The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment is an unincorporated joint venture between:
ACTEW Corporation Australian Water Quality Centre Australian Water Services Pty Ltd Brisbane City Council 2006 - 2007 Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc Annual Report City West Water Limited CSIRO Curtin University of Technology Department of Human Services Victoria Griffith University Melbourne Water Corporation Monash University Orica Australia Pty Ltd Power and Water Corporation Queensland Health Pathology & Scientific Services RMIT University South Australian Water Corporation South East Water Ltd Sydney Catchment Authority Sydney Water Corporation
The University of Adelaide CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
The University of New South Wales Private Mail Bag 3 The University of Queensland Salisbury United Water International Pty Ltd SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5108 University of South Australia Tel: (08) 8259 0351 University of Technology, Sydney Water Corporation Fax: (08) 8259 0228 Water Services Association of Australia E-mail: [email protected]
Yarra Valley Water Ltd Web: www.waterquality.crc.org.au 2006 - 2007 Annual Report To assist the Australian water industry produce high quality drinking water at an affordable price. Mission To assist the Australian water industry produce high quality drinking water at an affordable price.
Vision By 2010, the Australian water industry will have achieved a high level of community confidence in the safety and We Received Other quality of the country’s water supply systems. Research 10% Cash from Grant undertaken by the Centre will have laid a solid foundation 20% for evidence based investment decisions for water infrastructure, as well as providing innovative solutions for achieving enhanced aesthetic water quality that meets community needs.
Objectives In-Kind from Cash from • Undertaking a high quality, targeted research program Participants Participants 16% that seeks to provide the knowledge and innovative 54% solutions required to meet national and water industry objectives for drinking water quality in the major urban 2006 - 2007 centres and in regional Australia, including small rural and Indigenous communities. • Building on the success of the existing cooperative We Expended Communication & activity between the Parties to incorporate evidence- Commercialisation Administration based guidelines into the Australian drinking water 5% 10% regulatory system. • Involving a high proportion of the water industry end- users in the development, conduct and utilisation of 2005 - 2006 the research and other activities of the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Education Research • Enhancing the strategic international alliances to ensure 20% 65% that CRC for Water Quality and Treatment activities are well founded on the best experience and knowledge already available, and to provide, where appropriate, the benefit of Australian experience and opinion in the formulation of international water quality management strategies and guidelines. We Received $M • Providing high quality, well trained and informed Cash From Grant 2.50 professionals as future leaders in the industry through an extensive postgraduate student program. Cash From Participants 2.03 • Effectively communicating the outcomes of the CRC In-Kind From Participants 6.83 for Water Quality and Treatment research activity to Other Income 1.27 the industry and the community. Total 12.62 To assist the Australian We Expended $M water industry produce Research 7.57 Education 2.29
Administration 1.19 high quality drinking water Communication & Commercialisation 0.53 Total 11.59 at an affordable price. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES 4
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 6
RESEARCH PROGRAMS 12
Programs and Projects 12
Program Group One Health and Aesthetics 17
Program Group Two Catchment to Customer 30
Research Collaborations 69 CONTENTS Publications 71
Research Grants 77
COMMERCIALISATION AND UTILISATION 79
Strategic Directions 80
Policy and Regulation 81
Regional and Rural Water Supplies 83
Commercialisation and Utilisation 89
Communication 91
EDUCATION AND TRAINING 94
PERFORMANCE MEASURES 103
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 115
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 135
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Celebrating the 50th meeting of the CRC Board in Darwin, June 2007
This Annual Report details the activities and achievements of the Centre and the Roadshow included presentations on management Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment in its in reservoirs, treatment methods to remove the cyanobacteria and twelfth year. Continuing nationwide drought and the challenges this the associated toxins and taste and odour compounds, analytical poses for water supply, quality and management are the major issues methods for their detection, toxicology and the development of facing the Australian water industry. This CRC materially assists water guidelines. Fact sheets and guidance manuals, based on the research managers in meeting these challenges. outcomes, were provided to participants. Factsheets from all of the In preparation for the final year of operation of the Cooperative CRC’s roadshows are freely available on the website. Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment there has been Other initiatives include guidance manuals targeted at water supply considerable activity and thought focused on the lessons and operators. Manuals are being developed for the management of outcomes from this Centre and how to maximise the legacy arising cyanobacteria and distribution systems. from its extensive body of research. Also, each research report will have a two page summary which This CRC’s term ends in June, 2008 and our focus next year will be highlights the potential utilisation of the outcomes. The over on honouring our agreements with the Commonwealth and our arching theme for technology transfer is to assist the industry apply members. Our wind-up plans, as required by the Commonwealth, are the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality, a key approved. All the major research initiatives are in place, as are plans document developed by the Centre and now incorporated within the to engage actively in reporting on the outcomes. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The CRC for Water Quality and Treatment will end in 2008, but the need for ongoing collaboration between Australia’s water supply International Linkages scientists and managers is just as vital. CEO Dennis Steffensen attended a meeting of the Global Water A new centre, funded by industry, will take over from and build upon Research Coalition (GWRC) in France in May 2007. The Centre is the work of the CRC and we are working toward a seamless transition currently playing a lead role in a GWRC project on endocrine disrupting from one Centre to the next. We are proud that our water industry compounds which is approaching a successful conclusion. The partners and research institutions have so valued the outcomes from Centre is also leading a project to develop guidance manuals for the the CRC that they have undertaken to fund a successor to provide for management of cyanobacteria and investigations into a cyanobacterial the future research needs of the water industry. toxin associated with neurological impacts on humans. The Centre continues to nurture a constructive relationship with the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF). Accolades We have negotiated the joint funding of a project on novel methods In April 2007 the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and for algal management. Centre researchers were successful in an open Engineering announced that Chairman of the Centre’s Governing call for proposals on the genetics of toxicity and bloom formation Board, Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis, had been honoured with a in cyanobacteria. An unsolicited proposal on genetic aspects of Clunies Ross Lifetime Achievement Award. This adds to the long list Cryptosporidium infectivity was also successful in obtaining funding. of prestigious awards received by Professor Millis. Continued success in securing AwwaRF projects indicates the high international standing of the Centre’s research. Technology Transfer As research outputs grow, the Centre continues to seek effective Education and Training ways of transferring knowledge and technology to the Australian Our Education and Training Program continues to be a major asset water industry. The Centre is stepping up its efforts on ensuring that with a significant proportion of Centre graduates consistently finding research outcomes are made known to and taken up by our industry employment within the water industry. We regard this outcome as a partners. We have continued with a program of national technology clear indication of the effectiveness of providing relevant and industry- transfer workshops, known as ‘Roadshows’, during the reporting based research projects. period. These events are held in most capital cities in Australia to A further three students were enrolled in 2006. The Centre is also present the Centre’s research outcomes. pleased to announce a further seven PhD graduates in the current The Cyanobacterial Management Roadshow, which covered the reporting period with several others awaiting their PhD thesis Centre’s research and implications for water quality was a resounding outcomes. This takes the total number of graduates to fifty two since success. Cyanobacteria have been a major research theme for the the Centre began in 1995.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Context and Major Developments During the Year New Water Quality Research Centre Extended drought conditions in most areas and increasing pressure In the 2005-06 Annual Report it was announced that the Centre’s on existing water resources has stimulated an increased interest in Governing Board had decided to seek support for an independent alternative water sources including recycled waste water, rain water research centre rather than apply for another term as a Cooperative tanks and high salinity waters including sea water. Research Centre. The Centre’s work assists local communities and water authorities to A proposal for the new centre was developed jointly with Water make informed decisions among these options for those that best suit Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and circulated to interested their circumstances. parties in November 2006. An Implementation Committee was The Centre has therefore directed its focus to assessing water quality formed by the parties that made the initial commitment to the new and potential health implications that might arise from increasing use centre. That Committee developed a detailed proposal including the of these alternative sources. constitution and the members’ agreement. The call for Expressions of Interest closed on 31 July 2007 with responses from forty five parties. The new centre, named Water Quality Research Australia (WQRA) is Alternative Sources and Recycling Water expected to be incorporated by late 2007. Research projects targeting this area include exposure and health risk This will provide a transition period during which both centres are assessments for recycled water and rainwater tanks, development operational, allowing an orderly progression to the new centre. WQRA of assays for chemicals of concern such as endocrine disrupters and provides the ideal vehicle for utilising the outcomes from the CRC and toxins, and a survey of public attitudes to the use of recycled water. will continue selected activities. A capacity to reliably implement the Water Quality Management Framework is critical for the safe use of recycled water. Staffing Changes The Centre has initiated a number of new projects in response to concerns regarding increased use of recycled water. There were several significant changes in staff during the reporting period. Mr Keith Stallard resigned as the CEO in September 2006 and The Epidemiology Program has a focus on assessing the extent of Dr Dennis Steffensen was appointed to the position in November. Dr exposure of the public to, and possible health effects from, recycled Steffensen was previously the Deputy CEO and Program Leader for water including dual reticulation systems. This includes use of recycled Reservoirs. Mr Michael Burch of the Australian Water Quality Centre water in laundries. There is also a large project assessing health effects was appointed as the Leader of the Reservoirs Program, but the from drinking rainwater. Deputy CEO position has not been filled. Ms Fiona Wellby resigned That study is complemented by a project on rainwater quality in as the Communication Manager in January 2007 and Ms Angela the Sustainable Water Resources Program. Another project in this Gackle was appointed to this position in February 2007. Program, developing tools for analysing estrogenicity, which is a potential concern for potable reuse, is supported by the Global Water Research Coalition, The Toxicology Program is developing toxicity screening assays that assess health risks from recycled water. Surveys have been conducted of pathogens in potable and non-potable water. The People’s Perspective Program is surveying community views on recycled water. A discussion paper on recycling issues has been put on the Centre web-site. The paper emphasises the need to strictly apply the Water Quality Management Framework when introducing recycled water to the drinking water system.
NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Table 1: National Research Priorities and CRC Research
National Research Priorities CRC Research (%)
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA – Transforming the way we use our land, water, mineral and energy resources through a better understanding of environmental systems and using new technologies
Water – a critical resource 90%
Responding to climate change and variability 2%
PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH – Promoting good health and preventing disease, particularly among young and older Australians
Strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric 3%
SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA – Safeguarding Australia from terrorism, crime, invasive diseases and pests, and securing our infrastructure, particularly with respect to our digital systems
Critical Infrastructure 1%
As outlined in Table 1, the CRC’s work has been closely aligned with a and, in particular, the incorporation of the Framework for Management number of key national research priorities. Clearly, the dominant one is of Drinking Water Quality into not only the revised ADWG but also Water – a critical resource, although other complimentary work is also the draft Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling – Phase 2, which contributing to strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric, incorporates recycling water for drinking purposes. CRC staff have as well as protecting Australia from terrorism and crime. been heavily involved in all of these activities.
