Future Water magazine 2015 by Executive Media

Future Water EDITION 1

AUSTRALIAN WATER MANAGEMENT YEARBOOK

2015

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CONTENTS

Contents 3 Foreword, Andy Roberts, Water 45 Arsenic removal with DMI-65 in the Industry Alliance United Kingdom Industry news 46 The promise of superior performance 4 Improving customer experiences, 48 Baleen continues to win by Adam Lovell, Water Services international fame Association of Australia 50 Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant 6 Grenfell Street water main energy utilisation optimisation replacement 51 SAS Solutions Group: water, facilities 7 Award-winning UniSA research and business solutions reduces stormwater risk 52 New cost-effective treatment removes 8 Leading the way in water harmful contaminants from wastewater, innovation by Dr Grant Douglas, CSIRO 13 Industry news bites 53 Advanced oxidation water filtration Major projects 57 Nobody makes the right decisions without the right information 15 The innovation of an Australian water icon Pipeline solutions 18 Melbourne’s century-old water 58 Trenchless technology: how you can infrastructure up for renewal benefit 22 Refreshing water treatment 64 What should water authorities, solutions councils and contractors look for when purchasing a pipe and cable Intelligent water solutions locator? 24 OneBox – an innovative solution 66 Make your pipe dream a reality for the water industry 67 Australian plastic pipe – the 26 Creating water sensitive cities sustainable product of choice for through collaboration and innovation Australia’s future water needs 31 Reducing the burden Stainless water solution package 32 Remember WATSYS and WATHAM? 71 33 Customer feedback for innovative 72 Leading the way in pipeline solutions business, by Paul Plowman, Pumping solutions Sydney Water 74 Larger wastewater pump station 36 Big data – smart water constructed for Adelaide’s north- Water + wastewater treatment western suburbs 38 Quality plus value – it CAN be done! 75 Hydro Australia – a Hydro company 39 Christies Beach Wastewater 76 High-efficiency solutions for the Treatment Plant upgrade pump industry accommodates population growth in 78 Empower your business: introducing Adelaide’s South diesel engines, generators and 42 Are munchers the solution to the pump sets for any industry wipes problem? 79 Optimising sewage pumping station 44 New desalination plant improves performance, by Andrzej Krawiec water quality for Hawker residents and Martin Byrnes, Sydney Water

81 Layflat hose proven to be most efficient for water pumping contractors 83 Worldwide pumping solutions in water 84 Solutions for all your water issues 85 Audits show growers the way to minimise pumping electricity costs, by Gavan Lamb, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and Rob Welke, Tallemenco Pty Ltd 89 Envirotech Water Solutions: harnessing high-tech innovations to improve water productivity 90 Major Queensland pump system now operational 91 Purpose-built pumps 93 The ‘right’ angle pumping solution Water storage 94 Linings solutions for the water and wastewater industry 96 Water storage for greener pastures 97 Turnkey options for water storage solutions 100 Link-Seal: a liquid- and gas-tight mechanical seal 101 Tricky dam question to answer Water in mining 102 A new world-class gas regime for New South Wales 105 Award-winning groundwater management at the Cloudbreak Mine site 106 Returning treated coal-seam-gas- produced water to the sub-surface: feasibility and hydrological impacts, by J. Sreekanth, CSIRO Irrigation 108 Growers save water at Langhorne Creek, South Australia 110 Expertly tailored water solutions 111 The Australian agricultural irrigation industry – today and tomorrow

Published by: Executive Media Editor: Giulia Heppell | Graphic Designer: Alma McHugh ABN 30 007 224 204 430 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Tel: (03) 9274 4200 | Fax: (03) 9329 5295 | Email: media@executivemedia.com.au | Web: www.executivemedia.com.au The editor, publisher, printer and their staff and agents are not responsible for the accuracy or correctness of the text of contributions contained in this publication, or for the consequences of any use made of the products and information referred to in this publication. The editor, publisher, printer and their staff and agents expressly disclaim all liability of whatsoever nature for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions contained within this publication, whether caused to a purchaser of this publication or otherwise. The views expressed in the articles and other material published herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor and publisher or their staff or agents. The responsibility for the accuracy of information is that of

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the individual contributors, and neither the publisher nor editors can accept responsibility for the accuracy of information that is supplied by others. It is impossible for the publisher and editors to ensure that the advertisements and other material herein comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Readers should make their own inquiries in making any decisions, and, where necessary, seek professional advice. © 2015 Executive Media Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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31/03/15 9:38 AM

FOREWORD

Foreword

ustralia is a harsh land with environmental extremes that demand innovation and creativity to enable the high quality of life that we enjoy.

While Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, there are large areas of the country that also suffer severe floods, and so the breadth of expertise in the water industry has developed to cover the full range of Australia’s environmental challenges.

THE INTERNET AND CHEAPER AIR TRAVEL HAVE HERALDED GREATER GLOBALISATION IN A COUNTRY THAT WAS ONCE CONSIDERED FAR MORE REMOTE THAN IT IS TODAY Supportive governments have developed progressive water policies that create opportunities for innovative companies to develop and utilise new techniques for water management and efficient use. These new techniques, developed out of necessity, are now viewed as potential solutions to increasingly volatile global weather, and the challenges that this brings to the reliable supply of water and wastewater services. Over the last decade, with the severe drought experienced widely across Australia, and especially in the Murray–Darling Basin, a significant amount of money was invested in securing supplies for the majority of the population, who live in the major urban centres. This investment has built a capacity in the industry, as well as a range of new technologies and skills. Australia’s water management has been developed and diversified, resulting in globally recognisable areas of knowledge and skills being built in: • water treatment and re-use • stormwater capture and aquifer recharge • water quality assessment and management • advanced irrigation and the use of water markets. As technology continues to develop rapidly, there are even greater efficiencies being achieved through the greater use of sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and

data management. New barriers are being pushed towards realtime modelling and monitoring, and even predictive analytics, to make the greatest use of often-expensive assets to help improve affordability in our cities. The internet and cheaper air travel have heralded greater globalisation in a country that was once considered far more remote than it is today, and many of the companies that were originally built on helping Australia to develop are now looking to offer their skills to the world. Through these new export initiatives, massive developing markets will have the benefit of learning from the stepping stones and mistakes that were made along Australia’s water development path, providing a global environmental benefit. This next exciting phase of the Australian water industry offers new and greater opportunities for those who are strategically astute, innovative and bold enough to take the step when the time comes. Andy Roberts Chief Executive Officer Water Industry Alliance

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Improving customer experiences BY ADAM LOVELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WATER SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

e all talk about customers being at the centre of our businesses. But what does this mean? For the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and its members, it means a number of things, including: • improving customer engagement • improving economic regulation • improving livability.

Improving customer engagement The urban water industry is looking to achieve a new level in its engagement journey with customers. Yet, with many customers not necessarily wanting to engage with their water provider, the challenge is trying to determine how to create change that is valued by our customers. Of course, water is not the only industry looking to do this. The Australian Energy Regulator asked network owners and operators to talk to their customers – not just inform, more than just consult, and actually engage them in a conversation about what sort of outcomes all stakeholders were trying to achieve. This type of engagement is challenging, and it needs to have a binding outcome incorporated into decision-making so that all stakeholders see value in going through the process. There is also the challenge

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to ensure that the long-term interests of customers are at the forefront of the process. With economic regulators demanding more awareness and understanding of customer needs, a couple of water businesses in the United Kingdom have led the way in customer engagement. In 2014, Ofwat (the United Kingdom Water Services Regulation Authority) could not have stressed more the absolute priority of having customers as front and centre of the business planning process. This included customer challenge groups challenging utilities about the outcomes that everyone is seeking through both capital investment and operating priorities. Two utilities received special mention for their customer engagement, and were recognised as ‘enhanced’ businesses during the price review process, meaning that there were minimal changes to their business plans. These water businesses were Affinity Water and South West Water.

INDUSTRY NEWS

and water businesses to address the shortcomings in economic regulation, and it recommends a national urban water agreement through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to further the reform process.

Improving livability Another way that water utilities are increasing engagement with their customers is through the development of livability projects. Earlier this year, WSAA members heard from Dr Tim Williams, Chief Executive, The Committee for Sydney, who provided some great insights into livability and the future of cities. He encouraged water businesses to maintain a focus on livable cities and the role that water can play, saying, ‘We must have a transparent conversation about the cost of urban sprawl’, and that ‘Cities are currently the orphans of public policy’. WSAA’s Occasional Paper 30 – ‘The role of the urban water industry in contributing to livability’ – outlines the key ways in which water contributes to livability, including by: At Ozwater 2015, WSAA will welcome Chris Loughlin, Chief Executive, South West Water, to take attendees through their customer engagement journey. Loughlin will be speaking at the WSAA stream ‘Utilities, customers and the digital age’ on Wednesday 13 May. Also speaking at the stream are Hamish Reid from South East Water in Melbourne, Reg Chamberlain from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA), and Anika Johnstone from SA Water, who will all focus on how customers and utilities will engage in the digital era.

Improving economic regulation Last year, with the launch of its flagship report ‘Improving economic regulation of urban water’, WSAA partnered with customer and private sector representatives to make the call for better regulation that would be in the long-term interest of customers. Like the Ofwat calls on United Kingdom water businesses to have the customers at the front and centre, the WSAA report highlights that good economic regulation is the foundation for a resilient urban water industry to be able to meet the challenges of urban growth, the livability of cities and towns, and climate change. Customers are the ultimate beneficiary of reforms to economic regulation. Better economic regulation means that: • prices are kept as low as possible through: »» providing greater incentives for productivity and efficiency »» discipline on utilities to demonstrate efficiency. • services and investments are targeted as areas of highest customer value • there are greater opportunities for customer engagement and more transparent decision-making. The WSAA report sets out the elements of a best practice model for economic regulation, drawing on regulatory experience from other industries both here and overseas. WSAA believes that there is action required from government, economic regulators

• providing affordable water and wastewater services • enabling economic productivity and prosperity • protecting the environment and public health • making a positive contribution to local communities • understanding our customers’ values and preferences • using a scientific approach to inform strategic planning • collaborating to build water sensitive cities of the future. The contribution of water to cities, and the role that water utilities play in clean rivers, oceans, streams and the provision of safe drinking water, often go unnoticed. Many attributes of a livable city or region are dependent on the availability of water and the way that water is efficiently used and managed. The Australian urban water industry has a long and strong history of supporting the health of communities, and the prosperity of cities and regions, by providing safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services. Customers and communities expect the industry to continue to perform this role in an invisible and seamless manner, keeping services available and affordable to everyone. This fundamental role will continue to define the industry’s core contribution to livability. Many water utilities in Australia are engaging with their customers and communities to understand their needs, values and preferences for livability, and how these relate to the products, services and solutions that the urban water industry can provide. An agile approach is required, as the solutions and needs will vary from community to community. Of course, success in this space also involves partnering with state and local governments, the private sector and community groups, and involves thinking more broadly and holistically about the role of water in the urban environment. For copies of the ‘Improving economic regulation of urban water’ report and WSAA Occasional Papers, go to the WSAA website: www.wsaa.asn.au.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Grenfell Street water main replacement In late August 2014, SA Water commenced a $1.9-million replacement of a water main on the southern side of Grenfell Street, in Adelaideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central business district. The project involved the installation of 561 metres of new water main along Grenfell Street, between King William and Pulteney Streets. SA Water contracted South Australian company SEM Utilities to deliver the project.

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A Water had been monitoring the water main over the previous six months, and fast-tracked its replacement after a June burst affected Grenfell Street businesses, morning commuters and traffic in the vicinity. Local businesses and residents, Adelaide City Council, and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure were engaged in relation to the works. Due to the pipeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location under a major arterial road, and with multiple services buried in the area, it was a challenging job to complete. SA Water was committed to minimising impacts associated with the project as much as possible, and the majority of works were scheduled to occur overnight to avoid traffic impacts, with standard work hours Sunday night to Thursday night, 7 pm until 5 am. The road was reduced to one lane during construction works, with traffic management in place to minimise disruption and to ensure bus access. The replacement was completed on budget and ahead of schedule, and it will help to significantly reduce the risk of bursts in the area, as well as unplanned disruptions to traffic and customer water supply.

INDUSTRY NEWS

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Award-winning UniSA research reduces stormwater risks

s Australia’s urban population grows, harvesting stormwater will play an increasingly important role in managing the country’s precious water resources. Exploring the best methods to harvest, store and recycle stormwater is the focus for researchers at University of South Australia’s (UniSA) Centre for Water Management and Reuse (CWMR). The UniSA researchers, as part of an Australia-wide research team, recently made an important contribution to the field, publishing the first risk assessments, and a risk-based management plan for a catchment used for stormwater harvesting in Australia. The research project – Managed Aquifer Recharge and Stormwater Use Options (MARSUO) – recently won the Stormwater Australia Excellence in Research and

Innovation Award at the 2014 National Awards for Excellence. CWMR research engineer Dr Baden Myers says it is critical to understand the risks associated with stormwater harvesting because stormwater is often stored in urban areas, where there are a number of risks including accidents and spills. ‘We examined the travel time of stormwater run-off and pollutants, from the catchment surface to the point of harvest,’ he says. ‘Information of this nature is valuable in the risk assessment process, providing guidance on realistic times to react to catastrophic events, such as accidents and spills in the catchment.’ Dr Myers says that the project specifically identified that speedy action is essential when responding to hazards in the catchment area.

‘The project indicated that the response time required to prevent a spill in the catchment being harvested during a storm event was less than one hour, and even shorter in hazardous locations closer to the point of harvest,’ he says. Dr Myers says that the UniSA researchers played a critical role in hydrological modelling at the Parafield catchment as part of the MARSUO project. ‘In addition to our research, the project contributed to knowledge on the social acceptance and economic viability of stormwater harvesting and ecosystem services associated with re-use,’ he says. ‘Winning the award for Excellence in Research and Innovation Stormwater was the perfect conclusion to our project. The team greatly appreciated the recognition of our peers.’

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Leading the way in water innovation

Project photos of the North South Interconnection System Project (NSISP)

The Water Industry Alliance (WIA) in South Australia helps to foster the latest and most innovative initiatives and projects being led by industry in the water sector. It provides an environment for WIA members to network, collaborate, and share innovative technologies and ideas to develop world-class, leading products, services and technologies. 8 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

he WIA is a cluster of more than 160 water-related organisations across the private sector, research, and training and government, and is focused on sharing South Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water expertise with the world. The combination of research and development (R&D), consultancy, engineering, technology, manufacturing, education, operations and commercial know-how provides the members of the WIA with the unique ability to offer the proven, efficient and cost-effective solutions, processes, and equipment that are required by global markets. While the WIA covers the entirety of the water sector, there has been increased innovation to meet challenges in some key areas, resulting in members of the WIA developing world-leading solutions and capabilities. These areas of expertise often emerged out of necessity, and with South

INDUSTRY NEWS

Australian Water Solutions Mission to China at the Shijiuyang Wetland in Jiaxing, with Paul Beauchamp, TAFE SA; Stuart Peevor, ESCOSA; Zhang Fu Biao; Tom Rooney, Waterfind Pty Ltd; and Andy Roberts, Water Industry Alliance

LEADING-EDGE INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY IS ALSO SEEN IN THE CITY OF CHARLES STURT’S WATER PROOFING THE WEST PROJECT – A MAJOR INITIATIVE BY THE CITY OF CHARLES STURT, AND A COLLABORATION BETWEEN LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AS WELL AS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS Australia being the driest state in the driest inhabited continent in the world, water-efficiency technologies became needed or feasible in South Australia first. One of the latest innovations and world firsts facilitated by the water sector in South Australia is the collaborative partnership between WIA members SA Water, MWH Global, Optimatics, C3global and Innovyze, in their provision of the Decision Support Tools. This is a world first in the realisation of benefits by actively optimising water supply to minimise cost of operations while maximising security of supply and reliability of service to customers.

Leading-edge innovation in the industry is also seen in the City of Charles Sturt’s Water Proofing the West project – a major initiative by the City of Charles Sturt, and a collaboration between local, state and federal government, as well as South Australian business. Water Proofing the West was designed and developed to sustain a growing economy while enhancing the natural environment, through the development of a region-wide system that harvests, treats and stores stormwater, and then distributes it as non-potable water throughout western Adelaide. Businesses across South Australia are continually developing and providing innovative solutions, products and services to markets locally, interstate, nationally and across the globe, as is the case for the WIA-facilitated smart specialisation clusters Managed Aquifer Recharge Hub (MAR Hub) and Wastewater for Regional and Decentralised Applications (WaRDA). The WIA continues to help in providing an atmosphere to encourage innovation and foster growth for South Australian organisations in the water sector (to find out more, head to www.waterindustry.com.au).

Decision Support Tools – world first in predictive and operation analytical technology Climate change and increasing water costs are prompting water utilities across the globe to seek ways to reduce operational costs, and to ensure security of supply. Water utilities are now focused on operating their water supply networks in the most efficient and flexible manner while retaining reliable supply. Developing more operationally efficient networks provides bottomline economic benefits, and improves supply reliability, contributing to customer satisfaction.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

THE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION, KNOWN INTERNALLY IN SA WATER SIMPLY AS THE DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS, COMPRISES FIVE KEY ELEMENTS THAT OPERATE TOGETHER TO ASSIST STAFF IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS HAPPENING ACROSS THE WATER NETWORK AND HOW TO RESPOND, AS WELL AS WHAT WILL HAPPEN INTO THE FUTURE The five components of the decision support tools are: • Demand Forecasting Tool (DFT) • Distribution Optimisation Tool (DOT) • Network Operations Model (NOM) • Network Status Display (NSD) • Energy Portfolio Management (EPM) Dashboard. Project photos of the North South Interconnection System Project (NSISP)

SA Water, in partnership with MWH Global, C3global, Optimatics and Innovyze, has developed a world-first predictive and operational analytical technology solution in Adelaide, Australia. This solution is saving SA Water and its customers millions of dollars per annum in network operating costs, while improving security of supply. Completed in 2014, the solution supports the optimal operation of the water supply system from source to tap for more than one million customers in metropolitan Adelaide. Operational data from the network is combined in real time with climate, energy, cost and population data from government and non-government agencies. This data is used to predict demand and determine the most costeffective way to meet that demand. The technology solution, known internally in SA Water simply as the Decision Support Tools, comprises five key elements that operate together to assist staff in understanding what is happening across the water network and how to respond, as well as what will happen into the future. When combined, these tools give SA Water access to a wealth of information not previously available.

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The integration of the Decision Support Tools into a comprehensive suite represents a world first in terms of the realisation of benefits by actively optimising water supply to minimise the costs of operations while maximising security of supply. The following measures and indicators are attributable to the Decision Support Tools: • reduction in the number of repair/shutdown issues escalated to significant or major events • reduction in the overall risk of major water supply shutdown events • improved water security • realisation of full asset capacity to allow for capital deferral benefits • supporting continuous improvement in the areas of: »» reducing customer complaints »» timeliness of response to customer complaints »» water infrastructure reliability »» timeliness of water service restoration. Perhaps one of the Decision Support Tools’ greatest benefits is the ability to easily test the impact of operational changes on the overall cost to source, treat and distribute water to customers.

INDUSTRY NEWS

By understanding the combined sourcing, treatment and delivery costs, SA Water can develop optimal operating plans and identify areas of improvement in the supply chain. As a result of the Decision Support Tools, SA Water can quickly answer the following questions: • Where are costs being incurred now? • How will different operating arrangements influence costs? • How will disruptive capital works projects affect operating costs? With the move to spot pricing in the electricity market, tools like the EPM Dashboard give SA Water a clear picture of forecast electricity prices. This allows SA Water to schedule major pumping to take advantage of short-term price reductions, and integrate electricity price forecasting directly into the optimisation tools. Electricity price forecasting information influences control-room decision-making, and results in major savings in pumping costs.

Charles Sturt’s Water Proofing the West – Stage One Project The City of Charles Sturt, together with the South Australian and federal governments, has officially completed and opened the Water Proofing the West – Stage One Project. The Project is unique; it is an integrated water sensitive urban design solution to the challenges associated with stormwater management, stormwater quality improvement, flood management and water supply management in a fully developed urban environment.

MANY SUBURBS IN THE CITY HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF FLOODING BECAUSE THE LAND IS SO FLAT AND CLOSE TO SEA LEVEL. IN ADDITION TO FLOOD RISK, THE DROUGHT CONDITIONS, COMMENCING IN 2003 WITH LEVEL 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS, SAW MANY COUNCIL RESERVES AND NATURAL VEGETATION AREAS DETERIORATE, WITH MANY DISPLAYING EXTREME STRESS

Water Proofing the West (WPW) was a major initiative by the City of Charles Sturt, with combined expenditure of $71.5 million. The Project was a collaborative funding project with nine funding partners, and contributors from all three levels of government, as well as the St Clair Joint Venture (UPL Pty Ltd and AVJennings) and the West Lakes Golf Club. The St Clair subdivision was a $20.2-million component within WPW, and was operated as a collaborative project through the design and development stages with a Project Steering Group, which included members from the St Clair JV, Renewal SA and the City of Charles Sturt. To design and construct the works, the council worked with South Australian businesses including Aurecon (project management) Wallbridge & Gilbert (lead design consultants), DesignFlow (wetland concept designers) and Australian Groundwater Technologies (aquifer expertise). Additional South Australian businesses for wetlands and managed aquifer recharge construction expertise included Olympic Boring, Guidera O’Connor, LogiCamms, SADB Directional Drilling, Leed Engineering and Construction, and Landscape Construction Services. The Project is a leading example of the range of skills and water expertise in South Australia. Stormwater management and flood mitigation has been one of the most significant issues facing the City of Charles Sturt. Many suburbs in the City have a long history of flooding because the land is so flat and close to sea level. In addition to flood risk, the drought conditions, commencing in 2003 with Level 3 water restrictions, saw many Council reserves and natural vegetation areas deteriorate, with many displaying extreme stress. There has been growing community concern that significant trees are dying, and that many of Council’s shrubs and reserves have browned off and are dying. From these two Council drivers, a vision developed that sought to reduce flood risk while also providing more sustainable water use. Charles Sturt’s vision for the WPW Project was to create the first stage of a region-wide system that harvests, treats and stores water underground in rock aquifers, and then later distributes the recycled water through sections of western Adelaide, sustaining a growing economy and enhancing the natural environment. Water harvesting was also enhanced with the capture of excess River Torrens water, which would otherwise be discharged to sea. The Project developed infrastructure capable of capturing and treating up to 2400 million litres of water, and this will supply recycled stormwater annually to replace current and future potable water demands, and to protect and sustain the groundwater resources in the City of Charles Sturt area. It will supply recycled water, primarily for irrigation purposes for domestic and industrial demands. Water assets were created across five linked sites and two stormwater catchment areas, with 11 hectares of wetlands, 15 bores into the rock aquifers and 36 kilometres of distribution mains to supply recycled water to reserves, schools and as a third-pipe water system in new residential developments at St Clair and Woodville West.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

THE CITY OF CHARLES STURT PROJECT HAS RECEIVED AWARDS FROM ACROSS INDUSTRY SECTORS, INCLUDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGERS AUSTRALIAN, STORMWATER SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AND THE STORMWATER INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

‘Some of the benefits of the project include reducing the flood risks, reducing the use of mains water and our reliance on the River Murray, harvesting excess water, and reducing the outfall to the Gulf of St Vincent of water laden with fertiliser trace elements, oils and general rubbish that damages the seagrass environment. We have now found a more affordable water source to irrigate Council areas, creating greener and more useful open spaces,’ says Mayor Angela Keneally. The increased harvesting and storage created by the WPW Project has additional benefits, including capturing pollutant loads in the catchments; the majority of stormwater harvested would otherwise drain untreated to West Lakes, Port River, Barker Inlet and the metropolitan Adelaide coast, further degrading seagrass meadows, and continuing to pollute Gulf St Vincent’s coastal and marine assets. It also assists in protecting and sustaining the groundwater resources in the region. The WPW – Stage One Project has five key components: the Old Port Road stormwater catchment, the Cooke Reserve and West Lakes Golf Course wetlands, St Clair wetlands, the River Torrens transfer system, and linking and distribution mains. The City of Charles Sturt Project has received awards from across industry sectors, including Local Government Managers Australian, Stormwater South Australia, and the Stormwater Industry Association. More information on Water Proofing the West can be found at the City of Charles Sturt website, www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/wpw.

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Water Export Strategy: connecting South Australia’s water expertise to the world With the South Australian industry consisting of globally leading water technologies, services, products and solutions, the WIA plays an important role in developing industry relationships with international markets. The WIA has been active in building relationships with regions including India, China, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Over the last 12 months, these regions, along with several WIA members, have participated in two visits to China and one to India to further develop working relationships and provide input into the increasing water issues that these regions face. In response to the developing issues and call for expertise in these regions, the WIA has included an increased focus on international markets by introducing its Water Export Strategy. This new focus will see the WIA initially holding a forum to launch the export region working groups, including an overview of each of the water markets in the seven regions. This overview will include market size, make-up of markets, current challenges, who is paying for the work, and legal, financial and cultural considerations. The working groups will also attempt to cover the different levels of state and Commonwealth Government focus in each region. Following the initial session, WIA members will identify the regions in which they are already operating and that they are looking to expand into. Once identified, and after a minor check of their elected regions, the WIA will facilitate regular meetings for the companies that identify with each region, and will introduce the groups to the strategic relationships formed on the international delegations and missions that the Alliance has attended or hosted. This platform will enable the WIA to help its members with the appropriate cultural, language and other training that they may need to be ready for international opportunities in the water sector. It will also encourage and facilitate WIA members working together and members helping each other. This strategy will be strengthened by engaging the appropriate foreign chambers to help support the companies’ strategic market entry plans. More information can be found on the Water Industry Alliance website, www.waterindustry.com.au.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry news bites

Water innovation competition

Quench Benches acquired by SA Water

The Australian Water Association and YouNoodle have joined forces to launch the Australian Water Innovation Challenge 2015 Competition. The competition challenges entrepreneurs and established companies to submit innovative water technologies that have a universal and broad application in the water industry. Entries can be accessed by visiting: www.younoodle.com/competitions/ awa_water_innovation_challenge.

Following a successful run of events in Adelaide, SA Water has acquired two additional portable drinking water fountains – Quench Benches – available for travel to South Australia’s regional areas. The Quench Bench is a specially designed mobile trailer that can connect to a mains water supply and provide drinking water to people at large community events.

Online metering trial a hit New WA Water Resources Management Bill The Western Australian Government has taken another major step towards securing the state’s water future by giving the go-ahead to draft the Water Resources Management Bill. Water Minister Mia Davies says that the new legislation will deliver the most significant change to the state’s water management framework in more than 100 years, replacing six Acts with one Act.

Murrumbidgee security allocation increase Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Water Gavin Hanlon has announced an immediate increase of two percentage points to the Murrumbidgee general security allocation, bringing it to 53 per cent of entitlement; but there is no change to the New South Wales Murray general security allocation.

