melbourne water research and development...restoration trajectories of stream ecosystems degraded by...

Melbourne Water Research and Development2012–2013

Contents

RESEARCH AT MELBOURNE WATER ......................................................................... 1

WHY WE DO RESEARCH ................................................................................................ 2

MAKING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS ................................... 3

MAXIMISING OUR PARTNERSHIPS ............................................................................ 4

FUNDING SUCCESS – AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL ............................ 5

SEEKING VALUE – RETURN ON INVESTMENT ..................................................... 6

MAKING CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................... 8

IMPROVING OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM .................. 9

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS

1. Water recycling research .............................................................................. 10

2. Energy and greenhouse research ............................................................... 12

3. Asset management research ....................................................................... 14

4. Waterways and wetlands research ............................................................ 16

5. Drinking water research ............................................................................... 18

6. Climate change and variability research ................................................. 20

7. Treatment technology, marine and biosolids research ....................... 22

8. Aquatic ecology research ............................................................................. 24

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CURRENT PROGRAM ................................. 26

melbournewater.com.au | 1

Research at Melbourne Water

At Melbourne Water we work to provide safe, secure and reliable water services, desirable urban spaces and thriving natural environments, waterways and bays. Our Research and Development Program is a major contributor to achieving this.

The program is underpinned by our commitment to always look for better ways to do things. We believe research is an investment in our communities, the environment and the future. It enhances our scientific knowledge, helps reduce environmental and public health risks and improves efficiency, productivity and innovation.

Currently, Melbourne Water has eight formal research programs:

• Water recycling research, including at our Eastern Treatment Plant, Western Treatment Plant and alternative sources

• Energy and greenhouse research, including greenhouse gas emission and biomass from algae

• Asset management research, including sewer corrosion and asset renewals

• Waterways and wetlands research, including stormwater quality, catchment modelling and biodiversity

• Drinking water research, including water resources, public health and catchments

• Climate change and variabilty research, including climate change projections, impact studies, risk management and adaptation research

• Treatment technology, marine and biosolids research, including recreational water quality, biosolids remediation and effluent discharge quality

• Aquatic ecology research, including endocrine disruptors, ecotoxicology and river health

Collaboration is central to our research program. We partner with many expert external organisations such as the CSIRO, Cooperative Research Centres and universities, and together we deliver creative solutions that are valued by our customers and stakeholders.

We are proud to present some of the highlights of our joint activities for the past year in this document. If you would like more information about research and development at Melbourne Water please contact

Dr Melita Stevens, Manager Research and Technology 03 9679 7220

Welcome to our 2012-13 Research and Development Report, highlighting our investment in research, development and technology.

2 | Melbourne Water Research and Development 2012-2013

Why we do research

MEETING OUR LEGISLATIVE OBLIGATIONS

Melbourne Water undertakes a number of research projects to make sure we meet our legislative obligations. This includes Victoria’s Safe Drinking Water Act (2003) and Drinking Water Regulations (2005), the Essential Services Commission Statement of Obligations, the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994), the Environment Protection Act (1970) and the Melbourne Water Waterways Operating Charter (2012-13 to 2017-18).

MITIGATING RISK

Mitigating risk is a significant driver for research. Melbourne Water’s water supply, sewerage and drainage systems are complex environments. By undertaking research we are able to understand and minimise risks to systems, processes, environments and public health.

For example, we are able to determine adequate levels of water and sewage treatment, find out if waterway health is being damaged from road runoff or sewer spills, and determine the life expectancy of our assets.

DRIVING EFFICIENCIES

How can we do things better, faster, cheaper? Efficiency and innovation are necessary elements of a successful business. The drive to improve processes and systems requires a significant research effort. Research is used to answer questions around different modes of operation, different treatment configurations and improved approaches to everyday tasks as well as future requirements. For example, is there a more cost effective way of achieving the same recycled water quality?

ACHIEVING OUTCOMES

Outcome driven research has resulted in significant savings for Melbourne Water. Outcomes based on customer needs (low cost drinking water), regulatory compliance (treatment efficiency) and stakeholder satisfaction (water resource estimation) represent the basis of our Research and Development Program.

For example, Melbourne Water is able to provide low cost drinking water as we do not have to filter water from our protected catchments. To show the Department of Health that this water is safe for drinking we undertake more than $600K worth of research per year. By investing in this research we save up to 1 billion dollars by not including filtration in the treatment process.

We do research for a number of reasons - The above word cloud shows responses from Melbourne Water people who manage, undertake and use research.


Making research and development decisions

In order to ensure that research undertaken is relevant and high quality, a number of approaches to developing research portfolios and prioritising projects are adopted.

The basis for program development is consultation, collaboration and an understanding of what is driving research both nationally and internationally. The following diagram indicates the variety of drivers, responses and success indicators that underpin Melbourne Water’s approach to research and development.

Reputation

Engagement with customers

Degree of uptake

Return on Investment

Operating Charter (Waterways)

Risk register

Progress reports

Influencing policy

Positive feedback

Development of relationships

Requests for involvement

Funding continuing

Leverage

ESC

R&T Team

Healthy Waterways Strategy

Internal customers

Authorising Environment

Granting bodies (ARC, SWF)

Retailers

External customers

Other water utilities

Strategic Priorities

Clear beneficiary

Incidents

Reputation

Risk

Leverage

Operational outcome

Deferred expenditure

Multiple benefits

Weight of support

Authorising environment

Funds

External agencies business plan

Customers

Strategic Direction

Risk register

SOO

Waterways strategies

Regulators

Opportunistic

• Researchers

• Public Interest

Incidents

Overseas new ideas

Idea Pool

Other sectors

HOW DO WE

PRIORITISE?

WHERE IS FUNDING

FROM?

HOW DO WE DETERMINE SUCCESS?

HOW DOES THE

NEED ARISE?


Maximising our partnerships

We believe that better outcomes are achieved by working with others. In 2012-13, Melbourne Water invested more than $6 million in research supporting 57 individual projects. The total funding for these projects, including contributions from other utilities and state and federal Government, exceeded $41 million.

This leverage was achieved by collaborating with more than 100 different universities, water utilities, stakeholders and agencies, including 13 of the 18 other Victorian water utilities. This represents a leverage ratio of almost 7:1 which is higher than most water utilities. Any leverage ratio over 3:1 is considered desirable.

