Water Research Australia

28/10/2026

Good news! Nominations for the ACT and NSW Water Awards have been extended until Friday 6 November!
This is your chance to put the spotlight on the outstanding people, projects and innovations making a difference across the ACT and NSW water sectors.
Whether you're celebrating an individual achievement or the incredible work of a team, we want to hear your story!
Don't miss this final opportunity to get the recognition you deserve.
Submit your nomination now: https://hubs.la/Q04Cy6jJ0

A huge thank you to our Awards sponsors – Icon Water, GHD, Beca HunterH2O, Alluvium Consulting Ltd, Gamuda Australia, John Holland, WaterNSW, Arup, BMD Group, KSB Australia, Water Research Australia, Fulton Hogan, Eurofins and Xylem – for supporting these awards.

20/10/2026

It’s National Water Week! (19-25 October) and there are lots of ways you can take part ...

You can run a workplace Connection Quiz, host an activity, share a local water story or help others in your network get involved.

And if you do take part - remember to register your activity so it becomes part of the national picture of National Water Week participation.

Every community has its own water story, so in the lead-up to this National Water Week, take a closer look at where your water comes from, where it goes after you use it, and the people, places and systems that keep communities healthy and thriving. As this year’s theme highlights: Water is Life.

Links to get involved are in the comments!

| Australian Water Association

28/09/2026

Calling SA Water Professionals!

Join leading South Australian experts for WaterRA's next Know Your Neighbour (KYN) event.

From climate resilience and water security to emerging contaminants and circular economy transitions, the water sector is facing increasingly complex challenges that no single organisation can solve alone.

This event will explore trans-disciplinary approaches in research and the power of collaboration in addressing the water sector's most pressing challenges.

Through presentations and interactive discussion, attendees will hear perspectives from researchers, utilities, and industry partners on what successful collaboration looks like in practice, and how stronger partnerships can accelerate innovation and deliver better outcomes for South Australia's water future.

📅 Tuesday, 3 November 2026, 3:30-6:30 pm
📍 Amora Hotel, 233 Victoria Square, Adelaide
🔗 Register Now: https://waterra.com.au/EventDetail?EventKey=SAKYN1126

Following the formal session, join fellow water professionals for networking drinks and nibbles and connect with researchers, utilities, consultants, regulators and industry peers from across South Australia.

Whether you're a long-time member or new to the WaterRA community, this is a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful connections and explore topics that will help you make a difference.

🎟️ FREE for WaterRA members | $60 for non-members
Spaces are limited — secure your spot today!

01/06/2026

We are so glad to support this important award

A huge congratulations to CSIRO Environment and Water Corporation, recipients of this year's R&D Excellence Award!

Their project, Safeguarding Water Quality through Predictive Pathogen Management, is advancing how utilities manage Naegleria fowleri risks in drinking water distribution systems through predictive biomarkers, quantitative monitoring and climate-aware strategies.

By combining leading research with practical application, the project is strengthening public health outcomes and helping utilities respond to emerging water quality challenges both in Australia and internationally.

Thank you to Water Research Australia for sponsoring this award.

28/05/2026

Last night was an extra special one for us, and one of the best parts was the opportunity to present this year's R&D Excellence Award at the Australian Water Association's Gala Dinner.

We are proud to sponsor this award and delighted to celebrate this year's recipients, CSIRO Environment and Water Corporation.

Their winning project, Safeguarding Water Quality through Predictive Pathogen Management, is advancing how utilities manage Naegleria fowleri risks in drinking water distribution systems through predictive biomarkers, quantitative monitoring and climate-aware strategies.

Combining leading research with practical application, it is strengthening public health outcomes and helping utilities respond to emerging water quality challenges in Australia and internationally.

Thank you to the Australian Water Association for shining a light on great water research through this award.

28/05/2026

A big shout-out to all who were able to join us at our Member Connect event at Ozwater and the presentation of an extra special award …

Our Nancy Millis Memorial Award honours the ‘First Lady of Biotechnology’. A trailblazing scientist and founding Chair of WaterRA, Nancy drove innovation and opened doors for women in science.

A microbiologist of international repute, she made enormous contributions to agriculture, environmental protection, medicine, and engineering. She was a pioneer in recognising the importance of clean water, and led the development of techniques to treat industrial wastewater.

Nancy is also remembered for her tenacity. She wasn’t accepted into Melbourne University when she first applied for a Bachelor of Science—but persevered, was admitted into Agricultural Science, and went on to have an extraordinary career. Today, a building at Melbourne University bears her name in recognition of her legacy.

Joining a prestigious list of past recipients, our 2026 winner has demonstrated initiative, drive and a passion for research.

Congratulations to Stephanie Faulks from The University of Adelaide, supported by SAAFE CRC.

28/05/2026

A big congratulations to Dr Kaili Li from The University of Queensland. Kaili is part of our Research Leadership Program, and following winning the Queensland Student Water Prize, has now taken out the national gong for her project on understanding and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems in the data era.

Kaili's research is providing Australian and New Zealand utilities with practical tools and insights, and advancing how the water industry understands, monitors and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, helping progress towards net-zero goals.

Thank you to the Australian Water Association for shining a light on great research across Australia through the Australian Water Awards.

19/05/2026

Not long now until Ozwater’26!

If you’ll be there, we hope that you will join us for a special networking event we are holding at the close of Day 1.

The event is free for staff and RLP students of Water Research Australia member organisations and paid tickets are available for non-members.

It will include presentation of the Nancy Millis Memorial Award, insights on sector challenges from our inaugural Research Outlook, and a preview of our new 2030 Strategy.

Tues 26 May, 6:30-9:00 pm (AEST)
Sky Level, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Drinks and canapés included
Members: Free | Non-Members: $75

It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and make new industry and research connections.

Australian Water Association ’26