An SA Water trial project is helping major metropolitan and regional business customers achieve significant savings. As part of the pilot project, a data logger is attached to the customer’s water meter and securely sends water usage information to a business’s individual online portal. Minister for Water and the River Murray Ian Hunter says the portal uses the raw data to generate reports on water use trends and easy-to-understand graphs. ‘This information can help customers identify potential leaks or other faults in their water network, as well as periods of high water use,’ he says.

Launceston’s ‘Gritter’ gets a clean out A three-storey grit collection system that weighs three tonnes and sits in a pit below Launceston’s city streets was lifted out in March for a much-needed clean. TasWater is upgrading its grit collection system – known as ‘the Gritter’ – which collects debris from Launceston’s sewage and stormwater pipeline. The refurbishment is part of a $3-million federally funded scheme, the Tamar River Recovery Plan.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Positions on the boards of Victoria’s Water Corporations The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced people for board director positions for Victoria’s 19 water corporations. The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that boards represent the diversity of its communities. Women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, young people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2015.

Smart Water Awards in May On Friday 22 May 2015, the Water Industry Alliance will host its annual Smart Water Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre, awarding six recipients across categories including Irrigation and Use, Resource Management, Leadership, Planning and Delivery, and Water Sustainability. The WIA Smart Water Awards have been around for more than 15 years, and each year they recognise the leading contributors to the water industry – those shaping the future of the industry and leading the way in innovation.

Water Ambassador Award winner announced To mark this year’s World Water Day, North East Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority announced the 2015 North East Victoria Water Ambassador Award. Matthew Charles-Jones has been named this year’s recipient for his efforts in raising awareness of water sustainability around the north-east of Victoria, particularly in Yackandandah.

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Inter-Water Australia 2015 The Inter-Water Australia Conference is scheduled to take place on 7–8 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event showcases products and services related to monitoring, recycling, purification, water saving, water use efficiency, water use innovations, water use in industry, agriculture and the urban environment, water management, and more.

WaterRA Research Symposium program is live The 2015 WaterRA Research Symposium will take place in Adelaide on 15 and 16 July. This year, speakers will be presenting on themes such as catchments, customer engagement, stormwater/water sensitive cities, drinking water and wastewater treatment, and emerging technologies, along with keynotes from Professor Craig Simmons of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, and Dr Stephanie Rinck-Pfeiffer of the Global Water Research Coalition. The program has been designed to focus on the theme ‘Unlocking the Value of Research’ by exploring how research contributes to productivity improvements, service delivery and risk management for industry.

Saline management project calls for participants Goulburn Valley Water, in conjunction with other water corporations, industry groups and government agencies, has formed a project steering committee (PSC) to identify feasible, sustainable and cost-effective options for managing industrial saline wastewater streams across northern Victoria. Successful project delivery aims to secure industry growth and job development within the region. External input is now sought to progress to the next stage, and the PSC is seeking submissions from technical experts and innovators for alternative options in managing saline wastewater streams. People with experience in salinity management are encouraged to participate in a market sounding exercise. Visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au for full details.

MAJOR PROJECTS

The innovation of an Australian water icon

estled in the Brindabella Mountains, at the bottom of the Great Dividing Range, is the water supply system built to service Australia’s largest inland city, Canberra. When the Australian Capital Territory site was first mapped out for the future capital, it was chosen for the excellent quality and reliability of the water source in the Cotter River. Here, the city could be located at the head of the Murray Darling Basin, where the water was pristine and abundant for a future population. Compared to Australia’s larger cities on the coast, Canberra’s position has always meant that it faces some fundamental differences and unique challenges. Other cities are able to pump their wastewater out to sea once they have used and treated it. By contrast, inland water treatment facilities must release their water downstream, and at a high enough standard to be used again around the river bend. The way that the Australian Capital

Territory’s water is treated affects not only Canberra’s population, but also people across the country all the way to Adelaide (and everywhere on the rivers in between). The water quality is intrinsic to the growth and prosperity of everyone in the Basin, from kitchen taps in Canberra, to grapes growing in Mildura wineries, and children playing in fountains in Adelaide. It’s critical to ensure that the water in the Basin remains safe and drinkable as it leaves their custody. For 100 years, Canberra has enjoyed some of the highest-quality water and utility services in the country. They are serviced by Canberra’s water and waste utility, ACTEW Water, which has used innovative techniques and expertise to make clean, safe water. This year, on their 100-year anniversary, ACTEW Water is rebranding with a new name and an ambitious new vision as Icon Water. ACTEW Water has realigned its goals and, faced with the challenges that a growing inland city bears,

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it aims to become the best provider of water in Australia by 2022. The name Icon Water was chosen to express the company’s promise to become the premier water and sewerage service in Australia. But to be the best, there is a range of factors to consider, such as safety, sustainability and innovation, as the city grows. Perhaps the most important of these, however, is water security. This vision leaves Icon Water with the opportunity to refocus how they want to serve the community in the future by remaining relevant and sustainable. It reinforces the critical importance of ensuring the security of the water supply in the Canberra region for generations to come. A subsequent pressing reason for ACTEW Water to renew its brand was to defuse growing brand confusion in the capital. ACTEW is an acronym for ACT Electricity and Water, and for years, the Canberra community had assumed that ACTEW Water was still a segment of the local Canberra

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MAJOR PROJECTS

power provider, ActewAGL. By changing their name to Icon Water, they will be able to effectively communicate who they are, and what they provide to their community. As Icon Water is an unlisted public company, it has compliance obligations under law and is highly regulated. Water released into the Molonglo River meets standards in accordance with environment management plans. With plentiful, pristine catchments and contemporary facilities, the company already surpasses national compliance standard levels, but it knows that it can do even better. Icon Water ensures that when Canberra’s treated effluent enters the Murray-Darling Basin it is clean. When it comes to the big picture, the preservation of the environment is paramount. They have implemented innovative infrastructure to ensure a renewed commitment to the Australian Capital Territory and the Murray-Darling Basin community downstream.

drinking water through their treatment facilities. As the company improves water utility standards, their knowledge growth provides benefits for other communities, even in far-reaching places. Improving the way they treat their water will help Australia gain a better hold on this valuable resource. The Australian Capital Territory is in a great position as a net exporter of water, with its catchments on average generating more runoff than is used in the territory. The Territory’s water cap has important economic and social implications for the entire nation, as it sets the rules for sharing water with other Australian communities. Icon Water also plays a role in national discussions and the development of national water sharing principles. As an inland city, the way that Canberra uses its water will always be important.

Achieving true long-term water security will never be a finished project because the environment is constantly changing – this is a reality that Icon Water recognises. Factors such as climate change and variability, continued population growth, and increased expectations of quality mean that the company can never completely say ‘job done’. In the act of striving to be the best, Icon Water will contribute to Australia’s future prosperity through better environmental practices, providing value to its customers, water security and technological innovation. In becoming Australia’s premier water utility company, Icon Water will continue to strive for better practices, ensure that water is safe and secure in the region for the long-term future, and continue to support the Canberra community.

The most recent estimates put Canberra and Queanbeyan’s combined population at 428,000, with the annual growth tracking at an average of 1.2 per cent. On average, the daily consumption of a Canberrian is 314 litres. To cater to the population, Canberra has four storage reservoirs in two catchment areas – the Cotter and the Queanbeyan River – as well as the Murrumbidgee River, for the Territory’s drinking water supply. There are two water treatment plants: Mount Stromlo and Googong. Icon Water’s inland treatment facilities are overseen by the Environmental Protection Authority to make sure that the water is treated to strict environmental requirements. Icon Water aims to become an authority on environmental sustainability and security. To do this, they have raised their high standards even further, becoming more active in environmental arenas. They are currently heavily involved in reference groups and river action groups, with their infrastructure providing an opportunity to research improved ways to produce quality

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committed

Leaders in quality, value and trust. ACTEW Water has been supplying Canberra with top quality water and wastewater services for 100 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and this year weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;veÂ changed our name to Icon Water. As the largest inland water supplier in Australia, we know our responsibilities flow beyond our own community. In maintaining and surpassing national compliance standards, our commitment is to both our customers and for the generations to come. talktous@iconwater.com.au | (02) 6248 3111 |

@iconwater | iconwater.com.au

MAJOR PROJECTS

Melbourne’s century-old water infrastructure up for renewal

Melbourne Water has kicked off its major infrastructure renewal program in earnest, with several key projects just started or set to begin.

elbourne Water’s General Manager of Major Program Delivery, David Morse, says that where previous projects had focused on significant infrastructure investment to ensure that Melbourne was well prepared against population growth and extreme events, such as drought and bushfire, the approach over the next few years will concentrate on maintaining an expanded asset base and upgrading ageing infrastructure. ‘A high-quality water supply, safe sewage transfer and treatment, better flood protection, and healthy waterways with good amenity play a vital role in maintaining Melbourne’s status as one of the world’s most livable cities,’ says Morse.

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THE CITY’S WATER AND SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE HAS HELD UP WELL, BUT IT’S TIME TO RENEW OUR PIPES TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT 150 YEARS

MAJOR PROJECTS

‘As an essential service provider, we have been providing safe and reliable water and sewage services to Melbourne for more than 125 years. ‘The city’s water and sewerage infrastructure has held up well, but it’s time to renew our pipes to ensure that they can continue to serve the community for the next 150 years.’ The shift from large-scale projects to asset maintenance and renewal is reflected in a $1.5-billion reduction in capital expenditure. Key capital projects proposed for the next five years include: • renewal of several ageing water supply pipelines • growth-related works in Melbourne’s west, including stage two of the St Albans–Werribee pipeline • Western Treatment Plant capacity upgrades • rehabilitation of the Hobsons Bay Main Sewer and North Yarra Main Sewer replacement works

A snapshot Melbourne Water is responsible for an extensive water supply that includes: • 10 storages reservoirs • 14 water treatment plants • 1062 kilometres of pipes. We supply the water retailer companies with 400,000 million litres of high-quality drinking water each year – enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) 236 times. Melbourne Water removes and treats most of Melbourne’s sewage. We manage: • more than 400 kilometres of sewers • nine pumping stations

• flood protection works.

• two sewage treatment plants.

The biggest infrastructure renewal projects that Melbourne Water is currently undertaking are to replace century-old infrastructure in Melbourne’s inner suburbs – the Alphington Sewer Replacement Project, the Carlton Main Sewer Improvement Project, and the South Yarra to St Kilda Water Main Replacement Project.

Each year, we treat more than 320,000 million litres of sewage, including trade waste.

ONCE COMPLETE, THE [ALPHINGTON SEWER REPLACEMENT] PROJECT WILL IMPROVE THE NETWORK AND PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING THE LIKELIHOOD OF SEWAGE SPILLS DURING EXTREME WET WEATHER, AND REDUCING MAINTENANCE ISSUES Alphington Sewer Replacement Project Melbourne Water has partnered with Lend Lease to replace the century-old brick sewer between Coate Park and the Latrobe Golf Club in Alphington. The old sewers have deteriorated significantly, and they must be replaced in order to continue to provide essential services to Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Once complete, the project will improve the network and protect public health and the environment by reducing the likelihood of Egressing the shaft; Carlton Main Sewer Improvement Project

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MAJOR PROJECTS

sewage spills during extreme wet weather, and reducing maintenance issues such as blockages. Constructing the new sewer will involve trenching and tunnelling under roads, some homes, businesses and public open spaces. It also involves a challenging element of engineering – replacing a pipeline under the Yarra River, which has seen large steel sheet piles used to make a dam for works in the river. The project team has been careful to ensure that access along the river for recreational boating activities is maintained at all times during the construction period.

Carlton Main Sewer Improvement Melbourne Water and John Holland are renewing a 1.35-kilometre section of the 114-year-old Carlton main sewer in Carlton North.

THE PROJECT TEAM HAS ENGAGED SPECIALISED TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT TO MINIMISE IMPACTS ON LOCAL RESIDENTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, WHILE STILL DELIVERING THE ESSENTIAL PROJECT

The project also involves building a new 510-metre section of sewer line to cater for future population growth, and to ease pressure on the existing system. The Carlton Main Sewer Improvement presents a range of difficult engineering challenges – the shaft needs to be drilled 25 metres down through basalt rock before any tunnelling can start, and all works are being conducted in a highly urbanised area.

The project team has engaged specialised techniques and equipment to minimise impacts on local residents as much as possible, while still delivering the essential project.

Water for a Growing West project

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MAJOR PROJECTS

South Yarra to St Kilda water main renewal The South Yarra to St Kilda water main (M39) was originally constructed in the 1890s, making it one of Melbourne’s oldest operational mains.

Work has commenced on the Carlton Main Sewer Improvement Project

It transfers water to around 97,000 homes and businesses in the inner south-east suburbs, from South Yarra to St Kilda and Port Melbourne. Today, the existing water main is at risk of failing, and must be replaced to ensure that Melbourne’s water supply continues to run efficiently while serving our current and future demand requirements. Melbourne Water and construction partner Thiess Black & Veatch Joint Venture are replacing three kilometres of water supply main using mostly open trenching. The pipes will be 740 millimetre and 600 millimetre diameter, in six- and 12-metre lengths, with one length of pipe laid per day. The project is expected to be completed in late 2015, and will navigate through major residential roads and a large park.

Water for a Growing West The three major renewal projects in Melbourne’s CBD fringe, inner north and inner south-east are being complemented by a key growth project for Melbourne’s expanding outer western suburbs. Melbourne Water is constructing a new main that will supply water to the Cowies Hill reservoir in Tarneit from the St Albans reservoir. Called the Water for a Growing West project, the new 17-kilometre water main will service an additional 40,000 homes. It is designed to transfer a maximum of 200 megalitres of water per day – the equivalent of 80 Olympic-sized swimming pools. To reduce disruption to the community, the water main will be located within an existing power line easement, and current and future road reserves. Construction will include the installation of pipework and valves, and connections to the existing main at each end of the project. While some vegetation removal has been necessary for the project to proceed, logs that had been removed were provided to a local primary school to be used as seats for the students in their vegetable garden. Construction commenced in late 2014, and the project is expected to be completed by November 2015. Morse says that the projects all contributed to building on the legacy of strong water and sewer networks to support the rapidly growing city and surrounds. ‘We recognise the key role we play in Melbourne’s livability, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that we’re not only providing safe and reliable public health services now, but are always preparing for the future.’

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PROJECTS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Refreshing water treatment solutions TRILITY is a proud Australian company with more than 20 years’ experience delivering water utility services across the full life cycle of water.

Riverland Water Project - South Australia

ith an operating footprint in every mainland state, TRILITY works closely with customers in municipal, industrial, resources and environmental sectors, managing operations that include small, purpose-built plants and large-scale infrastructure. ‘Experience, integrity and the ability to deliver 24 hours a day are crucial when it comes to delivering water utility services to Australians,’ said TRILITY Managing Director Francois Gouws. ‘Our employees have a comprehensive understanding of the Australian water sector that enables TRILITY to deliver a full range of solutions, while focusing on delivering quality services day after day.’ TRILITY manages multiple long-term projects, incorporating water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, multiple water re-use schemes and major desalination plants. The company’s commitment to investing in local talent has seen it expand its capability into local businesses such as Hydramet, which specialises in equipment and systems for chlorination, water treatment and chemical metering.

‘We’re always encouraged by the extensive prospects that come with such acquisitions, given our steady expansion of the company’s presence in every state,’ Mr Gouws said. TRILITY recently announced that it will be partnering with Queensland’s Unitywater as part of the delivery of a major design-buildoperate-maintain contract for the rehabilitation of the Redcliffe Sewage Treatment Plant in South East Queensland. ‘TRILITY is proud to be part of this project,’ Mr Gouws said. ‘Our presence in Queensland is already substantial and this new partnership will ensure that the Redcliffe Sewage Treatment Plant will continue providing efficient and effective services to the Redcliffe community.’ The plant services residents and businesses on the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounding areas and, once at full operating capacity, will cater for approximately 70,000 people. ‘TRILITY continually strives to improve its capabilities, has a best-practice policy that finds the right solution for each client, and is

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dedicated to the Australian water sector by providing a quality service to thousands of customers every day,’ said Mr Gouws. A high level of coordination and cooperation with local communities is essential for delivering water services to millions of Australians every day. This level of collaboration with local government is evident across all TRILITY-managed facilities throughout Australia including South Australia, where the company operates and maintains more than 15 facilities. Riverland Water comprises 10 water treatment plants serving a population of 150,000 people living in more than 90 communities along the Murray River. Other projects across regional South Australia include the Victor Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant, Waikerie Wastewater Scheme, Berri Barmera Reuse Scheme and the Onkaparinga Wastewater Treatment Plant. TRILITY also recently reached an agreement with the Adelaide Hills Council to operate and maintain the Birdwood Wastewater Treatment Plant for at least the next 12 months.

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

OneBox – an innovative solution for the water industry

rogressive technology is at the centre of one of the largest pressure sewer constructions in Australian history, bringing innovative control and monitoring systems to southern Mornington Peninsula. Throughout the Peninsula between Rye and Portsea, South East Water’s Peninsula ECO project is connecting over 16,000 properties that currently rely on septic tanks and on-site treatment plants to an intelligent sewer network. Its introduction will aid in the reduction of environmental damage caused by leaching from ageing and failing septic tanks, which can contaminate local waterways and groundwater. The innovative OneBox system, developed by South East Water’s commercial arm, iota, forms a central component of the project.

The remote control telemetry system monitors and coordinates individual pressure sewer pumps at each property, transforming a standard pressure sewer system into an intelligent network. Network operators can diagnose issues in real-time from a systemwide perspective, right down to a street and individual property level, all from an iPad or PC. In times of high rainfall when sewer systems reach their peak, the pressure sewer pumps can be slowed or shut down to allow the gravity system peak to pass.

‘With OneBox, we have the ability to report pressure pump activity, which assists in determining peak flow demand meaning transfer system management becomes more flexible. This is ideal for managing wide variations in flows through the system during peak periods. OneBox enables these flows to be smoothed, manage system capacity and rectify faults before they impact customers. This technology provides a high level of visibility and control over any low pressure sewer system’, said Mr Thompson.

iota Chief Executive Officer Philip Thompson said the integration of this new technology has supported South East Water in its forward-thinking approach to asset management.

‘This is a radically different approach to designing sewer infrastructure. Utilising this patented technology has enabled the downsizing of the reticulation network and transfer mains. Due to this method, the project has seen a 30 per cent saving in reticulation construction costs with significant capital investment savings.’ The technology integrates with South East Water’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) network which operates with coded signals over communication channels. The network, facilitates instant access to information on tank storage capacities, power failures, blockages and faults. The information takes the water corporation’s customer service to a new level, potentially diagnosing and resolving any issues before a customer knows there is a problem. OneBox received a Global Honour Award at the International Water Association (IWA) Project Innovation Awards, held in Korea in 2012. Iota holds the worldwide patent for this technology. ‘This technology really has the potential to not only revolutionise communities [that are] traditionally reliant on septic tanks, but the way water and sewer corporations plan, design and operate sewer schemes. We are very excited about the future of this innovative technology,’ said Mr Thompson. iota was established to capture innovation, trial progressive concepts and deliver successful technological solutions. iota continues to advance the capability to share services and technologies across the water industry.

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OneBox. Get remote control of your pressure sewer system. 330178A_iota Control Room

Cloud

Mobile Device

SCADA System Web

OneBox

Pressure Sewer Pump Monitor & Control Network of Pumps

Imagine if you could monitor your pressure sewer units in real time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and operate them remotely. The OneBox telemetry system gives you complete control of your fleet of pressure sewer pumps from your office desktop or a smartphone. You can improve customer service, fix faults as they arise, and dramatically improve your efficiency. With OneBox you can: Smooth out diurnal peak flows and maximise efficiency of downstream infrastructure Monitor and control individual neighbourhoods of sewer pumps in real time, remotely Get alerts even before the customer becomes aware of any faults Schedule maintenance crews response to problems at cost effective times Analyse trends, generate reports and determine your peak flow demand Reduce unnecessary infrastructure capital investment

Who is iota? Iota is responsible for the commercialisation of South East Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovations, products and services. Iota can provide turnkey design and construct solutions for low pressure sewer solutions. Contact us to see how our smart technologies can transform your water and sewer networks.

iota Services Pty Ltd te: +61 (03) 8788 4180 info@iota.net.au iota.net.au

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Creating water sensitive cities through collaboration and innovation

It is vital that Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital cities become water sensitive cities

Encouraging innovation in sustainable urban water management with the goal of protecting scarce resources is increasingly seen as making wise economic and environmental sense, rather than as being the lofty dream of past decades.

ederal, state and territory, and local governments are looking to local and international research on water sensitive cities to make the most of scarce resources; to manage extreme events, such as droughts and floods; and to use smart technologies to increase efficiency. And one of the most exciting programs is right in our own backyard. An Australian Government initiative, the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC), was established in July 2012 to help change the way that we design, build and manage our cities by valuing the contributions that water makes to economic growth and development, to our quality of life, and to the ecosystems of which cities are a part. Since the CRCWSC was established, partnerships with water authorities, industry partners, and local and state governments

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INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

have helped to bring some impressive and innovative projects to fruition. The challenge now is to continue to educate these organisations and the general public on the vital need for Australian capital cities to become water sensitive cities.

Explicit policy will be required to embed the true economic value of stormwater infrastructure – particularly the multiple benefits of green infrastructure, such as stormwater harvesting – as there is growing evidence that net positive economic benefits can be achieved. Further, appropriate decision support tools are required, as well as an understanding of governance strategies to enable transformation.

A VALUES SHIFT WILL NEED TO OCCUR, ALONG WITH CHANGES IN THE OFTEN IMPLICIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN COMMUNITIES, GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER

Why do we need to change how we build our cities?

What is a water sensitive city? Water sensitive cities are sustainable, resilient, productive and livable. They efficiently use the diversity of water resources available within them, enhance and protect the health of urban waterways and wetlands, and mitigate against flood risk and damage. Water sensitive cities also create public spaces that harvest, clean and recycle water, increase biodiversity, and reduce urban heat island effects. A water sensitive city combines physical infrastructure (such as water sensitive urban design (WSUD)) with social systems (such as governance and engagement) to create a city in which the infrastructure and systems enhance the connections that people have with water, and improve quality of life. Water is a critical aspect of place making, both in terms of environmental values, and the social amenity and cultural connection to a place, and therefore can contribute to the livability of a city.

In Australia, and in many urban centres around the world, three critical drivers are affecting cities and towns: population growth, and changes in lifestyles and values; climate change and climate variability; and economic conditions. Urban places have become a critical focus point for ecologically sustainable development practices, with the world’s urban population now having surpassed the population living in rural environments. In Australia, approximately 63 per cent of the population now lives in large cities and towns, and this is expected to increase to 80 per cent by mid-century. Designing livable cities to address this growth is now an emerging focus in many cityplanning initiatives. Climate change and climate variability will continue to put pressure on water resources and natural systems, and will also increase flood vulnerability and our exposure to urban heat island effects. Building resilience to the impacts of climate change – and, in particular,

IN AUSTRALIA, APPROXIMATELY 63 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION NOW LIVES IN LARGE CITIES AND TOWNS, AND THIS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 80 PER CENT BY MIDCENTURY

Transitioning to water sensitive cities Transitioning to a water sensitive city will require a paradigm shift in urban planning and design, and an overhaul of conventional approaches. Because water has had, and will continue to have, a direct influence on the resilience and livability of Australian cities and towns, the planning and design for the development and redevelopment of these metropolitan areas needs to be integrated with that of future water systems. A values shift will need to occur, along with changes in the often implicit agreement between communities, government and industry on the management of water. In particular, there is a need to build sociopolitical capital for sustainability, livability and resilience to expedite a transition to water sensitive cities.

ensuring secure water supplies, the safe conveyance of floodwaters and the ecological protection of water environments – is an emerging challenge, as growing communities seek to minimise their impacts on already stressed water resources. Further, changes in economic and institutional conditions can reduce the capacity to fund hybrid or multifunctional water infrastructure, and can also affect governance structure and community expectations. This highlights the importance of incorporating integrated governance, and actively engaging with the community to understand their expectations and aspirations.

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INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

How research–government collaborations translate into impacts While the CRCWSC has a strong research focus, the success of the CRCWSC really depends on being able to translate end-userdriven research into on-ground environmental, social and economic change. Collaborations and partnerships between the CRCWSC and its government and industry participants are critically important in shifting conventional practices and enabling transformation. The strengthening of networks and relationships plays a critical role in creating impact. Through activities such as industry partner workshops, demonstration projects and capacity-building activities, a collaborative platform is created, which provides opportunities for networking within and between the 88 committed organisations. Networks provide improved accessibility to subject matter experts and locally relevant information, facilitate the sharing of knowledge and reciprocal support, and help to build formal and informal relationships. These relationships have facilitated the exchange of ideas, information and resources within networks and beyond the CRCWSC. To achieve fundamental changes in how we build our cities, the CRCWSC aims to develop the required capacity among its partners to do so. Through various activities, the CRCWSC aims to increase individual and organisational knowledge and understanding of technical and non-technical aspects of alternative water practices. Demonstration projects, in particular, have been invaluable in improving the knowledge and understanding of new technologies, and how to deliver complex projects with multiple objectives and multiple stakeholders.

Understanding how water literacy can contribute to a water sensitive city In order to foster a public appetite for these types of innovations, CRCWSC researchers are also working on understanding community perceptions about water conservation, stormwater treatment, catchment management, and the key question of what water sensitivity means. Local citizens and communities play an important role in building a water sensitive city. High levels of water literacy are associated with the uptake of water-saving devices and action, and the acceptance of alternative water sources, such as treated stormwater and greywater. Recent CRCWSC research involved a survey of more than 5100 people to determine different Australian communities’ current levels of water literacy, as well as their current engagement in ‘water sensitive behaviours’, such as fixing leaking taps, using rain tanks, and building rain gardens. While a majority of Australians exhibited good knowledge of some water issues, the survey revealed some surprising aspects that were less understood. Only 27 per cent of the sample group was aware that domestic wastewater receives treatment before entering waterways, and only 46 per cent understood the definition of a waterway catchment. A more concerning result was that only 41 per cent of survey respondents understood that the amount of water available for use is finite.

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Which states have the highest and lowest levels of water literacy? Survey findings showed that 14 per cent of the population has ‘high water literacy’, which is defined as having given correct responses to at least 14 of 17 literacy questions.

