Hybrid machine learning process improves operations in South Australian trial

TRILITY has developed a production cloud data management solution, KOIOS DatalytiX to provide hybrid machine learning applications and deterministic modelling tools to its operations, asset management, and engineering teams. Two optimiser applications for chemical coagulant prediction and filtration performance were deployed in the Riverland, South Australia at 10 conventional water treatment plants in 2018, to full production in 2019. One year later the impacts on the optimisation behaviour of operations teams, process performance and trihalomethane (THM) reduction outcomes are discussed.

Sensitivity analysis accurately directs water-loss reduction interventions

Water supply and delivery inefficiencies increase the overall costs of water distribution networks, which is ultimately paid for by the customer through increased water prices or by society through cross-subsidisation. The benefits of correctly identifying and implementing efficiency improvement programs in water networks generally outweigh their costs. The paper illustrates how the interrelationship between components of the water balance influences the derivation of water-loss performance indicators and directs the selection of loss reduction interventions. Data anomalies in one part of the balance will affect other parts due to the balance maintaining its equilibrium.

Low-carbon future opens opportunities for water sector

The list of countries that have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 is growing. All Australian states and territories have committed to this target. It has prompted businesses in both the public and private sectors to begin developing and investing in strategies that contribute to a low carbon future. The global climate policy instruments, particularly the Paris Agreement, provides the legal framework for countries to plan and deliver on their commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the traditional energy sources (coal, gas, oil, solar and wind) will continue to play an important role in Australia’s future, the transition to a low carbon economy will require a diverse mix of other transformational low emission technologies. Energy-from-waste technologies like direct combustion, gasification and anaerobic digestion will play a major role in the waste management sector to support state and national resource recovery goals including the transition to a circular economy. Renewable gas and hydrogen production, as well as carbon capture and storage will complement current efforts to decarbonise the industrial, transport, domestic and energy sectors. This paper presents an overview of the policies relating to climate change and emissions reduction strategies in Australia, as well as a review of low emission technologies and investment opportunities for the water and waste sectors.

“Gully pit inserts” shown to reduce pollutants in stormwater

‘Gully pit inserts’ (or ‘gully baskets’) are a commonly applied stormwater control measure given they can often be easily integrated into gully pits with no impact to the usability of the area. Stormwater treatment performance monitoring has been undertaken for a gully pit with a fine grade (200-micron) bag of 300mm depth in a car-park in Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. The gully pit insert receives runoff from a 100% impervious car-park area of 400m2. Influent and effluent water quality samples were collected using automated samplers, which were connected to pre-configured and calibrated flow analysis of treated effluent and sample pacing with remote communication and data access. Collected samples were delivered to and analysed in a NATA-accredited laboratory for pH and concentrations of suspended solids and nutrient species. Monitoring was undertaken between December 2019 and March 2021, with a total of fifteen (15) runoff events recorded during this period. The performance testing demonstrated that the gully pit insert was able to achieve significant reductions in stormwater pollutant concentrations, with a concentration reduction efficiency ratio for total suspended solids, total phosphorus and total nitrogen of 52, 67 and 41% respectively.

When urban stormwater meets high groundwater

New land releases in the Perth Region on Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain are increasingly constrained by seasonally high groundwater (within 4m of the land surface). The measurement, modelling, and management of the effects of urbanisation in these high groundwater environments remains a challenging problem. To address this problem, the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities (CRWSC) funded the “Knowledge-based water sensitive city solutions for groundwater impacted developments” Integrated Research Project, IRP5. In 2019, this project convened an Expert Panel to assess best-practice, and make recommendations to land development, engineering consulting, regulatory and advisory stakeholders. The Expert Panel explored strategies for groundwater risk assessment and provided technical guidance for measuring, modelling and predicting changes in groundwater as urbanisation progresses. It also obtained extensive input from stakeholders on the need to reduce the costs and risks of urban development in sites with high groundwater. In this paper, we argue that, by integrating technical best-practice groundwater assessments with design innovations and reforms to governance, urban development on high groundwater sites on the Swan Coastal Plain can minimise the current reliance on large volumes of sand fill. Although challenging, shifting to a low-fill development paradigm would represent a triple-bottom-line “win” for developers, homeowners and the environment.

Digital metering hands control to customers

GWMWater’s urban water customers can now better track their water usage on their phone, computer or any other electronic device following the completion of an Urban Remote Metering project in December 2020. Internet of Things (IoT) communication technology has been used to connect the 29,000 communications-enabled, all-in-one water meters and 3000 retrofitted meters to a secure network. Using this technology GWMWater is empowering rural and urban customers with pseudo real-time data in a Customer Portal so they can better understand their water use and adjust their habits where required.

Australian exemplars of sustainable and economic managed aquifer recharge

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can improve water security by using aquifers to store water when it is abundant until required for future use and can increase the use of urban stormwater and treated wastewater to reduce the demand on traditional surface water and groundwater supplies. Recently, two Australian examples were showcased internationally as sustainable and economic MAR: Perth’s groundwater replenishment scheme (GWRS) with recycled water to increase security of urban water supply and a multi-site urban stormwater MAR scheme for suburban non-potable water supply in Salisbury, Adelaide. This paper provides a synopsis of these Australian exemplars of sustainable and economic MAR.