This leverage means we are exposed to ideas and expertise from others, in and outside of our industry, resulting in the development of relationships and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

RESEARCH PARTNERS 2012/13

Universities

• ANU

• CAPIM (Uni Melb)

• Charles Darwin University

• Curtin University

• Deakin University

• Flinders University

• Griffith University

• Latrobe University

• Michigan State University

• Monash University

• Newcastle University

• RMIT University

• Southern Cross University

• The University of Sydney

• The University of Adelaide

• University of Balaeric Islands

• University of Canberra

• University of Colorado

• University of Exeter (UK)

• University of Illnois (USA)

• The University of Melbourne

• University of Montana

• The University of Queensland

• University of Southern Denmark

• University of WA

• UNSW

• University of Technology Sydney

Water Utilities

• ACT Electricity and Water

• Allconnex

• Barwon Water

• City West Water

• Coliban Water

• District of Columbia W&SA

• Gippsland Water

• Gold Coast CC

• Goulburn Murray Water

• Goulburn Valley Water

• Goulburn Wimmera Mallee Water

• Hunter Water

• Orange County Water (USA)

• Qld Urban Utilities

• SA Water

• SEQ Water

• South East Water

• South Gippsland Water

• Southern Rural Water

• Sydney Catchment Authority

• Sydney Water

• United Water

• Wannon Water

• WaterCorp WA

• West Basin Municipal Water District (USA)

• Western Water

• Wide Bay Water (Qld)

• Yarra Valley Water

Government

• Arthur Rylah Institute

• Biosecurity Victoria

• Brimbank CC

• Bureau of Meteorology

• Darebin CC

• Department of Health Victoria

• Department of Water – WA

• DEPI

• Dept of Env and Resource Mgt (Qld)

• Dept Nat Resources and Water (Qld)

• EPA Victoria

• Fisheries Victoria

• Glenelg Hopkins CMA

• Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

• Greater Dandenong CC

• Institute of Fisheries Research (Tas)

• Land Care Research – NZ

• Monash CC

• Murray Darling Basin Commission

• Museum Victoria

• Nat Inst Water and Atmospheric Research

• Nat Library Australia

• North Central CMA

• Dept Env Climate Change and Water (NSW)

• Parks Victoria

• Port Phillip and Westernport CMA

• Port Phillip CC

• Powerhouse Museum

• Qld Bulk Water Supply Authority

• Qld EPA

• Royal Botanic Gardens

• Shire of Yarra Ranges

• State Library NSW

• Trust for Nature

• Whittlesea CC

Research Agencies

• Australian Research Council

• Aust Water Quality Centre

• Aust Water Recycling Centre of Excellence

• CRC Urban Ecology

• CRC Water Sensitive Cities

• CSIRO

• Smart Water Fund

• UKWIR (UK)

• Water Research Australia

• WaterRF (USA)

• WERF (USA)

• Water Services Association of Australia

57 PROJECTS

$6 MILLION CASH MW

$41 MILLION TOTAL

28 UNIVERSITIES

28 WATER UTILITIES

40 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

12 RESEARCH AGENCIES


An example of funding success – Australian Research Council

The Australian Research Council (ARC) is a major source of funds and the Linkage scheme under the National Competitive Grants Program is designed to develop long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and other organisations, including industry, in order to apply advanced knowledge to problems and/or to provide opportunities to obtain national economic, social or cultural benefit.

Melbourne Water participates in ARC Linkage projects as a partner organisation and has done so in 45 successful projects since the inception of Linkage grants in 2002. This has resulted in $14.7 million in federal research funds being used to support Melbourne Water research. In 2012-13, Melbourne Water was involved in 13 ARC Linkage proposals, of which 8 were successful, representing funding of $3.4 million. This is an excellent outcome given the success rate for ARC grants is approximately 20 per cent. The successful projects for 2013 are described below:

Online monitoring of cyanobacteria to predict coagulant doses and powdered activated carbon application in water treatment – $390K

University: University of New South Wales

Partners: Melbourne Water, SA Water, South East Queensland Water, NSW Office of Water, Sydney Catchment Authority and Water Research Australia

The recovery of seagrass beds: the role of catchments and options for management responses – $466K

University: Monash University

Partners: Melbourne Water, EPA Victoria, Parks Victoria

Impacts of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on Australian aquatic ecosystems – $308K

University: Monash University

Partners: Melbourne Water

Establishing next-generation technology platforms for the detection and monitoring of microorganisms in Melbourne’s water catchments – $600K

University: University of Melbourne


Reducing land and infrastructure requirements for water evaporation from biosludge through dry stacking – $270K



Optimising seasonal decisions for environmental water use – $710K


Partners: Melbourne Water, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, SKM, Murray Darling Basin Authority, Bureau of Meteorology, Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

Restoration trajectories of stream ecosystems degraded by urban stormwater runoff: a large-scale experiment in urban hydrology and stream ecology – $412K


Partners: Melbourne Water, Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Office of Living Victoria

Mimicking natural ecosystems to improve green roof performance – $265K


Partners: Melbourne Water, City of Melbourne

Melbourne Water relies heavily on leveraging research funding through collaboration and from sourcing funding through competitive grants.


Measuring the value of research can be a difficult task. The water industry in Australia, primarily through the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Research Managers Network, has initiated discussion on return on investment (ROI) for research and development outcomes. The ROI for research and development can be difficult to determine for programs where the benefits of research are not quantifiable in financial terms. This includes amenity, wellbeing, waterway condition and ecosystem health.

In October 2012, Melbourne Water’s Research and Technology Team commissioned an independent consultant (IP Global Services) to undertake an ROI on the measurable value of the Research and Development Program from 2008-09 to 2012-13. Results showed that $20 million was invested in research administered through the Research and Technology Team with a return on investment of $140 million – a ratio of 7:1.

The majority of this ROI centred around asset management and avoidance of filtration. In light of this study, an emphasis on determining the value of intangible benefits – such as waterway condition, has been incorporated into a number of research projects. In future it is envisaged that these benefits will be included in ROI calculations.

Seeking value – return on investment


$61MINVESTMENT 1995–2013

$980MDEFERRED

$925MSAVED

UPPER YARRA

PROJECT$100M

WTP PHYTO-

REMEDIATION$25M

PORT PHILLIP BAY$180M

WATER QUALITY STUDY

$800M

BOAGS ROCKS STUDY

$400M

ETP TECH TRIALS

$400M


Making connections

The Australian water industry research community is small and geographically dispersed. Research managers at Melbourne Water are encouraged to be actively involved in the wider industry at a local, national and international scale.

Sitting on industry and government committees, collaborative projects, research organisations and university advisory groups provides an opportunity to understand emerging issues, strategic priorities and research direction.

A number of Melbourne Water people hold adjunct positions at major universities. Through committee involvement we have contributed to the development of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, The Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling, The Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters and the World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking–water Quality. This involvement in the wider research community means that we are well placed to understand new issues as they arise and influence the research agenda.

LOCALNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL


Improving our research and development program

Feedback was sought from within Melbourne Water to improve the effectiveness of the Research and Development Program. Workshops were held with Melbourne Water’s Leadership Team and others with the aim of gaining an understanding of what the organisation wants from the program and suggestions for improvement.

Internal feedback was combined with data from customers and stakeholders during Melbourne Water’s 2012 Customer Mapping and Feedback project and used as the basis for a Research and Development Improvement Plan. The improvement plan has been approved by Melbourne Water’s Board and will be implemented over the next 18 months. The plan focusses on increased transparency of research project prioritisation and a greater emphasis on knowledge transfer and communication of research outcomes.

The eight themes in the Research and Development Improvement Plan are shown below:

IMPROVEMENT PLAN

THEMES

1 2

3

4

5

68

7

ALIGN WITH STRATEGY

TRANSPARENT MODEL

FUTURE HORIZON EXPLORATION

BUILD REPUTATION TO SUPPORT ADVOCACY

SOCIAL RESEARCH

CROSS-BOUNDARY DISCUSSION

COLLABORATION

COMMUNICATION

10 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN GUIDELINES FOR DISINFECTION OF RECYCLED WATER WITH CHLORINE.