Case studies The following case studies highlight the various successes and impacts that can be achieved through collaboration between researchers and local government. City of Boroondara, Victoria

The City of Boroondara adopted its new Integrated Water Management Strategy 2014–2024 in May 2014. The document sets the strategic direction and implementation approach for improving water cycle management across the municipality over the next decade. The Strategy reflects the emerging direction for councils to consider flood management initiatives along with stormwater management, enabling a more integrated approach to water management. This is an advanced approach by a local council, identifying synergies between the often disconnected objectives of water sensitive urban design and flood management. Importantly, the Strategy is founded on good science. In early 2014, the CRCWSC worked with Council to finalise the Strategy, using the knowledge of six key CRCWSC researchers to provide feedback to refine the consultation draft. In response to feedback from researchers, an additional objective and strategies relating to flood management were captured within the Strategy. City of Greater Geraldton, Western Australia

In May 2014, the City of Greater Geraldton endorsed its new Water Planning and Management Strategy. The Strategy aims to facilitate ‘a sustainable water future for the City of Greater Geraldton that utilises smart technologies to build a livable green community, which values efficient water use and is resilient to

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Marrickville Eco Water Garden design plans. WSUD TREATMENT AREA 1

Teaching Platforms

New Layback and gates

Water Rill

Mural Seating

Open Water with Emergent Vegetation

Bioretention system

Gravel Surface

Sandpit

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bush Tuckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Garden

Bridge

Signage

Inlet pipeline

Harvest Pump

Supply pump and treatment system

Recycled water pipeline

Play pump

TREE TO BE REMOVED 6

EXISTING S U B S TAT I O N

W AT E R TA N K 3

W AT E R TA N K

TREE TO BE REMOVED 15

8 7 16 4

Open Water

5 9 4

11 4

Mural Seating

MULCH BIN COMMUNITY GARDENS

12 11

Water Rill

W AT E R S E N S I T I V E C I T I E S

FIGURE 2

Marrickville West Public School

climate changeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. It represents a significant step in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transition to becoming water sensitive, and helps to provide a vision and direction for the community.

GERALDTON IS IN A FORTUNATE POSITION, AS IT HAS FORMED STRONG COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE WATER CORPORATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER FOR AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO WATER PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT IN THE REGION

The CRCWSC and the City of Greater Geraldton collaboratively facilitated the Water is Everything Summit, held in Geraldton in August 2013. This two-day summit attracted more than 200 participants from the region, representing a range of stakeholder and partner organisations, as well as the community of waterusers in the area, and was a key step in the journey to develop the Strategy. As part of the summit, the CRCWSC gave a series of background presentations that provided important material for subsequent community discussions on how Geraldton could incorporate the latest lessons into its planning strategy. Stretching from Geraldton on the coast to the Gibson Desert deep in the state, Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast Mid West region faces serious challenges from scarcity of water. Greater Geraldton has committed to a community charter that aims to balance the five pillars of sustainability (environment, social, cultural, economic and governance) by 2029. Geraldton is in a fortunate position, as it has formed strong collaborative partnerships with the Water Corporation and the Department of Water for an integrated approach to water planning and management in the region. The City also incorporates expertise from the CRCWSC to help it become a leader in the use of innovative water technologies.

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INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Staff from the City of Greater Geraldton work with CRCWSC researchers to discuss future water sensitive city scenarios

Marrickville Council, New South Wales Marrickville Council has a long history of collaboration with researchers, and this cooperation has led to the establishment of a number of large stormwater-related programs, such as the Urban Stormwater Integrated Management project, the Cooks River Sustainability Initiative, and a demonstration project known as the Marrickville West Eco Water Garden. Industry partner workshops, blueprint documents, newsletters and direct interactions with researchers have further developed and strengthened knowledge and understanding of stormwater and green infrastructure, and their multifunctional benefits and governance within Marrickville Council. New knowledge obtained through the demonstration project and participation in the CRCWSC program have led to a sophistication in the narrative around stormwater, which has been translated into the Marrickville Council Strategy for a Water Sensitive Community 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2021. The language and aspirations of this strategy incorporate

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CRCWSC principles, and reflect inputs that are a direct result of collaboration between the council and researchers. Furthermore, an ongoing relationship with researchers has been one of the drivers for the Connecting Marrickville initiative, which demonstrates how infrastructure can deliver on multiple objectives, and how collaborative planning and design can achieve significant environmental and social outcomes. This initiative reflects the integrated nature of infrastructure, and connects it to place and community as advocated in the CRCWSC. The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities brings together interdisciplinary research expertise and thought leadership from Australia and the world to address current urban water management challenges facing our cities and regions. In collaboration with more than 85 research, government and industry partners, it develops and synthesises knowledge into powerful tools, and influences key stakeholders aiming to achieve sustainable, resilient and livable water sensitive cities. For more information on the CRCWSC, visit watersensitivecities.org.au or email admin@crcwsc.org.au

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Reducing the burden

ccording to the United Nations, by 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population could live under water-stress conditions. By 2050, population growth will lead to a 60 per cent increase in food demand, and a 19 per cent increase in agricultural water demand. Changing dietary requirements associated with wealth will shift to more waterintensive food; for instance, one kilogram of rice uses 3500 litres of water, while one kilogram of beef uses 15,000 litres1.

Expanding drinking water and sanitation coverage to achieve universal access would cost an estimated $540 billion. Including the costs of also maintaining the existing water and sanitation infrastructure increases this estimated cost to a total of approximately $2 trillion2. Water management will become one of the greatest challenges of the 20th century, and the traditional engineering model is being challenged as to whether it is sufficient for countries to remain competitive. Water will become the next major ‘cost’ consideration for industries, as capital expenditure creates greater disparity between countries with an abundance of water and those without. Itron’s Resourceful Index survey revealed that 83 per cent of utility executives feel transformation is needed, while 55 per cent believe that the industry is not running efficiently, and 21 per cent feel that the state of the infrastructure will be worse. Australian water utilities are recognising through the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) that the key to transformation is becoming a digital utility. Itron believes that water utilities implementing an integrated data platform (IDP) will be a critical factor in achieving this outcome. An IDP will bring together two (potentially three) different businesses that exist within water utilities (retail, distribution and generation). The need to sweat assets longer and deliver customer services equivalent to parallel industries means that utilities need a technology platform to empower collaboration and innovation.

An IDP’s primary objective is to combine data from different sources and repackage it in a way that it can be consumed effectively and timely by stakeholders. An IDP recognises that water consumption has a direct relationship with capital expenditure, environmental burden and customer experience. Reducing consumption will not lead to immediate tariff relief – the benefit will only be realised when slower demand growth delivers lower capital renewal programs. If we recognise that consumption directly impacts the competitiveness of the water supply, then individual consumption needs to be managed more effectively.

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Seventy per cent of utility executives feel that government regulation is concerning for a utility meeting its objectives. An IDP’s aim is to reduce the burden of regulation through efficiency and data availability. For more information about Integrated Data Platforms, please contact Itron via phone on 1800 257 192 or via website https://www.itron.com. References 1. http://www.unwater.org/statistics/en/ 2. World Health Organization. (2012). Global costs and benefits of drinking-water supply and sanitation interventions to reach the MDG target and universal coverage.

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INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Remember WATSYS and WATHAM?

ver 30 years ago, when the entire world’s data input was text, they were some of the world’s best and fastest computational engines – and they still are! Now, their data manipulation and mapping tools make users pretty fast. The recently released Version 11 embodies a suite of updated productivity tools, such as: • an integrated database of property land parcels, contours and customer water meters • nodes and pipes drape onto underlying terrain • existing customers’ water demands assign themselves to pipes and nodes • a smart pipe library, containing popular pipe vendor products • pipe choice and installation conditions compute pipe celerity • analyse transients in small process modules with sub-metre pipe lengths

• select a pipe class to define maximum allowable working head. WATSYS and WATHAM love field test data (hydraulic and water quality). We never tire of hearing how impressed our customers are with the strong correlation between field test data and WATSYS / WATHAM results. HCP Software’s products assist some of Australia’s most experienced hydraulic engineers, who are often called in to resolve project commissioning issues. HCP Software takes comfort in knowing that its products deliver quality engineering outcomes, even in difficult situations. When was the last time your project teams took our software for a test drive? We believe that you will appreciate their power, economy and price point. In what direction does your business need to see hydraulic/water quality simulation tools improve? We would love to hear your requirements.

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Chris Vigus, Director of HCP Software

HCP Software has a set of prospective improvements. Talk to us! Help us deliver the ones that fit your business drivers.

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Thomas Jackson’s mural is a creative solution to tacking graffiti in water storage areas

Customer feedback for innovative business BY PAUL PLOWMAN, GENERAL MANAGER, LIVEABLE CITY SOLUTIONS, SYDNEY WATER

What is innovation? At its simplest, it means implementing a change that adds value, and value is something that all customers want.

he question, then, is; ‘What represents value to customers?’ The fact is that not all customers will have the same measure of value.

Through recent research, we discovered that Sydney Water has five different customer segments:

• Efficient Usage – a customer group that is motivated by choice, is self-sufficient and considers drought-proofing to be important.

Paul Plowman, General Manager, Liveable City Solutions

• Price Controller – a customer group motivated by the cost of living. • Basic Needs – a customer group that wants assurance that everything works properly, and that services are reliable and of a high quality. • Uninvolved – a customer group that takes water and wastewater services for granted, and only really thinks about them when things go wrong.

• Future Focus – a customer group that values sustainability, livability, education, community and new solutions.

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INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

The Ozone Trailer is an alternative to high-chlorine disinfection of water mains

Armed with the understanding of what customers deem to be of value, we are able to make decisions and implement programs that deliver on these needs.

Case Study 1 – Financial hardship and BillAssist team Sydney Water created an Australian first by introducing to their Customer Call Centre a team of case workers who are all tertiary qualified and experienced in social work or psychology, to help customers with payment difficulties or growing bills and debt problems. BillAssist is Sydney Water’s unique assistance program to casemanage customers who are experiencing short-term or longerterm hardship. Although we do offer support and flexibility of payment arrangements and extensions for Sydney Water bills, we recognise that just providing financial assistance is not a solution on its own. Caseworkers may refer customers to an accredited community agency for financial and other assistance, and may provide information on other available government concessions. In addition to providing pensioner concessions, Sydney Water also has PlumbAssist, which is a service that offers urgent and essential plumbing repairs to eligible customers in financial hardship. The plethora of emails, letters and cards from customers who have been assisted by our hardship programs are a testimony to the success of the initiative. BillAssist won the Australian Teleservices Association’s Innovation Award in 2013.

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Case Study 2 – Ozone Trailer The 2011 Values Study portrayed a customer expectation that Sydney Water would be more focused on new solutions to water supply and management. One area of focus is the disinfection of new water mains before they are put into service. Traditionally, new water mains were disinfected using highly chlorinated water. In partnership with Oxyzone Pty Ltd, Sydney Water developed a completely mobile ozone system to replace the use of high-dosage chlorine in this disinfection process. The benefits of the Ozone Trailer are that: • the implementation of the new ozone process creates a 40 per cent saving to disinfect new mains and, to date, has led to an annual saving of approximately $1.4 million • new water mains can be placed into service on the same day that they are ozonated, saving developers considerable time • job disinfection failure rates dropped from between 21 and 29 per cent to only three per cent • ozone breaks down into oxygen in a relatively short period, and requires minimal flushing • the Trailer is mobile, durable, reliable and able to operate across a variety of field conditions • the process is highly automated • the use of ozone offers significantly improved health and safety aspects for employees. The Ozone Trailer won a Sydney Engineering Excellence Award in 2014.

INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Case Study 3 – Liveable City programs Research reveals that the development of a ‘livable city’ is important to customers, particularly as the population of Sydney is projected to increase by 1.3 million people over the next 20 years. Sydney Water takes a long-term strategic approach to managing water and wastewater demands, but we have also focused on making our city more livable for our customers. Two of our Livable City projects include graffiti reduction and green energy production.

BY PRODUCING POWER ON SITE, ELECTRICITY NEED NOT BE PURCHASED FROM THE GRID. ENERGY SAVED IS CURRENTLY SUFFICIENT TO POWER MORE THAN 9000 HOMES EACH YEAR Reducing graffiti

Graffiti in the Marrickville local government area is a significant problem. In collaboration with Marrickville Council, we developed a creative solution to graffiti tagging by engaging renowned local street artist Sid Tapia to create a modern art piece on a 75-square-metre section of building adjacent to a stormwater channel in Sydenham – enhancing the urban environment and helping to reduce the impact of graffiti. The project has delivered local and international media coverage, as the site was used for an international music video shoot. This program is being extended to other sites nearby. Another project has just been completed, with artist Thomas Jackson painting an 80-square-metre mural on a concrete tank at the Wollongong Water Recycling Plant. Green energy production

Sydney Water is generating more than 17 per cent of its total energy needs through an extensive portfolio of innovative renewable energy projects, and is shaving a further six per cent off electricity purchases through an energy efficiency program. The aim is to keep electricity purchases below 1998 levels, even with an increasing population and higher treatment standards. By producing power on site, electricity need not be purchased from the grid. Energy saved is currently sufficient to power more than 9000 homes each year. Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by more than 60,000 tonnes per year, and further reductions are expected as

The Sydenham artwork by Sid Tapia – before and after

we expand our solar portfolio and upgrade cogeneration schemes at our wastewater treatment plants, where biogas is produced from wastewater sludge digesters to generate energy. We are conducting feasibility studies in which kitchen food scraps are being processed at one of our sewage treatment plants to produce additional power. We are also conducting a trial where glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel manufacture, is added to the wastewater treatment process to improve energy generation. Both processes reduce the waste stream and reduce impacts on the environment. Generating renewable energy and improving the efficiency of operations reduces operating costs and carbon emissions, and enhances environmental outcomes.

The future Feedback is vital in understanding what customers value most. Customer insights can effectively guide planning and business development, and provide the catalyst to drive research to develop capacity in areas that customers see as important. The outcomes of this work can be used to guide business to do those things that represent best value rather than simply least cost. Customer feedback data can result in a greater capacity to enhance livability, communicate work, and measure contribution in a way that is appropriate and valued by customers and the community.

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WATER SOLUTIONS INTELLIGENT WATER SOLUTIONS

Big data – smart water ‘Big data’ represents real opportunities for the water industry, and this is driving investment in smart water technologies. As the cost of storing data has reduced, and the collection of data has become easier, the mining of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data is paying dividends.

‘S

mart water’ is all about effectively integrating this big data with technology solutions that allow the water industry to optimise all aspects of its water systems. Using smart-water technologies can not only help organisations to understand their customers, but it can also help them to create efficiencies, improve longevity of assets and predict future trends. Researchers estimate that billions of dollars can be saved through the implementation of smart-water technologies. ‘We are seeing an industry shift in language and mentality in the water industry. Five to 10 years ago, the focus was water, sustainability, community and service,’ says Dr Annalisa Contos of Atom Consulting. ‘Now, we are seeing a shift to language, which is more about water as a product supplied to customers, what water can do for us, liveability, liveable cities and water to enhance life.’ ‘This shift represents opportunities and challenges for the water industry, including the increasing complexity of big data and ageing infrastructure.’ Simon Zander, water segment leader at Schneider Electric, says that he is ‘working with a lot of customers in Australia and around the world in regard to big data’. Schneider Electric has an offering called Wonderware Historian software, which is now available through its acquisition of Invensys. ‘The software allows companies to collect massive amounts of data in a central spot, and analyse that data to make better decisions for the future,’ says Zander. ‘By implementing technology solutions like Wonderware Historian, you can potentially extend the life of your assets by 10 to 15 years, which represents billions of dollars’ worth of savings in deferred capital,’ Zander continues. ‘Smart water is about using all that information to get the best

out of your physical assets and even the water within the assets.’ Once you have data collection, sensing and control in place, you can start looking at opportunities to optimise and make better decisions about asset management. The opportunities with smart water depend on how cleverly we can operate these assets, and this is growing with the speed of big data and how quickly it can now be analysed. One opportunity is in the real-time space; improving our immediate real-time operation to predict how our systems are going to work, how they are going to respond, and how we need to react. For example, smart-water solutions can automatically detect a water leak, and valves can be automatically shut off. The recent trend in the decreased demand for water in Australia has meant that some assets now have an extended lifetime, says Contos. This can also put pressure on the pumps because they are not operating for the

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demand for which they were designed. This has created opportunities for installing variable speed drives (VSDs). While VSDs have been around for a long time, the opportunity lies in how cleverly they can be operated. Zander says that VSDs can now be bought as off-the-shelf products, and Schneider Electric has a range of VSD solutions, ‘from small drives for process pumps so that you can optimise the chemicals used in a treatment plant, right through to medium-voltage drives that can drive medium-voltage motors and pumps in large sewer pump stations’. ‘These [solutions] are becoming cost-effective and really good options for water companies to use to optimise systems,’ says Zander. Give Schneider Electric a call today to discover more about smart-water solutions. Annalisa Contos of Atom Consulting can be contacted at Annalisa@atomconsulting.com.au.

What do the ”Internet of Things” and Altivar Process drives have in common?

They both help you achieve optimal business and process performance. Forget what you know about ordinary drives Altivar Process is the first ever variable speed drive with embedded intelligent services. This enables it to join the Internet of Things to help you optimise process performance and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Maximise energy efficiency and asset management Enriched data on asset performance is served in real-time, allowing automation systems to instantly detect efficiency drift, and react immediately before it impacts your bottom line. Embedded protections can be easily activated to protect pump systems. Inlet/outlet pressure, flow, temperature, or any aspect that could affect productivity can be controlled. Altivar Process provides condition-based monitoring to ensure optimal pump service over its lifetime.

Altivar Process is a complete range of variable speed drives for a wide range of applications.

“Three steps for reducing TCO in pumping systems” Download our FREE White Paper and see how. Visit www.SEreply.com and enter key code 54204K ©2015 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies. • www.schneider-electric.com.au • 998-1238669_AU SEAU125359

+ WASTEWATER TREATMENT WATER TREATMENT

Quality plus value – it CAN be done!

very business owner wants to get the most out of their money – and that means finding a way to balance price and quality. The water and wastewater industries are no exception. Water assets have a job to do, and when quality isn’t what it should be, the results often aren’t good. If assets break down or fail to endure, it can lead to costly repairs, compliance issues and expensive downtime. Those types of problems sound easy to predict, but it can still be tempting to compromise on ‘good enough for now’ quality when the bottom line of your project is staring you in the face. In this global economy, there is increasing pressure to deliver more: better, faster and cheaper. And it is precisely because of the global economy that it is becoming possible to do just that. More and more Australian companies are looking across international

borders to find new solutions to this ageold problem. In particular, more and more Australian companies are turning to China1. China is the world’s largest country2, with the world’s second-largest economy3, and it’s dealing with all of the same issues as we are when it comes to water and wastewater treatment. Where China has an advantage is in the size of its population – that gives them the scale to develop materials that are more cost-efficient. But working with untested international suppliers can be risky. What if they don’t understand the expectations of Australian businesses? Water assets need to deliver on local, Australian Standards for quality – in materials, installation and performance. That’s where Australian ingenuity comes in: smart Australian firms that carefully select the right products from the right

Chinese suppliers, to deliver the quality that clients need, along with the kind of value that clients want. From quality assurance during production, to local installation and relationship management, these local firms are putting their reputations on the line – so they know they have to deliver. Water assets with quality and value? It can indeed be done. Just trust the locals who keep their hearts in Australia and their eyes on the world. 1 www.treasury.gov.au/PublicationsAndMedia/ Publications/2012/Economic-Roundup-Issue-4/ HTML/article1 2 Based on population, World Atlas.com, (2012-2014 estimated) www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/populations/ ctypopls.htm 3 The World Bank, GDP (current US$) 2013 data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP. CD?order=wbapi_data_value_2013+wbapi_data_ value+wbapi_data_value-last&sort=desc

Australian quality. Global vision.

We’ve spent more than 50 years delivering water assets that last to Australian companies and communities. We know quality when we see it and we know when innovation is needed. That’s why we’re partnering with carefully chosen suppliers, like Lantian Water Group in China, and others from around the world to deliver the EPCO quality that clients expect – with the kind of value that clients need in today’s economy.

EPCO Australia. | www.epco.com.au | T: 61 7 3037 3222

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade accommodates population growth in Adelaideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south Since 1971, wastewater from the southern area of Adelaide has been treated at the Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant at Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan Beach. As part of the treatment process, sludge was pumped to lagoons located on the banks of the Onkaparinga River for drying, removal and recycling. With expansion of housing development in the area, a commitment was made to decommission the lagoons and rehabilitate the site.

$272-million upgrade to the Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant was completed late last year. The upgrade will accommodate growth in the southern suburbs of South Australia through to 2030, and will enhance the sustainability of the plant. The upgrade also lessens the nutrient load discharged into the marine environment, reducing its environmental impact. As part of the upgrade, a new treatment train, known as C Plant, will incorporate membrane filtration technology, which is some of the most efficient and effective technology available, to remove bacteria and solids from treated wastewater. As the wastewater passes through the membranes, bacteria and solids are removed, and ultraviolet treatment is then used to produce clean water. The existing wastewater treatment plant, including the two digesters, was refurbished to ensure its efficient ongoing operation. The waste gas from the digesters can now also be used to generate electricity. An additional anaerobic digester

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

was constructed to process the increased solids load from the growing population in the area. The anaerobic decomposition of sludge during the stabilisation process produces biogas. A waste gas recovery and power generation facility was constructed to generate electricity from the gas, using a gas engine. This sustainable energy source is, in turn, used to power parts of the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treatment process. A new inlet works was constructed as the first step of the treatment process, where raw wastewater enters the plant and is screened to remove grit, rags and plastics. In the case of the C Plant, the wastewater is further screened to remove smaller particles to protect the membranes. The sludge lagoons at Noarlunga Downs were decommissioned and rehabilitated for use as stormwater wetlands. The aquatic zone was designed using the existing lagoon structures. Embankments around the lagoons were established, along with differing soil heights within the lagoons to create islands and different water depths that vary seasonally. This variation in water depths creates a diversity of habitats, and assists in attracting and sustaining a variety of different bird species and other wildlife. Stormwater enters the wetland from existing ponds and then moves progressively through each lagoon prior to entering the Onkaparinga River. This natural process removes nutrients from the stormwater, making it cleaner when it enters the river.

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EMBANKMENTS AROUND THE LAGOONS WERE ESTABLISHED, ALONG WITH DIFFERING SOIL HEIGHTS WITHIN THE LAGOONS TO CREATE ISLANDS AND DIFFERENT WATER DEPTHS THAT VARY SEASONALLY

A new sludge management system was installed at the plant, enabling sludge to be handled on site in a sealed, odour- and noise-controlled building, and to be dried, removed and recycled. Organic material from wastewater is collected, treated and used by farmers as soil conditioner. Recycled water is used for watering parks, sporting fields and agricultural crops, including many of the vineyards in the McLaren Vale wine region.

Crush. Munch. Protect. The Series A Muncher™ takes care of problems before they hit your pump.

Muncher-protected pumps flow freely, with lower maintenance costs, less downtime and fewer messy fixes. The Muncher macerates solids in any wastewater – raw sewage and screenings, sludge, industrial process flows, abattoir waste and food waste. The cost-effective Series A Muncher has a 1100 m3/hr capacity and comes with a programmable logic controller to protect against damage. The Muncher range has been used to successfully stop blocking and ragging for over 10 years. Your pump should last just as long – protect it with the Series A Muncher™ monopumps.com.au

TREATMENT WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Are munchers the solution to the wipes problem?

he increasing use of face and hand wipes in developed countries is causing greater numbers of blockages in our sewers. Here, Daniel McClusky of NOV Mono examines the issue and looks for a suitable solution. It’s a recognised fact that the use of hand wipes, face wipes and other such items has grown significantly over recent years, especially in the world’s developed countries. These items are sometimes marketed as a replacement for toilet paper, and are often sold as being ‘flushable’, when this practice in fact leads directly to major problems with our sewers. The problem lies with the fact that these wipes are often made from fibrous synthetic materials, which are tough enough to withstand the flushing process, and which do not break down easily. Along with other items that wrongly find their way into the sewers, such as babies’ nappies, these wipes can easily become entangled within a pump and cause a blockage. They can also become snagged at different points within a piping system, where they provide a starting point around which fat and other unpleasant substances begin to collect. A blockage results, and more solid objects then become stuck, restricting the flow, or even causing pumps and pipelines to shut down. In severe cases, the sewage can even back up in the network and overflow from manholes, leading to the pollution of rivers and waterways, and creating a health hazard. It’s not surprising, therefore, that many utilities operators run their own ‘Don’t flush it – bin it’-style campaigns. Unfortunately, these campaigns haven’t prevented a significant increase in the volume of wipes, and other more hazardous solids – such as syringes and hypodermic needles – that are also being flushed away. These solids inevitably become caught up in the blockages caused by wet wipes, and create a very real and dangerous health hazard for the maintenance engineers who have to resolve the problem.

Although this was identified as a problem some years ago, few treatment plant operators reported many real problems with it until recently; however, the increasing severity of the issue is prompting treatment plant operators to change their attitude quite rapidly,

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principally because it creates very real health and safety issues for their engineers, and an equally unwelcome extra cost. As more and more utility operators are now seeking effective solutions, many are turning to muncher units as a way to

WATER TREATMENT WATER + WASTEWATER

take care of the problem before it hits their pumps. A muncher will typically allow liquid to pass through its cutter stacks, while filtering, trapping and macerating any entrained solids, allowing them to shred the hand wipes so that they cause no problems to pumps and other downstream equipment. The better muncher units can easily be fitted to either new or existing sewage pump stations or inlet works, making this high-performance solution suitable for almost any type of wastewater facility, but especially those where a significant degree of fibrous waste is encountered. However, it’s important that the correct type of muncher is chosen for this duty, as not all are well suited to it – some manufacturers, such as NOV Mono, produce munchers that are specifically designed for this type of application. Mono™ has a huge amount of experience in this area, and recognised some 10 years ago that a more effective muncher was needed to tackle this problem. It responded by redesigning the profile of the ETOS cutter stacks on its muncher products, which, because they operate at variable speeds, exert a reliable, hightorque tearing action on any fibrous material or other solids, and so deliver positive and effective maceration. This greatly reduces the likelihood of blockages occurring, minimises the need for maintenance on muncher-protected pumps, and also reduces the health and safety hazards involved. This solution is proving to be especially popular in countries such as Australia, where remote locations are involved. Raw sewage must often be transferred from individual properties to remote pumping stations, and then on to a treatment plant. This can involve pumping over considerable distances, making any blockages difficult to trace, and costly to remove. Installing muncher units at the remote pumping stations removes the likelihood of blockages in the pipeline, protects

any pumps involved, and allows all the macerated solids to be screened out at the treatment plant. Once again, this greatly reduces the need for maintenance and also minimises any health and safety risks. So, what features should a muncher offer if it is to provide a suitable solution to the problem of fibrous material in our sewers? Proven performance and a track record on this type of application are obvious prerequisites, and features that can help ensure that this include a positive displacement macerating action, and rotational speeds that produce high torque levels. These can also help to create reduced power requirements of just 1.5–2.2 kilowatts, and the better muncher manufacturers will be able to satisfy these by supplying fully compatible, energyefficient motors. A unit that operates with lower cutter tip speeds will offer the advantage of dramatically reduced wear to those cutters. Slow operating speeds ensure good resistance to abrasion, and this replaces spares costs, and also produces lower levels of noise and vibration. Some units also feature a cantilever shaft design, which has the advantage of eliminating the need for bottom bearings and seals – something that again reduces the spares requirement. Given the arduous nature of sewer applications, we need to give careful considerations to maintenance requirements. The design of the muncher unit plays a crucial role here, with some of today’s more advanced muncher units offering a quick release access port, which speeds the maintenance process. Ideally, the muncher’s cutter stacks should be configured so that when maintenance is required, they can be pulled back out of the flow. This will allow them to be maintained in place, without removing the muncher or disturbing the pipeline – something that can significantly reduce maintenance time. A built-in ‘trash trap’ and easy, accessible clean-out ports will also ensure that any

rejected material is caught and held for easy removal. Munchers can also be supplied with programmable logic controllers (PLC), which will protect the machine against damage and overloads. An additional data capture system is sometimes offered as an option, and this can usually interrogate the PLC and obtain operational information of such things as reversals, trips, power consumed, and health checks. Another consideration when deciding on a muncher solution is to opt for one that combines the muncher with a screen unit in a single, integrated package. This can often be a much more effective and lowmaintenance alternative to handling fibrous materials than conventional systems. With typical screen aperture sizes of five millimetres or nine millimetres, this option can usually capture up to 95 per cent of the solids in a flow. The intermeshing discs of the screen will typically give it a self-cleaning capability, which means that the need for manual attendance or cleaning is kept to a minimum, while the cost of disposing of the solids removed by more traditional screening processes are eliminated. This also removes a good proportion of the health and safety risks that lie at the heart of the fibrous waste issue. As things currently stand, few countries have any real standards that govern what is or isn’t flushable. While significant growth is predicted for the global market for wet wipes and similar products, the manufacturers won’t foot the bill for removing sewer blockages, and utility customers seem equally unlikely to welcome higher bills to cover the work. Fortunately for treatment plant operators, there is, as we have seen, another solution that is proven, practical and effective! For more details on Mono™, visit www.monopumps.com.au, or call 1800 333 138.