Almost all of the activities of the CRC are addressing the critical issue Table 1a below provides examples of the contribution of specific CRC of securing reliable and safe water supplies for Australian cities and research projects to supporting the national research priorities. A towns and examples can be given from each research program to summary of the contributions from each CRC research Program is also illustrate this. Central to all of these efforts has been the on-going outlined below. development of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)
Table 1a : Specific examples of research contribution to national research priorities
Research activity Contribution to national research priorities
Develop evidence based, strategic water Project developed a strategic basis for application and interpretation of water quality quality monitoring systems monitoring systems to inform effective application of the Framework.
Health services utilisation and urban dual Knowledge on the health implications of urban dual reticulation systems will underpin reticulation systems their acceptance and application.
Pathogen and natural organic matter (NOM) Prediction of movement of pathogens and NOM in catchments is an essential tool in risk modeling toolkit management of water supplies
Integrated models and guidance manuals for Practical guidance on all aspects of operation of water supply reservoirs reservoir management
Use of the S::CAN UV monitoring system for Ability to more accurately control disinfection within water distribution systems disinfection control
CRC research on management of blue-green National roadshow on blue-green algal research has improved national capability in algae managing impact of algal blooms on water quality
Rainwater tanks A suite of research projects has clearly identified the strengths and weaknesses of providing water from rainwater tanks. A guidance manual on tank design and operation is now available.
National database on alternative water system Database provides ability to compare strengths and weaknesses of alternative system designs (NAIAD) designs, thus giving critical guidance on feasibility of new water sources
NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Epidemiology Program Measurement Program Water conservation is a key element in the National Research Priority The Measurement Program underpins many of the projects in “An Environmentally Sustainable Australia”, and water quality was the Centre portfolio in that correct measurement of water quality identified as one of twelve major health issues facing Australia in the parameters is crucial in providing information for decision makers in 2007-2009 Strategic Plan of the National Health and Medical Research relation to treatment options for various water resources. Accurate Council. Widespread water shortages mean that non-traditional measurement is also required in the development of suitable and safe sources such as recycled water from treated sewage, are now being water re-use systems, where contaminants at nanogram concentrations used in many cities and towns across the country as alternatives to may be significant. conventional water sources for non-potable uses. In addition some jurisdictions are now moving towards augmentation of drinking water sources with recycled water. Ensuring the safety of potable Treatment Program and non-potable water supplies derived from such water sources and Research undertaken within this program contributes to the National maintaining public trust in their safety is a significant challenge. The Research Priority “An Environmentally Sustainable Australia”. This research undertaken in this program is improving our understanding priority is being supported by research investigating the optimisation of the health risks associated with alternative water supplies, and of current treatment processes and the development of new processes enhancing the ability of policy makers, health authorities and water for the production of high quality drinking water. The research aims managers to safely manage such supplies. to reduce the use of chemicals and energy and minimise waste residues.
Toxicology Program This program contributes to the National Research Priority an Distribution Program “Environmentally Sustainable Australia” by seeking to understand The Distribution Program is closely aligned to the National Research how various harmful chemicals of human and natural origin that are Priority on ‘Transforming the way we utilise our land, water, mineral found in water impact on people and the environment. This type of and energy resources through a better understanding of human research underpins the relative risk assessment of these chemicals and environmental systems and the use of new technologies’. The and allows prioritisation of work aimed at reducing their levels and development of new technologies and tools to improve Distribution effects. By understanding what levels of these chemicals cause Water Quality Management has significantly contributed to this aim. harm, regulatory limits can be supported based on sound scientific evidence. By gaining information about how these chemicals act on Sustainable Water Sources Program their targets, specific assays systems can be designed to monitor the progress of mitigation measures. The Sustainable Water Sources Program addresses the national research priority, An Environmentally Sustainable Australia, and in particular the priority goal Water – a critical resource. All of the projects People’s Perspectives Program in the program address aspects of water sustainability within the triple An understanding of community views, needs and concerns is a bottom line framework. This includes governance, social aspects of prerequisite for the management of sustainable water resources. water management, water quality and health risks associated with Education programs and communication messages aimed at gaining alternative water sources and water knowledge networking. community support for, and cooperation in the implementation of water resource strategies, are more likely to be effective if based on Regional and Rural Program an understanding of community expectations, knowledge, trust and risk perception. The People’s Perspectives Program gives a voice to Over 85% of the land-area of Australia is categorised as regional and the community served by the water industry. rural. Understanding the role of water supply provision in environmental sustainability is important for the long-term future of many of our regional and remote settlements. Research within the program seeks Catchments Program to understand and develop solutions to secure safe and sustainable Activities in the catchments are the source of many potentially harmful water supplies for regional, remote and Indigenous communities and contaminants in drinking water supplies. The major benefits of this trial innovative strategies for managing regional and remote water program come from the creation of knowledge that can be used to supplies. The program aims to understand the interaction between reduce treatment costs, better-target catchment management activities, human and environmental systems that influence water supply access, reduce community disease burdens and provide better evidence to use and availability in regional and remote Indigenous communities. support the actions adopted for catchment management.
Reservoirs Program The Reservoir Management Program has contributed to the research priority an “Environmentally Sustainable Australia” by increasing the understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in reservoirs. This improved understanding has resulted in more effective and efficient systems for monitoring and managing water quality in reservoirs.
Governance and Management
Figure 1 The Management Structure
Participants’ Forum Held adjacent to all Governing Governing Board Board meetings; provides Independent chairman, seven immediate communication members from industry parties, between all Parties and the three from research parties Governing Board
Chief Executive Officer Deputy Chief Executive Dr Dennis Steffensen Prof Tony Priestley
Business Manager Communication Manager Mr George Turelli Ms Angela Gackle
Business Systems Manager Industry Liaison Officer Mr Bob Dorrat Dr Gerard Vaughan
Catchment to Customer: Catchment to Customer: Policy, Regulation and Health and Aesthetics Catchments, Storages & Water Treatment Stakeholder Involvement Prof John McNeil Meaurement Ms Mary Drikas Prof Tony Priestley Dr Daniel Deere
Strategic Directions Epidemiology Catchments Distribution Prof Tony Priestley Dr Karin Leder Dr Daniel Deere Mr Dammika Vitanage
Water Treatment Toxicology Storages Policy & Regulation Technology Dr Andrew Humpage Mr Mike Burch Dr Dennis Steffensen Ms Mary Drikas
Measurement & Regional and Rural Water People’s Perspectives Sustainable Water Sources Monitoring Supplies Dr Naomi Roseth A/Prof Heather Chapman Prof Robert Kagi Mr Paul Heaton
Education & Training Prof Dennis Mulcahy
Program Group
Commercialisation Program Prof Tony Priestley
Communication Ms Angela Gackle
The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment is The Centre also operates an Associate’s Program as a way of involving an unincorporated joint venture between 29 participants representing a broader spectrum of the Australian water industry in the Centre’s government, industry and research organisations. The Centre activities. Amongst a range of benefits, associates can be involved was established in July 2001 under the Australian Government in various Centre activities and have access to certain of the Centre’s Cooperative Research Centres Program. A formal agreement, known resources. However, associates have no role in Centre governance. as the Centre Agreement, between the participating organisations The parties and associate members are listed in Tables 2a and 2b. defines the contributions of the parties and the nature and scope of During the year no new participant membership applications were the cooperation. The Centre’s head office is located at the Australian received by the Governing Board. Water Quality Centre in Adelaide, with parties in all mainland states and territories.
Governance and Management
Governing Board • All parties may nominate for committees established by the The Centre is managed by a Governing Board that sets policy, Governing Board, e.g. Commercialisation Committee. strategic directions and budgets for the Centre, as well as monitoring The Governing Board met on four occasions in 2006-07. Centre party the performance and progress of the full range of Centre activities. representatives met on the day preceding each Governing Board The Governing Board consists of an independent chairman (Emeritus meeting. Professor Nancy Millis AC MBE), seven representatives of industry parties and three representatives of research parties. Representation Commercialisation Committee on the Governing Board is determined by ballot. The CEO also sits on the Governing Board as an ex officio member and the Business The Commercialisation Committee is comprised of experienced Manager is the Board Secretary. personnel drawn from Centre parties. The Committee has worked closely with the executive to identify potentially valuable intellectual The following list of actions has been taken to ensure a high level of property and has advised on the appropriate commercial development executive involvement from all Centre parties: procedures. The Committee reports directly to the Governing Board • A meeting of representatives of Centre parties is held adjacent and met on four occasions during the year. to meetings of the Governing Board to provide immediate communication between all parties and the Governing Board as well as reporting on progress and other key issues. An Annual At 30 June 2007, the members of the Commercialisation Committee General Meeting was also held in September 2006. were: • All parties can contribute to the Governing Board agenda • Mr Keith Cadee, Water Corporation, Chair and receive Governing Board papers for comment prior to • Dr Christobel Ferguson, Ecowise Environmental meetings. • Mr Mike Jury, Australian Water Services Pty Ltd • Any party can call a meeting of representatives of all Centre • Professor Felicity Roddick, RMIT University parties. • Dr John Howard, SA Water Corporation • Members of the Governing Board serve staggered three- year terms, with predetermined members up for re-election • Dr Stephanie Rinck-Pfeiffer, United Water International Pty Ltd or retirement. The Independent Chair has a casting vote on • Dr Dennis Steffensen, Centre CEO decisions of the Governing Board. • Professor Tony Priestley, Centre Deputy CEO • All parties are involved in strategic reviews and program • Mr George Turelli, Centre Business Manager (Secretary) development. Dr Hung Nguyen, Orica Australia Pty Ltd, who has been a member of • All industry parties may nominate for industry panels and project the Committee since its inception, resigned at the meeting held on advisory groups. 18 June 2007.
