As Australia faces a future affected by climate change, the reliability of its water systems become more important than ever. But when water security covers such broad ground, where do water authorities focus?
Interflow Contracts Manager, John Weaver, said at the centre of most water security success is a well‑maintained asset base.
“In the late 1970s and early 1980s there was a flurry of new sewer and water construction throughout Australia,” he said.
“In the late 80s and early 90s, the sector moved away from new construction and towards asset management.”
Legislation was introduced locking councils and water authorities in to coming up with long‑term plans to maintain the value of their assets.
“That led to a lot of the relining work that Interflow did from the early 1990s, which is how we became deeply involved in water security,” Mr Weaver said.
While maintenance will always be a core focus, the attention of water managers is also shifting towards ensuring water supply will not be affected by climate change.
“In other words, how do we take the stuff that falls from the sky, hold on to it and reuse it over and over again,” Mr Weaver said.
“That’s the next phase of water security.”
Recycling will play a major role in the water security solution in Australia, he believes. This has to do with reusing wastewater in the potable supply, as well as considering where wastewater is being sent.
How do managers prevent water loss?
Non-revenue water loss is a very big issue globally. In Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, non‑revenue water loss stands at around ten per cent of water utilities’ system input.
Mr Weaver said, however, that the more networks reduce water loss, the less water required in the long run.
The combination of the reuse of water and the prevention of water loss could dramatically reduce the amount of water required in our systems.
“And so, a large part of the solution lies in the network,” Mr Weaver said.
“How can the water network be optimised and operated with a program that identifies potential leaks before they actually occur?”
That solution involves a mix of data-driven technology and proactive renewals programs.
How can Interflow help with water security?
Interflow’s role in water security right now is in collaborating with water authorities on their water and sewer renewals targets.
The organisation’s goal is to continue to improving asset reliability and service life, so utilities see less bursts and leaks, and instead conduct more proactive maintenance.
“A big part of the solution comes from innovating better ways of doing things, which is what Interflow does best,” Mr Weaver said.
“When we’re part of the conversation from the start we can often help release funds and resources into other areas, so water authorities can continue to improve.”
For more information, visit interflow.com.au