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

New desalination plant improves water quality for Hawker residents

In September 2014, SA Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $5.75-million reverse osmosis desalination plant at Hawker, in the Flinders Ranges, began operating with the capability of supplying up to 440 kilolitres of treated drinking water per day to local homes and businesses.

rior to this, water supplied to the Hawker township was sourced from a local groundwater basin. The natural characteristics of the groundwater were that is was hard and high in total dissolved solids, which made the water very salty. This is typical of many inland groundwater systems in Australia. While the water quality complied with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), it was regarded by the local community as being too salty for drinking purposes. High levels of salinity can also result in scaling in pipes, fittings and household appliances.

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SA Water worked closely with the Flinders Ranges Council to identify an appropriate solution that would be suitable for a remote location, to improve the quality of water being supplied to Hawker. In 2012, SA Water undertook a detailed investigation of the quality and quantity of the available groundwater, and identified a preferred option that would improve the quality of drinking water; that would provide a sustainable long-term solution that would meet the needs of residents, businesses and tourists; and that would be delivered efficiently and within budget. The endorsed option was a new packaged desalination plant, which was constructed on land immediately adjacent to the existing bore field and Iron Removal Plant. The desalination plant reduces salinity levels to within acceptable aesthetic targets outlined in the ADWG of less than 600 milligrams per litre. The water is sourced from a groundwater basin, and is then treated at the desalination plant and piped to customers. The new plant, which is located about four kilometres outside of the Hawker township, now supplies approximately 200 local SA Water customers, who have noticed a substantial improvement in the taste of their water. SA Water is undertaking ongoing monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groundwater basin.

WATER + WASTEWATER WATER TREATMENT IN MINING

Arsenic removal with DMI-65 in the United Kingdom

reencore Group–UK is a manufacturer of frozen prepared meals. It uses borehole water as its source of process and drinking water. The company must comply with the United Kingdom requirement of less than 10 parts per billion of arsenic in its process and drinking water. In the past, Greencore Group–UK had been using Bayoxide as a filter media for the removal of the arsenic. The filter system is owned and operated by Groundwater Ltd in the United Kingdom. The flow rate of the water being treated is 50 cubic metres per hour. A twofilter system in series was used because the first pass didn’t necessarily remove the arsenic to less than 10 parts per billion on a consistent basis. Operation of the filters was very costly, since Bayoxide is an adsorbent material and cannot be backwashed or re-used.

In addition, Groundwater Ltd was changing out the Bayoxide every six to 12 months in order to ensure compliance for arsenic removal. This was very costly. Groundwater Ltd contacted K2O Consulting for a possible alternative media for the arsenic removal. K2O Consulting recommended and supplied a silica sand media called DMI-65 as a replacement media. DMI-65 was installed in just one of the filters and after an initial start-up period, the DMI-65 was found to remove the arsenic on a consistent basis to less than 10 parts per billion. So, they went from a two-filter system using a costly expendable media that lasted only six to 12 months, to using one filter with DMI-65, which is much less costly on a pervolume basis, and can be backwashed and re-used. The expected life of DMI-65 is five to seven years. So now, great cost savings

are being realised, along with consistent performance for arsenic removal.

REVOLUTIONARY DMI-65, THE LOWEST COST METHOD FOR ARSENIC REMOVAL DMI-65 is a revolutionary Advanced Oxidation Catalytic Filtration Media designed for the removal of Iron, Arsenic, Hydrogen Sulphide and Manganese. K2O Consulting recommended and supplied a silica sand media called DMI-65 as a replacement media. DMI-65 was installed in just one of the lters and after an initial start-up period, the DMI-65 was found to remove the arsenic on a consistent basis to less than 10 parts per billion. Greencore Goup - UK

DMI-65 is Safe for Drinking Water Applications Certi ed: NSF/ANSI 61 & UK Reg. 31

www.dmi65.com +61 1300 303 281 info@dmi65.com

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WATER & + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The promise of superior performance

EHAU GmbH is at the forefront of aeration technology, and its RAUBIOXIN Plus diffused aeration designs are generally regarded as some of the most efficient and durable systems available. Since the first installation in 1995, the superior mechanical properties of the RAUBIOXON Plus silicone membrane and polypropylene support pipe air distribution systems have shown excellent resistance to wear under varied (industrial and municipal) wastewater applications, delivering extended useful service life. Short service life of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-type membranes has been attributed to the deterioration of the physical properties of the membrane, due to leaching out of plasticiser (mineral oils), incrustation of the membrane via growth of biological slime and/or calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide precipitates. After assessing the failure modes and effects of previous products and applications, REHAU developed the RAUBIOXON Plus diffused aerators with the following features: • RAU-SIK silicone membranes are an inorganic, homogeneous silicone rubber that contains no plasticiser, and therefore does not harden or become brittle over time, maintaining its original mechanical properties • the silicone compound is a hydrophobic material, and as a result, has little affinity for deposits

• to mitigate growth of biological substances on the membrane, REHAU developed and patented an anti-microbial formulation with heavy metal inhibitors extruded through the membrane surface • RAU-SIK silicone membrane is highly resistant to temperature (-80 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius), oil and grease, and most inorganic and organic chemicals. The polypropylene supports pipe and air distribution systems is approximately double the wall thickness of commonly used polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipework, and is distinguished by its rigidity and hardness. It also has excellent toughness and abrasion resistance compared to other thermoplastics, and was specifically chosen to suit the expected longer service life of the silicone membrane. The ability for RAUBIOXON Plus to maintain its mechanical properties over time, and its little affinity for deposits, means that it not only has a high initial oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE), but that it also maintains this efficiency over time.

It is commonly accepted that increases in diffuser back pressure are correlated with a reduction in OTE, due to fouling or changes in mechanical properties or aerator membranes. Rehau RAUBIOXON Plus fine bubble pipe aerators have shown to: • minimise back pressure over the life cycle of the aerator, reducing plant energy consumption • save on installation costs, because less pipe work and less diffusers elements are needed • reduce maintenance costs, as the patented RAU-SIK membrane provides high resistance to microbial encrustation, maintains elasticity for longer and is ultraviolet (UV) stable. If you consider the back pressure testing conducted by Sydney Water at its West Hornsby wastewater treatment plant, it is evident that the RAUBIOXON Plus diffuser is wearing at a significantly slower rate than the existing EPDM design, which suggests a considerably longer service life. After only three years, there is an approximate five kilopascal difference between the EPDM and RAUBIOXON designs, which relates to 10–15 per cent extra blower power consumption. This comprehensive testing under Australian conditions clearly shows the superior performance of the RAUBIOXIN Plus silicone membrane. Whether you are upgrading, refurbishing, building a new plant or simply looking for ways to improve your plant operations, REHAU has the customised solution. Contact us now on 1800 MORE 02, or email us at info@greenprocess.com.au to receive more information and get your free design.

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www.greenprocess.com.au

TREATMENT WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Baleen continues to win international fame

astewater traditionally requires numerous complex, energyintensive treatments to realise fit-for-purpose water re-use; however, Baleen allows for inline clarification in as little as one step. The key economic driver for Baleen is its fast capital payback from installation. Baleen Filters Pty Limited has successfully delivered more than 170 Baleen installations across industry. Its technology, marketed as Baleen, provides for both inline separation (by-product recovery) and continuous filtration (improved water quality). The company has won many awards, and is a two-time winner of the Artemis Top 50 Water Company Award and Frost & Sullivan’s 2014 Water Technology Company of the Year. Baleen uses a simple, yet ingenious ‘double act’ of high-pressure, low-volume sprays, one of which dislodges material caught by the filter media, while the other sweeps it away. As water flows through the filter, substances suspended in the water are left behind and as they accumulate the ‘double act’ affects their removal for collection. Baleen effectively sidesteps the need for ‘backwash’ by screenings flow across the filter media, virtually shearing suspended matter out of suspension. Whether floating, sinking or ‘in suspension’, any matter with a particle, or distinctly different in density or viscosity to water, can be ‘selectively’ separated. Screenings are of a natural wet, spadeable consistency, ideally suited to composting, rapid biogas conversion or by-product recovery. Baleen offers a simple, yet well-engineered approach to cut energy and consumable costs, by separating the waste from wastewater. Baleen is manufactured from 304SS, 316SS, duplex or aluminium materials of construction. There are four product models available across six unit sizes to allow for retrofit, user install, stand-alone or connectand-use installation. The largest single unit is capable of flows as high as 1000 kilolitres per hour. Installation prerequisites include: a level foundation or platform, on-demand utility supply of compressed air, power and reclaimed water. Other considerations may include upstream flow balancing, process monitoring and screenings management.

Baleen can be used as a single step to realise agricultural, mining and industrial water reclamation and materials recovery. Examples include fruit and vegetable packers, where in-process wash water recycling can deliver water savings as high as 95 per cent. When coupled with flocculation for clarification of final water quality, further ‘fit-for-purpose’ opportunities arise. Examples include meat, poultry and dairy processors, as well as small community effluent treatment plants where end-of-pipe clarification can deliver energy savings as high as 95 per cent. Enhanced reclamation opportunity is made possible by coupling an additional physicochemical step. Examples include metal precipitate extraction and ion-exchange resin recovery to deliver plant footprint savings as high as 95 per cent. A best-available technology approach to resource reclamation may be defined by Baleen’s ‘One to Four Step Method’: 1.

separation of visible matter by Baleen (to outperform any clarifier/separator), and/or

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coagulation flocculation, to facilitate

separation of sub-visible matter by Baleen (to outperform any clarifier/ flotation-plant), and/or

oxidation/disinfection of residual constituency.

One-step applications include: wash water recycle, pond or drying bed displacement, DAFF enhancement, backwash reclamation, clarifier polishing, materials recovery, centrate thickening, water re-use and marine and membrane protection. Baleen’s competitive advantage vests in its readily demonstrated simplicity to close the loop on water and resource management. Though Baleen is considered an alternative approach to water reclamation and resource recovery for many small- to medium-sized operations, large modern treatment plants also benefit from increased plant efficiency as a consequence of Baleen’s novel separation and thickening capability. Capital payback from installation for many applications is often less than one to two years.

A new dimension dimension in in separation separationtechnology, technology,the theBaleen BaleenFilter Filteris isanan adaption of the the natural natural technique technique used usedby byfilter-feeding filter-feedingwhales. whales. Stand-alone mechanical-separation capability 20 micron, Stand-alone micro screening capability to 25 to microns and or Chemically-assisted fine as 13micron. chemically assisted filtration filtration to as less than microns. Baleen Filters reclamation. Baleen Filters are arethe thenatural naturalchoice choicefor forresource water reclamation.

byby Nature Water Recycling Recyclingmade madeSimple Simple Engineered Engineered Nature Designed && made madeininAustralia Australia Internationally InternationallyAwarded Awarded

www.baleen.com www.baleenfilters.com

WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant energy utilisation optimisation An innovative upgrade to the energy plant at the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant, which commenced in August 2012, will see up to 85 per cent of the power used at the plant generated on site through wastewater gases. The $25.8-million project will connect and install new infrastructure to create electricity from the available biogas created as a by-product of the sewage treatment process.

he project will more than triple the amount of electricity produced at the plant by capitalising on an existing renewable energy source, and will deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 11,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. It will increase the reliability and security of energy supply to the Bolivar treatment plant, and will ensure that all available biogas generated is used as efficiently as possible. The Bolivar plant receives about 60 per cent of all of Adelaide’s wastewater, and treats approximately 135 million litres of residential and industrial wastewater per day. It already produces about 10 gigawatt hours of electricity from biogas, which is produced when the waste that enters the plant is broken down. Following the upgrade of the plant’s electricity generation capabilities, approximately 35 gigawatt hours of electricity will be produced, which equals about 85 per cent of the plant’s annual electricity requirements, saving approximately $1.3 million per year. The upgrade will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower SA Water’s carbon footprint, and reduce the amount of electricity purchased from electricity providers from 30 gigawatt hours to

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five gigawatt hours per year. It will give the plant greater power supply alternatives, and will improve the reliability of the electricity supply. The upgrade will include works to install three new reciprocating engines to create more electricity from biogas, and build a chemical dosing plant to reduce the formation of hydrogen sulphide, which is a by-product of biogas production. It will also connect a new natural gas pipeline and metering station, and convert the existing gas turbine to run solely on natural gas, while further electrical modifications will be made throughout the site to utilise all electricity. Partial benefits have been realised from the project since December 2013, with the full benefits expected to be attained in early 2015.

WATER TREATMENT

WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

SAS Solutions Group: water, facilities and business solutions

AS Water Solutions is an integral part of the SAS Solutions Group, which has expertise in water and wastewater. SAS Water Solutions is 100 per cent Australian-owned and -operated company specialising in engineered solutions for: • industrial, municipal, mining, F&B • defence, commercial, hotels and resorts • cooling towers, HVAC systems, boilers • water purification, re-use, recyle, stormwater harvesting • sewage, leachate, eflluent and sewer mining • membrane systems and biological systems • pretreatment, MF, UF, RO, IX, EDI, UV • legionella, chemicals supply and treatment

SAS provides process design, engineering, project management and O&M along with supply of speciality chemicals, spares and consumables, service contracts and full range of after-sales support operational services, including remote plant monitoring, through our experienced and qualified people working in partnership with our customers. Our customers and projects include: • RAAF Super Hornets F/A18 Super Hornets Washbay using recycled water • Bondi Beach stormwater harvesting and recycling plant • New Australian Embassay potable and non-potable water treatment plant

• Goodmans Properties folio management and services contract • Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation services contract • Sydney Area Hospitals services contract • Australian Defence Force services contract. SAS Water Solutions Pty Ltd Website: www.saswater.com.au Contact Person: Sunil Krishnamurthy Email: sunil@saswater.com.au T: 02 9620 4900 M: 0466 080 484

• Barangaroo Headland development works for irrigation and stormwater management

• filtration products, O&M services.

WHEN YOUR ASSETS ARE IMPORTANT

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE! SAS Water Solutions are an integral part of the SAS Solutions Group which has expertise in Water, Facilities and Business Solutions.

RAAF Base Amberley – F/A-18F Super Hornet Wash Bay

SAS provide essential engineering design, water treatment solutions, and operational services through our experienced and qualified people working in partnership with our customers.

ABN: 52 100 723 402

www.saswater.com.au NSW I Sydney I Newcastle I Wollongong Riverina I ACT I VIC I QLD

Waverley Council NSW Bondi Beach , Sydney Head Office: 30/9 Salisbury Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154 Tel: 02 9620 4900 Fax: 02 9620 4388

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

New cost-effective treatment removes harmful contaminants from wastewater BY DR GRANT DOUGLAS, SENIOR PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST, CSIRO CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Chemical reagents being sprayed into the pit

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Advanced oxidation water filtration

he unique microporous structure of DMI-65 efficiently removes dissolved iron to as low as 0.005 parts per million and manganese to 0.001 parts per million.

DMI-65 is an extremely powerful silica sandbased catalytic action water filtration media, which is designed for the removal of iron and manganese without the use of potassium permanganate. After initial activation, DMI-65 acts as an oxidation catalyst, with immediate oxidation and filtration of the insoluble precipitates. It can also be used as a mechanical filtration media because of its high capacity to filter out suspended solids to approximately larger than 10 microns. DMI-65 can also remove arsenic, aluminium and hydrogen sulphide under certain conditions.

DMI-65 offers lowest whole-of-life cost due to its high performance capabilities and low ongoing maintenance. DMI-65 is infused technology and not just a surface coating, unlike other catalytic water filtration media, and this gives DMI-65 the advantage of a long life span – between five and eight years – and powerful performance. It also removes the chance of any chemical leaching into the water stream. The media has been used extensively in a wide variety of applications, and in many countries for drinking water applications for over 20 years. DMI-65 is also being used for iron removal in steel mill cooling water to prevent plugging of spraying nozzles, in boiler feed water systems and to protect RO membranes.

This product is certified to the United States Standard NSF/ANSI 61 for Drinking Water Systems Components and for use in England and Wales under Regulation 31(4)(a) of the water supply (Water Quality) regulations 2010, and has been successfully tested by many other water treatment authorities and laboratories.

INTRODUCING NEW DMI-65 EXCLUSIVE INFUSION TECHNOLOGY DMI-65 is a revolutionary Advanced Oxidation Catalytic Filtration Media designed for the removal of Iron, Arsenic, Hydrogen Sulphide and Manganese. DMI-65 IS USED IN: • MUNICIPAL DRINKING WATER APPLICATIONS • REVERSE OSMOSIS PROTECTION & PRE-TREATMENT • ARSENIC REMOVAL • FOOD AND BEVERAGE • LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS • PRE-TREATMENT FOR COOLING TOWERS & BOILERS PRE-TRE • TREATMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DISCHARGE • INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

We have successfully evaluated and proven the • WATER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS effectiveness of DMI-65 water ltration media in • MINING APPLICATIONS reducing manganese and iron levels in water. WAYNE HAGE - GROUP TECHNICAL MANAGER Coca-Cola Amatil

www.dmi65.com +61 1300 303 281 info@dmi65.com

DMI-65 is Safe for Drinking Water Applications Certi ed: NSF/ANSI 61 & UK Reg. 31

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

CSIRO researchers have developed a one-step treatment for removing contaminants from mining and industrial wastewaters, making this previously complex process simpler and more cost-effective over the wastewater treatment life cycle. It’s also more environmentally friendly, as it has the potential to reduce sludge by up to 90 per cent.

ince becoming commercially available, the technology called Virtual Curtain has been applied at a Queensland mine site, where more than 50 megalitres of wastewater was turned into near-rainwater quality water that could be safely discharged to the environment.

A sustainable alternative to lime Many mining and industrial processes generate wastewater that contains a variety of contaminants, such as metals and metalloids. These contaminants need to be removed to ensure that the wastewater is suitable for re-use or discharge. Due to the wide variety of contaminants found in mining wastewaters, their removal is often difficult, requiring a number of complex steps.

While traditional lime-based methods have been around for many years and are widely used by the industry, they tend to produce many tonnes of sludge – a problematic by-product that is often difficult and expensive to dewater, move and dispose of. CSIRO has developed a new treatment that can simultaneously remove a variety of contaminants – often in one easy step. The treatment uses hydrotalcites: a layered double hydroxide mineral primarily composed of magnesium and aluminium. Given that the Australian mining industry is estimated to generate hundreds of millions of tonnes of wastewater and associated sludge each year, the technology opens a significant opportunity for companies to improve water management practices and be more sustainable.

Taking advantage of common wastewater contaminants The benefit of using hydrotalcites lies in the fact that these small, platelet-like artificial minerals can simultaneously trap and remove a range of metals, such as copper, lead and cadmium, and anions like sulphate, chromate and arsenate. By using contaminants that are already present in the wastewater, and the inherent simplicity of the process, the need for expensive infrastructure and complicated chemistry to treat the waste can be avoided. Ideally, hydrotalcites are formed in situ within the wastewater using magnesium and/or aluminium – which is already present, and often in abundance – as building blocks. To facilitate hydrotalcite synthesis, predetermined quantities of magnesium and/or aluminum salts can be added to the wastewater as required, along with additional alkaline compounds to neutralise acidity where necessary.

Lanthanides Actinides

Figure 1: Elements (shaded) able to be removed from contaminated waters using the Virtual Curtain technology

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Figure 2. Aggregate of individual hydrotalcite platelets approximately 500 nanometres wide by 50 nanometres thick containing approximately one per cent uranium and 2.5 per cent rare earth elements formed from a uranium mine process water

can be easily removed using sand filtration or centrifugation. This is in contrast to currently used treatment processes that produce lime-based precipitated sludges, which often require additional treatment to effectively dewater. Importantly, after the formation of the hydrotalcites, generally only additional sodium is added to the final wastewater composition, and a decline in total dissolved salts commonly occurs in the treated wastewater. This means that a concentrated solution of the treated wastewater, which is usually of sodium sulphate composition, can be used to produce sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide via reverse osmosis/electrodialysis, which can be reused in mineral processing.

An opportunity to increase recovery rates Recent research has focused on using hydrotalcites to remove contaminants from wastewaters generated from the mining and extraction of uranium. A range of contaminants, including uranium, rare earth elements, transition metals, metalloids and anions, has been effectively removed from these acidic and often complex wastewaters in a one-step treatment via the formation of hydrotalcites.

A copper-rich hydrotalcite formed from the treatment of the pit

Depending on the wastewater composition, hydrotalcites begin to form at approximately pH 6 or greater, fully forming to remove a range of contaminants at around pH 10. They settle rapidly and

Once synthesised, hydrotalcites form a precipitate material that can be high in metal value (Figure 2). In one research project, the precipitate contained high uranium and rare earth concentrations, which could potentially be reprocessed to recover the contained metal value and offset remediation costs. This opens up the opportunity for mine operators to adopt a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wealth from wasteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; philosophy using the technology. It has also been found that hydrotalcites can be further stabilised to form a long-term repository for a range of radionuclides or other contaminants liberated during uranium or other mining or mineral processing activities.

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Now available to industry

A RANGE OF CONTAMINANTS, INCLUDING URANIUM, RARE EARTH ELEMENTS, TRANSITION METALS, METALLOIDS AND ANIONS, HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY REMOVED FROM THESE ACIDIC AND OFTEN COMPLEX WASTEWATERS IN A ONE-STEP TREATMENT VIA THE FORMATION OF HYDROTALCITES

In the first commercial application recently, the Virtual Curtain technology was used to remove a variety of contaminants from an acidic mine pit wastewater in a northern Queensland mine. At the end of the process, around 20 Olympic swimming pools of rainwater-quality solute was safely discharged to the environment. Given the low-sludge volume generated, mining was able to commence soon after in the pit to extract the remaining metal value (Figure 3). In light of the very promising results obtained using hydrotalcites to remediate mining wastewaters, provisional patents have been lodged that cover both surface and sub-surface applications. In addition, the hydrotalcite-based technology is currently being commercialised with Virtual Curtain Limited, who have an exclusive worldwide licence. Further information on the application of hydrotalcites to remediate mining and industrial wastewaters may be obtained from the author at grant.douglas@csiro.au.

Figure 3. Treatment of a 56-megalitre acidic mine pit lake in Queensland using the Virtual Curtain technology

Pit prior to treatment containing 56 megalitres of pH 2.9 acid mine water and a range of contaminants

Pit during treatment with white halo highlighting addition of reagents

Recommencement of mining operations

Dewatered pit prior with hydrotalcite residue

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WATER + WASTEWATER TREATMENT

WATER TREATMENT

Nobody makes the right decisions without the right information

he water industry is no longer forced to make large design or plant optimisation decisions on limited water quality data sets – often being confined to grab or composite sampling techniques, which inevitably and unavoidably miss key events. DCM Process Control specialises in ‘real-time’ water characterisation studies, and water quality parameter measurement utilising the S::CAN range of UV/Vis Spectro::lysers, which we have been using exclusively for over 10 years now in Australia and New Zealand. As dynamic models developed in the industry, so, too, did a core part of DCM’s business – the company’s comprehensive Data Supply Service, providing key, minuteby-minute water quality information for DCM’s clients, while also being able to

capture and quantify high-loading ‘events’ as they happen. By eliminating the guesswork, DCM minimises your risk and provides highlevel water quality data for characterisation, design, optimisation, event detection and feed forward control purposes. Where only traditional datasets are available, consultants, designers and financiers are forced to assume that the data is actually representative of the true load, which is due to a suboptimal understanding of the water quality within a catchment. This can lead to high-capital outlay where not required, or the undersizing of some sections of an otherwise suitable plant design. Whether for a $10 million or a $100 million project, DCM knows that even small design errors result in significant rises on capital expenditure with infrastructure and operational costs,

than what would occur with appropriate real-time datasets. Real-time, high-resolution monitoring over peak load periods, whether during summer holidays or cold winters when low temperatures limit treatment processes, provides key data to minimise the risk of treatment failure and asset expenditure. DCM’s local development team has augmented the S::CAN instruments with world-class infrastructure and sample delivery mechanisms, which allows the company to deploy and collect water quality data from raw sewers to natural waters. From source to the sea, DCM has it covered. Contact James, DCM’s Sales & Operations Manager on 03 9417 0254 to learn more about how we can help your business.

know what’s happening in your water every minute of everyday DCM Process Control specialises in “real-time” water quality parameter measurement utilising the s::can range of UV/Vis spectro::lyser’s in both the water and wastewater industries. Our unique in-situ water characterisation capabilities are ideal for optimisation, event detection, design, water security and plant control processes. The multi-parameter s::can spectro::lyser has NO moving parts, NO reagents or consumables and is fully submersible.

ELIMINATE THE GUESSWORK.

Call 1300 735 123 to find out more about our data supply & lease to buy options Stormwater, Sewer & Trade Waste / Wastewater & Re-Use / Rivers, Reservoirs & Organics / Com::pass feed forward coagulation control

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PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

The UEA works in Sydney were part of the $700-million investment in infrastructure

Trenchless technology: how you can benefit Known colloquially as ‘keyhole surgery for the environment’, trenchless technology is a noninvasive construction technique used in a variety of government-funded infrastructure projects. Its uses range from the construction of tunnels and the installation of pipelines, to the rehabilitation of existing assets, such as water and wastewater sewers.

58 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

renchless technology refers to network monitoring equipment and techniques used to install, repair, or replace water infrastructure while minimising surface disruption. These techniques eliminate the need for open-cut excavation, and therefore offer environmental, social and economic benefits to government and the community. In addition to these immediate benefits, trenchless technology often results in reduced costs. In a 2008 paper, titled ‘Cost and Risk Evaluation for Horizontal Directional Drilling versus Open Cut in an Urban Environment’, authors Neil J.A Woodroffe and Samuel T. Ariaratnam compared the costs of open-cut excavation with trenchless methods, and came to the conclusion that a trenchless approach often reduces overall construction costs in an urban environment. Additionally, trenchless technologies have been developed to reduce interruption to supply during rehabilitation works, thereby eliminating the costs associated with resident notification.