Table 2 Specified Personnel 2006/07
% Time Name Title and Organisation % Time Agreement Actual
Mr D Steffensen1 CEO, CRC 90 90
Prof A Priestley Deputy CEO, CSIRO 80 80
Mr G Turelli Business Manager, AWQC 100 100
Mr R Dorrat Project Services Manager, CRC 100 100
Ms A Gackle2 Communication Manager, CRC 100 100
Prof J McNeil Program Group Leader, Monash University 25 5
Dr D Deere Program Group Leader, CRC 25 30
Ms M Drikas Program Group Leader, AWQC 60 77
Dr K Leder Program Leader, Monash University 40 33
Mr M Burch3 Program Leader, AWQC 60 66
Dr A Humpage Program Leader, AWQC 60 86
Dr N Roseth Program Leader, CRC 50 49
Prof R Kagi Program Leader, Curtin University of Technology 50 78
Mr D Vitanage Program Leader, Sydney Water Corporation 20 14
Mr D Dharmabalan Deputy Program Leader, Central Highlands Water 15 15
Ms C Doolan Deputy Program Leader, Sydney Water Corporation. 15 20
A/Prof H Chapman4 Program Leader, QHPSS 80 83
Mr P Heaton Program Leader, Power and Water Corporation 10 13
Prof D Mulcahy Program Leader, University of SA 70 92 Notes: 1 Mr Stallard resigned as CEO in September and Dr Steffensen was appointed to the position in November. 2 Ms Wellby resigned as Communication Manager in December and Ms Gackle was appointed to the position in February. 3 Mr Michael Burch was appointed Program Leader to replace Dennis Steffensen in December. 4 Dr Chapman reduced her time from 100% to 80% in January.
Governance and Management
The most significant commercialisation activity has been the Chief Executive Officer incorporation of a company, Carbon ReGen Pty Ltd, to further develop Mr Keith Stallard resigned as CEO on 16 October 2006 and Dr and commercialise a process for regenerating activated carbon. Dennis Steffensen was appointed as the new CEO by the Governing Board on 17 October 2006. The Governing Board has delegated the Strategy and Planning Committee responsibility of day-to-day management of the Centre to the new CEO. The Strategy and Planning Committee was originally set up in December 2002 to assist the Governing Board in overseeing the Centre’s financial activities. During 2005/2006 the Committee’s responsibilities were Deputy CEO reviewed and changed to reflect a greater emphasis on the creation A Deputy CEO is appointed by the Governing Board to act in the of a national water research centre past the current seven year absence of the CEO and to exercise such powers and functions as commitment from the Commonwealth Government. The membership the Governing Board delegates. The Governing Board appointed two was increased to accommodate the change in responsibility including Deputy CEOs, each with a specific function and set of delegations. a representative from the private sector. The main aims of the Strategy and Planning Committee were: Following the appointment of Dr Dennis Steffensen as CEO, his former position of Deputy CEO was not filled. This left Professor • the establishment of a new research entity that will grow out of Tony Priestley as the sole Deputy. Dr Steffensen continues to have the current Centre oversight of Program Groups 1 and 2 Part A while Professor Priestley • transitional issues with the new entity as requested by the is responsible for oversight of Program Groups 2 Part B and 3. (A Governing Board. Program list is provided in the Research Projects section). The Committee reports directly to the Governing Board and, having completed its advisory role, held its last meeting in September 2006. Executive Management Committee This was the only meeting held during the year under review. The CEO convenes the Executive Management Committee, whose At 19 September 2006, the members of the Planning and Strategy membership comprises the CEO, a Deputy CEO, the Leader of Committee were: Program Group 2b, the Business Manager, Business Systems Manager • Mr Ross Young, Water Services Association of Australia, Chair and Communication Manager. The Executive reviews the strategic • Mr Adam Lovell, Sydney Water Corporation plan and makes decisions to ensure satisfactory progress is achieved against the plan. The Committee also reviews the Centre’s financial • Mr Darryl Day, Power and Water Corporation information. The Executive Management Committee met four times • Dr John Howard, SA Water Corporation in 2006-07. • Dr Peter Franzmann, CSIRO • Mr Peter Scott, Melbourne Water Corporation CRC Staff, Administration and Head Office • Ms Jan Bowman, Department of Human Services (Vic) Head Office is at the Australian Water Quality Centre, Bolivar, South • Professor Felicity Roddick, RMIT University Australia. Staff based at Head Office are the CEO and Personal Assistant, Business Manager, Communication Manager and • Professor John McNeil, Monash University administration support staff. The Deputy CEO, the Industry Liaison • Mr Chris Davis, Australian Water Association (Private sector Officer and the Business Systems Manager are located in Melbourne. representative) • Mr Keith Stallard, Centre CEO Program Structure • Mr George Turelli, Centre Business Manager (Secretary). There are nine research programs, which fall into two broad categories, As an unincorporated joint venture, the Centre uses an agent for the Health and Aesthetics, and Catchment to Customer. The latter is provision of contractual services and Lee Green & Co Pty Ltd fulfilled subdivided into ‘catchment and source waters’ and ‘treatment and this requirement during 2006-07. Kelly & Co is the provider of legal distribution’. A Program Group Leader oversees each of these groups advice to the Centre. of research programs. Program Group three, Policy, Regulation, and Stakeholder Involvement, encompasses six further areas of activity.
Table 2a CEO and Governing Board Members – June 2007 Name Organisation Position / Role
Emeritus Prof Nancy Millis Independent CRC Chairman
Mr Adam Lovell Sydney Water Corporation, NSW CRC Deputy Chairman
Ms Anne Howe SA Water Corporation, SA Board Member
Dr Peter Franzmann CSIRO Board Member Department of Human Services, Ms Jan Bowman Board Member Environmental Health, Vic Prof Ned Pankhurst Griffith University, Qld Board Member
Mr Peter Scott Melbourne Water Corporation, Vic Board Member
Prof David Copolov Monash University, Vic Board Member
Mr Darryl Day Power & Water Corporation, NT Board Member
Mr Keith Cadee Water Corporation, WA Board Member
Mr Ross Young WSAA Board Member
Dr Dennis Steffensen Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Chief Executive Officer
Mr George Turelli Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Board Secretary
Governance and Management
Program Group 1 - Health and Aesthetics He also liaises between the Centre Executive, management, personnel Epidemiology, Toxicology and People’s Perspectives and Centre parties, ensuring mutual commitments are met. Program Group 2A - Catchment to Customer The Communication Manager, Ms Angela Gackle is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate communication strategies Catchments, Reservoir Management, Measurement for the Centre. Ms Fiona Welby, who previously filled this role resigned Program Group 2B - Catchment to Customer on 10 January and Ms Gackle commenced on 8 February 2007. Water Treatment Technology, Distribution, Sustainable Water Sources Program Group 3 - Policy, Regulation and Stakeholder Education and Training Steering Committee Involvement An Education and Training Steering Committee, formed in 1999, Strategic Directions, Policy and Regulation, Regional and Rural guides the development of all activities in the Education and Training Water Supplies, Education and Training, Commercialisation and Program. Professor Felicity Roddick of RMIT University chairs the Communication. Committee. During 2006-07, the Education and Training Committee met four times. Management Committee The Management Committee assists the CEO in managing the Centre. Centre Visitor This committee is primarily responsible for recommendations to the The Centre Visitor is Mr Tom Fricke, a consulting engineer and Board on program policies, priorities and budgets, and plays a key Manager, Victoria for Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey Pty Ltd. In the role in reviewing progress of projects, ensuring coordination between past nine years, the Centre has benefited greatly from liaising with the research and education and the technology transfer programs and the Centre Visitor, particularly concerning CRC Program requirements. development of a corporate spirit within the Centre. The Management Committee consists of the CEO, the Deputy CEO, Program Leaders, and Business, Business Systems and Communication Managers. The Recognition for outstanding effort reporting structures are presented in Figure 1. The CRC has a reward and recognition scheme to acknowledge The Management Committee met four times during the reporting those who contribute in a praiseworthy way to the CRC, be it with period. an outstanding piece of research, excellent project management, communication or tech transfer, fostering successful collaboration The Business Manager, Mr George Turelli provides executive level amongst parties or performing in any area of activity over and above support to the CEO and the program management team and what might normally be expected. This could be single event or administers a framework for the Centre’s financial, legal, commercial an activity sustained over time. Since the scheme began we have and administrative requirements. As Secretary to the Governing recognised the work of Chris Chow, Fiona Wellby, Gerard Vaughan, Board, Mr Turelli also has a close working relationship with the Chair, Ian Stewart and Mark Angles. Board members and other stakeholders. In May 2007 the CRC Executive recognised the valuable contribution The Business Systems Manager, Mr Bob Dorrat, provides support to the CRC of Dammika Vitanage (Sydney Water) and Glen Shaw frameworks for program and project leaders to enable them to meet (Griffith University, previously University of Queensland). their reporting requirements, including managing project milestones.
Table 2b Program Leaders - June 2007 Name Organisation Position / Role
Dr Dan Deere CRC Program Group Leader 2A & Catchments Program Leader
Ms Mary Drikas AWQC Program Group Leader 2B & Treatment Technologies Program Leader
Prof John McNeil Monash University Program Group Leader 1 Program Group Leader 3 & Strategic Directions & Commercialisation Prof A Priestley CSIRO Program Leader Mr Michael Burch AWQC Reservoirs Program Leader
A/Prof Heather Chapman CRC Sustainable Water Sources Program Leader
Mr Dharma Dharmabalan Central Highlands Water Distribution Deputy Program Leader
Ms Corinna Doolan Sydney Water Corporation Distribution Deputy Program Leader
Ms Angela Gackle CRC Communication Manager
Mr Paul Heaton Power & Water Corporation Regional & Rural Program Leader
Dr Andrew Humpage AWQC Toxicology Program Leader
Prof Robert Kagi Curtin University of Technology Measurement Program Leader
Prof Dennis Mulcahy University of SA Education & Training Program Leader
Dr Naomi Roseth CRC Peoples Perspective Program Leader
Dr Karin Leder Monash University Epidemiology Program Leader
Mr George Turelli CRC Business Manager
Mr Dammika Vitanage Sydney Water Corporation Distribution Program Leader
Governance and Management
Dammika leads the CRC’s distribution research program, focused Glen helped develop the CRC’s Toxicology research program and, on developing effective processes for managing water quality and until he changed universities, was program leader. He has made a system maintenance in distribution systems. He brought to the huge contribution to postgraduate education within the CRC with research effort the enthusiasm of a practitioner wanting practical his supervision and mentoring of PhD students within the Toxicology tools. His focus on delivering those tools to industry parties has program and in other areas of CRC research as well. been a strength of the program.