CHLORINE DISINFECTION OF RECYCLED WATER AT THE NEW EASTERN TREATMENT PLANT TERTIARY PLANT

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 1. Water recycling research

STRATEGIC NEED:

Disinfection of water by chlorine is measured by multiplying the amount of chlorine in the water (C) by time (t) of exposure to derive a value called “Ct”. By achieving a certain Ct value in water, a known level of disinfection can be guaranteed. The Ct values used for disinfection of recycled water have until very recently been the same as those used for potable water, despite the wider variety of pathogens potentially present and the higher carbon content of the recycled water. The health regulators in some states were considering the use of higher Ct values for recycled water in the absence of scientific proof. Overseas in the USA, similar concerns were also being expressed in a September 2012 report prepared for the Californian Department of Public Health. If Ct values were increased, the amount of added chlorine would increase, considerably increasing the cost of recycled water. Melbourne Water responded to this need by championing a project which set out to provide this much needed knowledge.

FUNDING:

The project was funded by the Smart Water Fund with co-contributions by SA Water

COLLABORATORS:

The Australian Water Quality Centre in South Australia carried out the research. Melbourne Water acted as the industry water champion and chaired the Project Advisory Committee working closely with the project team. The Victorian Department of Health and Water Futures also formed part of the project advisory team.

PURPOSE:

The project will develop scientifically proven guidelines for disinfection of recycled water with chlorine.

BENEFITS:

The project has delivered Ct values which are specific for recycled water ensuring that appropriate amounts of chlorine are added to recycled water to protect public health. In addition, by avoiding adding excessive chlorine, there are considerable cost savings and fewer chlorine disinfection by-products are formed. The new Ct values have been used at the Tertiary Treatment Plant which treats all effluent from Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant and has led to cost savings. Benefits also extend to all water utilities in Victoria as the Ct values developed in this project are now part of the Victorian Department of Health guidelines for class A recycled water.

ALGAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM MELBOURNE WATER’S ENERGY USE.12 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 2. Energy and greenhouse research

ALGAE FOR ENERGY: A WASTEWATER SOLUTION

STRATEGIC NEED:

The activated sludge process, commonly used for wastewater treatment is very energy intensive; Melbourne Water is one of the 15 largest electricity consumers in Victoria, and wastewater treatment is our biggest power demand. In contrast, algal wastewater treatment processes require far less energy to operate. In an algal treatment process the nutrients in the wastewater, combined with energy from sunlight, can be used to grow algae. This algal biomass can then be used as a fuel source (or for a range of other beneficial uses). In total, algal wastewater treatment has the potential to transform Melbourne Water from a significant electricity consumer to a net exporter of energy in the form of renewable electricity or biofuels.

FUNDING:

Smart Water Fund, Flinders University (School of the Environment), Melbourne Water

PURPOSE:

This project will design, construct, operate and evaluate the performance of two demonstration algal ponds at the Western Treatment Plant. By operating the ponds over 12 months, we will understand climatic impacts on their operation and be able to optimise pond management. We expect to learn about their wastewater treatment performance and to determine the ability of the ponds to produce algal biomass for use as a renewable energy source.

BENEFITS:

We expect to understand how high rate algal ponds are likely to perform at Melbourne Water, providing data to design and evaluate full-scale ponds for wastewater treatment. When combined with further investigation into the costs and benefits of converting algal biomass to energy, this will allow for a holistic assessment of the potential to integrate algal ponds into Melbourne Water’s wastewater treatment operations.

Melbourne Water may also retain the constructed ponds as a durable research asset for use in further studies into algae growth, harvesting, and conversion of algae to electricity or fuel.


USING FIBRE OPTIC SENSORS TO MONITOR SOUND, VIBRATION, TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE.

14 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

FIBRE OPTIC SOLUTIONS FOR PIPELINES

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 3. Asset management research

STRATEGIC NEED:

“planning, operating and maintaining our built and natural assets efficiently by incorporating innovative and whole-of-life system approaches”

FUNDING:

Department of State Development, Business and Innovation, Hawk Measurement Systems Pty Ltd.

COLLABORATORS:

Melbourne Water, Monash University, South East Water, and CSIRO Land and Water.

PURPOSE:

A need was identified to monitor the performance and deterioration of new pipelines, from the time they are placed under the ground, in a cost effective manner. Existing fibre optic sensing technology has the capability to monitor the condition and integrity of replaced and/or new pipe assets. Current solutions were focussed more on above ground pipes.

This project focusses on developing cost effective ways to attach existing sensing technology to pipelines. A system is needed that allows sensors to be installed and managed as pipelines have a very long service life. Fibre optic sensors have the capability to monitor sound, vibration, strain, temperature and pressure along the length of a pipeline. Factors that impact a pipeline may vary over the life of the asset, so the solution needs to cater for short-term and long-term issues.

BENEFITS:

• production of a Feasibility Study Report

• literature reviews

• development of multi-criteria analysis framework

• field and laboratory tests to validate assumptions

• development of a Proof of Concept solution

• a system that is upgradeable and replaceable

• a system that can be applied to new or existing assets

• a system that can be installed externally, internally, or temporarily

• a system that can be used to carry signals/messages from other sensors

• continuous real-time measurement of pipeline performance.


THE PARTNERSHIP FOCUSSES ON UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVERS OF WATERWAY ECOSYSTEM CONDITION IN BOTH URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS.16 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

MELBOURNE WATERWAYS RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 4. Waterways and wetlands research

STRATEGIC NEED:

The partnership program will target several strategic research gaps (i.e. those that are not already being addressed by other research groups) identified in Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways, Stormwater and Integrated Water Management strategies.

FUNDING:

Melbourne Water is the principal funder, although the University of Melbourne is contributing significant in-kind resources. The partnership will also be actively seeking further funding through research grant applications and collaborations with other agencies and research institutions.

COLLABORATORS:

Melbourne Water and The University of Melbourne.

PURPOSE / BENEFITS:

The partnership between Melbourne Water and the University of Melbourne, represents a new approach to waterway management research for the next five years (2013-14 to 2017-18). It supports a dual focus of:

• Applied research to underpin the improved management of both urban and rural waterways.

• Knowledge transfer that integrates research findings and broader science into Melbourne Water activities (and other industry stakeholders).

The partnership focusses on understanding the drivers of waterway ecosystem condition in both urban and rural environments, and the prioritisation and design of interventions at the catchment and in-stream scale that best protect and restore waterway ecosystems. It will encourage other collaborations, and will actively provide opportunities for integrated and complementary projects with other waterways and stormwater research groups and natural resource management agencies. It also has a strong emphasis on two-way knowledge transfer – uptake of outcomes within the business and building a shared understanding of management issues and opportunities.