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Trenchless techniques for installing new infrastructure and rehabilitating existing underground assets provide many benefits to councils, water authorities and communities. It is vital for workers within the water industry to be across trenchless methods and technologies in order to provide safer worksites for contractors, to minimise social costs to communities, and to reduce costs involved in capital works programs. Trenchless technology is also often favoured in the water industry for its ability to reduce network water loss through novel asset management technologies. Available technologies aid asset managers to obtain the best possible data on the state of pipes, allowing for renewal of assets before failures and bursts. It is the solution to many of the problems that Australia is facing in the near term. With an economic slowdown at home and a tight global credit market abroad, every dollar counts. Trenchless technology is no longer an expensive alternative, but instead offers many ways to do more with less. A number of recent projects across the country have highlighted the benefits that trenchless technology can offer councils, utilities and their communities.

THOREN SAYS THAT MAJOR UPGRADES TO CAIRNS SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE ARE CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO MEET PRESENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS, INCLUDING MAKING WAY FOR AN INCREASED DEMAND ON DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES – OPTIONS FOR WHICH ARE CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED AND CONSIDERED Going trenchless in the Sunshine State Servicing 1687 square kilometres of the coastal city of Cairns, the Cairns Regional Council (CRC) has been adopting trenchless technology across several major projects. With the Far North Queensland city flanking the Coral Sea to one side and the Great Dividing Range on the other, the use of trenchless technology to maintain the region’s underground infrastructure is growing, says CRC Senior Project Manager Peter Thoren.

‘Currently, the council’s Water and Waste Infrastructure branch is the primary user of trenchless technologies, which are being implemented to install new gravity and rising sewer mains, as well as water mains,’ says Thoren. The Cairns region features a diverse range of infrastructure assets that the CRC regularly maintains, including just over 580 kilometres of stormwater pipes, 176 kilometres of stormwater open drain pipes, 2105 kilometres of water mains, and 1083 kilometres of wastewater mains. Thoren says that major upgrades to Cairns sewer infrastructure are currently underway to meet present and future demands, including making way for an increased demand on drinking water supplies – options for which are currently being investigated and considered. The council currently has a Core Asset Management Plan in place that covers long-term planning for the underground assets. It maps out the replacement requirements of assets, based on their age and works identified in Council’s capital works program. As part of the plan, the council has a 10-year capital works program for installing, replacing and upgrading underground assets, which has been formulated from both external and internal investigations. The Council also undertakes a comprehensive inspection and revaluation of the drainage assets every five years, which involves physical inspections of the assets. These programs allow for the CRC to generate plans for sewer relining, manhole refurbishment, customer meter replacement, and water main replacement programs annually. The CRC’s application of trenchless methods across several major infrastructure projects has predominantly used pipe bursting as the primary trenchless technique. The council has also applied directional drilling techniques in order to use a steerable head to drive and align the pipe, in addition to pipe jacking and the application of earth pressure balance tunnelling machines. CRC’s current water and wastewater infrastructure projects are all using at least one of these trenchless methods. Thoren says that the CRC’s selection of specific trenchless techniques is dependent on each project, and that an external consultant will provide advice on the technology selection. ‘With input from our design consultant, and access to a specialist technological consultant external of the council, we’ve been able to move away from trenched solutions,’ says Thoren. ‘We’re always open to new methods and ideas, and, at present, we are gearing up for delivery of long directional drill projects throughout the Cairns City area that will need to take into account traffic, businesses and pedestrian access, and public safety; however, the impact is going to be minimal compared to what we would have been facing with a trenched project.’

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PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Cairns Regional Council workers apply trenchless technology to one of the various water main projects currently being completed in the region

Sydney pilot bore breaks records A record-breaking pilot bore using walkover technology was recently completed as part of a series of major infrastructure upgrades in Sydney, New South Wales. Undertaken as part of the Bargo and Buxton Wastewater Scheme – part of the Sydney Water Priority Sewer Program contract works – the 1020-metre grade-critical bore sat alongside a busy arterial road and had a deepest point of 10 metres. Adding to the challenges, the initial site layout and bore design had to be modified to accommodate existing utility services, pipeline grade requirements, and the available space next to a federally protected endangered ecological community. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which involves performing a pilot bore with a drill rig connected to steel rods, and a drill head that has a locatable beacon at the front, was Sydney Water’s preferred option for use in the construction of the wastewater transfer main for the Bargo and Buxton Priority Sewerage Program.

construction, but also by eliminating any restoration required between the launch and receipt points.’ Carried out by infrastructure specialist UEA, the first kilometre of the pilot bore was completed without issue and on a single battery. Just over 1020 metres of the Hawkesbury Sandstone ground matter was drilled in only 39 hours. In total, the Bargo and Buxton projects required the creation of 17 bores of up to 1020 metres in length, with an average length of 505 metres. With a total of 8973 metres of transfer main installed via HDD, road restoration, spoil disposal and vegetation clearing was kept to an absolute minimum. HDD was also used to avoid high points along the pipe alignment as well as environmentally sensitive and endangered ecological communities, and to minimise impacts around schools, mine sites and commercial premises. According to UEA Project Manager Jonathan de Vos, the pilot bore operation had its fair share of challenges to overcome.

Sydney Water Manager of Major Projects Ashley Jagoe says that HDD was assessed and chosen as the preliminary delivery technique for the project due to its ability to reduce environmental and community impacts.

‘The major challenge for this project was the need to set up an HDD maxi rig spread on the side of a busy arterial RMS roadway,’ he says.

‘We were better able to achieve our required design outcomes using HDD over traditional open-cut excavation,’ says Jagoe.

‘A further complexity was finding available room to internally de-bead and string out 1000 metres of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe above the ground.’

‘Given the relatively small diameter of the wastewater transfer pipeline, HDD provided a significant cost benefit not only in

60 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

De Vos says that having a very good client/contractor relationship for the duration of the project eliminated any potential delays to

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Water Infrastructure Group’s proprietary Panel Lok structural relining system

completion, and allowed all HDD sites to be set up and prepared well in advance of any equipment arriving. ‘All approvals and permits were received well in advance, and allowed HDD rigs and equipment to leapfrog each other as required.’ Not only was the pilot bore a significant achievement in itself, but this feat is also believed to be the longest ever completed pilot bore using walkover technology in Australasia.

THE BENEFITS THAT COUNCILS AND UTILITIES CAN GAIN THROUGH USING TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY ARE MANY AND VARIED, WITH COST SAVINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS, MINIMISED URBAN DISRUPTIONS AND COMMUNITY SATISFACTION JUST THE BEGINNING

Ultimately, the transfer main was completed on time and is now operational, meeting the Sydney Water Operating Licence time frames to enable both Bargo and Buxton to connect to the new wastewater system.

Trenchless bestows new life on Melbourne pipes As part of the City of Boroondara’s ongoing drainage improvement program, rehabilitation of approximately 900 metres of brick stormwater drains recently took place in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs. A number of brick-lined stormwater drains in Boroondara have been relined over the past decade, with the drains ranging in size from between 800 and 1200 millimetres, and constructed nearly 100 years ago. Council Civil Projects Engineer Masha Patikirikorale says that a proprietary structural relining system from Water Infrastructure Group, known as the Panel Lok system, was selected from a panel of brick drain rehabilitation contractors to improve the structural integrity of the existing brick and to extend the existing drains’ service life by at least another 50 years. ‘Water Infrastructure Group uses a structural relining technique where workers enter the brick drain to carry out the relining works. This method enables them to reline sharp bends in the brick drain while maintaining a good seal between the liner and the host pipe with relative ease.’

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

The Panel Lok relining process involves a number of stages. First, cleaning and repair of the existing drain occurs alongside the removal of debris. Then, the design of the relining system for the brick drain is carried out, followed by manual installation of the Panel Lok system. After installation of the system, reconnection and epoxy sealing of all existing drainage inlets occurs, and the Panel Lok liner is then grouted to the host pipe. Water Infrastructure Group Project Engineer Patrick Zemanek says that grouting between the host pipe and the liner was an important part of the company’s installation methodology, and provided long-term benefits for stormwater applications by helping to reduce maintenance issues associated with groundwater, soil and tree root ingress into conduits. ‘The PVC Panel Lok liner creates less friction than the original brick lining, so the flow capacity of the stormwater drains is also improved,’ says Zemanek. Before and after the rehabilitation works, closed-circuit television inspections are carried out to assess the pipes’ initial condition, as well as their final post-rehabilitation state.

See it all at No-Dig 2015 The benefits that councils and utilities can gain through using trenchless technology are many and varied, with cost savings, environmental benefits, minimised urban disruptions and community satisfaction just the beginning. This year, the Australasian trenchless industry will converge at the Gold Coast for the No-Dig Down Under conference and exhibition. Held from 8–11 September at the impressive Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, No-Dig Down Under is the 11th conference and exhibition of the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT). By coming along to No-Dig Down Under, council and utility employees will learn about the cutting edge in trenchless technology and meet suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to discuss how these technologies can be used on current and upcoming projects. The technical program will host speakers from around Australasia and the globe, who will present papers covering case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging projects and environments, industry skills and training, risk management, and more.

DOWNUNDER 2015 GOLD COAST

8-11 September 2015 | Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre No-Dig Down Under 2015 is the 11th conference and exhibition for the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT). The event will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8-11 September 2015.

EXHIBITION

PROGRAM

The FREE to attend exhibition will provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to the latest technological offerings and receive firsthand professional expert advice.

The No-Dig Down Under 2015 program will discuss how trenchless techniques can:

View or display the latest equipment and keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry!

•

Reduce whole-of-project costs

•

Minimise supply interruption to communities

SAVE THE DATE!

•

Reduce civil construction impacts by eliminating traffic detours

•

Provide benefits to local business owners by minimising construction site areas

An exciting social program is planned including opening cocktails, a canal cruise, golf day, and the prestigious ASTT Gala Dinner and Awards Evening. Don’t miss out!

•

An environmentally-friendly alternative to trenching in protected and heritage areas

•

Reduce OH&S risks by reducing worker exposure to trenches and hazardous sites

•

Shorten construction time frames

•

Enhance asset management programs by gathering higher quality network data.

For more information contact the events team Tel: +61 3 9248 5174

Fax: +61 3 9602 2708

Email: conferences@gs-press.com.au Website: www.nodigdownunder.com Follow us: @TrenchlessOZ

www.nodigdownunder.com.au 62 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

The program will be supported by an exhibition hall featuring booths where contractors and suppliers from around the world will showcase their services and equipment of all shapes and sizes. This is a perfect opportunity to speak to those at the coalface of projects, and ask experts questions about upcoming projects. No-Dig Down Under 2015 will also feature a range of social events, including opening cocktails, a canal cruise, golf day, and the prestigious ASTT Gala Dinner and Awards Evening. The Gold Coast is the perfect venue to mix business with leisure, boasting beautiful beaches, world-class hotels and sightseeing attractions, and an expanding metropolitan city. Queensland remains one of Australia’s strongest economic states, with many mining and engineering companies in the region embracing a trenchless approach to projects. Residents are increasingly becoming aware of the environmental, social and economic impacts of major infrastructure projects taking place in their communities, making these factors a priority for councils and utilities that are planning major works. Trenchless technology is providing effective solutions to many of the challenges that can present themselves. Council and utility employees involved in planning major works and asset management will benefit from attending No-Dig 2015 and seeing the solutions that trenchless technology can offer firsthand. To find out more about the event or to register, visit www.nodigdownunder.com.

RESIDENTS ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING AWARE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TAKING PLACE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, MAKING THESE FACTORS A PRIORITY FOR COUNCILS AND UTILITIES THAT ARE PLANNING MAJOR WORKS

DOWNUNDER 2015 GOLD COAST

8-11 September 2015 | Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY EVENT HEADS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE

No-Dig Down Under is back for 2015, showcasing the best in business, ideas and innovations within the Trenchless Technology industry.

NETWORKING

LEARNING

MIX AND MINGLE

Conference registrations opening soon

Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring?

Visit www.nodigdownunder.com.au for more information.

Contact Lisa Feagan on +61 3 9248 5100 or lfeagan@gs-press.com.au or download the exhibition and sponsorship prospectus at www.nodigdownunder.com.au

www.nodigdownunder.com.au Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

What should water authorities, councils and contractors look for when purchasing a pipe and cable locator?

ith so many different types of locators on the market today, what should a prospective purchaser look for when determining what type of pipe locator to buy? Two key questions you should ask before purchasing are: 1.

What will the unit mainly be used for?

What type of experience and training do your crews have, or need, to operate the unit?

Let’s start with question one. What a locator is used for can vary so much between water authorities, councils and contractors. For example, a regional council or water authority may only need to locate their own water services, and get contractors in when they require other services to be located. Other authorities may have to locate all services in the area before they can excavate. So, for companies that locate one primary service in regional areas where there is less chance of multiple services, a singlefrequency locator may be adequate for the majority of their work. A simple singlefrequency locator is easy to use, and requires a minimum of training. The manufacturer also has the ability to tune the antennas to a single frequency, improving performance of the unit over multi-frequency units. The downside is that single-frequency locators may not always have the ideal frequency for the job at hand. These units do not normally have passive power and radio frequency (RF) modes, which reduces their locating abilities. For operators who are required to locate more than one type of service, I would suggest jumping up a level or two in features. The most common units that we see are the Rycom CAPs, Cat & Gennys and C-Scopes. These units normally have between one and three frequencies, passive modes and are generally peak-only locators. Some of these locators,

like the Rycom CAP, are coming out with some handy features, including line-direction indicators, left and right guidance, and even features like current measurement. Be aware that a good understanding of these modes is essential for more accurate locates. Although these units have several transmit frequencies, some of the frequencies are not versatile in our soil or cable types. I would suggest a unit with a medium frequency like 33 kilohertz, and a higher frequency above 65 kilohertz. This will give the operator more flexibility in the types of services that they may encounter. Transmitter power is also important, and these units normally vary from one to three watts. From this level, we start jumping into further features, including more frequencies, peak and null modes, current measurement, and other multi-modes. Some units even have transmitter-to-receiver communications and bluetooth functions, but generally these are classed as specialist functions, and a majority of operators would never use these functions in the field. Some good examples of these units are the RD7000/8000, Rycom 8869/79 and UT9000. Transmitter power varies from three to 12 watts for these type of machines.

64 >> >> Future Australian Water Management Yearbook A Future Water Water >>>> Australian Water Management Yearbook

So, let’s now move on to question two. A user’s experience level is also an important point when selecting a locator. Purchasing a unit with six or more frequencies, and multiple functions and modes is dangerous unless the operator has a good grasp on the theory and practical side of electromagnetic field (EMF) locating, and is a regular user of the machine and its functions. I have come across many companies that have purchased an expensive locator, but their staff members have never been shown the correct way of using the unit to its full potential, nor do they understand the key functions. Training is a key factor in the purchase of any type of cable locator. Even the most simple single-frequency locator requires an understanding of how it operates, and what it can and cannot locate. Always look for companies that provide adequate training – a simple this-is-how-it-works talk for 15 minutes, or ‘Here is a video – look at that,’ is not adequate. Going through both the theory and practical use of a locator is the key to getting the most from the instrument you have purchased. If you have any questions with regards to purchasing the right locator, feel free to contact me via email at Anthony@accessdetection.com.au.

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Make your pipe dream a reality

nscheduled downtime is a headache for any organisation – continuous productivity is vital to run a smooth and efficient operation. In the event of damaged or leaking pipes, the FIXAPIPE pipe repair kit is a quick and easy temporary solution. A five-step, no-mess solution, FIXAPIPE can repair damaged pipes on site within minutes. FIXAPIPE can be used on a variety of large or small pipes made from metal, concrete, steel, rubber, plastic and ceramic. Using a putty and bandage combination, FIXAPIPE is flexible and versatile on different areas of the pipe, including at the tee or joint. Spill Crew Australia (FIXAPIPE’s distributor) spokesperson Mike Carrigg says that FIXAPIPE has already saved many

companies considerable time and money. ‘It’s a clean way of fixing leaks and holes in pipes, whether they are wet, dry, clean, broken or corroded,’ he says. ‘When you’re in a situation where work has shut down due to a leak or damage, it’s the quickest way to get back to work within minutes – as opposed to pulling out pipes and replacing them with new ones.’ One of the benefits of FIXAPIPE is that no mixing is necessary; therefore, there’s no mess or extra tools required. The twopart putty becomes active when kneaded together, and the polyurethane-impregnated fibreglass bandage becomes activated when soaked in water.

world leader in bandage manufacturing, so no corners have been cut. It truly is a quality product,’ Carrigg continues. FIXAPIPE is supplied in a tamper-proof, sealed pack with easy-to-read instructions located clearly on the packet. Each kit contains the bandage, putty and a pair of gloves, and is available in a variety of sizes. It is recommended to select the bandage size that will allow for approximately ten rotations around the damaged pipe. The FIXAPIPE pipe repair kit is available from retailers nationally – visit the Spill Crew website, www.spillcrew.com.au, for more information and to locate your nearest stockist.

‘The bandage is on a spool, so the application of it is really easy. We have the backing of a

INDUSTRIAL All-Purpose Pipe Repair Kit

Repair damaged or leaking pipes in minutes The FIXAPIPE® pipe repair kit is ideal to fix a wide range of broken, corroded or cracked pipes, including metal, concrete, fibreglass, polyethylene, ceramic, stainless steel, copper, rubber and more. Easy to use with clear, simple instructions, FIXAPIPE® sets in minutes - reducing downtime and labour and enabling you to get back to work sooner. Featuring tamper-proof packaging, you can rest assured FIXAPIPE® is kept fresh, sealed and secure at all times - and is ready to go when you are.

www.fixapipe.com.au

FIXAPIPE® is available nationally. Visit www.spillcrew.com.au to find your local retailer.

Distributed by SPILL CREW AUSTRALIA Phone 1300 485 000 Email sales@spillcrew.com.au Web www.spillcrew.com.au

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PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Australian plastic pipe – the sustainable product of choice for Australia’s future water needs Polypropylene sewer pipe

Plastic pipe is now the material of choice for servicing most of Australia’s current and future water needs. It may surprise you that in the cities of Australia, plastic pipe provides around 85 per cent of the water-services related infrastructure that supports our daily lives.

lastic pipe products made in Australia are manufactured and installed with the interests and needs of present and future generations in mind, with plastic pipe having an expected life span of more than 100 years. Increasingly, the focus of our industry is on using fewer raw materials and less energy to produce a product that is as good as, or better than, its predecessors. There are a variety of plastics materials to choose from, and they possess different material properties that dictate which systems best suit each application.

Inside buildings When it comes to plastic pipe, most people immediately think of the plastic pipe systems around their homes – polyvinyl chloride (PVC) drain waste and vent systems, and stormwater pipe.

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

An increasing number of Australians would also recognise pipes made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and polybutylene (PB) that are used for hot and cold water pipes inside their homes.

Best Environmental Practice PVC waste water pipe

PVC pipes have been used extensively for drain waste and vent applications inside buildings for more than 50 years. Their light weight and rigidity make them ideal for these gravity pipe systems. Couple that with a simple, effective jointing system that is very cost-effective, and you will begin to understand why these pipe systems are found in practically every building. PEX and PB pipes are specifically formulated for both hot and cold water plumbing applications. Again, these are costeffective systems that match simple jointing to designs that use fewer fittings and provide installations that are free from water hammer noise. These systems not only deliver drinking water and remove wastewater, but they will also perform this task virtually maintenance-free for the life of the building.

Infrastructure pipelines What many people may fail to appreciate is that every major utility supplying critical services to homes and businesses relies heavily on the long-term performance of plastic pipe systems. Australia’s water distribution network has for many years depended more on plastic for pipe systems than on any other material. The performance data from Australia’s major water utilities clearly confirms that the best-performing pressure pipe system is PVC, followed by polyethylene (PE). Water and wastewater utilities now use more plastic pipe systems to deliver clean drinking water and then safely remove wastewater than any other pipe material. It’s not just urban utilities that take advantage of plastics. In rural and regional Australia, for irrigation projects, and for stock and domestic networks, such as the 8500-kilometre Wimmera Mallee Pipeline System, it is plastics that are without doubt the material of choice. The materials commonly found in pipe systems for utilities are PVC, PE and polypropylene (PP). The most commonly used engineering plastic for pipe applications is PVC. PVC has been used for infrastructure pipes in Australia for around 50 years in both pressure and non-pressure applications. PVC is the best-performing pressure water pipe system in the country, based on CSIRO analysis of the performance data from the Australian water agencies. PVC is also the most commonly used material for sewer pipe systems. In all of these applications, the pipes’ resistance to the corrosive effects of the soil that they are buried in, and the effects of the water and wastewater that they transport, are key elements to their success. Combine this with structural integrity and a simple, effective jointing system, and you can appreciate why these systems perform so well. PE is another engineering plastic commonly used for pipe in utility applications. While PE is often installed in traditional open-trench conditions, its welded joint system and its ability to be produced in

68 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

THE MOST COMMONLY USED ENGINEERING PLASTIC FOR PIPE APPLICATIONS IS PVC. PVC HAS BEEN USED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PIPES IN AUSTRALIA FOR AROUND 50 YEARS IN BOTH PRESSURE AND NONPRESSURE APPLICATIONS long coils means that these systems are well suited to trenchless installation methods like directional drilling and slip lining. These long, continuous lengths also allow them to take advantage of innovative installation methods, such as plough-in. Trenchless techniques are finding increasing favour, not only because of their cost advantages, but also because they minimise disruption to traffic, pedestrian access and impact to the environment with their small construction footprint. Finally, there is PP, which, for Australia in the context of utility services, is used primarily for non-pressure applications, like sewer and stormwater drainage. The lightweight, simple and effective jointing, and excellent corrosion resistance are the attractions of PP systems.

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Green building and sustainability The more we study the life cycle of materials, the more it becomes clear that, in the case of pipelines, it is the plastics that are genuinely the most sustainable compared to alternative options that use metals like cast iron, steel and copper, and other materials, such as concrete. Life cycle analysis (LCA) looks at every aspect – from the raw material to the finished product – and can include installation and operation, along with end-of-life aspects, such as recycling. LCA forms the basis for comparing materials, and is used extensively in a variety of sustainability rating tools. The Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) IS Rating Tool and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star tool both use LCA as a key elements in their rating systems. LCA comparisons between plastics and alternative pipe materials repeatedly show that plastic pipe systems are consistently the best performers. Peer-reviewed studies completed in Australia and Europe looking at the life cycle of drainage and pressure pipes found that plastics were by far the best performers1, 2. While many people would not find it surprising that PE and PP outperform the alternative pipe materials in terms of sustainability, there may be some who would be surprised to learn that PVC does exactly the same. There remain many misconceptions associated with PVC pipe, and we need to dispel a couple of the most common ones. PVC pipe contains no plasticisers (including phthalates). PVC pipe in Australia contains no heavy metal stabilisers – so, no lead. Both of these aspects are mandated in Australian product standards for PVC pipe – the only national product standards for PVC pipe worldwide to do so. The Australian plastic pipe industry is committed to responsible sourcing, manufacturing and recycling of PVC. Our industry has embedded the Best Environmental Practice (BEP) requirements developed by the GBCA in the Australian product standards to make compliance, procurement and identification simpler and more effective. 1 ‘Adaptation of the USGBC TSAC Report for Relevance to Australian DWV Pipe’ Nigel Howard, Branz 2008 2 A suite of Environmental Product Declarations commissioned by TEPPFA and undertaken by independent group the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) to measure the environmental footprint of various plastic pipe systems based on life-cycle assessment. The work was validated by the Denkstatt sustainability consultancy in Austria. Those most relevant to infrastructure pipe options in Australia are: • Polyethylene pipe systems for water distribution (PE) • Bi-oriented polyvinylchloride MRS 45 MPa pipe system for water distribution (PVC-O MRS 45 MPa) • PVC solid-wall sewer pipe systems for drainage and sewage (PVC solid wall) • Polyvinylchloride multilayer sewer pipe system with a foamed core (PVC Multilayer Foam) • Polyvinylchloride (PVC-U) multilayer sewer pipe system with a core of foam and recyclates (PVC Multilayer Foam + Recyclates) • Polypropylene structured (twin) wall sewer pipe system (PP sewer twin wall).

All of the raw material requirements and waste management improvements as part of the BEP requirements are certified by independent third-party certification bodies. When it comes to innovation and material efficiency, Australia is one of the major developers and users of oriented PVC pressure pipe (PVCO), which uses less than half the raw material to achieve the same pressure capability as comparable unplasticised PVC (PVCU) pressure pipe – PVCU still forms the basis of pressure pipe in the United States. PVCO also has significantly improved fatigue and impact resistance over the standard PVCU material, so you can expect better overall performance. In terms of nonpressure pipe in Australia, we use material-efficient multi-layer and structured wall pipe to achieve a 20–30 per cent reduction in material usage while maintaining the same operational performance and life expectancy as traditional PVC pipes. In short, we now do much more with less. On the subject of recycling, all the common plastic pipe systems (PVC, PE and PP) are readily recycled, and are being recycled now. Practically all post-industrial waste is recycled, and we are also recycling post-consumer pipe waste. For example, more than 650 tonnes of post-consumer PVC pipe, mostly sourced from demolition sites or construction waste, was recycled by the industry last year. Because of the nature of the material and the innovative product range, the recyclate is used to manufacture new pipe with the same life and performance expectations as pipe made from virgin material. Iplex Pipelines has recently opened a recycling centre in Sydney’s west, where contractors can return plastic pipe for recycling. Other manufacturers like Pipemakers and Vinidex offer take-back schemes. Facilities and schemes such as these facilitate the easy return of waste pipe and intercept the waste before it becomes mixed and contaminated, making the recycling of postconsumer pipe waste more viable. Recycling is part of the Australian plastic pipe industry commitment to sustainable practices. The Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) has worked with key sustainability groups, such as the GBCA, for almost a decade. Romilly Madew (Chief Executive of the GBCA) recently used work done with PIPA as an example of a collaborative success story in the green building sector. In the August 2013 edition of the GBCA Newsletter, Ms Madew observed that: ‘The trust and transparency developed during the process of collaborating with PIPA gave us the confidence to make some significant changes, as well as the opportunity to examine our industry in a way not thought possible’. This comment was in the context of the development of ‘Best Environmental Practice PVC’, and highlights how effective our collaboration has been, and continues to be, with the GBCA. PIPA also co-sponsored development of the ISCA IS Rating Tool. PIPA is a member of ISCA and its Materials Working Group. Far from resting on its laurels, the Australian plastic pipe industry is currently proactively taking key steps in further strengthening its environmental credentials, with a focus on increased transparency and third-party certification.

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

PVCO pressure pipe installation in Western NSW

Sustainability underpins our industry’s relationships and credibility with our stakeholders – the most important of which is the broader community. While our achievements are considerable and measurable, we are committed to making further demonstrable improvements wherever and whenever possible. For further information on what PIPA is undertaking with regard to sustainability, please visit the PIPA website.