Table 2c Centre Participants
Organisation Representative Position
ACTEW Corporation Ltd Dr Christobel Ferguson Research & Development Director
Australian Water Services Pty Ltd Mr Mike Jury Operations Manager
Australian Water Quality Centre Ms Mary Drikas Principal Water Treatment Scientist
Brisbane City Council Ms Julie McLellan Strategic Water Resources Policy & Planning Principal
Centre for Appropriate Technology, Inc. Mr Peter Taylor Director
City West Water Ltd Mr George Ruta Water Quality Scientist
CSIRO Dr Peter Franzmann Research Director, Urban & Industrial Water
Curtin University of Technology A/Prof Anna Heitz Director, Cutin Water Quality Research Centre
Department of Human Services (Vic) Ms Jan Bowman Assistant Director, Public Health Branch
Pro-Vice Chancellor, (Science, Environment, Griffith University Prof Ned Pankhurst Engineering and Technology)
Melbourne Water Corporation Mr Peter Scott General Manager, Research & Technology
Senior Adviser-Special Initiatives, Office of the Monash University Prof David Copolov Vice-Chancellor Group
Orica Australia Pty Ltd Dr Hung Nguyen* Technology & Innovation Manager
Power & Water Corporation Mr Darryl Day General Manager, Remote Operations
Queensland Health Pathology & Scientific Services Dr Peter Lewis-Hughes State Manager
RMIT University Prof Felicity Roddick Head of School, Civil and Chemical Engineering
SA Water Corporation Ms Anne Howe Chief Executive
South East Water Limited Dr Hamish Reid Manager, Research & Technology
Sydney Catchment Authority Dr Brian Spies Manager Science
Sydney Water Corporation Mr Adam Lovell S & T Program Manager, Sustainability
The University of Adelaide Prof Graeme Dandy Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering
The University of Queensland Prof Paul Greenfield Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
United Water International Pty Ltd Dr Stephanie Rinck-Pfeiffer Research & Development Manager
University of New South Wales Prof Colin Sutherland School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of South Australia Prof Caroline McMillen Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)
University of Technology, Sydney Prof Stuart White Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures
Water Corporation Mr Keith Cadee General Manager, Water Technologies Division
Water Services Association of Australia Mr Ross Young Executive Director
Yarra Valley Water Ltd Mr Sam Austin General Manager, Asset Services * Dr Hung Nguyen resigned on 18 June 2007.
10 Governance and Management
Table 2d Associates
Organisation Representative Position
Barwon Water Dr Will Buchanan Senior Water Quality & Treatment Scientist, Water Supply
Central Highlands Water Mr Neil Brennan Chief Executive Officer
Coliban Water Mr Geoff Mitchell Chief Executive
Cradle Coast Water Mr Casey van Eysden Chief Executive Officer
Department of Commerce (NSW) Mr Kamal Fernando Principal Engineer Water Services, NSW Water Solutions
Department of Natural Resources and Water (Qld) Mr Ted Gardner Principal Scientist, Natural Resource Sciences
Department of Sustainability & Environment (Vic) Ms Jo Beatty Director, Water Recycling and Innovation
Environmental Protection Agency (Qld) Mr Brian Davis Team Leader, Sustainable Water Unit
Esk Water Mr Barry Cash Chief Executive Officer
GHD Pty Ltd Mr Mike Muntisov Manager Water Technology
Gippsland Water Mr John Mitchell Chief Executive Officer
Gold Coast City Council Mr Shaun Cox Director, Gold Coast Water
Goulburn-Murray Water Mr Pat Feehan Manager Natural Resources Services
Goulburn Valley Water Mr Allen Gale Director Technical Services
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Mr Peter McManamon Chief Executive Officer
Hunter Water Corporation Mr Russell Pascoe General Manager Assets and Operations
Lower Murray Water Mr Ron Leamon Chief Executive Officer
Pine Rivers Shire Council Mr Barry Holcroft General Manager Pine Water
South East Queensland Water Corporation Dr Peter Schneider Land & Water Quality Manager
Townsville Thuringowa Water Supply Board Mr Ken Diehm Chief Executive Officer
Professor Tony Priestley, Deputy CEO; Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis, Chairman of the CRC Board; Dr Dennis Steffensen, CEO
CRC Delegates at February 07 meeting in Darwin.
11 PROGRAMs and Projects
RESEARCH RESEARCH PROJECTS 2006/2007 STATUS Active Complete Commercial
PROGRAM 1A: EPIDEMIOLOGY Project 1.1.5 Drinking Water Quality Management System • Project 1.1.6 Drinking Water Quality Risk Guidance • Project 1.3.1.5 Acute Skin Irritant Effects of Cyanobacteria (Blue-green Algae) in Healthy Volunteers • Project 1.3.3.2 Norwalk-Like Viruses and its Contribution to Drinking Water • Project 1.3.4.1 Economic Evaluation of Community Gastroenteritis • Project 1.3.7.5 Drinking Water and Melioidosis • Project 1.3.8.2 Case Control Study of Risk Factors for Sporadic Cryptosporidiosis in Melbourne • Project 1.3.8.3 Case Control Study of Risk Factors for Sporadic Cryptosporidiosis in Adelaide • Project 1.1.0.2 Literature Review Endocrine Disrupters • Project 1.1.0.4 National Waterborne Disease Surveillance Database • Project 1.1.0.5 Developing Evidence-based Strategic Water Quality Monitoring Systems • Project 1.1.0.8 Exposure Assessment for Urban Reticulation Systems. • Project 1.1.0.9 Health Services Utilisation and Urban Dual Reticulation Systems • Project 1.1.1.0 Exposure Experiments - Recycled Water & Alternative Water Sources. • Project 1.1.1.1 Health Effects of Drinking Water from Rainwater Tanks • PROGRAM 1B: TOXICOLOGY Project 1.3.1.1 Cyanobacterial Tumour Promotion • Project 1.3.1.6 Akinete Differentiation and Germination in Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii • Project 1.2.0.1 Recreational Exposure to Cyanobacteria • Project 1.2.0.2 Cylindrospermopsin, Carcinogenicity, Genotoxicity and Mechanism of Toxic Action • Project 1.2.0.3 Literature Review Endocrine Disrupters • Project 1.2.0.5 Screening Assays for Waterborne Toxicants • Project 1.2.0.6 Biological Filtration Processes for the Removal of the Cyanobacterial Toxin, Cylindrospermopsin • Project 1.2.0.7 Cyanobacterial Diversity and the Expression of By-products in Environmental Blooms • Project 1.2.0.8 Gene Expression Profiling of Cylindrospermopsin in Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells • Project 1.2.0.9 Screening Assays for Aquatic Toxins • Project 1.2.1.0 Decomposition and removal of Triclosan from Reused Water as a Drinking Water Source • Project 1.2.1.1 Effects Induced by pH, Ionic and Osmotic Stress on PSP Toxin Production in Cyanobacteria • Project 1.2.1.2 Investigations of NDMA Formation by Chlorination of Model Compounds • Project 1.2.1.4 Determination of Health Risks from Water Chlorination DBP - Stage 1 • Project 1.2.1.6 Field and Laboratory Based investigations of Triclosan - Induced Cross Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Project 1.2.1.8 Investigation of the Genotoxicity of Disinfection By-Products. • Project 1.2.1.9 Reproductive Toxicity of Cylindrospermopsin • Project 1.2.2.0 Investigation of Health Effects of Disinfection By-Products in Australian Drinking Waters. • Measurement and Modelling of the Radiological Impact of Water - Borne Radioactivity in Urban and Rural Project 1.2.2.1 • Environments in Australia. Project 1.2.2.2 Measurement of toxins in finished waters, AwwaRF • PROGRAM 1C: PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES Project 1.3.0.2 National Community Survey on Attitudes to Drinking Water Quality, Phase 1 • Project 1.3.0.3 Community Views on Water Shortages and Conservation • Project 1.3.0.6 In Theory and In Practice - Attitudes to Potential and Actual Use of Recycled Water In and Out of House • Project 1.3.0.8 Community Views on Recycled Water - the Impact of Information • PROGRAM 2A: CATCHMENTS Project 2.2.1 Identification and Control of Sources of Infectious Pathogens in Catchments • Project 2.2.1.1 Management of Pathogens in Source Waters (Vic) • Project 2.2.1.2 Management of Pathogens in Source Waters (WA) • Project 2.2.1.3 Management of Pathogens in Source Waters (SA) •
12 PROGRAMs and Projects
RESEARCH RESEARCH PROJECTS 2006/2007 STATUS Active Complete Commercial
Project 2.2.1.4 Management of Pathogens in Source Waters (ACT) • Project 2.2.2 Fate and Transport of Surface Water Pathogens in Watersheds • Project 2.1.0.1 Understanding the Impacts of Recreational Access on Drinking Water Catchments and Storages in Australia • Project 2.1.0.2 Catchment Risk Management: A Tool to Structure Source Water Protection • Project 2.1.0.3 Development of Pathogen and NOM Modules for Integration into the CRCCH Catchment Toolkit • Project 2.1.0.4 Comparing Cryptosporidium Genotyping Methods • Project 2.1.0.5 Pollutant Source Tracing Tools • Project 2.1.0.6 Obtaining New Data for NOM and Pathogens for CRCCH Catchment Toolkit • Project 2.1.0.9 Construction of a Pathogen Model for Drinking Water Catchments - A Tool for Minimising Risks in Human Health • Project 2.1.1.0 Change in Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and Effect of Chlorination on NOM in the Water Supply System • Project 2.1.1.1 Pathogen Modelling in Watersheds • Project 2.1.1.2 Catchments as Business Assets • PROGRAM 2B: RESERVOIR MANAGEMENT Project 2.1.1 Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter • Project 2.1.3 Photochemical Degradation and Remineralisation of Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Warren Reservoir • Project 2.1.4 Microbial Degradation and Remineralisation of Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Warren Reservoir • Project 2.3.1.4 Development of an ELISA Method for Microcystins • Project 2.3.2.1 Genetics of Microcystin Production by Cyanobacteria • • Project 2.3.2.2 Genetics of Saxitoxin Production by Anabaena Circinalis • Investigation of Growth Factors Affecting Production of Cylindrospermopsin and other Toxins by the Project 2.3.2.7 • Cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii Project 2.3.3.1 Application of Image Analysis to Cyanobacteria • Project 2.3.3.2 Rapid Methods for the Detection of Toxic Cyanobacteria • Project 2.3.3.3 Identification and Enumeration of Bacteria Using Flow Cytometry • Project 2.5.1 Destratification for Control of Phytoplankton • Project 2.5.2 Short-Term Forecasting of Blue-Green Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Reservoirs by Artificial Neural Network • Project 2.6.1 ARMCANZ National Algal Manager • Project 2.2.0.1 Hydrodynamic Distribution of Pathogens in Reservoirs • Project 2.2.0.2 Investigation of Survival of Cryptosporidium in Environmental Waters • Iron Transformations in Drinking Water Supplies and their Effects on the Growth, Survival and Toxicity of Project 2.2.0.4 • Cyanobacteria Project 2.2.0.5 Carbon & Nutrient Dynamics: Application to Reservoirs • Project 2.2.0.6 Algal Toxin – Management • Project 2.2.0.7 Algal Toxin - LPS Endotoxins • Project 2.2.0.8 Algal Toxin - Saxitoxin Assays • Project 2.2.0.9 Algal Toxin - Gene Probes • Project 2.2.1.0 Algal Toxin – LC/MS/MS Toxins • Project 2.2.1.1 Algal Toxin – Elisa/PPIA Kits • Impacts of De-stratification of Reservoir Waters on thec haracter of Natural Organic Matter and on the Removal of Project 2.2.1.2 • • NOM by Water Treatment Processes Project 2.2.1.3 Generation and Transformation of Iron and Manganese in Lake Burragorang • Project 2.2.1.4 Reservoir Management Strategies for Control and Degradation of Algal Toxins • Project 2.2.1.5 Emerging Algal Toxins Project Summary • The Role of DNA Transposition in the Acquisition and Evolution of Microcystin and Nodularin Toxicology in Project 2.2.1.6 • Cyanobacteria Project 2.2.1.7 Early Warning for Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Reservoirs by Real Time Forecasting • Project 2.2.1.8 Criteria for Quality Control Protocols for Various Algal Toxins Methods • Project 2.2.1.9 Effect of Destratification on NOM and its Treatability • Project 2.2.2.0 Identifying and Quantifying the Water Quality Risk from Different Sources of Tastes and Odours in Source Waters. •