MELBOURNE IS ONE OF FIVE MAJOR CITIES IN THE WORLD WITH PROTECTED WATER CATCHMENTS.18 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 5. Drinking water research

CATCHMENT PATHOGENS

STRATEGIC NEED:

Melbourne Water supplies low cost, high quality drinking water, some drawn from protected catchments with minimal treatment, mostly chlorination only. Most other water supplies in the developed world are drawn from open, multi-use catchment areas and are filtered to reduce public health risk and to improve the aesthetics of the water. In the USA the USEPA requires filtration avoidance waiver if the supply is not filtered and these waivers are rarely granted. Melbourne is one of five major cities in the world with protected catchments where human impacts are minimal and water quality is sufficiently high to not require filtration. To filter the Melbourne supply would cost in the order of a billion dollars.

FUNDING:

The project is supported by an ARC (Australian Research Council) Linkage Grant and the research partner is the University of Melbourne parasitology group within the Veterinary School lead by Professor Robin Gasser.

PURPOSE:

To ensure we have a scientifically supported public health risk profile for the closed water supply catchments.

BENEFITS:

Confidence that the drinking water supplied from the protected catchments is safe. The ability to continue to supply low cost drinking water. The support of the Victorian Department of Health for Melbourne Water to remain an unfiltered supply from the protected catchment areas.


THE INFORMATION FROM THIS RESEARCH PUTS IN CONTEXT THE RISKS OF PROLONGED DROUGHTS IN MELBOURNE.20 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

ASSESSING THE UNCERTAINTY OF CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR AUSTRALIAN RIVER FLOWS (AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL-LINKAGE PROJECT, APRIL 2010 TO MARCH 2013)

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 6. Climate change and variability research

STRATEGIC NEED:

The recent 13-year (1997-2009) ‘Millennium drought’ in South-eastern Australia including Melbourne was unprecedented in recorded history. The 2006 inflow into Melbourne’s four major water supply reservoirs was the lowest on record, with the 1997-2009 average annual inflow 39 per cent lower than the pre-1997 long-term flow. As a result, Melbourne was on water restrictions from 2006 to 2012.

There is a need to enhance our understanding of the changes in the recent hydro-climatic conditions, and the uncertainty in variability and projected changes in Melbourne’s future climatic and streamflow conditions. The research outcomes will guide business decisions to deliver our services in a changing and variable climate through a sustainable and adaptable approach.

FUNDING:

The project was led by researchers including Emeritus Professor Tom McMahon, Professor David Karoly and Dr Murray Peel from the University of Melbourne. It was funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through an ARC-Linkage Project, Melbourne Water and the Bureau of Meteorology.

PURPOSE:

The project aimed to assess the range of uncertainty about future annual river flows based on Global Climate Models (GCMs) and catchment scale climate change projections, and to develop non-stationary methods to generate stochastic data based on better performing GCMs. Hydrological analysis using precipitation-runoff model and reservoir yield analysis were carried out to quantify the uncertainty to inform water resources management and climate change adaptation for Australia and Melbourne.

BENEFITS:

Enhance our understanding of recent changes in hydro-climate, and enhance our understanding of uncertainty in future climate and streamflow.

The information from this research puts in context the risks of prolonged droughts in Melbourne, and provides an improved basis for risk assessment/adaptation, and sustainable water resources planning and integrated water management in the context of a changing and variable climate.


FOAM IS THE LAST MAJOR UNRESOLVED PROBLEM IN ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEMS.22 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

BACTERIOPHAGES FOR FOAM CONTROL IN WASTEWATER PROCESSING

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 7. Treatment technology, marine and biosolids research

STRATEGIC NEED:

Foaming in wastewater treatment is a serious operational problem that compromises safety and plant performance, including interfering with the solid/liquid separation. These foams are highly stable and can be very thick. Foams can trap pathogens and pose a health and ecological risk when discharged to the environment. Foaming is a significant international and national issue and has been described as the last major unsolved problem in the operation of activated sludge systems. Foam is a particular operational, compliance and safety issue at Eastern Treatment Plant and to a lesser extent Western Treatment Plant.

FUNDING:

Australian Research Council, Melbourne Water, SA Water, WaterCorp WA, University of Melbourne, LaTrobe University

PURPOSE:

A previous Australian Research Council linkage project conducted by researchers at La Trobe University has identified and demonstrated at a laboratory scale the important role of phages (viruses that infect bacteria) in the control of foam stabilising bacteria in activated sludge treatment in waste-water processing. The role of foam in causing safety and solid-liquid separation issues as well as other aesthetic issues at water discharge points is well documented but the cause and means of tackling the foaming issue are not well understood.

The current Australian Research Council project includes laboratory and full scale application of cultured phages to foaming activated sludge. This study includes consideration of:

• The robustness of the approach to a new species filling the gap left by targeted species and ensure that treatment effectiveness is not reduced by application of phages.

• The likelihood of evolution of target species to achieve resistance to phage infection.

• The scale up of culture of phages for dosing.

• Dosing and monitoring of performance for a continuous wastewater facility.

• Achieving good mixing in the full-scale environment and ensuring effectiveness of dose.

BENEFITS:

The project will provide a means of controlling foam in activated sludge plants by dosing viral phages to specifically attack the host foaming bacteria. It is likely that this treatment would be effective within hours of dosing. A means of controlling foam would provide operational, safety and effluent quality improvements and result in substantial cost savings. The findings would be globally applicable.


THE PARTNERSHIP FOCUSSES ON UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVERS OF WATERWAY ECOSYSTEM CONDITION IN BOTH URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS.24 | Melbourne Water Research and Development

CENTRE FOR AQUATIC POLLUTION IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT (CAPIM)

KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS: 8. Aquatic ecology research

STRATEGIC NEED:

Research priorities for CAPIM align with Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways and Stormwater strategies. The research outcomes are intended to provide improvements to current operating systems, particularly in understanding aquatic pollution issues and how they are best managed.

FUNDING:

Melbourne Water, Australian Research Council, University of Melbourne, EPA Victoria, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

PURPOSE:

CAPIM is a research alliance with the University of Melbourne that provides integration of research outcomes within Melbourne Water and close oversight of research objectives and projects. Aquatic ecology research funds are used to support CAPIM whose research programs are designed to develop and/or test available technologies to assess pollution impacts on aquatic environments, to develop technologies to identify priority contaminants causing environmental degradation, and to identify major sources of these pollutants. CAPIM has a strong management focus and there are eight major programs of work: Toxicants in sediments, Sediment quality monitoring, Microcosms and sediment toxicity, Pesticides, Ecotoxicology, Biomarkers, Endocrine disrupting chemicals and trait-based indicators.

http://capim.com.au/



Research and Development Current Program

WATER RECYCLING RESEARCH

Smart Water Fund

Drinking and Recycled Water Cross Connection Detection

Pathogen/Indicators Log Removal Values

Chemical Contaminants Removal - Unit Processes

Environmental and Health Risk Assessment

Novel Treatment Processes

Emerging Chemical Issues

AWRCE National Validation Guidelines

Increasing the Use of Recycled Water

ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE RESEARCH

Use of Mathematical Modelling to Improve the Efficiency of Large Pumping Stations