WHILE OUR ACHIEVEMENTS ARE CONSIDERABLE AND MEASURABLE, WE [PIPA] ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING FURTHER DEMONSTRABLE IMPROVEMENTS WHEREVER AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE Conformance to standards Many readers will be aware of the increasing focus and justified media interest in the issue of non-conforming products in the

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Australian marketplace. This concern is particularly acute in Australia’s building and construction sector. It potentially affects all product areas, including plastic pipe and fittings, and there can also be health and safety implications. Australian-made plastic pipe manufactured by PIPA member companies not only meets all relevant Australian and International Standards, but also meets the strict regulatory requirements that are mandated through such schemes as WaterMark, which is administered by the Australian Building Codes Board and overseen by state regulators. Quality and safety are primary focus areas for the Australian plastic pipe industry. Put simply, plastic pipe is an integral part of the water infrastructure of Australia. As such, it will responsibly service the future needs of Australians for many generations. About PIPA: Our industry has long recognised that it needs to be focused and proactive in addressing Australia’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities. To do this effectively requires a coherent national voice. The Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of Australia’s plastic pipes, fittings and raw material suppliers. We promote the correct use and installation of safe and environmentally responsible plastic pipe systems. Details about any of these systems and links to the companies that supply them can be found on the PIPA website: www.pipa.com.au.

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Stainless water solution package

PROCHEM

Stainless Steel Water Solutions Product solutions for a world of difference For all your Stainless Steel

PIPE • TUBE • FITTINGS • FLANGES • VALVES to suit your plumbing applications, contact your local Prochem office today and discover the many benefits of

Stainless Steel.

ith increased height of buildings, pressures, and lifetime expectations, people are turning to stainless steel for their water solutions.

Prochem stocks WaterMark® pipe to meet all your building services needs, along with a comprehensive range of WaterMark®-approved grooved couplings, fittings and valves from Victaulic® – ensuring compliance to industry specifications. Prochem recognises industry requirements by providing a comprehensive value-added service. In addition to product supply, Prochem offers a pipe cutting and roll grooving service that is quality controlled, meeting the highest industry standards for stainless steel mechanically joined systems. Where required, Prochem will arrange fabricated components and assemblies to meet engineering specifications for process, drinking, desalination, fire service, marine and other water applications. With Prochem’s quality assurance program, the company meets industry requirements in water, mining, refining, food and beverage processing, and the offshore oil and gas industries. Applications where stainless steel is the preferred material include: • process water • drinking water (potable)

l s Stee s e l n i pe Sta ark Pi m M r e t he Wa k Proc c o t S Ex lia Austra

• recycled and re-used water systems • fire service systems • marine applications. The added advantage of using stainless piping systems is that they can be used for supply to firefighting services and/or ablution through one single pipeline. The Prochem stainless pipe range includes both schedules 5S and 10S in 316/316 dual grade, and are certified to the Australian Standard. The pipes are marked, identifying the manufacturer’s name, specification number, material grade, licence number, and heat trace number, and they carry the WaterMark® logo.

www.prochem.com.au ADELAIDE 61-8-8241 7633 BRISBANE 61-7-3265 2711 HOBART 61-3-6272 8828 MELBOURNE 61-3-9799 2244

PERTH 61-8-9458 7777 SYDNEY 61-2-9727 0044 SINGAPORE 65-6298 7887 THAILAND 66-2-970-6574

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PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

Leading the way in pipeline solutions

otal Flow Control is a privately owned company that continues to experience business growth across Australia.

Andrew Parker and Bruce Bettinson, Directors of Total Flow Control, provide over 40 years’ combined experience in sourcing and supplying process isolation and control valves from both Australian and international manufacturers. With the technical engineering support of many highly recognised brands including Singer Valves, Henry Pratt Valves, Somas, Delatite, Norgren and Rotork, Total Flow Control provides customers with engineering-based solutions for their process conditions. Singer Valves, located in British Columbia, Canada, is arguably the global leader in automatic control valve design and manufacture. With innovative valve designs including the Single Rolling Diaphragm (SRD), Singer Valves offers unequalled low-flow stability during pressure, flow and level control functions. The Singer ‘AC’ – Cavitation Control trim, which has been developed over several decades, offering customers an engineering solution with capabilities of handling pressure drops of up to a massive 210 metres. Many of these valves have been installed around Australia and the world, providing pressure control solutions where other valve types have failed.

Because cavitation and its damaging effects on valve bodies and trims cannot be controlled with standard valve trims, or ‘off the shelf’ options, Singer engineers will design and manufacture a customised cavitation control trim for your application, using your specific pressure and flow conditions. After decades of experience and proven performance of its engineer-designed AC Trims, Singer will also guarantee its AC Trim for the life of the valve, when used within the operating conditions provided – now that shows confidence. The Henry Pratt Company (part of the Mueller Group) manufactures a widely recognised range of water industry valves, including the eccentric plug valves from DN80 to DN1800, and butterfly valves from DN50 to DN4000.

The Henry Pratt Company also recently acquired Lined Valve Company (LVC) – manufacturers of both standard and custom knife gate valves and sliding gate valves for the water, mining, pulp and paper, power generation and other industries.

Fixed cone discharge valves, tilting disc check valves, rubber and metal seated ball valves and a suite of other products complete their extensive range.

Manufacturing valves up to DN2500 and larger, with high-pressure rating options, these massive fabricated isolation valves are their speciality.

The Single Rolling Diaphragm

Choose the lowest stable flow capability available! • Extremely stable low flow capability • Eliminates the need for low flow bypass • Smaller bonnets than traditional flat diaphragm valves • Takes up less space and safer for maintenance • Longer life expectancy than flat diaphragms • Lower bonnet volumes means faster response times

ADVERT

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20/02/15 12:28 PM

PIPELINE SOLUTIONS

They will also fabricate precision valves in a range of standard and special alloys to suit your application. Total Flow Control is dedicated to providing its valued customers with the best possible service and product solutions for their plant or projects. Total Flow Control is keen to assist – whether it be a simple isolation valve, or a control valve with high pressure drop, high flows or any other severe conditions… we have the solution! Contact Total Flow Control: Andrew Parker andrew@totalflow.com.au 0408 237 844 Bruce Bettinson bruce@totalflow.com.au 0438 641 998

YOUR PREFERRED SUPPLIER OF

VALVES, ACTUATORS & CONTROL EQUIPMENT TOTAL FLOW CONTROL SUPPLY AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PROCESS ISOLATION & CONTROL VALVES, ACTUATORS & ASSOCIATED CONTROL EQUIPMENT. We can provide everything from a standard ball or butterfly valve, to a specialised engineered solution for our clients, across numerous industries, including Water & Wastewater, Mining, Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Chemical, and General Industries.

OUR KEY SUPPLY PARTNERS INCLUDE: SINGER – Automatic Control Valves for Pressure, Flow and Level Control HENRY PRATT – Eccentric Plug Valves, Large Diameter Butterfly Valves, Specialty Isolation and Control Valves for Pressure and Flow Control

DELATITE ISOLATION AND CONTROL VALVES – for Severe Service applications in Mining, Power Generation, and Associated Industries.

SOMAS CONTROL VALVES – Butterfly Valves and Ball Segment Control Valves. MODENTIC VALVES – Ball, Gate, Globe and check valves. ROTORK – Multi Turn, Quarter Turn and Specialty Control Electric and Pneumatic Actuation packages. NORGREN – Process Solenoid Valves. TFC – Range of Butterfly Valves, Knife Gate Valves, RS Gate Valves, Non Return Valves etc.

For our expert advice, quality products and attention to your requirements, call TOTAL Flow Control ANDREW PARKER 0408 237 844 andrew@totalflow.com.au BRUCE BETTINSON 0438 641 998 bruce@totalflow.com.au www.totalflow.com.au

Future FutureWater Water>> >>Australian AustralianWater WaterManagement ManagementYearbook Yearbook>> >>73 B

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Larger wastewater pump station constructed for Adelaideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northwestern suburbs The Queensbury Wastewater Pump Station is a key pump station in the SA Water network, supporting a population of almost 50,000 in Adelaideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north-western suburbs. The pump station was originally constructed in 1935, and collects wastewater from around 20,000 properties, before pumping to the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment and discharge or re-use.

n $18-million upgrade was completed late last year, which saw the construction of a new, larger pump station with a lifespan of 80 years, to cater for increases in population, growth and development. It also ensures that the station complies with contemporary design standards, and maintains safe operating and maintenance requirements, as well as increasing the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to prevent wastewater overflow and environmental incidents. One of the challenges of the project was to construct the new pump station while keeping the existing one fully operational. The new pump station building was constructed alongside the existing station, and underground pipework was established to link the

74 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

new pump station to the wastewater network. The existing pump station was then demolished. An odour-control facility was constructed using new technology to reduce the risk of odours impacting on the surrounding community. A new stormwater detection system and a communications and control room were also added to the plant. Architectural screening and landscaping was then constructed to complement the local environment. The upgraded plant is environmentally sustainable and efficient, ensuring that noise from the pump is contained within the site, and that a safe working environment is provided for operations and maintenance staff.

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Hydro Australia – a Hydro company

ydro Australia, which was opened in October 1998, is a pump aftermarket service centre in Hydro’s worldwide pump service organisation. We provide quality engineering, pump rebuilding and on-site field services to pump users in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South-East Asia. Our philosophy is to work hand in hand with our clients in providing solutionsbased engineering in the pursuit of identifying the root cause failure of pumps, and re-engineering the pumping equipment to eliminate those problems identified and keeping down costs to the customer. This approach is quite different from the existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and other local suppliers who simply repair equipment. Because we are independent, Hydro Australia offers an unbiased view of all pump problems, and is not driven by the sales of spare parts. We can provide spare components on a just-in-

time basis, but our driver is to fix the pump problem. This approach focuses on increasing equipment life, thereby reducing maintenance costs associated with the repair, parts purchase and in-house labour costs resulting from premature equipment shutdown. Our most important strategic concept, however, is to share our working pump knowledge with our clients, because, as our mission states, only by working hand in hand with the customer can we truly achieve optimum performance. Hydro Australia has its own in-house engineering group, which is further supported by the engineering teams at the Chicago- and Houston-based service centres. Our workforce is skilled in, and specialises in, pump work. We continually invest in our workforce and provide ongoing training to keep abreast in the everevolving area of pump engineering. Business is about maintaining and increasing revenue; that is a fact, and Hydro Australia offers a package that will contribute to

increasing your revenue. We know through our experience in the pump industry that doing the job right the first time will increase pump reliability, will increase availability and improve overall pump performance. www.hydroaustralia.com.au

® Hydro Australia Pty Ltd A Hydro Company Engineering Pumps for Better Performance and Longer Life

Hydro Australia Pump Service Centre Morwell, Victoria www.hydroaustralia.com.au 61-3-5165-0390

A >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

High-efficiency solutions for the pump industry Co-authored by Spiro Fkiaras and Leandro Mattedi, WEG Product Managers, Motors and Automation

educing the speed of a pump to deliver the required levels of flow or pressure can result in significant energy savings. While this statement is generally true and readily accepted by the industry, those scrutinising their return on investment and payback periods have often found them to be much longer than originally anticipated. Why? Often overlooked is the fact that with any reduction in pump speed and pump load, there will also be a reduction in motor efficiency. Power consumed throughout the speed range is therefore higher than expected, thus extending the payback period. To address this very issue, WEG has further developed its highly successful CFW11 ‘Optimal Flux’ drives. The new technology allows WEG motors to maintain high levels of efficiency, irrespective of pump speed and load, thus significantly improving return on investment. Figure 1 demonstrates the efficiency gains realised through the use of WEG motor and drive packages. Continuing to lead the way in energyefficient solutions, WEG understands that many installations do not comprise variable speed drives, and cannot benefit through the application of the same. To that end, WEG offers a full range of IE4 induction motors. These deliver high efficiency and high-starting torque, and unlike other IE4 motors on the market, they are also suitable for direct on-line and softstarting applications.

For installations where super high levels of efficiency are mandated, the ultimate energyefficient solution comes in the form of a WEG WMagnet / CFW11 motor / drive package. WMagnet is WEG’s latest range of permanent magnet AC motors delivering IE5 efficiency levels. By comparison to alternative technologies, including switched and synchronous reluctance, WMagnet delivers smoother operation, reduced audible noise and reduced supply current draw, as outlined in Figure 2. Taking variable speed control of pumping systems to the next level, WEG’s new pump genius process control software enables users to optimise their pumping systems so that they run more efficiently and reliably. The software is intended to reduce pumping system operation and maintenance costs, while increasing process accuracy and protection. It works with WEG’s CFW11 series to control system processes easily, providing multiple pump control and protection. Pump genius can be applied to any system that requires constant flow or pressure, and can manage and monitor up to six pumps in a coordinated system. Using the software with pumps in parallel increases the flexibility of the pumping system in operation and implementation, while also increasing the life span of the system. It provides necessary flow according to the pumping system demand, while allowing fault diagnosis and facilitating the maintenance of uninterrupted operation.

Figure 1

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Figure 2

The software references low and high set point and run time requirements, and the lead and lag pumps are cycled on and off based on motor run times. Pump genius software monitors the operating hours of all of the pumps in the system, adding and subtracting pumps as demand changes, ensuring equal pump run times without supervision. Another key feature is the ability to have a floating master and slave, rather than fixed master and slave pumps found in traditional systems. Pump genius automatically senses if the master is not responding because of sensor loss or other fault conditions, and assigns another pump as the master, maintaining operational continuity at all times during the process. The transition between master drives is seamless without disruption to the process, so end users can be confident that their system is operating reliably and efficiently. The CFW-11 variable speed drive with pump genius software also monitors and alarms system, motor and drive faults, which will alert the operator to a potential problem. The drives are available in various sizes, from 1.1 to 370 kilowatts, and include proven user-friendly graphic keypads. Whether your key objectives are to increase system efficiency, reduce operating and maintenance costs, or to contribute to the wellbeing of the environment by reducing greenhouse gases, WEG has the products and solutions to satisfy your needs.

Pantone 284 C

Pantone 542 C

Pantone 2945 C

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CMYK

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Empower your business: introducing diesel engines, generators and pump sets for any industy

K Diesel Service is a specialised sales and service provider to the industrial and commercial diesel engine market in the Asia-Pacific region. Our current business operations are located in Braeside, a suburb southeast of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. LK Diesel Service is very much involved with repairing and overhauling industrial and commercial engines, as well as supplying service exchange units for the mining, rail, construction, building and agricultural industries, including field servicing at any location.

Since our inception in 1967, we have been a family-owned and family-run business. We currently have three generations working together. We supply and service industrial diesel engines, generators and pump sets including, but not limited to, mining, rail, construction and agriculture, both within Australia and the Asia-Pacific rim. With our principles and staff, we have more than 350 years of combined experience with diesel engines and equipment.

important. Our spare parts team is highly trained and looks forward to assisting you with all of your spare parts enquiries. We will always endeavour to resolve any parts enquiries or questions you may have, even if it means going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’. Whether you have a machine down and are losing production time, or you are someone who likes to tinker and has a passion for engines, we are here to help, with a wide range of engines for different markets.

Here at LK Diesel Service, helping customers with after-sales support is very

We provide diesel engine solutions to EMPOWER your business.

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We provide diesel engine solutions to EMPOWER your business • Petrol engines up to 13 HP

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$38,800 Tel: (03) 9588 6900 Fax: (03) 588 6999 Email: info@lkdiesel.com.au Web: www.lkdiesel.com.au

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Generating sets up to 30 KVA

Pump specifcations Type.............................................BA150E D285 Max fow..................................430 m3/hour max Max pressure..........................................27 mwc Connections.....................................DN 150 (6”) Solids handling.........................................80 mm Impeller type........................Semi-open impeller Priming system..................................BBA MP50 Engine......................................Perkins 404D-22 Canopy....................................................M10-23 Weight (net)............................................1600 kg Sound.......................................61 dB(A) at 10m

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Optimising sewage pumping station performance BY ANDRZEJ KRAWIEC AND MARTIN BYRNES, SYDNEY WATER

Background

The Iinnovation

t sewage pump stations, grease, fat and other material, such as wet wipes, combine on the well surface over time, and can form a significant crust, which causes many operational and maintenance problems:

Sydney Water has devised, and is implementing, an automated process of auto flushing, or self-cleaning, of wet wells on submersible sewage pump stations.

• level sensors and instruments become blocked and malfunction • pumps are choked by this material, which causes odour build-up. Traditionally, maintenance crews need to regularly clean the wet well at sewage pump stations manually, by using hoses. Issues with this manual cleaning process, or flushing, include: • high labour costs

The well surface on submersible sewage pump stations develops a crust, which consists of non-dissolvable material like wet wipes combining with fat to form a solid mass. Crusting combined with silt build-up on the well floor means that there has been a regular requirement to manually flush and occasionally dredge sewer pump station wells. This expensive, time-consuming and possibly dangerous task forms a significant portion of the ongoing operating costs of any sewage pump station.

• excessive potable water usage.

Sydney Water’s development involves starting with a clean well, which is kept clean by running the pumps down to a low level near the top of the pump impeller so that the pump skims off the surface material. This process can be performed on a daily basis, resulting in no extra burden on the pumps. This process results in no build-up of material, and the well remains clean.

This time-consuming and labour-intensive process is very expensive, with each sewage pump station requiring five to six manual flushes on average per year.

Running the pumps at a low level in the well, combined with the inflow and well shape, also creates additional turbulence, which causes the floor silt to be swept up and drawn through the pumps.

• safety risks and confined space entry • isolation of the sewage pump stations • pump chokes • ineffective cleaning

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Before auto flush: a heavy surface crust develops within three weeks of manual flushing

Before auto flush: at one of the earliest trial sites showing heavy crusting on the surface

After auto flush: the surface remains liquid and free of solid crust four weeks after implementation

After auto flush: now showing a liquid well surface

This, in turn, leads to no build-up of material on the measuring instruments, and large lumps no longer form and choke the pumps.

station. The Remote Terminal Units are part of the Sydney Water Integrated Instrumentation Control, Automation and Telemetry System (IICATS), which monitors and controls all of Sydney Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water and sewer network assets.

For some particularly problematic sites, this auto flush period is repeated in the evening peak, or more often if necessary, to keep the well clean. The auto flush process has subsequently been successfully implemented on variable speed pump stations, as well as the standard fixed speed pump stations. The auto flush process was moved to low-flow night periods on those large variable sewage pump stations, where peak daytime flows were too high to achieve effective control at low levels in the well. This process is controlled automatically through the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Remote Terminal Units, which control each sewage pump

The trial A trial for the auto flush process commenced in February 2014, consisting of 17 submersible sewage pump stations spread across the Sydney Water area of operations, with a particular focus on choosing sewage pump stations that had persistent problems of fat build-up, crusting and silting. Some of these trial sites had experienced persistent odour complaints and were ideal candidates to determine if the auto flush process would be effective.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 82

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Layflat hose proven to be most efficient for water pumping contractors

he rise of the fracking boom in the United States saw the requirements for large volumes of water to be pumped across rugged terrain. Contractors have been given the task of bringing the water to the well site, from where it is stored in above-ground pools or excavated dams. From this storage reservoir near the well head, it can be injected under pressure into the well, in order to create the fracture in the rock deep below for the gas to be extracted. The shale gas revolution in the United States is enabling its economy to become a fuel exporter, reducing its reliance on imports from the Middle East. This shale industry directly employs over two million people, and has brought about huge economic benefits due to around 7000 United States companies being actively involved in onshore gas production. In order to transport the water to the site, layflat hose has become the system of choice

for the water contactors due to the many benefits that it offers. The main benefit is the ease of handling compared to rigid pipe systems such as polypipe. For example, 1000 metres can be stored per trailer, and the deployment of an average of five kilometres of layflat can be done in a matter of hours. Lengths of hose are typically 200 metres long, and quick connect couplings are attached at either end. Mr Tanner Tryon from Hose Solutions in the United States, an expert in layflat hose for fracking, says that he has managed to deploy and set up a 12.5-kilometre project in only four hours. ‘The hose rolls out so easily from the reel,’ he says. Crusader Hose has been a leading Australian manufacturer of layflat hose and its products have been sought in the United States for the purposes of transferring the large volumes of water required for fracking. Francois Steverlynck, Managing Director, believes

that there are many opportunities to use layflat hose in order to transfer water across Australia. ‘For example, if an open-cut mine is flooded in a cyclone, our large diameter layflat can be rapidly deployed and the pit emptied quickly and efficiently,’ he says. Being an Australian manufacturer with over 30 years’ experience, Francois believes that Crusader Hose is well positioned to assist the local pumping industry in dewatering applications.

WATERLORD

HIGH PRESSURE LAYFLAT HOSE

Australia’s leading manufacturer of layflat hose

22 Industry Place Bayswater VIC 3153 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9720 1100 Email: sales@crusaderhose.com.au

www.crusaderhose.com.au

A >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 80

IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 500 STATIONS IN SYDNEY WATER’S OPERATIONS CAN BE OPERATING WITH AN AUTO FLUSH ARRANGEMENT, SAVING $1 MILLION PER ANNUM IN LABOUR COSTS FOR MANUAL FLUSHING ALONE, NOT INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF REDUCED BREAKDOWNS AND EQUIPMENT FAILURE Benefits The main benefits of the auto flushing process include the following: • Reduces significantly or completely removes the need for manual cleaning. Before the auto flush trial, maintenance costs were averaging around $20,000 per quarter for the 17 sewage pump stations, due in large part to manual flushing and dredging costs. Post-implementation, the cost is trending at around $5000 or less – a 75 per cent reduction. • Quarterly total operating costs (preventative plus breakdown) for all 17 trial sewage pump stations combined were trending at around $95,000 before the trial, and are now below $20,000 post-implementation. This result has been achieved consistently across the trial sites, and the reduction in maintenance and operating costs is still improving as the cumulative effect of a self-cleaning sewage system flows through, and also improves the performance of sewage treatment plants at the end of the network. • It has been estimated that around 500 stations in Sydney Water’s operations can be operating with an auto flush arrangement, saving $1 million per annum in labour costs for manual flushing alone, not including the additional benefits of reduced breakdowns and equipment failure. • In sewer pumping stations where weekly flushing is conducted – which does happen on some large variable-speed sewage treatment plants – the initial cost of implementing auto flush can be recovered during the first month of operation. • Reduces breakdown jobs because of less chokes and instrument failures. Quarterly costs of all breakdown jobs at all 17 trial sites combined was averaging around $45,000 per quarter for the 17 sewage pump stations before the auto flush trial, and now, post-implementation, the cost is trending, around $15,000 or less, a 66 per cent reduction. • Potable water saved by not doing manual flushing at the 17 trial sites is roughly 600 kilolitres per year. • Improved safety as manual cleaning and confined space entry are reduced. • Reduces well silting, with less dredging required.

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• Reduces odour with possible reduced need for chemical dosing. • No fouling or faults with instrumentation. • Pump reliability is improved as measured by fewer breakdowns. • Reduces occurrence of suction trip alarms. The auto flush process provides a low-cost, self-sustaining, environmentally friendly solution for keeping the well clean while improving aerobic activity, all without the use of expensive spray systems or potable water. This solution is simple and cost-effective, requiring no capital outlay on new equipment or site construction works.

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Worldwide pumping solutions in water

atson-Marlow Bredel Pumps is part of the Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG), and is the world leader in niche peristaltic and sinusoidal pumps and associated fluid path technologies. Founded on nearly 60 years of supplying engineering and process expertise, our pumps are tried, tested and proven to deliver – we have sold more than one million pumps worldwide, in sizes ranging from microlitres an hour to 80,000 litres an hour. In Australia, Watson-Marlow cased drive and Bredel heavy-duty hose pumps are installed across the water treatment and wastewater sectors in applications such as chemical dosing, sampling and transfer applications, and clarifier desludging, as well as grit and scum removal. The pumps can handle high solids content, highly abrasive fluids and slurries, while the smaller integrated

electronic cased drive pumps are used for chemical dosing applications. The Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has a global network of operations, including seven factories and 28 direct sales offices, and is part of the Spirax-Sarco Engineering Group headquartered in Falmouth, United Kingdom. The company now encompasses seven distinct brands, which, when combined, deliver a complete suite of fluid technology solutions to the water and wastewater treatment market sectors. WMFTG is a global organisation employing approximately 5000 people worldwide. The company offers its customers an unrivalled breadth of solutions for their pumping applications, such as the following: • Watson-Marlow Pumps: peristaltic tube pumps for pharmaceuticals and industry

• Watson-Marlow Tubing: precision tubing for pumping and other purposes, in a range of materials • Bredel: heavy-duty hose pumps • Alitea: unique peristaltic solutions for OEM customers • Flexicon: aseptic filling and capping systems • MasoSine: gentle sinusoidal pumps for food, chemical and cosmetics applications • BioPure: advanced single-use tubing connector systems Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is an international operation based in Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Watson-Marlow Pumps has offices in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States and Vietnam.

Bredel pumps save water, chemical and maintenance costs • Average 71% water savings* lowers chemical costs • Glandless design, no costly valves, seals or liners to replace • Can easily handle SG 4.0 and 80% solids • Metering to ± 0.5% accuracy

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Solutions for all your water issues HYDROSMART

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Salinity, Scale, Iron: Problems Solved !

● Clear pipes & irrigation ● Leach salt from soil ● Grow healthy plants in hard or saline water Fix your water today. Call: ● Better livestock health 1300 138 223 ● No waste streams ● No decrease in flow ● Used by stations and mining companies alike After

www.hydrosmart.com.au

n the world of sustainable need, Hydrosmart truly is an outstanding water conditioning technology that simply yet effectively solves most problems caused by bonded minerals in water.

Australian-made and -owned, Hydrosmart’s patented computerised water conditioner generates unique frequencies to provide a scientifically proven, consumable-free solution to a wide range of real water issues. These range from: • salinity and corrosion management (the ability to irrigate using saline water without crop or plant damage, and preventing pipes from corroding) • scale removal and prevention from pipes, plumbing, infrastructure • water softening without salt or chemical water softeners • iron removal and prevention from pipes, sprays, drippers and all surfaces in full-time water contact • increased yields and flavour (scientifically documented) • improved plant growth with less fertilisers by taking what are otherwise scale-forming minerals in hard water sources and converting to plant-friendly nutrient instead • water clarity improvements • three years into scientific R&D program • 18 years of application around Australia. This simple plug-and-play technology is often self-installed by consumers of many types, and immediately works to resolve seemingly intractable problems – especially useful in remote, hard-to-service country areas or urban built environments where repeat service fees are not needed. Now available in Africa, the United States and Asia.

84 >> >> Future Australian Water Management Yearbook A Future Water Water >>>> Australian Water Management Yearbook

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Audits show growers the way to minimise pumping electricity costs BY GAVAN LAMB, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, VICTORIA AND ROB WELKE, TALLEMENCO PTY LTD

With electricity prices on the rise and becoming a significant item in the balance sheet, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victoria Gippsland’s irrigation team leader, Gavan Lamb, says that there is now a groundswell of irrigators actively looking to minimise their pumping electricity costs.

n response, the DEPI organised a community-based energy efficiency audit trial in September 2013, called Pumping Energy Audit (PEA), which involved selected growers along the Mitchell River in Victoria’s east Gippsland area. The energy audits were done by Tallemenco. From the meeting, there were no problems getting willing participants for the trial, and, as a result, two site audits were conducted on two different growers’ properties to assess their pumping energy efficiency. One week later, the findings were presented at a follow-up farmer meeting. The aim was to highlight the energy savings that can be made, and to demonstrate how the farmers can economically change their equipment and their management to minimise electricity costs.