13 PROGRAMs and Projects
RESEARCH RESEARCH PROJECTS 2006/2007 STATUS Active Complete Commercial
Intelligent Data Warehousing for Real-time Acquisition, Archiving, Forecasting and Early Warning of Algal Blooms Project 2.2.2.1 • in the Myponga Reservoir by means of JAVA/ORACLE and Evolutionary Computation Project 2.2.2.2 Transcription Regulations of Microcystins • Project 2.2.2.3 Reservoir Models • Project 2.2.2.4 GWRC BMAA • PROGRAM 2C: MEASUREMENT Project 2.3.0.1 The Chemistry of Halophenol Tastes in Drinking Water • Project 2.3.0.2 The Structure and Chemistry of Natural Organic Matter in Groundwaters from the Gnangara Mound • The Monitoring of Organic and Biological Contaminants in Reticulated Water by Direct Photochemical Project 2.3.0.3 • Degradation Project 2.3.0.4 Early Detection of Cyanobacteria Toxins using Genetic Methods • Project 2.3.0.7 Development of an Interferometric Nanoscale Silicon Biosensor for Detection of Contaminants in Drinking Water • Project 2.3.0.8 A Study of Disinfection By-Products from Chloramination vs Chlorination • Project 2.3.0.9 Development of a Real Time, Rapid and Non-Destructive Drinking Water Monitoring System • Project 2.3.1.1 Dissolved Organic Carbon Detector for Use in Size Exclusion Chromatography • Project 2.3.1.2 National Low Level Nutrient Collaborative Trial • Project 2.3.1.3 Advanced Characterisation of NOM • Project 2.3.1.4 Development of Biosensors for Analysis of MIB and Geosmin • Project 2.3.1.5 Development of Portable Instrumentation for the Measurement of Pesticides in Water • Project 2.3.1.6 Behaviour of XAD8 NOM Fractions on Treatment • Project 2.3.1.7 Development of a Low Cost On-Line Monitoring Package to Improve Chloramination Control. • Thermal Maturation Studies Isotopes for the Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter to Release Project 2.3.1.8 • Macromolecularly Bound Biomarkers and Investigation of Different Organic Precursors of Aquatic Systems The Use of Stable Isotopes for the Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter and Investigation of the Different Project 2.3.1.9 • Organic Precursors of Aquatic Systems Project 2.3.2.0 Causes and Prevention of Chlorinous Off-Flavours in Potable Water. • Project 2.3.2.1 Characterisation of NOM in Highly Coloured Surface Waters. • Project 2.3.2.2 Chlorinous Off-Colours in Drinking water: PhD H Driessen • Project 2.3.2.3 Contribution towards ARC-LIEF for Pyrolysis facility • Project 2.3.2.4 Case studies using Scan Spectrolyser (S::CAN) on-line monitoring system • Project 2.3.2.5 Are There More Toxin Genes than Toxic Cyanobacteria? • PROGRAM 2D: WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY Project 3.1.4 Novel Methods of Pathogen Destruction • Project 3.2.1 Development of Treatment Systems for Removal of Natural Organics • Project 3.2.5 Regeneration of Activated Carbon • • Project 3.2.6 Optimisation of Adsorption Processes - Stage II • Project 3.2.7 Manganese Workshop/Project Allocation • Project 3.2.8 Automated Control of Treatment Plants • • Project 3.2.9 Development of Biological Treatment System for Concentrated Natural Organics Streams • Project 2.4.0.1 Removal of Manganese from Drinking Water • Project 2.4.0.2 Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment • Project 2.4.0.3 Development of Combined Treatment Processes for the Removal of Recalcitrant Organic Matter • Project 2.4.0.4 Optimising the Water Treatment and Disinfection Train for Cryptosporidium Destruction • Project 2.4.0.5 Biological Filtration Processes for the Removal of Algal Metabolites • Project 2.4.0.6 Biological Removal of UV-Pre-treated NOM from Potable Water • Investigation of Advanced Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Reducing Taste and Odour Problems and Project 2.4.0.7 • Disinfection By-Products Project 2.4.0.8 Development of a Combined Membrane Treatment Process for the Removal of Recalcitrant Organic Matter • Project 2.4.0.9 Development of Pre-treatment Strategies to Reduce Flux Loss in Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration Membranes •
14 PROGRAMs and Projects
RESEARCH RESEARCH PROJECTSPROGRAMS AND PROJECTS 2006/2007 STATUS Active Complete Commercial
Project 2.4.1.0 Monitoring for Membrane Fouling Assessment • Project 2.4.1.1 Biological Processes for Dissolved Organic Carbon Removal • Project 2.4.1.2 Management Strategies for Toxic Blue-Green Algae: A Guide for Water Utilities • Project 2.4.1.3 Development of Biological Filter for Removal of Microcystin Algal Toxins • Project 2.4.1.4 Utilisation of Fungi for the Removal of Natural Organic Matter • Project 2.4.1.5 Biological Filtration Processes for the Removal of the Cyanobacterial Toxin, Cylindrospermopsin • Project 2.4.1.7 Optimal Water Quality • Project 2.4.1.8 Mitigation of Fouling of Membranes Used in Desalination of Algae-Containing Water. • Project 2.4.3.0 GWRC Project Collaboration with KIWA • PROGRAM 2E: DISTRIBUTION Project 4.1.1 Factors Affecting Biofilm Development • Project 4.2.2.1 Interactions Between Cryptosporidium Oocysts and Drinking Water Pipe Biofilms • Project 4.2.2.2 Bacterial Symbionts of Amoeba • Project 4.1.3 Modelling Biofilms and Interventions • Project 4.2.3 Physical and Chemical Effects on Distribution System Biofilms and Incorporated Pathogens • Project 4.3.1 Modelling System Flows, Biofilms and Pathogens • Project 4.3.2 Optimisation of Chlorine Residuals in a Distribution System - Melbourne • Project 4.3.6 Aesthetic Water Quality in Distribution Systems - Melbourne • Project 2.5.0.1 Development of Tools for Improved Disinfection Control within Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.0.2 Understanding Discoloured Water - at the Customer’s Tap and in Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.0.3 Decision Support Systems to Maintain Water Quality • Project 2.5.0.5 Application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points for Distribution System Protection • Project 2.5.0.6 Triggers to Taste and Odour - Microbial Production of Geosmin & MIB in Drinking Water Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.0.7 Understanding the Growth of Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens within Distribution Mains • Project 2.5.0.8 Impact of Cement-Mortar Lined Pipes on pH variability • Project 2.5.0.9 Consolidation of Modelling Tools in Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.1.0 Development of Guidelines for the Management of Biofilms in Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.1.1 Control of Disinfection Residual in Water Distribution Systems • Project 2.5.1.2 Reliability and Improving Computational Efficiency for WQ Decision Support • Project 2.5.1.3 Optimisation Algorithms and their Calibration for WQ Decision Support • Optimisation of Water Mains Flushing Techniques and Development of an Indicator to Determine Mains Cleaning Project 2.5.1.4 • Frequencies Project 2.5.1.5 Countermeasures for Contamination of Urban Water Supplies. • Project 2.5.1.6 Improved Methods for Optimising Water Quality in Distribution Systems. • Project 2.5.1.7 Application of Tools for Distribution Management • PROGRAM 2F: SUSTAINABLE WATER SOURCES Project 2.6.0.2 Decentralised Urban Water Management • Project 2.6.0.3 Risk in the Governance of Water Reuse • Project 2.6.0.4 Water Quality and Health Risk Analysis of Water from Rainwater Tanks • Project 2.6.0.6 Sustainable Urban Water - Schemes and Technologies • Project 2.6.0.7 Urban Planning and Integrated Water Management - Towards an Alternative Institutional Model • Project 2.6.0.8 Role of Social Processes in Sustainable Urban Water Management • Project 2.6.0.9 An Assessment of Chemical Contamination of Rainwater Tanks in Urban/Industrial Areas of Australia • Project 2.6.1.0 Best Practice Cost Analysis Methodology for Sustainable Urban Water Systems • Project 2.1.1.1 Bench Marking Water Sensitive Urban Development - Cluster Housing • Project 2.6.1.2 Social Interactions with Rainwater Tank Technologies. • Project 2.6.1.3 People’s Attitude to Water and the Associated Impacts of Water Use Behaviour. • Project 2.6.1.4 Development of Process-based Water Quality Models for Urban Design Systems. •
15 PROGRAMs and Projects
RESEARCH RESEARCH PROJECTS 2006/2007 STATUS Active Complete Commercial
Project 2.6.1.5 Investigation into the Effects of Salinity and Turbidity in Freshwater Ecosystems. • • PROGRAM 3A: STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Project 3.1.0.1 Global Water Research Coalition • Project 3.1.0.2 Establishment of a National Water Laboratory Network • Project 3.1.0.5 Tools for Analysing Estrogenicity in Environmental Waters • Project 3.1.0.6 Proficiency Testing Workshop/Summit • PROGRAM 3C: REGIONAL AND RURAL WATER SUPPLIES Project 3.3.0.1 Technology Transfer Officer dealing with WQ&T in Indigenous Communities • Project 3.3.0.2 Mutitjulu Rainwater Tank and Point of Use Treatment System Trial • Project 3.3.0.3 Water and Public Health in Regional and Rural Australia • Project 3.3.0.4 Water Consumption Patterns in Remote Communities • Project 3.3.0.5 Water Quality and Testing in Outstations Across the Northern Territory • Project 3.3.0.6 Remote Community Water Management Project (CRC Desert Research) • Project 3.3.0.7 Mubunji Rainwater Harvesting Management Project • Project 3.3.0.8 Investigation of Defluoridation of Water Supplies in Rural and Remote Communities. • Note: Four projects with potential commercial opportunities have been identified.