Biomass Production from Algae

Characterisation and Quantification of Greenhouse Emissions at ETP and WTP

Direct Greenhouse Emissions Monitoring

New Greenhouse Emission Research and Development

Quantification and capture of dissolved

methane at WTP

ASSET MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

WSAA Asset Management Research Program

Corrosion and Odour Control in Sewers

Critical Pipelines Project – Part 1

Embankment Dams and Spillway Erosion

Sewer Emissions & Mitigation

Fibre Optic Solutions for Pipelines

WATERWAYS AND WETLANDS RESEARCH

Water Sensitive Cities CRC

Waterways Public Health Protection

Water Resources Strategic Planning Tools

Invasive Species Management

Native Vegetation Management

Urbanisation and Stream Ecology

Environmental Flows

Waterway Improvement Techniques

Ecology and Condition of Estuaries and Wetlands

Western Port Environment Research

Climate Change and Biodiversity

Biodiversity Conservation

DRINKING WATER RESEARCH

Catchment Sources of Pathogens

Reservoir Modelling

Bush Fire Research

Water Research Australia

CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY RESEARCH

Reconstructing pre-20th century rainfall, temperature and pressure for south-eastern Australia using palaeoclimate, documentary and early weather station data

Assessing the uncertainty of climate change projections for Australian river flows

AdaptWater Project

EU PREPARED Project (DAnCE 4 Water)

TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY, MARINE AND BIOSOLIDS RESEARCH

Eastern Treatment Plant Effluent Monitoring Study

ETP Recreational Water Quality

Western Treatment Plant Effluent Monitoring Study

Management, Processing and Phytoremediation of Biosolids

Foaming Investigations at ETP

Rheology of Sludge

AQUATIC ECOLOGY RESEARCH

Ecotoxicology of urban streams and wetlands

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Research

Pesticides and Land Use

Microcosms and waterway sediment toxicity


Water recycling research – current program

Project Project objectives/benefits Finish date

Smart Water Fund Objectives: To carry out collaborative research with the water retailers and DEPI in the areas of integrated water management, intelligent networks, water quality/product quality, water efficiency and security, the energy water nexus, market orientated regimes.

Benefits: Environmental and public health risk will be better managed; a wider variety of water resources will be used for non-potable uses to reduce demand on potable supplies; energy will be conserved or generated from renewable resources; assets will be better managed and the financial management of water will be improved.

Ongoing

Drinking and Recycled Water Cross Connection Detection

Objectives: To explore the use of fluorescence as a tool for sensitive detection of failures in recycled water treatment and distribution systems.

Benefits: Development of a sensitive tool to detect cross connections between recycled water and potable water systems.

July 2013

Pathogen/ Indicators Log Removal Values

Objectives: To determine pathogen and indicator removal by wastewater and recycled water treatment processes in order to produce fit for purpose recycled water.

Benefits: Recycled water that is fit for purpose is produced reliably and at lowest cost.

June 2018

Chemical Contaminants Removal - Unit Processes

Objectives: To establish if chemical contaminants in recycled water and its waste streams have negative effects for various end uses and investigate ways of removing the contaminants or mitigating their effects.

Benefits: Identification of priority contaminants and ways of removing them or mitigating their effects.

July 2013

Environmental and Health Risk Assessment

Objectives: To establish possible environmental and health risks from use of recycled water and waste streams from recycled water treatment processes. Work included validation of the Abraxis test kit for real-time measurement of the blue green algal toxin microcystin and establishment of the effect of chlorination on destruction of microcystin.

Benefits: Reduced risk from supply of recycled water and disposal of waste streams from recycled water

Sep 2018

Novel Treatment Processes

Objectives: Investigation of novel treatment processes which may be required to improve supply and quality of recycled water. Development of a variant of dissolved air flotation (DAF) through support of an ARC Linkage project is currently taking place. This project is investigating how to reduce operational costs involved in removing blue green algae using DAF. Support is also being provided to a pilot ozone-ceramic membrane trial being run at the ETP Tertiary Trials Plant. Work to develop an efficient ultrasound device for blue green algal destruction is also underway.

Benefits: Improved reliability, quantity, quality and cost effectiveness of recycled water supply.

Dec 2013

Emerging Chemical Issues

Objectives: Identification and prioritisation of emerging chemical contaminants in recycled water and its waste streams which are likely to pose a risk to human health and the environment. Also support of on-line measurement of sewage quality to ensure that recycled water quality can be maintained.

Benefits: Proactive identification of potentially hazardous emerging contaminants in recycled water and its waste streams and hence reduction of risk.

Dec 2018

AWRCE National Validation Guidelines

Objectives: Development of detailed validation guidelines to reduce the cost and uncertainty of validation of recycled water treatment trains.

Benefits: The cost of validating a recycled water treatment train is reduced and recycled water treatment trains gain approval more rapidly.

Dec 2014

Increasing the Use of Recycled Water

Objectives: The uses of recycled water will be expanded to maximise beneficial use of potable water and delay the requirement for the next potable augmentation project.

Benefits: Delaying the need for a further potable water augmentation project.

Dec 2018

Water recycling research

Program Description.

This program initiates or is involved in projects which provide research which will lead to an improvement in quality, quantity, cost effectiveness, related environmental issues and reliability of supply of recycled water. It also endeavours to ensure that Melbourne Water is well positioned to cope with changes over the next decade in this area.

Benefits.

Melbourne Water will benefit from the research, which will improve the security of water supply and at the same time enhance environmental conditions in regulated rivers. Future research projects are essential in establishing community and regulator acceptance for water recycling and to contribute towards achieving the government’s water recycling targets.


Energy and greenhouse research – current program


Use of Mathematical Modelling to Improve the Efficiency of Large Pumping Stations

Objectives: To reduce energy use at large pumping stations through the development of operational models of pumping stations such that energy use is minimised and operational constraints are met. Recently completed works included redefining the efficiency curves for eight pumps at the Brooklyn sewage pump station, and a review of the mathematical model. Works currently underway include recalibration and re-optimisation of the mathematical model.

Benefits: About 95% of Melbourne Water’s energy use goes to pumping water or air. Energy savings will result in lower operational costs for Melbourne Water. Initial estimates suggest a 3% efficiency improvement for the Brooklyn sewage pump station.

June 2013

Biomass Production from Algae

Objective: To increase fuel available to existing biogas fuelled power stations at ETP and WTP through the growing of algae biomass. Current work includes a feasibility study on transformation of algae biomass grown in wastewater into biogas and applications for external funding to pilot algae production.

Benefits: Additional biogas will allow the onsite generation of electricity at lower cost than the purchase of grid electricity.

June 2018

Characterisation and Quantification of Greenhouse Emissions at ETP and WTP

Objectives: To improve the accuracy of estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from ETP and WTP.

Benefits: Melbourne Water is required to report its greenhouse gas emissions to the Department of Climate Change (DCCEE) under the NGER Act (2007). Melbourne Water will also be required to meet its financial obligations under the Carbon Pricing Mechanism (from July 2012). The NGER accounting rules for wastewater treatment plants provide estimates of emissions and require experimental determination of actual emissions, using methods acceptable to the DCCEE.

Melbourne Water has joined an ARC Linkage Research Partnership with Water Corporation of WA and the University of Queensland to understand and mitigate Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions from both the ETP and WTP wastewater treatment plants.

June 2013

Direct Greenhouse Emissions Monitoring

Objective: To achieve direct monitoring of emissions.