Gavan Lamb and Rob Welke discuss pumping efficiency audit data on site in the Gippsland. Photo: Sarah Killury, DEPI Victoria

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

This seven-span lateral move irrigator was audited in the DEPI energy efficiency trials. Excessive pressure meant that the spray package was misting. A trimmed impeller (ROI one year) or a VFD (ROI 10 years) would yield 26 per cent energy saving on this 40-hectare site. Photo: Rob Welke

EVEN IF THE LAYFLAT HOSE HAD BEEN CORRECTLY LAID OUT, THE WHOLE OF THE EXCESS HEAD WOULD HAVE GONE INTO MISTING, WITH DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY AS WELL AS ENERGY WASTE

Incorrect layflat alignment results in excessive pressure losses, which affect either water efficiency or energy efficiency, or both. Photo: Rob Welke

through 1.3 kilometres of 200-millimetre nominal bore (NB) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mainline. The LM was connected to the main from hydrants with a five-inch layflat hose. About 100 megalitres per year was applied to this block. The trial audit showed that the LM was being over-pressurised. Some of the excess head (six metres) went into producing misting, with the rest being consumed by a poorly laid layflat hose (seven metres of head loss). Even if the layflat hose had been correctly laid out, the whole of the excess head would have gone into misting, with disastrous consequences for water distribution efficiency as well as energy waste. Examining the system hydraulics (see Figure 1) showed just where the excess energy was being consumed (in the form of excessive

We werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure of what we would find; however, as it turned out, the two farm irrigation systems audited showed between 25 and 35 per cent achievable energy savings. These savings are detailed below.

Grower 1: Big savings from small adjustments The first grower owned 800 hectares of irrigated vegetable crops along the Mitchell River. A 40-hectare site, one of 20 self-contained irrigated blocks, was chosen for the audit. This block had a 42-litres-per-second lateral move (LM) irrigator that was about six years old, and was supplied by a 37-kilowatt electric pump direct from the Mitchell River

86 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

Figure 1. Hydraulic gradient above indicates just where the head losses are occurring on this lateral move irrigation system. Any operating head reduction equates to energy saving. Graph: Rob Welke

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

pumped head – black line), and how the system could be modified to reduce energy consumption (red line). The red ovals show where energy was being wasted. Annual savings of $1494 were identified, which could easily be realised with just a pump impeller trim. Amortised over 10 years at 10 per cent, this equates to $20,647, which would easily cover the cost of fitting a variable-frequency drive (VFD) if the fine-tuning of pump duties was required. Significantly, carbon emission savings would amount to 7.1 tonnes annually if the pump head was reduced. Another interesting outcome of the audit was that the head loss over the length of the LM (6.7 metres) was twice that specified in the maker’s literature. This is not surprising, given the tendency for galvanised pipe to corrode internally, producing a rough zinc/ iron oxide surface. Poly lining or similar initial design details would limit this decrease in hydraulic performance and increased energy costs over time. Alternatively, under-slinging the first couple of spans with PVC pipe would optimise the LM hydraulics. The pump efficiency was down slightly, but the extra projected energy savings from a new pump ($500 annually) were not sufficient to justify its replacement.

Grower 2: Savings from operating at BEP The second grower, chosen because he had a diesel-driven pump (no electricity at the site), owned 50 hectares of irrigable land, with 20 hectares on the river flats, and 30 hectares on the hill some 30 metres above the flats. Average water use was estimated at 50 megalitres to the river flats, and only 10 megalitres to the elevated areas as a result of high energy costs. Unfortunately, no flow meter or diesel records were available. Water was pumped from the Mitchell River using a 57-kilowatt diesel motor directly connected to a 125x100-315 end suction pump, to either one or two Southern Cross travelling irrigators (63-metre head at the nozzle) on the flats, depending on the need. Suction and delivery mains were sized for minimum friction loss. The grower complained of high diesel costs, and said that it was almost the same cost to run two irrigators as it was to run one on the river flats, and that irrigating the hill area, even with only one irrigator, was almost prohibitively costly. Unfortunately, he was not irrigating at that time, so a desktop audit was conducted on site with the grower’s irrigation manager.

A 57-lilowatt diesel motor directly connected to a 125 x 100-315 pump lifts water from the Mitchell River to the two Southern Cross guns. While the pump is very efficient at BEP, it is operated far from its best efficiency point (BEP) with costly results. Photo: Rob Welke

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

THE ANNUAL EMISSION SAVINGS WITH GOING ALL-ELECTRIC WAS TWO TONNES COMPARED TO EXISTING OPERATIONS; HOWEVER, IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE ELECTRIC PUMP OPTION WOULD EMIT 2.8 TONNES MORE C02 THAN THE OPTIMISED DIESEL SOLUTION, DUE TO THE VERY HIGH CARBON EMISSIONS FROM VICTORIA’S BROWN COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS

An analysis of the pumping duties explained why diesel costs were so high. Running the two irrigators together on the river flats resulted in a reasonable pump efficiency of 71 per cent ($86 per megalitre).

however, it is interesting to note that the electric pump option would emit 2.8 tonnes more carbon dioxcide (C02) than the optimised diesel solution, due to the very high carbon emissions from Victoria’s brown coal-fired power stations.

When the same pump was throttled down to supply only one irrigator on the river flats, the pump operated well to the left of the best efficiency point (BEP), at only 52 per cent ($120 per megalitre). This meant that the cost to irrigate with one irrigator was 35 per cent higher per megalitre, simply because the pump operated further away from its BEP.

Farmers positive about energy savings

The cost to irrigate the hill area was even higher, not only because of the 30-metre-higher elevation, but also because of the pump’s poor operating duty. As seen in Figure 2, the pump’s operating duty for the elevated land was only 35 per cent efficiency, well to the left of BEP, resulting in an operating cost of $229 per megalitre. One solution for this grower, which allowed him to keep the diesel pump, was to rationalise his travelling irrigator use to always running two together on the river flats. In addition, replacing the travelling irrigator for the hill area with fixed irrigation (with block flows equivalent to two irrigators on the flats) would yield the grower an average irrigation cost of $87 per megalitre, which saw an annual saving of $1932 or 27 per cent, with an amortised saving of $26,688 in 10 years at seven per cent per annum. This would result in a reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 4.8 tonnes. Another solution was to convert to electric (electric supply is just across the river), with a two-pump system – one pump for single guns on the flat, and two pumps for two guns on the flat plus carefully selected block flows on the elevated fixed sprinkler system. This would cost $72 per megalitre to irrigate, saving $2816 per annum, or $38,900 amortised over 10 years at seven per cent. The beauty of this solution is that all irrigation pumped heads are the same, so all pumps could operate at BEP. The annual emission savings with going all-electric was two tonnes compared to existing operations;

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About 20 people attended a farmer meeting after the audits. Roughly half were growers, and the rest were local council representatives and irrigation supplier groups. Feedback was positive and discussion was spirited. In particular, there was a sense of relief among growers that there could be energy savings found in most irrigation systems, but concerns were expressed about potential high auditing costs. From this initial pilot project, a DEPI Energy in Irrigation project is to be designed and offered to farmers across Victoria, provided that suitable funding to support such a project can be found.

Figure 2. Operating only one travelling irrigator at a time to irrigate the 30-metre hill area results in running the pump well to the left of BEP, as shown in Figure 2, with $229 per megalitre diesel running costs for the operator. Figure: R Welke

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Envirotech Water Solutions: harnessing hightech innovations to improve water productivity

hen it came to supplying a pumping solution for Narromine Irrigation Scheme’s modernisation works, Envirotech Water Solutions took the lead by selecting and applying the latest advancements in water delivery automation and cloud technology to meet the client’s specific requirements, and integrating them into a sophisticated network distribution and pumping solution that takes remote monitoring and control to the next level. Customers serviced by the scheme are benefitting from a more reliable system of on-demand water delivery, greater water use accountability and transparency and distribution equity for all stakeholders. New network control systems, such as those managing pump stations and flows on the Mount Hope, Rochester and Abercrombie Stock and Domestic

Pipelines, have helped to increase delivery efficiency to 90 per cent, and to return many gigalitres of water back to the environment. Upgrading existing networks and irrigation systems, and integrating new dedicated control systems, has also helped Envirotech’s customers achieve their efficiency and information technology objectives more rapidly. ‘Smaller suppliers, such as rural water authorities and private irrigation trusts, are now able to take advantage of industryleading technology previously only available as a custom solution to large water boards or state water infrastructure operators,’ says Andrew Black, Managing Director of Envirotech Water Solutions. ‘Continual improvements in communications software [and] networks, and improved cost-effective product, are helping network

17 KAREELA STREET MORDIALLOC VICTORIA 3187

operators of all sizes to better manage and plan their districts, and improve the productivity of their water resources. ‘Much more than a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, these systems optimise the delivery of water, enabling operators to make control changes more frequently and safely, [to] respond to issues before they become problems, as well as reduced repair and maintenance costs, all of which prolong asset lifetime,’ he says.

PHONE: (03) 9587 3099

TOTAL SUPPLY SOLUTIONS FOR PUMPS,CONTROLS & FILTRATION SPECIALISING IN TURNKEY SOLUTIONS FOR ALL MUNICIPAL, AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE & SUPPLY APPLICATIONS PUMPS & PIPE SUPPLY LIQUID STORAGE TANKS & EQUIPMENT WATER TREATMENT & FILTRATION DESIGN & COMMISSIONING SERVICE,MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

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envirotechwater.com.au Envirotech Water Solutions is a master distributor for Grundfos, Amiad filters & Bermad control valves and is accredited to ISO 9001:2008

With extensive experience in both large and complex capital infrastructure projects to municipal treatment plant upgrades, Envirotech Water Solutions has the expertise and capability to ensure successful delivery, operation and maintenance of wastewater & water infrastructure projects and is a trusted supplier for pumps, controls, filtration water storage equipment and services.

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Major Queensland pump system now operational

In February this year, the first treated water produced from QGC’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) water treatment plant at Woleebee Creek, near Wandoan in Queensland, was pumped to Glebe Weir – about 120 kilometres north of the plant – boosting overall water supply to the Dawson Valley Water Supply Scheme. The milestone is great news for local customers as it opens up both the pipeline and the Dawson River for use in irrigation and local industry.

he pipeline was installed approximately halfway between the Queensland towns of Theodore and Miles, and the town of Wandoan was chosen as a central location during construction. The project works, undertaken by SunWater Industrial Pipelines, were completed in November 2014. The treated water has been approved by the Department of Environment, and is reflected in the revised Fitzroy Basin Resource Operations Plan. Water is extracted as part of QGC’s Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) coal seam gas production process. SunWater General Manager Tim Donaghy says, ‘It is treated to a high standard at QGC’s Woleebee Creek Water Treatment Plant using ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, and is monitored by both QGC and SunWater to ensure that it meets strict compliance requirements before it is released’. Donaghy adds that the treated water will be extracted by customers through their existing pumps and infrastructure, and measured through existing flow meters. CONTINUED ON PAGE 92

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

Purpose-built pumps

terling Pumps is a progressive pump design and manufacturing company based in Melbourne. Using state-ofthe-art techniques and equipment, Sterling can provide its customers with high-quality, locally produced pumps and electric motors. Units are manufactured in our purpose-built facility; a core component being our test bed, which offers a capacity of 3000 cubic metres an hour, and 1000 kilowatts of available power. Our workshop offers electrical and mechanical overhaul of pump sets, so that customers are provided with complete factory support of their pumps, from purchase through to ongoing operation. Specialising in submersible bore pumps and motors, vertical-turbine pumps, split-case pumps, submersible sewage pumps, and submersible dewatering pumps, Sterling is well placed as the

manufacturer to support customers with fully engineered and documented units produced under the ISO 9001 system. From pressed stainless steel submersibles, to engineered cast Super Duplex, we can provide solutions to most pumping applications. Constant research and product development leads us to new and innovative products that are designed to enhance durability, and reduce operation costs. Technical codes including API 610 latest edition, NFPA, UL listed and Australian Standards form a common part of our requirements for local production and exported product. Material certification and in-house X-ray positive material identification all adds to the security that customers get when working with Sterling. Recent advances in electronic control of solar energy allow us to now offer combination

mains/diesel/solar pump systems up to 400 kilowatts. We believe that for the first time, solar power for large-scale remote irrigation and mining pumps is now a real option, offering significant operational savings. At the core of Sterling are our experienced design and product application engineers. Our people have many years of practical experience. Together, we can provide you with personal service to work through almost any pumping challenge that you might encounter.

Diesel driven vertical turbine pumps

Locally produced submersible electric motors 4” to 24”

Stainless Steel submersible pumps

Solve your water moving challenges, talk to Sterling about our range of locally produced submersible pumps, vertical turbine pumps and horizontal split case pumps. Manufactured in Melbourne – service facility in Melbourne & Perth 14 Sharnet Circuit, Pakenham, Victoria, 3810 Australia P +61 3 9729 5044 F +61 3 9729 3522 E info@sterlingpumps.com.au

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PUMPING SOLUTIONS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90

The extensive pump and pipeline system comprises numerous major control structures and impressive features, including: • 150 metres of 1400-millimetre-diameter mild steel cementlined suction main • the Woleebee Creek pump station • approximately 120 kilometres of buried pipeline ranging in diameter from 914 millimetres to 1067 millimetres • a five-megalitre balancing storage • a pipeline outlet structure for discharge to Cockatoo Creek • standpipes • surge tanks • air valves • scour valves • isolating valves • control valves • flow meters • customer offtakes.

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The Woleebee Creek pump station beside QGC’s operations includes five main pumps, three of which will operate at any one time, with two stand-by pumps ready to share the load. The pump station can pump up to 113 megalitres per day, and the pipeline can discharge up to 100 megalitres of treated water per day to Glebe Weir, with the remaining 13 megalitres (at least) diverted by customers. The pipeline operates as a pumped (pressure) pipeline up to the balancing storage, which is located part way along the pipeline, and then operates as a gravity pipeline section to the outlet. Treated water stored at the Glebe Weir is released periodically, and used by customers downstream – predominantly irrigators. Irrigator customers will receive allocations of treated water throughout the year as a proportion of their annual maximum water entitlement volume, and in accordance with available water supply volumes and calculations provided in the Resource Operations Plan. These calculations will take into account additional volumes to be made available to the scheme by the discharge of treated water from the pipeline, potentially improving both reliability and maximum entitlement volumes.

PUMPING SOLUTIONS

The ‘right’ angle pumping solution

or over 30 years, H.E Brehaut Pty Ltd has been serving the Australian pump and cooling tower market with rightangle gear drives.

wide selection of ratios and options. Its gear drives are used extensively throughout the irrigation and petrochemical industry for driving vertical turbine, axial and mixed flow pumps.

Commencing in 1933 as a general engineering company, H.E Brehaut Pty Ltd grew to become a large manufacturer, supporting the Australian armed forces during WWII. Post-war, the company produced a successful range of electric motors, grinders and polishing machines sold under the Hebco brand name.

In addition to pump drives, Amarillo also produce right-angle drives, up to 500 horsepower, specifically designed for the cooling tower market, and to complement those drives, a range of composite drive shafts. Being one of the largest manufacturers of spiral bevel gearing in the world, Amarillo also manufacture spare parts for Marley® gear drives. Designed in accordance with AGMA standards, and meeting or exceeding CTI recommendations for cooling tower use, all Amarillo cooling tower drives provide exceptional reliability in tough environments.

Today, H.E Brehaut Pty Ltd is Australia’s leading supplier of right-angle, hollow-shaft gear drives, representing the Amarillo brand. Amarillo’s products are synonymous with excellent build quality and outstanding reliability, with many gear drives serving their owners for over 30 years. Amarillo’s line-up of right-angle pump drives range in power transmission, from 30 horsepower to 3500 horsepower, with a

support. With its fully equipped workshop, H.E Brehaut Pty Ltd can build Amarillo drives in-house, and offer a full rebuild service for all Amarillo gear drives, as well as most Marley® geareducers.

H.E Brehaut Pty Ltd are the Australian Amarillo experts and can assist customers through the entire process, from selecting the right gear drive, through to pre- and post-sales

•

Sales of new pump, cooling tower and industrial gear drives

•

Rebuild service for all Amarillo gear drives

•

Rebuild service for most Marley Geareducers

•

Extensive range of spare parts

•

Distributing Amarillo gear drives since 1982

‘When others are worn out, an Amarillo’s just worn in’ H.E.Brehaut Pty. Ltd. 19-25 Trade Place, Vermont VIC 3133 Tel: +61 3 9873 8744 Mobile: 0409 172 177

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WATER STORAGE

Linings solutions for the water and wastewater industry

ndustrial coatings are generally used to diminish the effects of corrosion, thus preventing metal from being tarnished or damaged. The important feature of these coatings is that they provide lasting protection for industrial infrastructure, maximising the life of assets and reducing the need for costly maintenance. Wattyl Industrial Coatings, a division of Valspar Australia, is a well-recognised and established supplier of industrial coatings across Australia and New Zealand. Its brands of trusted products are used extensively in the water and wastewater industry to provide protection for a variety of assets, including steel and concrete tanks and reservoirs (internal and external), pipelines, clarifiers, surge vessels and associated infrastructure. Tanks and pipelines Tanks and pipelines require linings that are resistant to many chemicals and industrial liquids. Wattyl Industrial Coatings’ tank lining range is designed to ensure high-quality water supply in steel and concrete reservoirs, potable water tanks, as well as storage of most wastewater and saline or sea water. One product that is used extensively in the water industry is Epinamel® TL770SF – a solvent-free, amine-cured, epoxy potable water tank lining. Tested and certified to AS/ NZS 4020 and APAS standards, Epinamel TL770SF is approved for safe drinking water. With 100 per cent volume solids, the product is designed to reduce solvent emissions and eliminate the risk of solvent retention, which can influence water quality. The fast application properties provide excellent coverage in a single-coat, high-build system. Its hard, glossy, off-white colour finish provides excellent visibility during application and for inservice tank inspection. Ideal for new storage tank primary lining and rehabilitation projects, Epinamel TL770SF has been used recently on the following tank lining projects: Berkeley reservoir, Yarra Valley Olinda reservoir roof, Wannon Water pipeline and Hamilton Grampians pipeline.

Water and wastewater treatment Water and wastewater treatment plants are typically composed of concrete and steel infrastructure, most of which is exposed to major chemical activity. Unprotected and exposed concrete, in particular, is subject to deterioration due to prolonged exposure to aggressive water and gas attack. Solving corrosion deterioration in such plants requires heavy-duty, chemical and abrasion-resistant linings. To assist in the prevention of corrosion of assets, Wattyl Industrial Coatings’ Epinamel TL710 and Epinamel DTM985, are fastcuring, high-solids, chemical and abrasionresistant epoxy tank linings that can provide long-term protection for aggressive conditions. The Epinamel range has been recently used in the Sussex Inlet Sewerage Treatment Plant. Manhole and sewer linings Many municipal and private water systems are in great need of lining and structural repair

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of manholes and sewers due to corrosion deterioration. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), generated from raw sewage, has the capacity to severely damage concrete manhole structures. Epoxy lining is a form of manhole rehabilitation used to solve many current issues with structural deterioration and H2S corrosion. With proper surface preparation and substrate conditions, Epinamel DTM985 can be applied, providing fast return to service and long-term corrosion protection. Epinamel DTM985 is a high-build epoxy lining with excellent abrasion resistance, designed to withstand the harshest environments. It is ideal for sewerage immersion in salt and fresh water, and suitable to be used in wet wells. Regardless of your project size, Wattyl Industrial Coatings can provide a tailor-made coatings system solution for any project. For more information on Wattyl Industrial Coatings, visit www.wattylindustrial.com.au, phone the toll free Australia hotline on 132 101, or email at wattylindustrial@valspar.com.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than just paint. Leaders in tank linings, Wattyl Industrial Coatings delivers proven solutions for steel and concrete structures. Ideal solutions for reservoirs, potable and wastewater storage tanks, clarifiers, pipelines, surge vessels and spiral casings. Approved to AS/NZS 4020 standards. Solvent free, single coat, high build properties.

Toll Free 132 101

wattylindustrial@valspar.com www.wattylindustrial.com.au

WATER STORAGE

Water storage for greener pastures The need to store water has existed for as long as humankind. But technologies are always advancing, making water storage solutions more effective and more sustainable than ever.

he many variations of the humble water tank have evolved in different ways, according to the kind of water use that they are designed to complement. Despite the differing requirements for commercial, industrial, farming and domestic applications, the basic intention behind water storage remains the same: water tanks, by design, should protect the water from contamination or negative

influences, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fluctuating pH levels, and the accumulation of minerals or gas. Increasingly, however, water companies and municipalities are being encouraged to focus their efforts on sustainability and the environment in their water distribution and management systems. In terms of tanks, both the type of materials used and the application of protective coatings have become a consideration of experts with a greener focus.

Greener solutions A basic guiding rule for decisions about tank materials is that all things should be considered in view of the site-specific circumstances of the tank. This means that, depending on the water use, tank materials could range from plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene), to fibreglass, concrete, stone and steel in various forms (welded, bolted, carbon or stainless). CONTINUED ON PAGE 98

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WATER STORAGE

Turnkey options for water storage solutions

aunders has been in a position to offer customers turnkey project engineering and delivery options since the early 2000s. Since then, we have steadily increased our capacity to deliver multidiscipline projects. Our experience with delivering projects in both the public and private sectors has enabled us to expand the scope of services we provide. Our business focuses on delivering construction jobs with a tank build at the core of the project, and extends to managing the associated scope required to get a tank into productive services such as civil, structural, piping, electrical, and instrumentation and commissioning work. Saunders provides a full range of engineering services for bulk liquid storage facilities, from front-end engineering design (FEED), through to construction, commissioning and maintenance. Our project management team is highly skilled in the delivery of multidisciplinary construction projects. We offer extensive experience in direct labour and subcontractor management. We have safety management procedures in place that allow us to conduct constructability reviews, through to HAZOPs, ensuring the safe delivery of your project.

Saunders International will provide our Customers with economical and innovative solutions to all their Bulk Storage requirements. These solutions will be expertly engineered and built to the highest Safety and Quality standards.

271 Edgar Street, Condell Park NSW 2200 PO Box 281, Condell Park NSW 2200 Phone (02) 9792 2444 Fax: (02) 9771 2640 Email: mail@saunders-international.com.au

WWW.SAUNDERS-INTERNATIONAL.COM.AU

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WATER STORAGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 96

With the environment in mind, steel is the sustainable choice. The construction of steel tanks produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other materials, and if you choose a bolted design, there’s an even greater reduction. Steel is also 93 per cent recyclable, so when a bolted steel tank reaches the end of its useful life, it’s more economical and requires less energy to remove and recycle it, compared to removing one of its concrete or field-welded counterparts.

A word on corrosion Corrosion is a water tank’s biggest enemy, and, unfortunately, no material is immune to degradation in all environments. The corrosion control of different materials should be considered carefully at the design stage, and should be matched to the environment in which water tanks will be situated. That said, protective coatings are the most widely used technique for controlling both interior and exterior corrosion of water tanks. High-quality coatings will give durability and longevity to your tank, so they should be a top priority. Protective coatings work by separating the surfaces that are vulnerable to corrosion from the corrosive elements of the surrounding environment, so chemical compounds and moisture are prevented from having contact with the substrate. By choosing the most effective coating for the particular application, and by selecting the right thickness of the coating according to the substrate, the life expectancy of bulk water storage structures can be significantly extended. Other economic benefits include fewer repairs and lower operating costs. The newer high-solids epoxies are not only better for the environment, but they also offer a number of application and performance advantages, as well as being more user-friendly. The lower molecular weights of these epoxies create smaller, lower-viscosity molecules, resulting in increased crosslink density, which provides a greater resistance to chemicals and moisture, and improves adhesion. Epoxy coatings are flexible, not brittle, and because they can bend without cracking, they provide a durable coating. For a tank’s exterior, you can combine an epoxy coating with a polyurethane topcoat for better protection against the environment.

Cathodic protection Protective coatings provide thorough protection for the external surfaces of tanks, but with the interiors of tanks usually creating a far more aggressive corrosive environment, it can be sensible to combine a protective coating with cathodic protection in steel tanks. These two factors working together make for an effective tank maintenance system, as their relationship is symbiotic. Cathodic protection works in conjunction with a coating system, to mitigate corrosion at pinholes, voids and holidays, while the coating electrically protects the bulk of the interior surface, which lessens the voltage required for the cathodic protection system to function. High-solids epoxies have been shown to work well with cathodic protection systems because their protective films contain a lower percentage of pinholes and voids.

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A four-year study conducted by the United States Navy concluded that cathodic protection could double or even triple the time between re-coatings. Of course, this kind of performance has to be monitored and adjusted so as to produce the correct amount of electrical current for optimum protection. And there is a risk of overdoing it – too much current output can cause coating disbondment and blistering. But, if you can extend the working life of your water tank, the benefits will be felt not only in your pocket, but also in your sustainability outcomes. Ultimately, though, the length of time a tank lasts is dependent on other factors, too: namely, water quality, maintenance, and the positioning of the tank. While water storage is an integral part of any water distribution system, the individual parts of the system need to be considered separately, as well as together with the whole, for the system to be wholly sustainable. Remember that as well as tanks, water sources and conduits need to be assessed regularly and treated accordingly to maintain a healthy water distribution system.

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Mention this page to receive a reduced price. Email Sales@tightspottanks.com.au Web www.TightSpotTanks.com.au

WATER STORAGE

Link-Seal: a liquidand gas-tight mechanical seal

ink-Seal is a mechanical seal that can be easily installed to seal the annular space between pipes and the penetrations that they pass through.

How does it work? Link-Seals consist of a series of interlocking rubber blocks. The blocks are linked together with bolts passing through. At both ends of the bolts are high-strength pressure plates. When the bolts are tightened with a standard hand wrench, the pressure plates are forced towards each other, which compresses the rubber block and displaces the rubber, forcing it out towards the pipe and the penetration wall – this then creates the seal. The LinkSeal modular seals are manufactured from compounds that resist ageing and attack from ozone, sunlight, water and a wide range of chemicals, oils and gases. There are also high- temperature/firerated Link-Seals (AS1530.4-2005 and AS4072.1-2005). Whether pipes are passing through a cored penetration, a conduit or a cast-in sleeve, Link-Seal can seal the annular space. Link-Seal can be used above or below ground. Larger diameter cables can also be sealed with Link-Seals as they pass through conduits/ cored penetrations. Because Link-Seal is a manufactured unit, there is no curing time required – the gap is sealed and operational from the moment the system is installed. Link-Seals can even be installed while liquid is running through the penetration, or while submerged. Where can I use Link-Seals? • where pipes pass through a concrete or steel structure • in most industries, from potable or wastewater, to hydrocarbons and most chemicals • where fire-rated, water and gas-tight penetrations are needed – for instance, where pipes pass through multi-storey residential or commercial buildings.