16 Program Group Leader Prof John McNeil Monash University
Aim This Program Group has as its primary objective the need to thoroughly understand the link between human health and the quality of drinking water. Its programs will focus on microbiological and chemical risks of relevance to Australian water supplies, integrating both toxicological and epidemiological research methods. In addition, research will be undertaken to improve understanding of the factors that affect community perceptions of drinking water quality and safety.
PROGRAM GROUP ONE
Epidemiology 18
Toxicology 21
People’s Perspectives 27 Health and Aesthetics
17 Epidemiology
Program Leader Karin Leder Monash University
Program Aim This program aims to characterise human health risks from microbial and chemical contaminants in water supplies by the application of epidemiological methods and risk assessment. Recent water shortages in Australia have seen the rapid development of alternative water sources such as rainwater, stormwater and recycled water from treated sewage as a substitute or supplement for conventional tap water supplies. While much attention has been focused on water quantity, increased utilisation of such water sources also requires careful management of water quality to ensure that public health is not compromised by exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants. Outputs from the Epidemiology Program contribute to better understanding and management of these risks.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW term and long-term risks that are present, and which are capable of A range of methods are employed to investigate human health detecting contamination as it is occurring. There is also a need for more risks from water supplies. These include developing ways to more thoughtful and system-specific regulatory practices than the current accurately measure water exposures in individuals and populations, frameworks that are often restricted to compliance monitoring. specific studies measuring health outcomes in human participants, Industry Uptake and the use of risk assessment to integrate information and evaluate This work has provided a basis to initiate discussion on more effective health risks. This program provides high quality research outputs, ways of monitoring and regulating water supply systems so that interpretation of health evidence and authoritative evaluation of resources can be expended more effectively, and public health can health risks for industry and regulators. A significant aspect of this work be better protected. Other expected outcomes include recognition is placing water-associated risks in context with the broader public of the need for better training of operating personnel and regulatory health perspective to ensure cost-effective use of public resources in agencies in the underlying rationale of quality monitoring programs, risk management. more informed data collection and interpretation; and definition of a research agenda and approach for future development of monitoring CURRENT PROJECT STATUS methods and tools. 1.1.0.5 Developing Evidence Based, Strategic Water Quality Monitoring Systems 1.1.0.8 Exposure Assessment for Urban Reticulation Contact Person Systems Martha Sinclair (Monash University) Contact Person Karin Leder (Monash University) Organisations Involved Monash University, SA Water, Sydney Water Corporation, Water Organisations Involved Corporation, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, Power and Water Monash University, Sydney Water Corporation Corporation, University of Alberta (Canada) Budget $141,000 Budget $567,964 Start Date June 2005 Start Date July 2003 Background and Relevance Background and Relevance Housing developments with dual reticulation systems, where individual Recent years have seen an international movement to systematic households are supplied with conventional tap water for drinking and risk-based preventive strategies for management of hazards to water of a lower quality (such as recycled water from treated sewage drinking water supplies, rather than the former approach of almost effluent) for some non-potable uses, are now becoming common exclusive reliance on end-product monitoring. This approach requires across Australia. Early schemes of this type have adopted intensive a reassessment of monitoring practices to ensure that monitoring and high cost water treatment methods largely due to uncertainty effectively supports risk management for water supply systems and over the potential health risks associated with public exposure to facilitates decision-making about water quality hazards. recycled water in the domestic context. These uncertainties stem largely from inadequate information on the frequency and intensity of water exposure associated with specific household uses. This project Research Approach will address some of these information gaps. This project has examined the well established logic of diagnostic screening and evidence-based decision-making from the field of medicine to determine how this information could be translated and Research Approach applied to development of more effective approaches to monitoring Sydney residents supplied with recycled water via a dual reticulation for drinking water quality hazards. The intrinsic limitations of screening system and residents of an otherwise comparable control area with for low frequency hazards were explored and the role of routine a conventional water supply have been surveyed to determine their monitoring in detection and prevention of waterborne outbreaks was water use habits. Both telephone interviews and water use diaries also undertaken. Surveys of different professional groups were also were used to collect information, and most participating households carried out in Australia and internationally in order to assess levels of also consented to have their water use records from the local water understanding of monitoring concepts and data interpretation. utility extracted for analysis. Information from this study will also be compared with past studies conducted in Australia to verify the applicability of indoor water use data collected for conventional Outcomes systems to dual reticulation households. The findings of this project highlight the need to maximise the value of monitoring and provide closer linkages between water system operations and public health protection. This requires the design Outcomes of monitoring systems that are more strategic, system-specific and More accurate information on water exposures occurring during a evidence-based which support collection of data that increase range of indoor and outdoor household activities will be available, understanding of an individual water supply system and the short- together with information on the frequency of such activities. This will
18 Epidemiology then feed into the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment process 1.1.0.9 Health Services Utilisation and Urban Dual which is being employed for the development of National Guidelines Reticulation Systems for Water Recycling in Australia. Contact Person Karin Leder, Monash University Industry Uptake Organisations Involved Outcomes from the project will allow better definition of water quality Hawkesbury-Hills Division of General Practice, Monash University, that is “fit for purpose” and will assist health regulatory agencies to Sydney Water Corporation frame guidelines with an appropriate level of public health protection Budget for the intended end-uses of recycled water in the domestic context. $347,809 Start Date April 2007
1.1.1.0 A Series of Exposure Experiments – Recycled Water and Alternative Water Sources Background and Relevance Contact Person Dual reticulation housing developments, where drinking water and Karin Leder, Monash University recycled water are supplied through separate pipe systems, are seen as a key component in the future management of urban water Organisations Involved supplies. Recycled water supplied for non-potable uses in these CSIRO, Department of Human Services Victoria, Melbourne Water schemes is subject to a high degree of treatment, and adverse health Corporation, Monash University, Power and Water Corporation, effects are considered to be very unlikely, however no studies have SA Water, South East Water, United Water International, Water been undertaken either in Australia or internationally to assess the Corporation, Yarra Valley Water impact of non-potable recycled water exposure on the health of the Budget $595,013 general public in this context. Start Date June 2005 Research Approach Background and Relevance Anonymous coded data from General Practitioner records will be used to compare rates of medical consultations for a range of health There is currently a lack of information on exposure levels to conditions in areas of Sydney supplied by dual reticulation and nearby contaminants in water that is used for non-potable purposes in the areas with conventional tap water supplies. The conditions to be home, and risk assessments of such practices are therefore required examined will include some which might possibly be associated with to adopt conservative (worst case) assumptions to ensure adequate recycled water use, and some which are very unlikely to be associated protection of public health. The use of recycled water and other with recycled water use. This will help us to determine whether alternative water sources therefore may be unnecessarily limited any differences found are related to the water supply, or to other if health risks are currently being overestimated. This project is differences between the people living in the two areas. addressing gaps in human exposure data relating to four specific aspects of water use which were identified through consultation with industry and regulatory bodies. Outcomes It is expected that this project will provide water authorities and Research Approach health regulators with additional assurance of the safety of supplying recycled water for non-potable purposes. The four components of this project are: Industry Uptake • Assessment of potential exposure to pathogens through use of recycled water for laundry purposes. Output from this study is important given the proposed future scale of implementation of dual reticulation systems in Australia whereby large • Evaluation of the required withholding periods before public numbers of people will be exposed to recycled water in the urban contact after irrigation of parks with Class B and C recycled domestic context. water. • Characterisation of aerosol exposure from conventional and high efficiency spray devices to determine the potential for inhalation 1.1.1.1 Health Effects of Drinking Water from Rainwater exposure. Tanks • Preliminary assessment of the bacterial endotoxin content of Contact Person recycled water and assessment of the potential for adverse Karin Leder, Monash University health effects. Organisations Involved Experimental approaches include seeding of water with indicator Australian Water Quality Centre, Department of Health SA, Monash microorganisms to mimic viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens, University and the use of specialised equipment to characterise droplet and Budget aerosol formation under a range of conditions. $300,879 Start Date November 2006
Outcomes Background and Relevance Estimates from this project will provide a more accurate picture of actual exposure levels than the arbitrary values currently used for Rainwater is an important source of drinking water in rural Australia, most health risk assessment purposes. Risk estimates will therefore however due to its variable microbiological quality, health, authorities be more realistic and health regulatory agencies will be better able do not endorse its use in urban areas where safe, disinfected tap to determine the required quality of water for specific household water supplies are readily available. Uncertainty over the degree of purposes. This may in turn permit more broad substitution of recycled risk has also made some water utilities and developers reluctant to water for uses where potable water is currently employed. provide untreated rainwater for bathroom or laundry use due to the possibility of inadvertent consumption. This epidemiological study will examine whether microorganisms in untreated rainwater contribute Industry Uptake significantly to gastroenteritis among people who drink the water. The The information from the study will be made available for future National Health and Medical Research Council has provided Project revisions of the Australian National Guidelines for Water Recycling, Grant support of $844,313 over three years for the epidemiological and will assist water and health regulators to decide on safe uses of study, and the CRC has provided additional funding to significantly recycled water for a variety of purposes. expand the water quality monitoring component.
19 Epidemiology
Research Approach Industry Uptake The study will use a double-blinded randomised controlled trial The outcome of this project will be invaluable in shaping policy methodology which was developed for a previous Centre study of on acceptable uses of rainwater in an urban setting serviced by tap water in Melbourne. Three hundred households in the Adelaide an existing reticulated supply, and will be used by public health region which currently drink untreated rainwater will be provided with regulators to base their recommendations for the use of tank water either real or sham (non-functional) water treatment devices to treat for direct human consumption. It will contribute to the ability of their water. The households will record details of their health for one water suppliers to conserve conventional drinking water supplies by year, then the two groups will be compared to determine whether providing alternative water sources that are fit for purpose. removal of microbial pathogens from rainwater made a significant difference to rates of gastroenteritis.