Benefits: Understand and mitigate emissions through direct on-site measurement. The technology likely to be utilised by this project is still undergoing development.

June 2018

New Greenhouse Emission Research and Development

Objective: To improve the accuracy of estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from ETP and WTP (and the transfer system).

Benefits: Understand and mitigate fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment and transfer processes (e.g. transfer ‘headspace’, digesters, biosolids stockpiles etc).

June 2018

Energy and greenhouse research


The program focuses on investigation of energy use and alternative energy sources to ensure Melbourne Water meets its obligation to achieve the 2018 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and reduce operating costs.

Benefits.

A Greenhouse and Energy Strategy was approved by the Melbourne Water Board in 2009. In the strategy, 51 actions are identified that are now substantially complete. A revised Strategy that will assist Melbourne Water to work towards a sustainable future is in preparation. Research in the areas of energy use, greenhouse emissions and alternative energy sources is needed to ensure Melbourne Water is able to meet its objectives.


Asset management research – current program


WSAA Asset Management Research Program

Objectives: The strategic objective is to improve knowledge and performance within the Australian water sector by focussing on the areas of civil and mechanical/electrical assets.

Benefits: This project enables MW to make more soundly based decisions on the optimal treatment or replacement of assets based on improved condition and risk assessment techniques, and deterioration models.

Ongoing

Corrosion and Odour Control in Sewers

Objectives: The strategic objective of the research is to improve knowledge on the “science of odour and corrosion” in concrete pipeline sewers.

Benefits: This research will optimise the management of sewage in MW’s 400 kilometres of sewers. Outcomes to include decision support tools and a web-based knowledge management system.

June 2017

Critical Pipelines Project – Part 1

Objectives: The strategic objective is to improve knowledge, tools and processes for the optimal management of critical, large diameter water mains.

Benefits: The outcomes will help to optimise the management of MW’s 1000 kilometres of water pipelines, and provide insights into the application of new technologies in upcoming capital projects.

Late 2016

Embankment Dams and Spillway Erosion

Objectives: To improve the knowledge of erosion and leakage issues of embankment dams and spillways.

Benefits: Improved risk assessment and safety management of embankment dams and spillways.

June 2014

Sewer Emissions & Mitigation

Objectives: The strategic objective is to develop a model to predict the amount of greenhouse gas (methane and nitrous oxide) generated in a sewer, and to quantify the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies.

Benefits: Benefits include improved knowledge on the amount of methane generated in sewers, and a new model that can be incorporated into the sewer odour and corrosion model (A02) project.

June 2014

Fibre Optic Solutions for Pipelines

Objective: To adapt existing sensing technology so that it can be applied to buries water pipes in a cost effective manner. The solution is to be easy to install, be robust and reliable, durable and upgradeable.

Benefits: The solution will make pipeline performance and service data available, in a timely and cost effective manner, that can’t be obtained with existing technology.

Sept 2014

Asset management research


This program focuses on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of built and natural assets; the use of new and emerging materials and technologies; and optimising asset management functions. An important component of the program is Melbourne Water’s interaction with, and support of, Water Services Association of Australia’s (WSAA) Asset Management Research Program.

Benefits.

There is a range of strategically relevant projects carried out by the research arm of WSAA. The WSAA program is ongoing as part of Melbourne Water’s membership of the Association. Not all WSAA projects are of equal relevance to Melbourne Water, and our level of support or involvement is determined on a case by case basis.


Waterways and wetlands research – current program


Water Sensitive Cities CRC

Objectives: The CRC aims to address and resolve the socio-technical issues associated with the establishment of water sensitive cities at a local, regional and national level. Working from three research hubs (the University of Queensland, Monash University and the University of Western Australia), the research will involve specialists in water engineering, urban planning, commercial and property law, urban ecology, climate science, social and institutional science, organisational behaviour, change management, the water economy, risk assessment, social marketing and community health.

Benefits: More efficient and effective use of multiple water sources, increased security of water supply in a rapidly growing city and uncertain climate future and improved social and ecological values associated with water sensitive features.

June 2021

Waterways Public Health Protection

Objectives: To identify major sources and fate of faecal contamination in key recreational waterways including a better understanding of the public health risks, the development of techniques to measure and track faecal contamination and the identification of management interventions that are likely to result in the best outcomes for public health.

Benefits: Improved waterway water quality and reduced public health risk. Working with relevant stakeholders (retail water companies and councils) is essential in enabling problem sources to be eliminated. Knowledge about categories of faecal sources will eventually translate into improved institutional and regulatory processes.

June 2018

Water Resources Strategic Planning Tools / eWater CRC

Objectives: To participate in programs that will help provide decision support systems and tools that will underpin strategic water resource management.

Benefits: Improved tools to assist decisions about environmental flows, urban water cycle management, catchment and in-stream constituent movement, catchment and stream restoration and standardising monitoring and assessment of water resources.

June 2018

Invasive Species Management

Objectives: To improve methods for managing aquatic and riparian weeds and to enhance the environment in a cost effective manner. It also includes the management of pest fauna such as exotic fish and rabbits. Activities range from the study of decision support tools for weed management, exploring means of controlling aquarium weeds in wetlands and trialling alternative chemicals for controlling other specific weeds; e.g. desert ash, alligator weed. Research will also seek to improve our knowledge of options for effectively managing priority pest fish such as Gambusia and for reducing the impacts of rabbits along waterways.

Benefits: Improved waterways and wetland vegetation, and habitat coupled with long term reduction in maintenance costs, and improved condition of our rivers, creeks and wetlands.

June 2018

Native Vegetation Management

Objectives: To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our methods for protecting and restoring aquatic, riparian and floodplain native vegetation. Activities include trialling and comparing different revegetation methods such as direct seeding, natural regeneration and traditional planting of seedlings. The development of protocols for the propagation of priority native plants is also occurring.

Benefits: Improved waterways and wetland vegetation, and habitat coupled with long term reduction in maintenance costs, and improved condition of our rivers, creeks and wetlands.

June 2018

Waterways and wetlands research


The major components of research in the waterways and wetlands research program relate to water resource planning, stormwater management, river health improvement and public health promotion undertaken mainly within the framework of several universities research agencies and cooperative research centres.

Benefits.

The major benefits of these projects will be in improved stormwater quality and environmental conditions in waterways and bays, alternative water supply, enhanced compliance with State environment protection policies and reduction of health risk in recreational use of Melbourne’s waterways.


Waterways and wetlands research – current program


Urbanisation and Stream Ecology

Objectives: To understand the influence of urbanisation on stream ecology via experimental means where catchment-scale and stream attributes are associated with in-stream biodiversity.

Benefits: Models of the response of stream ecosystem health to urban land use (including stormwater and sewage/septic tank-related impacts); guidelines on environmental objectives for streams in urban catchments; a decision support framework for stream restoration and conservation in urban, outer urban and urban growth catchments

June 2018

Environmental Flows Objectives: To improve our ability to set environmental objectives (e.g. for priority fish species, ecological processes) to ensure that environmental flow allocations are used effectively and efficiently.

Benefits: Environmental flow allocations are used effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved condition of our rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries.

