This project developed more sophisticated ways in which to study dissolved organic matter (DOM) from a variety of different water sources (wastewater, dam water etc). To do this, a number of novel techniques were developed and compared to identify how and when these techniques can be used together and what technique is best to use when seeking out specific information of DOM.

PhD Thesis completed by Emma Louise Plant in October 2013.

The aim of Project 1127 was to help the water industry better manage and understand contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), through:

• The creation of a CEC database
• The development of a classification system based on source, treatment and effects to facilitate management of CEC by the water industry
• The development of risk assessment approaches based on different classifications (i.e., source, treatment and effects) and integrate this functionality into the database as a prioritisation tool
• Guidance on including CEC into current water quality risk management plans/frameworks (e.g. ADWG, AGWR)

There is a need to have a clear and consistent approach to assessing the efficacy and performance of the growing number of algal bloom management technologies emerging on the market. Often technologies are offered by suppliers with the promise that they will solve algal bloom issues. However, there are a number of factors that, if poorly understood and addressed, can result in performance being unsatisfactory for water utility needs. This research will develop a customisable protocol for selection, deployment, and performance assessment of algal bloom management technologies.

At least three different ways to use recycled water are applied around the world: groundwater and aquifer replenishment, surface water augmentation and direct potable reuse. Barriers to the installation of new recycling schemes tend not to be technical but arise from other parameters including the ‘yuck factor’; peoples emotional response to the prospect of drinking recycled sewage even though it is highly treated, clarified and safe. Both indirect (eg surface water augmentation) and direct potable reuse have advantages to utilities which include reduced overall energy requirements, construction and operational costs. Despite this, utilities find it difficult to assess the relative costs and benefits of various water reuse options. This research developed a Water Supply Evaluation tool (WaterSET) which is build on a MatLab platform but does not require a license to operate through its user-friendly Excel spreadsheet interface. It uses a comparison model which incorporates analysis of economic and scheme lifecycle costs, as well as environmental and social impacts. WaterSET generates a multi-criteria decision analysis that enables utilities to select the best recycling and reuse option for their own situation and customer base.

Chlorine removes harmful pathogens from water but has the disadvantage of forming disinfection by-products (DBPs) by reacting with organic matter sometimes found in water. Chloramine also disinfects, is less likely to form DBPs and is more stable, so remains active in for longer in the pipelines which distribute drinking water from the plant to the tap. The problem is that it is difficult to predict exactly how much chloramine to add; it needs to be enough to maintain disinfecting activity in the pipeline distribution system, but not so much that customers find the smell of chlorine in tap water unpleasant. Traditionally, the chemical reaction rate has been used to predict the gradual ‘decay’ of chloramine in pipelines, but this is inaccurate. This research developed a computer software statistical programme that uses ‘artificial neural network’ concepts and operations to predict the longevity of chloramine residuals in water distribution systems. This is more accurate than traditional methods.

Pathogenic microscopic organisms in source waters pose a risk to public health if water treatment plants do not remove them. It was thought that sensitive PCR tests could be developed to inform decision-making about the most appropriate treatment processes, and to check the absence of pathogens from drinking water. This research focussed on four pathogen classes: cryptosporidium, microcystis, adenovirus and ammonia oxidising bacteria; and evaluated six DNA extraction kits. The Qiagen kit was most cost-effective for extracting DNA and Promega To-Taq polymerase was best for carrying out the PCR test on pathogens in real-world water samples. Other components of the PCR tests that were developed included test controls and DNA standards. A test for each class of pathogen was established and written as a ‘Standard Operating Protocol’ (SOP) which was then applied in different laboratories around Australia. Between-laboratory comparison of results showed the developed PCR tests to be highly reproducible and reliable. They can now be added to the existing suite of tools used to minimise risks to public health.

Realise all the benefits of your research investment

Today, research needs to deliver clear, demonstrable impact – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

We also know that research is inherently valuable but hard to value. So, how can we harness the maximum benefit of the research we are undertaking? This question is not new to those who are working hard to make their research reverberate within or outside of their organisation and see its results come to fruition through practical implementation.

We now know that, whether a research project is truly appreciated for its contribution to the knowledge of an organisation or whether results find their way to implementation does not only depend on the level of technical excellence the research displays. The key to a research project’s success or legacy is often determined by how well the complex interplay between the science and people aspects is managed.

While INNOVATION is a key ingredient of research guiding us into the future, COLLABORATION and IMPACT are the determinants of how well research is received by the end users. Our members have been clear: we would like to not only settle for the tip of the iceberg when it comes to harnessing the benefits of our research. A resounding good practice guide was needed, underpinned by international as well as our own industry’s rich experience and practice.

To date, the Value of Research initiative by WaterRA has delivered the following key products:

• The Value of Research Phase 1 Report
• The Good Practice Guide to Achieving Value from Research
• The Good Practice Essentials Guide