for the Murray River system was welcomed by the Australian Conservation Foundation and Environment Victoria.
  • Brain Waves Cup 2009 winner announced
    South East Water’s Databar team has won the Brain Waves Cup 2009, receiving a $10,000 cheque and the commitment their project will be developed by the company.
  • National forum on environmental water management
    Scientists, policy makers and water managers from across Australia have gathered at the National Museum in Canberra for a national forum on environmental water management.
  • Carbon savings from reduced water use
    Research study reveals that a significant saving of carbon emissions can by acheived by reducing potable water use.
  • Partnership with US research organisations
    The Australian urban water industry has entered a partnership with US drinking water and wastewater research bodies to cooperatively fund water-related research projects and share knowledge and outcomes.
  • Funding for water conservation projects announced
    The Minister for Water, Tim Holding, has announced $5 million in funding for 21 water conservation projects across Victoria through Round 6 of the Smart Water Fund.
  • Partnership to promote the sustainable use of the world's freshwater resources
    CSIRO has joined a global network of private and public sector organisations which aims to promote the sustainable, fair and efficient use of the world’s freshwater resources.
  • Initiative encourages Surf Life Saving Clubs to be water wise
    To help the clubs further communicate the water conservation message, especially to their nippers, Grundfos is offering a bonus for all purchases of Grundfos product over $1000 (ex GST). By sending in a copy of the receipt, Surf Life Saving Clubs can redeem a $500 voucher (redeemable for Grundfos product) to be used at their next fundraising event and a fun ‘nipper pack’ for each of the club's nippers.
  • Ongoing progress for Hong Kong water mains program
    Black & Veatch has announced that the investigation and design of Stage 4 of the Replacement and Rehabilitation Programme of Water Mains in the New Territories of the Hong Kong SAR is making good progress.
  • Fires impact water quality long after quenched
    Leading research into the impact of the 2003 Alpine bushfires on water quality suggests the trouble is far from over when the fires are finally out.
  • Tapping into underground water solutions
    National Water Commissioner Chris Davis has released a Waterlines report on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) to advance the uptake of this water supply and treatment process.
  • Councils' water-saving measures pay off
    NSW councils are on their way to saving 10,000 megalitres of water by July 2010, thanks to a $22m joint initiative of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) and the NSW Water Directorate.
  • Irrigation modernisation plan
    International professional services company GHD has been engaged to develop an irrigation modernisation plan for one of Australia’s most important irrigation areas.
  • Saving water key to reducing energy use
    A report by CSIRO and the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) gives a clearer picture of water and energy use in Australia and New Zealand and highlights areas offering potentially significant water and energy savings.
  • Support program targets business water use
    Following the launch of the T155 campaign which urges Melburnians to reduce average residential consumption to less than 155 L per person per day, a support program has been developed to encourage business to further cut water usage.
  • Schools save 31 megalitres
    Schools across south-east Melbourne have been able to monitor their water use in real time, and save water in the process of being involved in South East Water’s HydroShare pilot program.
  • Position paper on water charge rules issued
    The ACCC has issued its position paper seeking submissions on the development of water charge rules for irrigation infrastructure operators and bulk water operators.
  • Irrigation water use down by 29%
    In 2006–07, irrigation water use decreased by 29% from the previous year to 7636 gigalitres, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
  • Invention to save 40% of household water used
    Australian inventor Geoffrey Foster believes the Waterfuse Watersaver, which claims to save 40% of household water use, is the 'silver bullet' governments are seeking to manage the looming water crisis.
  • Sink wins national award for water saving
    The Hughie Sink, a simple moulded-plastic sink insert invented in Queensland, has won the national awards recognising Australia’s outstanding water-saving products or services.
  • Up to $5m funding available for water smart projects
    Up to $5 million of funding for innovative sustainable water use projects is now available in a new funding round of the Smart Water Fund. Businesses, community groups, individuals and research organisations are urged to apply for the funding, which is available for water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects.
  • Water planning in Australia
    Australia’s national water commissioners met in Brisbane to discuss progress on water planning across the nation and announced that no Australian jurisdiction can yet claim to have a fully effective water planning system.
  • Competition presents eco-future of home appliances
    A compact washing machine that uses nuts that grow on trees rather than laundry detergent; a device that turns plastic shopping bags into compost; and a detergent-free compact dishwasher that uses the cleaning power of water alone are the products emerging from Electrolux’s Design Lab competition.
  • Innovative approach to water saving
    Like many Australians, millions of Britons are reeling from water restrictions.
  • Victorian 2005 savewater! awards
    Victorian Waste Streams readers with outstanding achievements in water conservation can enter the 2005 savewater! awards being run by the savewater! alliance Inc.
  • Specialist water division formed
    In a move designed to reinforce its sustainability credentials across a broad range of building and development areas, Bonacci Group has formed a new operating division called Bonacci Water.
  • City dwellers less serious about water
    Across Australia, the number of people in cities who think the water situation is ‘very serious’ has dropped by more than 7% in the last year, going from 44.1% in 2006 to 36.7% in 2007.
  • Energy and water saving in NSW
    One of the NSW government's water and energy savings initiatives is for certain categories of high water and energy users (as well as state agencies and local councils) to be required to prepare Savings Action Plans setting out measures to save water and energy. This approach is designed to improve water and energy efficiency in New South Wales and encourage cost-effective investments.
  • South Australia's water industry leaders revealed
    Five leading South Australian water industry businesses and one committed individual were recognised at the 2007 Water Industry Alliance Awards.
  • Groundwater hydrology lectures announced
    EnviroEquip, in conjunction with In-Situ Inc, has introduced the Groudwater Hydrology Lectures. The lectures will be presented by Dr Ted Way, a senior hydrologist and educator with over 40 years of experience.