June 2018

Waterway Improvement Techniques

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of waterway health improvement techniques (e.g. fishways, stabilisation, habitat improvement) to test critical assumptions about the benefits specific activities, and further improve our approaches.

Benefits: More effective use of investment and improved condition of our rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries.

June 2018

Ecology and Condition of Estuaries and Wetlands

Objectives: To better understand the values, processes and key threats associated with the health of our estuaries and wetlands.

Benefits: Improved ability to prioritise investment towards the protection and enhancement of the condition of our estuaries and wetlands, including the setting of strategic management targets to measure progress.

June 2018

Western Port Environment Research

Objectives: To increase our understanding of the environmental values and key threats to those values, to inform natural resource management priorities and targets within Western Port, and its catchment.

Benefits: To inform strategic decision-making for the protection (and enhancement) of natural assets within Western Port, including strategies, plans, policy and legislation. A collective understanding amongst stakeholders of the unique environmental values of Western Port and critical management issues.

June 2018

Climate Change and Biodiversity

Objectives: To better understand the risks of drought and climate change to aquatic organisms in the region and priority activities for the protection of key values.

Benefits: To inform strategic decision-making for the protection (and enhancement) of high risk waterway assets and their ecological communities.

June 2018

Biodiversity Conservation

Objectives: To improve our understanding of the distribution, ecological requirements and major threats to key aquatic values (e.g. platypus, frogs, birds, fish) that will lead to the identification of effective management options for their protection.

Benefits: Research outcomes will facilitate proper environmental management of key ecological values as identified in Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Strategy.

June 2018


Drinking water research – current program


Catchment Sources of Pathogens

Sub-Project 1: Identification of Pathogens in Catchment Animals

Objectives: To determine if animals in catchments carry human infectious pathogens and develop a sensitive method for determination.

Benefits: Assist in establishing the potential health risk associated with animals in catchment areas and so enable implementation of appropriate management strategies.

Dec 2016

Sub-Project 2: Assessment of the impact of Sambar Deer in water supply catchments

Objectives: To assess the impact of Sambar Deer in the Yarra Ranges National Park and their potential impact on water quality and provide data to inform management of deer in Upper Yarra, O’Shannassy and Maroondah catchments.

Benefits: Determine if deer culling is an effective management option for reducing potential pathogens from entering the water supply system.

Sub-Project 3: Sambar Deer Control

Objectives: To reduce Sambar Deer numbers around Upper Yarra, Maroondah and O’Shannassy reservoirs

Benefits: Deer culling is more cost effective than water treatment options such as the use of UV. Reduction of a risk is preferred to treatment of the risk.

Nov 2013

Nov 2013

Reservoir Modelling Sub Project 1: Development of a Whole of System Reservoir Model

Objectives: To develop a whole system hydrodynamic model.

Benefits: To optimise water quality through the implementation of remedial systems to reduce turbidity and maximise water detention time and improve disinfection, plus chemical and aesthetic water quality.

Sub-Project 2: Cardinia Inlet Model

Objectives: To model the performance of the desalination inlet chute for water entering Cardinia Reservoir and validate the chute’s performance.

Benefits: Optimal mixing of desalinated water with catchment water in Cardinia will minimize water quality variations and minimise consumer complaints.

June 2018

Sep 2014

Drinking water research


Microbial and aesthetic water quality are the major research drivers. Several current and planned projects address water quality issues ranging from catchments to the supply to the retail companies and consumers. Projects include bushfire impacts, pathogens, turbidity reduction and distribution systems. Other water supply projects relate to water resources, algal and water quality management in reservoirs and disinfection by-products.

Benefits.

Melbourne Water’s closed catchments and limited treatment provide a very cost effective water supply. Melbourne Water needs to ensure it is able to meet future water quality regulations and provide safe water taking into account costs and health benefits. Research assists Melbourne Water to meet its obligations to the retail companies under the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003. Benefits in other fields arise in relation to risk management, environmental protection and security of supply.


Drinking water research – current program


Bush Fire Research Sub-Project 1: Bushfire Research

Objectives: To determine the likelihood and extent of bushfire impacts (water quality and quantity) on Melbourne Water’s water supply.

To determine regrowth of catchments and the impacts on forests following the 2009 bushfires.

Benefits: Support of bushfire planning for water quality impacts and an understanding of the potential likelihood and impact of fire on various catchment types.

Sub-Project 2: Investigations of Yield Impacts from 2009 Bushfires

Objectives: To determine the short, medium and long term impacts of the 2009 fires on water yield and forest response.

Benefits: A good understanding of yield impacts is beneficial to running the water supply system

Sub-Project 3: Development of New Methods for Mapping Forest Water Use

Objectives: To develop new methods for estimation of evapotranspiration from forests over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Benefits: Forest water use is difficult to determine accurately and has a major impact on catchment water yields. A better understanding of these processes will aid in evaluating yields and also potentially improve forest management.

Dec 2012 (completed)

Nov 2012

June 2015

Water Research Australia - WRA

Sub-Project 1: Membership of WRA

Objectives: To ensure Melbourne Water is at the forefront of developments in water quality and treatment areas.

Benefits: Improved public health associated with water supply, understanding factors that affect water quality, cost effective strategies to improve water quality and access to new technologies within the industry.

Sub-Project 2: Taste and Odours from Coal Tar Enamel Lined Mains

Objectives: To understand the mechanism that causes unusual taste and odours in some coal tar enamel lined mains in the Melbourne system. Also to determine if there are any disinfection by-products from these mains.

Benefits: Improved customer performance, also confirmation that there are no health impacts from these compounds.

Sub-Project 3: Using Fluorescence to Improve Water Treatment

Objectives: To determine if fluorescence can be used in water treatment plants to improve plant performance

Benefits: Fluorescence may give more insight into water treatment performance than other traditional measures

Sub-Project 4: Treatment Requirements of Australian Waters

Objectives: To determine treatment levels for raw waters dependent on their catchment condition

Benefits: This will aid in selecting appropriate levels of water treatment in the absence of extensive water quality data

June 2013

Dec 2012

Feb 2014

Dec 2013


Climate change research – current program


Reconstructing pre-20th century rainfall, temperature and pressure for south-eastern Australia

Objectives: To Reconstruct pre-20th century rainfall, temperature and pressure data for south-eastern Australia using paleoclimate, documentary and early weather station data.

Benefits: This new data on historical climate variability in the region will help to understand long-term climate variability and will enable better estimation of drought likelihood and severity to inform water resource planning. It bridges data and knowledge gaps and is expected to have profound implications on water resources planning and management for Melbourne and the South East Australian region.

Aug 2012

Assessing the uncertainty of climate change projections for Australian river flows

Objectives: To assess and reduce the range of uncertainty about future annual river flows based on global circulation models (GCMs) and catchment scale climate change projections, and to develop methods to generate stochastic data based on better performing GCMs that can be used for hydrological analysis and water system modelling to inform water resources management.

Benefits: Enhance our understanding of hydroclimatic characteristics and uncertainty of future annual river flows for Australia including Melbourne under a variable and changing climate to facilitate more informed decision-making and to enable sustainable water resources planning and management for Melbourne.

