Research and Development
Driving innovation, advancing possibilities
Here at Barwon Water we are dedicated to ensuring the delivery of safe, secure, and reliable water services.
This is reflected in our national-leading research, development and innovation program spanning key areas such as circular economy, emerging contaminants, smart networks and climate change.
Future focused
By actively engaging in research, we stay at the forefront of industry insights, developments and technologies. This helps us find solutions for our customers, community, and the environment and provides a crucial real-world research space for the next generation of environmental scientists.
At the core of our research approach is the value of partnerships. We collaborate closely with world-class research institutions across the higher education sector, regulators and other government agencies.
Our collaboration also extends to the broader Victorian and Australian water sector, involving partnerships with Intelligent Water Networks, Water Research Australia, and Water Services Association of Australia.
Focus Areas
Our focus areas have been developed to support the delivery of our Strategy 2030 outcomes:
- Safe, secure, sustainable water
- Innovative, reliable services
- Healthier environment
- Trust, value and affordability
Who we are working with
We are proud to be working with the following partners:
- VicWater Intelligent Water Networks (IWN)
- Statewide partnership of urban water utilities under VicWater banner for focusing collective R&D investment into key areas of network data collection, collation and analysis for effective and efficient business operation and greater customer value.
- Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA)
- WSAA is the peak body of the Australian urban water industry and provides a national forum for debate on issues of importance to the urban water industry and is a focal point for communicating the industry's views.
- Water Research Australia (Water RA)
- Water RA is an industry-funded company that facilitates collaborative research at the national scale, focusing on drinking water quality, recycled/reuse water and aspects of wastewater management.
Success stories
Biochar to batteries
Working with Deakin University, RMIT, South East Water, City of greater Geelong and IWN this applied research project to investigated the technical feasibility of biochar derived from different ratios of FOGO and biosolids as anode materials in energy storage devices.
Biochar to batteries won the 2023 AWA Victorian R&D Excellence Award.
Pyroco partnership: transforming circular economies
We are proud to be a partner in the next step of Biosolids innovation helping to transform local circular economies. The Australian-first PYROCO technology, developed by RMIT University and in collaboration with Intelligent Water Networks (IWN), South-East Water and Greater Western Water removes pathogens and microplastics from biosolids to allow 100% safe reuse.
It was awarded The Research and Development Excellence Award at the Australian Water Association Victoria Awards in 2021.
Turning waste into a resource
Minh Duc Nguyen worked as a PhD student on a collaborative research project: Turning Waste into a Resource: Developing Novel End-Use Pathways for Water Treatment Sludge.
This project was a collaboration between Water Research Australia, Deakin University and Barwon Water to develop innovative technologies to reuse and manage water treatment sludge.
Minh Duc was awarded the 2020 Water Research Australia Nancy Millis Memorial PhD Award.
East Barwon willow removal
Supported by Deakin University, Water Research Australia, and Barwon Water, Mariah Sampson's research focused on the ecology of the East Barwon River following the removal of invasive introduced willow trees and subsequent restoration works.
Mariah won the prestigious Nancy Millis Memorial PhD Award in 2023.
Do you have a great idea or are keen to work with us?
Please get in touch with our Research and development team: research@barwonwater.vic.gov.au