Outcomes This project will provide a quantitative estimate of the risk of gastroenteritis from rainwater consumption using the most stringent methodology that can be applied to human populations. It will also provide valuable data on the occurrence of common bacterial pathogens in rainwater, and the relationship between water quality indicators and health outcomes.
Table 3.1 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 1a Epidemiology
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Assess results of prior Yes studies and international developments, then review research priorities and project plans and modify as appropriate.
2 Initiation of new projects Yes to fill identified information gaps.
3 Synthesis of knowledge No In progress Reviews currently in preparation on DBPs and from research findings and other micropollutants, further papers to be international literature to developed. develop human health risk assessments for pathogens, micropollutants, DBPs and cyanobacterial toxins.
4 Provide improved guidance December No Outputs from several current projects for water quality managers 2007 will enhance risk management for both and regulators in relation to conventional and alternative water sources, human health risks. and feed directly into the regulatory process.
New revised for Years 6 and 7
5 Develop methodologies 30 June No In progress 2.0.1.1.0.9 Health services utilisation and to assess impact of urban 2008. urban dual reticulation systems will be recycled water use on completed before 30 June 2008. health outcomes.
6 Provide improved exposure No In progress Outputs from: data for input to health- 2.0.1.1.0.8 Exposure assessment for urban based guidelines for reticulation systems and 2.0.1.1.1.0 Exposure alternative water sources. experiments - recycled water and alternative water sources (plus extension funded by Smart Water) The above projects will be completed by December 2007. 2.0.1.1.1.1 Health Effects of Rainwater tanks This project (primarily funded by NHMRC) will NOT be complete by June 2008, however the CRC-funded component (water quality monitoring) will be completed prior to this date. The data recording phase of the project will be complete by September 2008 and the results are expected in March 2009.
20 Toxicology
Program Leader Andrew Humpage (Australian Water Quality Centre)
PROGRAM AIM The purpose of the Toxicology Program is to produce toxicological information that can be incorporated into Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and used in risk assessments of the human health significance of a variety of chemicals in water. These chemicals are generally toxins and can be natural (e.g. cyanobacterial toxins) or anthropogenic (e.g. disinfection by-products or micropollutants). The Toxicology Program produces research that provides information on safe levels of toxins in drinking water, and this information forms the basis of management strategies to achieve these levels.
The Toxicology Program is, of necessity, closely linked to the Epidemiology Program to ensure integration of results and produce findings that are truly related to human health. In addition, the program is linked to other Centre research programs especially Sustainable Water Sources, Water Treatment Technology, Measurement and Regional and Rural Water Supplies. This is to facilitate health evaluation of treatment technologies, ensure accurate measurement of toxins and biomarkers for toxins that are present in water, and to aid in the provision of water free of harmful chemicals to remote and rural communities.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW by Centre researchers Professor Ian Falconer and Dr Andrew The Toxicology Program continues to provide data relevant to the Humpage suggest that there is the likelihood that cylindrospermopsin risk assessment of chemical contaminants found in Australian drinking is carcinogenic. water sources and wastewaters. However, in the last couple of years This project will produce information on the mechanisms of toxicity the emphasis has moved from research into cyanobacterial toxins to and genotoxicity of cylindrospermopsin that can be used to relate research issues in the broad area of micropollutants. This has seen toxicological findings to humans. This will in turn facilitate risk the instigation of two new PhD projects investigating the genotoxic assessment by health authorities enabling them to ensure that potential of novel disinfection by-products. This work is aimed at no deleterious effects are occurring as a result of exposure to this finding new candidate chemicals that might be linked more closely toxin in water. Another issue to be determined is the toxicity of the than trihalomethanes with the observed adverse health effects cylindrospermopsin analogue, deoxycylindrospermopsin, which co- associated with drinking disinfected water. occurs in source water with cylindrospermopsin. In addition, the data The antimicrobial agent triclosan is an additive to many personal produced will be submitted to the NHMRC and the World Health care products that are used widely in the Australian community. It is Organization (WHO) to produce guidelines for cylindrospermopsin in therefore a major contaminant of the waste flows entering sewage drinking water. treatment plants, and potentially, of the effluent from these plants. The Toxicology Program has two PhD students working on this issue: Research Approach one investigating the removal of triclosan from wastewater, and a second examining the effects of triclosan on bacterial populations Toxicity study in activated sludge as well as its biodegradation by some of these Freshly isolated hepatocytes from a range of inbred mouse strains microorganisms. Yet another PhD student is looking at the impacts along with various cell lines will be exposed to cylindrospermopsin. of radiological contaminants, such as radon, on our water and From these experiments, mechanisms of toxicity will be investigated wastewater cycles. However, we have not completely abandoned using techniques such as DNA microarrays to identify genes the cyanobacterial toxins, with one PhD student investigating the that are regulated by the toxin. In addition, the in vitro toxicity of possibility that cylindrospermopsin might be toxic to the human deoxycylindrospermopsin will be investigated in a range of cell lines reproductive system. All of these projects provide information to the using a number of different toxicological endpoints. The potential Australian water industry on current issues. However, as the community dermal toxicity of cylindrospermopsin will be determined in mice considers increasing wastewater reuse, concerns about contamination using assays for irritation and dermal hypersensitivity. In addition, a by micropollutants continue to grow. The recent change in emphasis sub-chronic mouse oral dosing study will be undertaken to determine in the Toxicology Program towards micropollutants is also a strategic the regulation of multiple genes. move towards the provision of well-founded scientific information for decision makers into the future. Genotoxicity study CURRENT PROJECT STATUS A number of genotoxic endpoints will be investigated in order to gain an insight into potential mechanisms of carcinogenicity of this toxin. An investigation will be undertaken to determine the presence or absence 1.2.0.2 Cylindrospermopsin Mechanisms of Toxicity and of mutations in genes specifically related to cancer induction and Genotoxicity progression. The use of DNA microarrays will permit the investigation Contact Person of the effects of cylindrospermopsin and deoxcylindrospermopsin on Glen Shaw (Griffith University) regulation of a large number of human and mouse genes. Organisations Involved EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services and the Outcomes University of Queensland), Australian Water Quality Centre, University • The genotoxic activity of cylindrospermopsin has been further of Adelaide, Griffith University, Queensland Health Scientific Services defined. It has been shown that DNA fragmentation is a primary Budget $2,224,259 outcome, that oxidative stress and DNA intercalation are not involved, and that metabolic activation of the toxin is required. Start Date March 2003 • Investigations using state of the art molecular biological techniques such as DNA microarrays have revealed that Background and Relevance cylindrospermopsin has the ability to affect a large number of While sufficient data has been produced on the acute and sub-chronic genes that relate to mechanisms of toxicity such as inhibition of toxicity of cylindrospermopsin, the lack of data on carcinogenicity, protein synthesis. Additionally, regulation of genes involved in genotoxicity and mechanisms of toxicity of cylindrospermopsin DNA damage has been demonstrated, suggesting DNA damage prevent the establishment of guidelines. Preliminary work in Australia contributes to its observed toxicity.
21 Toxicology
• It was demonstrated that deoxycylindrospermopsin has the same kit will be evaluated for sensitivity and reliability with cyanobacterial mechanism of toxicity as cylindrospermopsin, namely inhibition toxins of Australian relevance according to the manufacturer’s of protein synthesis. instructions and compared with other assays developed and optimised • It has been demonstrated that the cylindrospermopsin analogue, in this research project. deoxycylindrospermopsin is equitoxic to cylindrospermopsin in a The in vivo assays considered suitable for screening of toxins in water variety of cell lines in vitro. will be developed into batteries of test systems that will offer rapid • The dermal irritancy and dermal hypersensitivity of and relatively inexpensive screening systems. There is considerable cylindrospermopsin has been demonstrated using mice in vivo. potential for these assays to be much cheaper than mouse bioassays and also potential for higher throughput of samples. • This toxin can also disrupt normal endocrine functioning. • The project has now finished and a report is being prepared. Outcomes • A cell-line has been transfected with a gene coding for a short- Industry Uptake lived fluorescent protein. This is being used as the basis fora Data on sub-chronic toxicity of cylindrospermopsin in mice has been rapid cellular assay for cylindrospermopsin. presented to the Chemicals Working Group of the WHO as the part of • The protein synthesis inhibition assay for cylindrospermopsin has the information required for setting a Drinking Water Safety Guideline been improved and tests are now being undertaken to optimise Value for this toxin. A position paper has been prepared for placement it as a field assay. on the relevant WHO website. The outcomes from this research have been incorporated into the latest draft of the WHO book “Toxic • Published rapid cell-based assays for paralytic shellfish poisons Cyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences, were evaluated but were not found to be ideal. An improved monitoring and management”. version is being developed. • Honey bee larvae appear to be a promising new avenue for research into an alternative whole organism assay to replace the 1.2.0.5 Screening Assays for Waterborne Toxicants mouse bioassay. Contact Person • The project is now complete, and a PhD thesis and project report Andrew Humpage (Australian Water Quality Centre) are being prepared. Organisations Involved EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services and the Industry Uptake University of Queensland), Australian Water Quality Centre, University A suite of bioassays will be recommended that can be established in of Adelaide, Queensland Health Scientific Services, Griffith University, water laboratories and analytical service laboratories that serve the South East Queensland Water water industry. Budget $1,426,886 Start Date October 2003 1.2.1.2 Investigation of NDMA Formation by Chlorination of Model Compounds Background and Relevance Contact Person The mouse bioassay has been the mainstay of toxicity screening for Glen Shaw (Griffith University) many years but, for both ethical and scientific reasons, alternatives need to be sought. The research will examine the usefulness of a range of toxicity assays in a screening panel of tests capable of detecting Organisations Involved toxicants of concern to the water industry (with an emphasis on EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services and the cyanotoxins). To provide broad specificity, these assays will be based University of Queensland), Queensland Health Scientific Services on a range of mammalian cell-lines as well as various invertebrate Budget $30,000 organisms. Start Date April 2004 This project will produce a battery of assays that can replace the mouse bioassay, ensuring that protocols for testing of toxins levels are available. Background and Relevance The assay panel should benefit industry in the toxicity screening of This research investigates the formation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine critical control points in a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points pose (NDMA) in water containing natural chemicals that may be (HACCP) context. precursors to NDMA when treated with chlorine or chloramines as disinfectants. The project will also develop a sensitive and precise analytical method for this disinfection by-product and will investigate Research Approach NDMA in some distribution systems that have been chlorinated or A number of different types of organisms have been used for the chloraminated. purpose of detecting toxins in water, soils and sediments. This project will only be assessing the applicability of screening assays for toxins Research Approach in water. A number of different in vivo systems will be investigated using cyanobacterial toxins and cyanobacterial extracts from species The literature indicates that the methods used for extracting NDMA relevant to Australia. A suite of organisms traditionally used for toxicity from waters are liquid-liquid, continuous liquid-liquid extractions and screening of wastewaters including Daphnia spp. (microcrustacean), a few solid phase extraction methods. These techniques (liquid-liquid Brachionus rubens (rotifer) and larvae of various fish species that in particular) are both time-consuming and relatively expensive, and occur in the Australian environment will be investigated. Dose- often appear to give poor returns. This project will establish a solid response relationships will be developed for a variety of species and phase extraction method to allow rapid testing with relatively good this information will be used to further evaluate the sensitivity and extraction returns. Research will be conducted into the nitrogenous application criteria for selected organisms. Other novel species may precursors of NDMA, and parameters (such as pH) that may affect be investigated including insects such as cockroaches. NDMA production. This includes further investigation of amino acids, and other nitrogenous compounds typical of Australian source More recently, a number of other organisms have been suggested for waters. Literature reviews suggest that there has been no research toxin screening bioassays. These include the hydra (Hydra vulgaris), into the presence of NDMA within Australian drinking water. Source bioluminescent mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and and chlorinated/chloraminated water samples from within Australia the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena. The organisms will be acquired, will be tested for the presence and quantification of NDMA. This cultured and dose-response criteria established in order to select will help establish if Australian treated drinking waters are producing species for complete evaluation. A commercial kit (Thamnotoxkit F) this disinfection by-product. Recent research overseas, principally in involves a 24-hour assay using a freshwater anostracan crustacean. This
22 Toxicology
Europe, the USA and Canada, has identified NDMA as a contaminant Outcomes of concern from chloramination and it is considered protective of • This collaborative project between CRC nodes in South Australia public health to investigate the extent of the risk in Australia. and Queensland has instigated two PhD student projects in this important area (Somprasong Laingam and Michael Smith). Outcomes • In Queensland, the project has specifically determined the • This project is now complete. concentrations of NDMA in disinfected waters from utilities around the country. • The main outcome of the project was the development of a method for NDMA determination in disinfected water. The • To date most supplies have no detectable levels of NDMA but method utilises solid phase extraction and positive chemical a small number have shown detectable levels that are generally ionization mass spectrometry and can determine NDMA to a below 10 ng/L. detection limit of 2 ng/L. • Mutagenicity assays have shown that a few water supplies are • The project demonstrated the formation of NDMA from showing positive mutagenicity, but that this is not associated chlorination of several amino acids, but primarily tyrosine with NDMA.