Mar 2013

EU PREPARED Project (DAnCE 4 Water)

Objective: The European FP7 Project entails a multi-million dollar budget and 35 partners (both from industry and the tertiary sector) including Melbourne Water and Monash University, in a four-year research programme addressing the strategies that will aid water systems around the world in achieving adaptive resilience to the ever-changing environment. Melbourne Water is assisting Monash University in developing an integrated water modelling platform DAnCE 4 Water to enable assessment of future water infrastructure provision and the effects of uncertainties including climate change.

Benefit: The project features a broad scope of the water system in the institutional, practical and technological context which will develop an integrated water management framework that will assist Melbourne Water in adapting to a changing climate.

Dec 2013

AdaptWater Project Objective: To develop a climate change adaptation planning tool that captures and quantifies the complexity of a modern utility and integrates climate change hazards with economic, social and environmental performance requirements.

Benefit: Spatially explicit mapping and quantification of climate change impacts and their financial consequences to support business cases for adaptation measures. Influence and involvement in developing a national standard tool. The project is a collaboration with WSAA, and several major water authorities. The next phase of the project is to take the tool from a prototype to a fully functioning tool with minimised costs for utilities.

Sep 2012 (Pilot Stage)

June 2018 (follow-up

stages)

Planning guidelines and scenarios incorporating climate change and variability

Objective: Agreed climate scenarios for planning and design with associated guideline for use of the scenarios. This will incorporate climate change projections following publication of IPCC AR5 and leverage on the work being undertaken by CSIRO, the Victorian Climate Initiative (Vic CI) and Engineers Australia (Australian Rainfall and Runoff), and will be undertaken in collaboration with key customers and stakeholders.

Benefit: Provides guidance on how to incorporate climate change considerations into a range of decisions in order to enhance climate resilience of our service delivery.

Jun 2018

Climate change and variability research


The program focuses on climate change and climate variability research that underpins the Melbourne Water Climate Resilience Plan and climate risk management.

Benefits.

Melbourne Water will benefit from a greater understanding of the influence, impact and implication of climate change and climate variability on our water resources system, improved climate change projections a better understanding of our vulnerability, and more robust decision support planning methods incorporating climate change and variability. This will assist Melbourne Water in the sustainable planning and management of our water supply, sewerage and drainage systems and our waterways in a changing and variable climate.


Treatment technology, marine and biosolids research – current program


Eastern Treatment Plant Effluent Monitoring Study

Objectives: To assess impacts of ETP discharge on Bass Strait marine environment. Demonstration of compliance with environmental marine discharge.

Benefits: Provision of essential data for regulatory compliance and understanding of plant impacts on intertidal and marine environments.

Note: Formulation of Stage 7 (Water Plan 3 funding) is underway.

June 2018

ETP Recreational Water Quality

Objectives: To assess compliance with the World Health Organization and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for marine waters in the vicinity of the Boags Rocks outfall and establish any health effects associated with recreational use in the area.

Benefits: Demonstration of management of risks associated with recreational activities local to major marine effluent discharge.

June 2013

Western Treatment Plant Effluent Monitoring Study

Objectives: To determine the impact of effluent on Port Phillip Bay beneficial uses and assess possible future discharge management options to minimise discharge effects and preserve beneficial uses.

Benefits: Improved environmental conditions in the Bay and compliance with regulatory requirements in a cost effective manner.

June 2018

Management, Processing and Phytoremediation of Biosolids

Objectives: To assess phytoremediation measures suitable for large scale application for soils and/or biosolids to achieve background contaminant levels with production of biomass as a potential energy source. Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and fate of mercury and other metals in stored biosolids is also included.

Benefits: Improved management of biosolids stockpiles and sludge treatment at WTP together with sustainable and beneficial use of biosolids. Possible biomass production and energy generation.

June 2018

Foaming Investigations at ETP

Objectives: To derive methods for biocontrol of foaming in activated sludge plants using bacteriophages

Benefits: Control of foaming provides many benefits to activated sludge plant operations including improved treatment and effluent quality, reduced odours and reduced maintenance and cleanup of foaming tanks.

Jan 2015

Rheology of Sludge Objectives: Understand rheology of sludge in ETP digesters.

Benefits: Improved digester mixing will result in reduced energy consumption and cleaning providing reduced operational costs.

June 2014

Treatment technology, marine and biosolids research


At the Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) and Western Treatment Plant (WTP) research has focussed on the receiving water environments at Boags Rocks and Port Philip Bay respectively. Research covers environmental and public health impacts and aesthetic issues of community and regulatory concern, together with mixing zones and plume dispersion. At WTP research into the phytoremediation of contaminated soils and biosolids has been undertaken. Major research at WTP over the next three years will focus on effluent toxicity, mixing zone studies/hydrodynamic modelling and phytoremediation of biosolids.

Benefits.

Projects on sewage issues at ETP largely focus on effluent quality, environmental compliance issues, obligations under EPA Victoria licences and the potential benefits of treatment and effluent quality improvements. These projects and receiving water research have provided essential key input into EPAV licence and environmental policy compliance and are critical in meeting community and stakeholder obligations. Significant savings in future treatment process works will be achieved as a result of the research on sewage treatment.


Aquatic ecology research – current program


Ecotoxicology of urban streams and wetlands

Objectives: To establish the significance of a range of toxicants in urban streams and wetlands and provide adequate information to enable appropriate management to achieve healthier waterways and wetlands.

Benefits: Enhanced knowledge of the impact of toxicants on waterways and implementation of remedial measures to assist in meeting Melbourne Water’s targets for waterway health.

June 2018

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Research

Objectives: To increase understanding about the presence and significance of EDCs in Melbourne streams.

Benefits: To determine if there is evidence of stress from EDCs in macroinvertebrates and/or fish that inhabit sediments present in streams downstream of sewage treatment plants, agricultural and urban areas.

June 2018

Pesticides and Land Use

Objectives: To determine the contribution of organic toxicants from specific land uses and their effects on river health.

Benefits: To assist in targeting of appropriate stream management actions and which agencies to work with for land management actions.

June 2018

Microcosms and waterway sediment toxicity

Objectives: To determine what impact pollution has on ecosystem health and to identify priority pollutants and their sources.

Benefits: Focused management of streams and wetlands through determining the impact of pollution and identifying priority actions to protect ecosystem health.

June 2018

Aquatic ecology research


The major components of the Aquatic Ecology Research program are related to pollution impacts on waterway ecology from endocrine disrupting chemicals, pesticides and other toxicants. The funding for this work is provided to the Victorian Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification & Management (CAPIM) based at the University of Melbourne. Additional funds for this research have been obtained from the Department of State Development, Business & Innovation, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries and EPA Victoria. Ongoing projects include ecotoxicology of Victorian waterways, including regional streams, wetlands and estuaries and support for research on platypus and exotic fish biology and distribution.

Benefits.

The major benefits of these projects will be in improved ecosystem health through understanding the presence and significance of toxicants that impact waterway health. This will enable more effective management actions to be taken to support sustainable ecosystems.

Melbourne Water 990 La Trobe Street, Docklands, VIC 3008 PO Box 4342, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Telephone 131 722 melbournewater.com.au

ISBN 978-1-921911-83-5

© Copyright December 2013

Melbourne Water Corporation. All rights reserved.

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