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WATER STORAGE

Tricky dam question to answer Debates about how we store and use water need to be had, despite them often becoming a case of ‘easier said than done’. The question of dams and their effectiveness in storing Australia’s water is one topic that is often subject to political spin at the hands of the Barnaby Joyces of this world; however, dams are not a particularly efficient way of storing water, especially in Australia.

ne commentator on the topic, Associate Professor Willem Vervoort from the University of Sydney, writes:

‘Using dams to secure water supply for irrigation is similar to using a sledgehammer to kill a fly. Yes, it will kill the fly, but it is a fairly inefficient way of doing it, and you might destroy other valuable items on the way.’1 With last October’s agricultural green paper showing a firm emphasis on dams, it seems that we have forgotten to take into account what has been learnt from the past in the rush to build more dams for agriculture and industry. Two key elements that a dam needs – namely, a reliable inflow of water and a suitable landscape – are areas that the Australian environment has often been unable to provide.

Furthermore, it is still unclear how the relationship between dams, streams and rainfall will shift with climate change. These uncertainties are particularly acute in northern Australia, where water conditions are already highly variable because of tidal and monsoonal fluctuations.

And, with our lack of tall mountains and deep valleys, Australia’s relatively shallow dams are susceptible to high amounts of evaporation, with the surface-area-to-volume ratio determining how sensitive a dam is to evaporation. Our climatic conditions also tend to produce higher amounts of evaporation than in cooler climates, and thus more stored water is ‘lost’ to the atmosphere, and taken away from intended uses in areas such as irrigation.

We need strategies for water use and water storage that take into account the interconnectedness of the water cycle, and that can respond to environmental change within the context of a changing climate. In reality, this will probably equate to a mixture of solutions, including existing dams and other water infrastructure (for example, making use of groundwater, water recycling and desalination systems).

Further disadvantages, such as unintended upstream and downstream effects, and the limited lifespan of dams due to sedimentation, add to the broader social, economic and environmental effects of diverting a river from its natural course.

And, crucially, the water industry needs to maintain strong links to research departments whose work will be instrumental in revolutionising our water management systems, as well as influencing water policies to ensure that our water use is as efficient as possible. If Australia is to make good on its investment in water as a top priority for the future, we need to be developing and implementing smarter water management and storage systems.

1 Willem Vervoort, ‘Dams are not the smart way to secure water for agriculture’ in The Conversation. theconversation.com/dams-are-not-the-smart-way-to-secure-water-foragriculture-33193

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WATER IN MINING

A new world-class gas regime for New South Wales

Guy Fawkes River ar Ebor

The value of water is undeniable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is vital for our survival. This is as true for people and animals as it is for the industries that rely on access to water to do business.

s such, the protection of such a precious resource is paramount. We need to make sure that water and its sources are taken care of, while providing fair access to everyone who needs it. The protection of water has always been a passionately debated issue, with good reason.

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The job of New South Wales government agencies is to make sure the best protections are in place while still ensuring that industry can operate. With that in mind, agencies rely on the best available facts and scientific evidence, while working with communities and industry to make decisions about water use. As a result of already completed work, water resources in New South Wales are protected by the most comprehensive regulatory controls for the gas industry in the nation. The NSW Gas Plan is the state governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new strategic framework to protect our water and environment while delivering vital gas supplies for the state. It establishes a world-class system to protect our water, environment, critical agricultural land and communities.

WATER IN MINING

The New South Wales Government has adopted all of the recommendations made by the independent NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, to ensure that the new regulatory framework for the gas industry is based on science and is world’s best practice. Strong protections already include banning the use of BTEX chemicals and evaporation ponds, the comprehensive Aquifer Interference Policy, and the Code of Practice for Well Integrity and Fracture Stimulation. An important measure in the Code of Practice for Well Integrity is a triple casing of cement and steel to ensure that groundwater and aquifers are protected.

Water test

THE NSW GAS PLAN INTRODUCES A NEW STRATEGIC RELEASE FRAMEWORK, WHICH IS A SYSTEM THAT PUTS THE GOVERNMENT BACK IN CONTROL OF THE RELEASE OF TITLE AREAS FOR EXPLORATION

This is well in excess of the drilling standards imposed on industries that also drill bores, such as irrigation, stock and domestic, building, transport and many others. The NSW Gas Plan introduces a new Strategic Release Framework, which is a system that puts the government back in control of the release of title areas for exploration. This will allow the government to identify the most appropriate areas for exploration through a careful examination of environmental, social and economic factors, with community consultation conducted up-front. Exploration for gas will be done on our terms, and monitoring has never been stronger. Professor O’Kane found in her Independent Review of Coal Seam Gas Activities in NSW – Final Report that, ‘The management of potential risks associated with coal seam gas, as with other industries, can be done with effective controls and regulation. This includes engineering solutions involving high levels of industry professionalism, monitoring and modelling, and comprehensive risk assessments’.

This new science-based regulatory framework adopts a strong compliance and enforcement regime, enhanced environmental monitoring, and improved protections and benefits for landholders and communities. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Department of Planning and Environment, the Office of Coal Seam Gas and the NSW Office of Water all monitor and supervise gas operations to ensure that companies comply with the high engineering and environmental standards that now apply in New South Wales. The NSW Gas Plan appoints the independent EPA as the lead regulator for compliance and enforcement of conditions of approval for gas activities. This provides the EPA with direct regulatory oversight of gas operations for effective, consistent and transparent regulation of the gas industry. A project to provide baseline information about the state’s groundwater has been started by the government. The Groundwater Baseline Project is mapping and gathering data on the water used by agriculture, industry and mining. This will provide even more critical data to ensure that our water is used sustainably and is available for future generations, and that any changes to our water supplies are detected early. The first areas to be analysed are the Gunnedah, Gloucester and Clarence Moreton Basins. More information on these and other water projects are available at www.water.nsw.gov.au. The Department of Planning and Environment’s role is to follow tough, consistent rules to assess gas applications on their merits, and explain decisions to the community. These rules demand that decision-makers carefully consider applications from everyone’s perspective. This means that rigorous attention to potential impacts on the community and the environment must be paid, finding how they could be managed, how this management can be monitored and, ultimately, whether the project is in the wider interests of New South Wales.

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WATER IN MINING

Communities and industry, including agriculture and other industries that depend on land and water resources, always get a say when it comes to the Department assessing gas production applications – that’s the law. Locals have a unique perspective on how proposed operations might affect them, and community feedback is considered alongside expert assessments.

DECISIONS ABOUT GAS PROJECTS ARE EXTREMELY COMPLEX, AND MUST BALANCE BENEFITS AND IMPACTS

chosen for their experience in balancing all considerations to arrive at final decisions. The community has an opportunity to talk directly to decision-makers to inform and influence their final decisions. Gas mining is banned in ‘critical industry clusters’ and within two kilometres of residential areas. If a proposal impacts upon our most valuable farmland, it must go through a tough, independent scientific assessment by experts before an application can even be submitted. The science-based framework and compliance focus of the NSW Gas Plan is important to protect our water, land and communities, and allows us to secure New South Wales’s energy future and keep downward pressure on gas bills while providing regional jobs. More than 500 large industrial users rely on gas, which means that more than 300,000 employees do, as well. One-third of the state’s households rely on gas for heating or cooking, as do more than 33,000 small businesses, such as the local bakery, or fish and chip shop. This balance is achievable, and our experience with other extractive industries proves that it can be done.

All of the information regarding a production application is made freely available on the Department of Planning and Environment’s website, and people are given plenty of time to have their say. Feedback is carefully considered, and the applicant must respond specifically to every issue before an application is considered. Decisions about gas projects are extremely complex, and must balance benefits and impacts. To ensure that these decisions are made independently and transparently, the most complex and contested applications are decided outside the government by the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC). The PAC is made up of planning and environmental experts who are

104 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

The royalties paid by industry inject funding back into the state for services including hospitals, schools, roads and public transport. The NSW Gas Plan signals a new era for the gas industry, and for New South Wales. The government’s new science-based regulatory framework protects our precious water and environment, and ensures that communities have a voice and that we have a world-class regime to secure vital gas supplies for the state’s manufacturers, businesses and households. For more information, please visit www.gasplan.nsw.gov.au.

WATER IN MINING

WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Award-winning groundwater management at the Cloudbreak Mine site

ortescue Metals Group’s advanced groundwater management scheme, which was implemented at the Cloudbreak Mine site, has garnered national recognition through its awards with the Australian Water Association (AWA). The Cloudbreak Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme is one of the largest and most complex managed aquifer recharge schemes in Australia. Established in 2008, the scheme is an innovative approach to moderating the environmental impacts associated with surface discharge and dewatering drawdown, while also conserving water resources for future mine water supply. The process has allowed the site to return approximately 73 per cent of the water extracted back into its aquifiers, with 25 gigalitres of water recharged each year. As iron and manganese removal is such a large component of upkeep at the Cloudbreak

Mine site, a special water treatment technology called DMI-65 is used in order to lower these iron and manganese levels to Australian drinking water standards. Such processes are usually costly; however, the DMI-65 provides an affordable alternative to reverse osmosis (RO). The DMI-65 is made up of grains of sand that are infused with a special product, meaning that the active ingredients don’t coat the grain, but rather become a part of it. The DMI-65 acts as a stimulant in the oxidation reaction, and causes the dissolved manganese and iron to form a solid, insoluble precipitate that can be captured by the DMI-65 filter media. The captured iron is then released during the filter backwash cycle. The DMI-65 has been tested in applications for reducing manganese levels in excess of two parts per million, down to less than 0.01

parts per million. Based on these experiences in the Australian mining and municipal drinking water industries, the DMI-65 is expected to have a life span of up to 10 years of continuous use. Fortescue Water Supervisor Mark Botica has been thoroughly impressed by the DMI- 65’s consistency. ‘The DMI-65 media used in this treatment plant consistently reduces iron and manganese to ultra-low levels. After filtration through the DMI65, manganese levels went from 0.939 milligrams per litre, to 0.02 milligrams per litre when mixed with our other potable water supply,’ he says. The company has been awarded the national award for Infrastructure Project Innovation at the Ozwater11 conference, and also won the Western Australian Water Infrastructure Innovation Award in 2010.

REVOLUTIONARY DMI-65, THE MOST POWERFUL MEDIA FOR MANGANESE REMOVAL DMI-65 is a revolutionary Advanced Oxidation Catalytic Filtration Media designed for the removal of Iron, Arsenic, Hydrogen Sulphide and Manganese. The treatment plant was commissioned in September 2009. Ground water with low TDS values but elevated levels of Iron and Manganese could be treated other than RO processes to meet drinking water standards. The DMI-65 media used in this treatment plant consistently reduces iron and manganese to ultra low levels. After ltration through the mentioned media Manganese levels went from 0.939 mg/L to 0.02mg/L when mixed with our other potable water supply.

Mark Botica

Water Services Supervisor

This product has consistently proved to be effective and ef cient and can recommend DMI-65 for the purpose of removing manganese / iron from a contaminated water source.

DMI-65 is Safe for Drinking Water Applications Certi ed: NSF/ANSI 61 & UK Reg. 31

C >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

www.dmi65.com +61 1300 303 281 info@dmi65.com

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

105

WATER IN MINING

Returning treated coal-seamgas-produced water to the sub-surface: feasibility and hydrological impacts BY J. SREEKANTH, CSIRO

Current estimates indicate that around 75,000 megalitres (approximately one-sixth of the volume of Sydney Harbour) of water will be extracted by the coal seam gas (CSG) industry from the Great Artesian Basin every year. Can some of the water be returned to the Basin?

106 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

SIRO’s groundwater modelling research for the Gas Industry Social & Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) indicated that large-scale reinjection schemes may be feasible for augmenting the freshwater resource in the Great Artesian Basin. Our study focused on predicting the potential hydrological changes in the groundwater system caused by such large-scale reinjection schemes. Produced water refers to the often salty groundwater extracted from the coal seams to allow the gas to flow up. Queensland government has strict regulations in place, which necessitate the CSG proponents to identify beneficial uses for the produced water. The beneficial use may include irrigation, town water supplies, environmental flows and groundwater recharge. The beneficiaries may include existing or new water users, existing or new water-dependent industries, or the environment.

WATER IN MINING

The following potential uses have been identified in Queensland: • water as a supply for local farmers and communities • irrigation of agricultural crops or plantation forestry • dust suppression • industrial purposes (e.g. drilling, coal washing for coal mining, cooling in power stations) • discharge of interim or occasional surpluses of treated water into local river or weir/dam systems (if the water is treated and conditioned to equal standards for discharge into rivers, it can contribute favourably to environmental outcomes for river systems already exposed to heavy irrigation demand) • reinjection, after treatment, into suitable underground aquifers. After all feasible beneficial use options have been considered, disposing of the water after required treatment may be permitted. The disposal measures should, in the first instance, avoid and then minimise and mitigate impacts on environmental values.

Our study applied four different models to simulate the flow and water-quality changes occuring at different distances from the injection wells. Two regional-scale models were used to simulate the groundwater flow changes occuring on a regional scale over a period of 100 years, resulting from a proposed reinjection scheme continuing for 22 years. Two small-scale models were used for a more precise simulation of water quality changes near the reinjection well field. The key questions to be answered by this exercise were: • How far and how long would it take for the re-injected water to dilute background water quality? This question was posed not because any known contaminant is expected in the re-injected water, but as a worst-case scenario resulting from an accident or geochemical contamination. • Are there any existing domestic or stock bores that are within the reach of potential water quantity and quality change? • How do the inadequacies in the characterisation of the subsurface within the model affect the predictions?

Research outcomes

REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) IS ONE OF THE PREFERRED TREATMENT OPTIONS TO REMOVE THE SALTS FROM THE PRODUCED WATER.

The CSG proponents in Queensland are considering the option of reinjecting the treated produced water into beneficial aquifers in the Surat Basin. Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the preferred treatment options to remove the salts from the produced water. RO treatment of the produced water, in general, results in higherquality water than in the target groundwater aquifers.

Our research Reinjection of treated produced water may help to augment the groundwater resource for beneficial use and support the groundwater-dependent ecosystems; however, the success of reinjection depends on a number of factors, like the hydrogeological conditions at the injection site, chemical compatibility of water in the target aquifer, and clogging issues. Four related CSIRO research projects funded by GISERA studied these different aspects related to reinjection. Our study was confined to the hydrogeological modelling of the reinjectioninduced large-scale changes in water quantity and quality in the target aquifers (www.gisera.org.au/publications/tech_reports_ papers/water-proj-3-reinjection-modelling.pdf).

The simulation results indicated that increase in the groundwater pressure in the target aquifer (Precipice sandstone) would occur over a region extending over 50 kilometres. While the maximum groundwater pressure increase can be as high as 140 metres near the injection wells, pressure changes in the existing stock and domestic wells located far from the injection well field are expected to be minimal. For example, the simulations indicated a maximum groundwater level increase of 4.3 metres in the nearest domestic bore, which is located 15 kilometres from the injection well field. Predicted increase in the groundwater level indicates increased availability of fresh water in this region. Owing to the low velocity of flow in the Great Artesian Basin, this water may be drawn out for beneficial purposes over many decades. Due to the presence of impervious formations above the Precipice sandstone, groundwater level changes in other overlying aquifers would be minimal. The scenario of water quality change was simulated to estimate the potential maximum distances at which any injectate present in the water would dilute to very low concentrations (0.01). The results indicated that the reinjected water would dilute to very low concentrations within five kilometres from the injection wells. It is noteworthy that the proposed reinjection schemes will use highquality water obtained from the RO treatment, but this scenario was simulated to evaluate the potential maximum distances over which impacts from water quality change may occur. Considering that stock and domestic bores does not exist within five kilometres from the injection wells, water quality impacts from the reinjection scheme are considered to be minimal. Given that the proposed injection wells are spread over a large area, and given the uncertainty of mobilising contaminants already present in the formation, it is still essential to continually monitor groundwater quality for early detection and containment of any undesirable changes.

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >>

107

IRRIGATION

Growers save water at Langhorne Creek, South Australia

he Langhorne Creek region is situated 80 kilometres to the south-east of Adelaide, on the alluvial plains between the Mount Lofty Ranges and Lake Alexandrina. While this region has been producing wine grapes for over 150 years, viticulture has until recently been confined to the flood plains of the Bremer and Angus Rivers, which drain into Lake Alexandrina. There has been a dramatic expansion of vineyards in the region over the past 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15 years, which has increased plantings from only 500 hectares in 1985, to over 4000 hectares today. This huge expansion has been helped by the growth in Australian wine exports, and specifically by the water availability from the Lake.

The region has a typically dry climate, with an average rainfall of less than 400 millimetres, and so additional water is crucial for vineyards to flourish on soils off the floodplain. As a result of drought, the flow into Lake Alexandrina has lessened substantially, resulting in low water levels for the Lake since 2006. This became problematic by 2008, when water levels in Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert were so low that large amounts of acid sulphate soils were going to form, as the lake bed soils are naturally rich in iron sulphides. This was an issue, because when the sulphides are exposed to the air, which can occur during times of severe drought, they oxidise, which then produces sulphuric acid. The barrages now prevent the seawater

108>> Future >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook D Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

inflows that have prevented these phenomena in every drought since the last ice age. As the level of Lake Alexandrina lowered, the salinity of the water increased, and by spring 2007, it was high enough to cause long-term effects when used for irrigation. In response to this issue, a group of producers at Langhorne Creek have taken the initiative to make the waters of Lake Alexandrina suitable for irrigation at two local vineyards, and one local turf farm. Lake Alexandrina is renowned to be brackish salty water that also contains colloidal and insoluble iron; however, before the $2 million desalination, commissioned by international company BioSystems Group, business growers such as Kirribilly Viticulture, Lawsim

IRRIGATION

Vineyards and Borman Turf would all have to rely on this iron-contaminated, salty lake or bore water to irrigate their vineyards and lawn farms. The salt and iron would prevent the growth of plants and block irrigation lines. Despite the growers being told that desalinating the turbid, brackish and ironcontaminated water was not possible because it was too contaminated with silt, the project went ahead, and BioSystems Group designed the plant’s construction. BioSystems is a multinational company with over 25 years’ experience in the field of water and wastewater treatment. The core business of BioSystems is in supplying integrated water treatment solutions for large-and small-scale projects through the application of leading water treatment technologies. BioSystems designs, constructs and manages

advanced wastewater treatment plants, as well as providing a range of water purification products and services to support widely diversified global clients. Water is now pumped from Lake Alexandrina, and treated through a series of BioSystems clarifiers and sand filters to remove silt and reduce turbidity. One of the final filter treatments, prior to the reverse osmosis (RO) treatment, is DMI-65, which is used to remove traces of colloidal and insoluble iron that may create nuisance bio fouling, and blockage of the RO membranes, downstream irrigation systems, drip feeders and sprinklers. Unlike ion exchange resins, where higher regenerant dosages will increase the ion exchange capacity, sodium hypochlorite residuals, or concentrations higher than required to oxidise the iron and manganese,

do not increase the oxidative properties of the media. Additionally, since the media is often used to pre-treat waters prior to an RO system, higher free chlorine residual would involve lengthier treatment afterwards, to reduce the residual, and protect the membranes from chlorine attack. The success of the project has secured the future of the three businesses, through providing up to three megalitres per day of high-quality purified water to hundreds of hectares of vineyards and turf farms, and helping to improve the soil condition of the local environment, as well as the productivity of the vines and lawn farm. In turn, it has secured the jobs and livelihoods of the people who own, work and use the water provided by the desalination plant at Lake Alexandrina.

INTRODUCING NEW DMI-65 EXCLUSIVE INFUSION TECHNOLOGY International Clients include: Itochu Corporation, GE Water, Siemens, Nalco, Orica, Bauer International Corporation, Lautan Luas, Aquatrol, Amiad Water Solutions, Timex, Water Technology Cape, Water Science Technologies. Amiad Australia has successfully commissioned their rst major installation of lters for the removal of iron from bore water, to provide suitable water quality for an irrigation system to a new residential development in Western Australia. Previous efforts to treat the water had been unsuccessful until Amiad Australia was engaged to provide a pressure media system that incorporates the revolutionary new DMI-65 media. Amiad Water Systems AUSTRALIA

• Tailor made for the removal of Manganese & Iron • Silica sand based granular material, its active ingredients are permanently fused into the grain • DMI-65 performs role of catalyst to promote oxidation of iron and manganese in solution into precipitate • Other heavy metals including Arsenic may also be removed • DMI-65 can also remove Hydrogen Sulphide. • Also performs highest quality mechanical

ltration

• Manufactured in Western Australia

DMI-65 is Safe for Drinking Water Applications Certi ed: NSF/ANSI 61 & UK Reg. 31

www.dmi65.com +61 1300 303 281 info@dmi65.com

Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >> 109 Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook >> E

IRRIGATION

Expertly tailored water solutions

or 50 years, Total Eden has been one of Australia’s leading providers of water management products and services. At Total Eden, total water management is everything. Where there’s water, you’ll find Total Eden: in agriculture, landscaping, turf, mining and drilling, water treatment, water supply, and civil construction and plumbing, just to name a few. The unique scope of Total Eden allows delivery of specific, fit-forpurpose water solutions. Total Eden provides full 360 degrees of expertise, which translates to integrated solutions for all water management solutions.

and competitive package across our entire network,’ a spokesperson says. ‘We bring considerable knowledge, understanding and advice to every aspect of every project. And we strive to be the number one employer in the water management industry and seek the most driven and passionate people to join our team.’ Total Eden’s specialists are equipped with all the knowledge and expertise to provide customers with: • system design • installation • product design and specification

The company prides itself on providing a complete solution with quality products, expertise, service and, most of all, certainty.

• fast, reliable delivery

The company’s key point of difference is Total Eden’s level of technical expertise.

Total Eden’s experience means it can offer extraordinary commercial and practical synergies.

‘We pride ourselves on offering a complete

• rapid response to market needs • quality products and brands.

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IRRIGATION

The Australian agricultural irrigation industry – today and tomorrow The Australian agriculture industry is recognised as a world leader in efficiency and quality output, and has been repeatedly identified as one of the great potential growth areas of the Australian economy. Irrigation is an essential, but frequently overlooked, component in the agricultural value chain. Without efficient irrigation, Australia’s agriculture industry would grind to a halt.

he numbers are compelling. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Water Use on Australian Farms 2012–2013 publication, there are 30,629 Australian agricultural businesses using irrigation, covering 2,377,959 hectares and using 11,059,999 megalitres of water. Agriculture uses approximately 70 per cent of all water consumed in Australia, and, of that, 93 per cent is for irrigation. Figure 1 offers a snapshot of the breadth of agricultural operations that rely on irrigation. Irrigated agricultural operations tend to consume more labour and other resources, produce greater and higher-quality outputs, and contribute heavily to their regional communities in a variety of ways. Many irrigated agriculture businesses produce high-value products, which are in increasing demand in Australia and across the world. With the rising middle class across Asia (an Ernst &

Young study suggests that by 2020, India will have 200 million middle class people; and by 2030, China will have one billion in the middle class), these value-added agricultural products have the potential to lead Australia’s future export prosperity. These agricultural businesses access irrigation water from a number of different sources, which are highlighted in Figure 2. Agricultural operations have adapted to their unique environments across Australia, and this includes the source their irrigation water. Figure 2 demonstrates how important Australia’s irrigation schemes are to the industry, and how much reliance is placed on our rivers, lakes and aquifers. Our surface water sources and aquifers are finite resources, and, to a large extent, they are fully allocated, meaning that to increase our irrigated agricultural output,

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111

IRRIGATION

Type of agricultural business

% of total applied (ML)

Cereal crops used for grazing or fed off

21.0

Cereal crops cut for hay

4.1

Cereal crops cut for silage

1.3

Rice

12.3

Cereals for grain or seed

12.3

Cotton

24.4

Sugar cane

6.1

Other broad acre crops

2.1

Fruit trees, nut trees, plantation or berry fruits

6.5

Vegetables for human consumption

3.4

Nurseries, cut flowers or cultivated turf

0.5

Grapevines

4.5

Other crops

1.6

Water source

Water taken from irrigation channels

5,139,473.9

Water taken from on-farm dams or tanks

1,755,928.6

Water taken from rivers, creeks, lakes etc.

2,938,177.6

Groundwater (e.g. bores, springs, wells)

1,855,855.1

Recycled/re-used water from off-farm sources

113,625.6

Town or country reticulated mains supply

87,410.4

Other sources

38,262.0

Total water used from all sources

11,928,733.2

Figure 2

Figure 1

we need to become even more efficient, or create new irrigation schemes in suitable regions, at significant expense. In 2012/13, irrigators spent $263,396,334 on purchasing water for irrigation, plus another $53,155,287 on purchasing extra water on a permanent basis, and $91,927,404 on a temporary basis. Irrigation systems that are not gravity-fed rely on power to move water, and the increasing cost of this power is becoming a major issue for many irrigated agricultural businesses. The irrigation industry is one that is driven by new technology and practices, and by the competition for this precious and finite resource from population growth, other potential uses, and changing climatic conditions. Increasingly, a typical agricultural operation will access scientific research and the latest technology to deliver the minimum amount of water required to obtain the optimal yield for the business. It is not unusual to see a manager of one of these businesses checking their smart phone or tablet to determine where moisture probes are indicating a need for water, and directing the correct amount to that part of the operation. It’s also not unusual for

THE IRRIGATION INDUSTRY IS ONE THAT IS DRIVEN BY NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PRACTICES, AND BY THE COMPETITION FOR THIS PRECIOUS AND FINITE RESOURCE FROM POPULATION GROWTH, OTHER POTENTIAL USES, AND CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 112 >> Future Water >> Australian Water Management Yearbook

a horticultural operation to be using ultraviolet (UV) or other water purifying processes to re-use irrigation water and achieve zero wastewater release from the operation. The competing demands for water, as well as climatic changes, will intensify over the coming decades, and the irrigation industry and the Australian Government will need to invest heavily in irrigation research and testing to remain at the forefront of improving water, soil, energy and nutrient use efficiency. Australia’s future, and the future of the region, depends on Australia continuing to make gains in this area. With strong investment and sensible management, Australia will become the provider of high-value niche agricultural products to the rising middle class of the region. About Irrigation Australia Limited (IAL) Irrigation Australia Limited (IAL) is the only national body covering the entire value chain of the agricultural, horticultural and landscape irrigation industry in Australia, and represents the interests of Australia’s 25,000 irrigation industry professionals. IAL is committed to achieving its aim of being the representative body of a nationally and regionally recognised irrigation industry, developing the professionalism, sustainability, profitability and accountability of the Australian irrigation industry. IAL is also the Australian representative body of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). ICID was established in 1950 as a non-profit, non-governmental international organisation with headquarters in New Delhi, India. IAL has been active in the areas of education and certification, being a major advocate for recognising and building on the skills of those working in the irrigation industry. It also has a major voice at the federal and state policy levels, working closely with various stakeholder groups to deliver sustainable outcomes for the industry. The IAL was formed in September 2007 with the amalgamation of two well-established Australian irrigation groups, the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA), and the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID).

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