  • $20 million to go towards water saving devices
    The Beattie Government has made $20 million available to local Councils to stage water audits and to install water saving devices.
  • CEO named for smart water project
    Larry Little has been appointed the chief executive officer of the new Smart Water Facility.
  • Sustainability Victoria grant awarded
    Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has received a $990,000 grant from the Sustainability Fund, a Victorian government initiative managed by Sustainability Victoria, for its salt and water reduction and re-use strategy.
  • Sustainable business podcast series launched
    The Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) Sustainability Advantage program has launched a podcast series featuring global sustainable business expert, Dr Bob Willard.
  • Company drives for paper certification and carbon neutrality
    Spicers Paper has announced that it and its suppliers will move towards the goal of providing 100% certified sustainable papers by 2009 and will strive for carbon neutrality as a business ahead of the New Zealand national target of 2012.
  • Seminar to highlight water-saving alternatives
    Water recycling and sustainable housing will be hot topics at a Central Queensland University hosted water seminar to be held in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, on Friday February 17.
  • Saving water aid launches in National Water Week
    Smart Approved WaterMark, a national independent symbol to show that a product can save water around the home, was launched at National Water Week along with its new website: www.smartwatermark.org.
  • Irrigation conference to be opened by Water Minister
    The Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, will officially open the Irrigation Australia 2008 conference and deliver the first keynote address in May.
  • Answers to Australia’s water security
    The ongoing issues around water security and supply in Australia make the Irrigation Australia 2008 Conference and Exhibition a must for anyone in irrigation in rural or urban communities.
  • NIWA announces free data policy
    The general public are now able to download millions of pieces of climate, water resource and other environmental information for free.
  • Water China 2008 and PVP China 2008
    The largest Chinese trade fair for the Water Industry, the Water China/PVP China, in Canton (Guangzhou), will be held 4-7 March 2008.
  • Graduate students showcase design ideas for a sustainable future
    Among the exciting line up of graduate student work to be exhibited at the Society for Responsible Design ChangeX 2007 exhibition, will be a number of eco-friendly designs including an environmentally sound shower system for the homeless, a system for upgrading storm water for local use and a combined system for domestic grey water recycling that also monitors water saving.
  • New initiative to sustain dwindling water resources
    Australia’s International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management (ICE WaRM) has launched an important initiative to help tackle the water crisis head-on – a post-graduate program to train the new leaders who will spearhead the management of our scarce water resources.
  • Getting the river environment off welfare benefits
    Applying a proper business approach to environmental flows and freeing up the rules for private ownership and management could play a key role in ensuring the long-term ecological sustainability of Australian rivers, according to Professor Gary Jones, CEO of eWater Cooperative Research Centre.
  • Private equity makes waves into Aussie water industry
    An Australian-owned and run water technology provider has completed its third major acquisition in 18 months and has also found a private equity partner to enable further expansion.
  • Urban water planning below par
    There are serious gaps in water supply planning in some parts of Australia that must be addressed if water supplies are to be adequately maintained in the face of uncertainties about future water availability and demand, according to a study by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) which reviewed water supply planning by Australia’s non-metropolitan urban water utilities.
  • Western Australia joins Nation Water Initiative
    Ken Matthews, Chairman of the National Water Commission, has welcomed the signing by Western Australia of the National Water Initiative (NWI).
  • Recycling filtration plant wins water-saving award
    Worth Recycling's water filtration plant, built to serve Illawarra Coal's Appin Mine, has been named as Sydney's best water saver at Sydney Water's annual awards ceremony.
  • Water trading could help Australia adapt to climate change
    Water trading is one of the tools the water resource sector will use to adapt to the effects of climate change.
  • Catchment management is the key
    Australia must develop a catchment management mentality to successfully manage and optimise its water resources, according to Peter Crawford, former top public servant, water authority head and author.
  • Water sustainability project underway in Gippsland
    The Gippsland region of Victoria is embarking on a new era in water sustainability with construction underway on the Gippsland Water Factory project.
Case Study (10)
  • Office tower saving water
    Aurora Place at 88 Phillip Street in Sydney is a landmark building on the Sydney skyline. Designed by the world-renowned architect Renzo Piano and managed by Colonial First State Property Management, the building provides approximately 50,000 square metres in office space to some of Australia’s blue chip corporate tenants.
  • Conveyor belt offers water savings
    A conveyor belt allows food processors to cut water required for cleaning purposes.
  • Renewable energy at Melbourne’s reservoirs
    Melbourne Water has completed the construction of six mini hydro-electricity plants at its various reservoirs.
  • Saving water sweetens bottom line
    Snow Confectionery is implementing a world first in vacuum pump technology - designed to reduce water consumption by 50% and save seven million litres of water every year
  • Water management for coal operating
    Sykes Group and BHP Billiton have worked together to design an efficient and environmentally friendly water management system for the Mt Arthur Coal Operations in the Hunter Valley
  • Saving water in the vineyards
    A water-saving Australian vineyard technology has been found to deliver a better glass of Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Water in the semiconductor industry
    Philips Semiconductors Philippines in Cabuyao Laguna has developed a system to recycle final rinse water used in its polishers. To do this, the facility operates two systems - one is on standby while the other is in service
  • Water saving at high school
    Pittwater High School in Mona Vale has seen huge savings in water usage in the past year due to the introduction of water-free urinals and a water management system
  • 'Green' glasshouse for red tomatoes
    The first stages of d'VineRipe's $30 million truss tomato glasshouse at Two Wells, South Australia, has opened. The glasshouse is owned by Victor Smorgon Group and agribusiness investment manager, Timbercorp Limited
  • New look McDonald's uses less water
    Arterra, the landscape company responsible for creating a new exterior for a McDonald's Restaurant, has installed water saving features in almost every part of the landscape
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