Climate change is likely to exacerbate water shortages, with extended periods of drought, interspersed with more discrete and intense rainfall, leading to challenges for storing water in reservoirs and potentially affecting the quality of water.

Griffith University researchers have examined the water quality risks from low and variable water levels in dams and reservoirs in Eastern Australia. This research found that the water quality responses to low water levels were variable among the 12 reservoirs examined in detail.

The project’s Final Report and Factsheet are now available. While the Final Report is exclusive to WaterRA members, the Factsheets are available to the public, however a login is required to download the resources.

Visit our website now to discover how this study also examined the effect of climate change on catchment runoff to reservoirs using climate change models coupled with a hydrological model.

Download Project 1133

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The post New research | Understanding water quality risks under low and variable levels in water storages appeared first on Water Research Australia.

Water Research Australia Project 1128 Occurrence, removal and risks of microplastics in drinking water and recycled water – State of knowledge provides a systematic analysis of the different sampling and analysis methodologies currently in use, as well as a summary of the concentrations, type, shape, and sizes of microplastics reported in drinking and reclaimed water sources and product.

Led by Griffith University, the research also reviewed the efficiency of current drinking and reclaimed water treatment processes to remove microplastics and discusses the current state of knowledge on potential human and environmental risks of microplastics in drinking and reclaimed water.

The report is also accompanied by a factsheet and are available for download by WaterRA members.

The post New research released analyses occurrence of microplastics in drinking and recycled water appeared first on Water Research Australia.

Anna was nominated to the Board by the Australian Water Quality Centre (SA Water Corporation) and during her time as a Director achieved a significant and positive impact for WaterRA’s future.

“Anna’s contribution to WaterRA’s success over the past year has been invaluable,” WaterRA CEO Karen Rouse said. “We wish her the very best for the future and look forward to working with Daniel.”

Daniel is Senior Manager of Water Expertise & Research at SA Water. With over 20 years’ experience in the water industry, Daniel brings to the Board experience in leading water research and innovation, development and implementation of water related strategies, water utility operations, governance and risk management, business improvement, and expertise in customer and stakeholder management. He will serve on the Board until the AGM in October 2022.

Please join us in welcoming Daniel to the BIG Team. Nominations will be called for Board Directors later this year, ahead of our 2022 Elections.

Other news from the Board includes changes to the membership of the Strategic Advisory Committee where we now welcome Prof Stephen Gray from Victoria University as Chair; Assoc Prof Helen Stratton from Griffith University as Deputy Chair; and Steven Porter from NT Power and Water.

The Board extends its thanks to Nicola Nelson from Sydney Water for her much valued contributions to the Committee over the past few years.

The post WaterRA Board welcomes Dr Daniel Hoefel appeared first on Water Research Australia.