Research and Development

Led by Vaughan Mitchell at Deakin University, a groundbreaking project is underway to assess bushfire risks to water quality and distribution systems. By testing water and pipe integrity at various heat levels, they simulate the impact of bushfires, ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of environmental challenges.

Christina Semasingha's research in the Barwon region examined community attitudes toward climate-independent water sources like indirect and direct potable water reuse. Her findings revealed the fluid nature of these attitudes among both communities and individuals, paving the way for more effective community engagement strategies tailored to specific preferences and concerns.

Dr. Deepak Mallya's research focused on assessing water quality risks and treatability impacts in untreated drinking water storages using floating covers to prevent evaporation. By investigating the effects of floating plastic covers on water quality, the project aims to improve water efficiency without compromising existing water quality standards.

We're teaming up with Dr. James Gong from Deakin University to detect sewage network blockages early using data analysis and algorithm development. By monitoring changes in our sewer network, we're pioneering proactive solutions to prevent issues before they become major problems.

Exploring the health and management of our waterways is crucial. Multiple projects are investigating the impacts of remediation and landscape changes on river health, water scarcity, and ecological/cultural well-being over time. By studying before and after effects, we're advancing strategies for sustainable waterway management.

Before wastewater can be recycled or released, it must undergo treatment, which unfortunately generates potent greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide. This project aims to assess how wastewater treatment technologies impact greenhouse gas production. By reviewing and organising this data, we hope to find a way to modify treatment plant operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This project explored converting biosolids and food/garden waste into biochar. Biochar is rich in carbon and can be used in the anode of batteries. By repurposing waste into biochar, we're innovating sustainable solutions for battery manufacturing. This project won the Australian Water Association Research Excellence Award in 2023.

Pictured above: Shaun Cumming (Managing DIrector, Barwon Water), A/Prof Nolene Byrne (Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University), Professor Kalpit Shah (Deputy Director of ARC Biosolids Training Centre) and Michael Thomas (Research and Development Lead, Barwon Water).

Research projects are underway to find circular uses for Water Treatent Sludge and other resources from Barwon Water. Potential applications include using them as additives for seed raising and road base materials, contributing to sustainable resource management.

Barwon Water have teamed up with Deakin University, Federation University, and RMIT to research emerging contaminants. In one project, Deakin University and Federation University are exploring how microplastics and pharmaceutical products can enter Lake Colac. The researchers are also exploring the potential accumulation in flora and fauna. RMIT are investigating the fate of microplastics through our treatment processes, as well their destruction when exposed to thermal treatment.

Dr Aaron Shultz and PhD candidate Nishat Urmi collect shrimp to analyse for potential microplastics at Lake Colac.

Wastewater analysis is a powerful tool for tracking drug use nationally. Through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's (ACIC) program, we partner with the University of Queensland in providing samples that provide valuable insights into drug consumption trends across Australia, helping identify threats from serious and organized crime. By analyzing these findings, stakeholders can inform national discussions, shape policies, and implement targeted interventions.