Industry Uptake Industry Uptake This method is one of a number that have been established recently This project to date has had considerable industry input in terms of in Australia. This effort is important for estimating the true occurrence sampling. The outcome will be increased knowledge of the occurrence of this known carcinogen in Australian drinking water. of disinfection by-products and the associated mutagenicity in Australian drinking waters. In the long term this should lead to water treatment processes that are better formulated to minimise the 1.2.1.4 Determination of Health Risks from Water Chlorination production of the by-products of greatest health concern. Disinfection by-products Contact Person 1.2.2.2 Methods for Measuring Toxins in Finished Waters Glen Shaw (Griffith University) Contact Person Organisations Involved Andrew Humpage, Australian Water Quality Centre. EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services and Organisations Involved the University of Queensland), Australian Water Quality Centre, Queensland Health Scientific Services, Griffith University, Water Australian Water Quality Centre, Griffith University. Services Association of Australia (Student involvement) Budget $266,865 Budget $469,392 Start Date December 2006 Start Date April 2005 Background and Relevance Background and Relevance The principal objective of this project is to investigate a range of Water disinfection by-products have been on the list of chemicals of biological assays that may be suitable for detecting toxins in finished concern internationally for a number of years. More recently there drinking water. The methods tested will be screening assays capable of has been a shift of research focus from the traditionally measured detecting the effects of a range of toxins that are known to potentially disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic contaminate source waters or that might be introduced deliberately acids to some of the toxicologically more relevant compounds. These into the drinking water stream. A key objective is to define methods include NDMA and other dialkylnitrosamines, halonitromethanes, for quenching chlorine in finished water as this is known to interfere haloacetonitriles and chlorinated furanones. The need to conduct with current toxicity screening methods. The project is jointly funded research aimed at determining whether disinfection by-products by the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, the American Water pose a health risk to the public has been recognised by the Australian and Wastewater Association Research Fund and the United Kingdom water industry and health authorities. This project will determine Drinking Water Inspectorate. the presence or absence of these disinfection by-products. Any mutagenicity corresponding to these disinfection by-product classes Research Approach will be determined. This one year project is designed to be a pilot study to provide initial information for a subsequent larger international Various standard and novel chlorine neutralising agents (“quenchers”) study to be co-funded by overseas organisations such as American are being tested (a) for their effectiveness in removing free chlorine Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF). from water samples, and (b) their compatibility with a range of biological assay types (enzymatic, cellular, invertebrate). We will also investigate the effects of the quenchers on the activity in the assays of Research Approach a range of toxins. The outcome will be recommendations for suitable Chlorinated and chloraminated water samples will be collected from quenchers that can be used with each assay type so that toxicity can a number of water utilities across the country. To date, the Water be accurately determined in finished drinking waters. Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has been instrumental in seeking cooperation from a large number of water authorities. These Outcomes samples are being analysed for a number of classes of disinfection by- products of toxicological interest using the NDMA method optimised • Range of potential quenchers are currently being evaluated. in the project Investigation of NDMA Formation by Chlorination of Model Compounds. US EPA methods will be used for the other Industry Uptake compounds of interest. This project will help enable implementation of a biosecurity toxicity In addition to the analytical determination of the disinfection by- screening protocol for water in the drinking water distribution products, mutagenicity assays and genotoxicity assays are being system. used to determine the level of mutagenicity associated with fractions of the water. This will then be correlated with concentrations of the selected disinfection by-products corresponding to the fractions 1.2.2.3 Optimisation of a cylindrospermopsin toxicity screening with the outcome that mutagenicity can be either assigned to known assay disinfection by-products or to as yet unidentified disinfection by- Contact Person: Suzanne Froscio, Australian Water Quality Centre. products. Organisations Involved Australian Water Quality Centre.
23 Toxicology
Budget $69,590 1.2.0.7 Cyanobacterial Diversity and the Expression of by- Start Date March 2007 products in Environmental Blooms Student and Organisation Background and Relevance Phillip Pope (Griffith University) One of the major outcomes of Project 1.2.0.5 was the development Principal Supervisor of cell-lines transfected with the gene for Green Fluorescent Protein Bharat Patel (Griffith University) (GFP). The levels of GFP activity in the cells can be utilised to quantify Start Date January 2003 the concentration of toxin present. This has provided the basis for a rapid cell-based assay that is able to detect to a wide range of unidentified toxins but is diagnostic for cylindrospermopsin. Project Outline Due to the short time frame available during 1.2.0.5, the assays could The research involves construction of a bacterial artificial chromosome not be fully optimised. This project was established to allow toxicity (BAC) library which contains sequences for all genes in the organisms, assays based on these cells to be implemented in a rapid high- followed by library screening. This phase of the project will determine throughput format if specific genes related to toxin production are present in the genetic library. Cyanobacterial bloom samples will be collected from reservoirs and then the samples will be concentrated. DNA sequencing will be Research Approach used to determine the genetic makeup of these samples. Library Various methods will be investigated for increasing the sensitivity of screening will endeavour to establish links between physiological and the assay, as well as optimising the detection methodology. phylogenetic information of uncultured organisms in cyanobacterial blooms. This will be undertaken by searching for sequences known to resemble those for toxin production including polyketide synthesis. Outcomes The intended benefit of this research is production of information that The approach taken will convert a cell-based assay that took up to permits an understanding of genetic factors responsible for production 72 hrs to run to one that will provide a result in a few hours. of metabolites including toxins in the natural environment.
Industry Uptake Project Progress Cylindrospermopsin is one of the most toxic cyanotoxins, and it occurs This PhD project is producing results using a metagenomic approach. in many drinking water sources in Australia. This assay will provide a Construction of large genome libraries from cyanobacteria in mixed rapid and specific method for its detection that can be implemented algal blooms from North Pine Dam in South East Queensland has within a broader toxicity screening framework. yielded interesting discoveries in terms of genes responsible for toxin production. STUDENT PROJECTS An off-shoot of this research is the finding of high levels of genes relating to actinobacteria at depth. This correlates with the presence 1.2.0.1 Recreational Exposure to Cyanobacteria of the secondary metabolites, geosmin and methyl-isoborneol (taste Student and Organisation and odour compounds). Ian Stewart (University of Queensland) Principal Supervisor 1.2.1.0 Decomposition and Removal of Triclosan from Reused Glen Shaw (EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Water as a Drinking Water Source Services and the University of Queensland)) Student and Organisation Start Date July 2001 Shengfu Fang (University of South Australia) Project Outline Principal Supervisor The main aim of this project was to investigate the effects of human Phillip Pendleton (University of South Australia) exposure to cyanobacteria associated with recreational activities Start Date February 2004 in water storages. Current guidelines for recreational use of water storages are not adequate for Australian conditions. The revisions to the guidelines for recreational exposure to cyanobacteria in water Project Outline bodies made possible by this project will be of significant industry This project will involve the development of analytical procedures for benefit. the detection of triclosan and its oxidised metabolites in low ppb and high ppt concentrations, employing GC-MS methods. Removal of these compounds by porous adsorbents, such as activated carbons, Project Progress will be investigated via equilibrium adsorption and kinetics analyses This project involved an epidemiological study and animal and human and the modelling of these processes. To appreciate the intermolecular volunteer toxicological studies to demonstrate that the presence of interactions, adsorbent surface chemistry and porosity changes will be cyanobacteria can increase the reporting of a range of symptoms in induced and further analysed. Triclosan is known to decompose during recreational users of water bodies. adsorption and interaction with manganese oxides. These processes The results also demonstrated that the long-held view of the importance will be modelled and nano-sized oxides will be impregnated into the of cyanobacterial lipopolysaccharides may be over estimated. nano-porous adsorbents. The results of this project are complementary to those produced in the Centre project Acute skin irritant effects of cyanobacteria (Blue- Project Progress Green Algae) in healthy volunteers in the Epidemiology Program. • Isotherm and kinetics study of triclosan by selected commercial The results of the project Recreational Exposure to Cyanobacteria and modified activated carbon have been completed. The have been provided to the NHMRC to complement information adsorption capacities and rates are governed by content of obtained from other sources. surface functional groups and the pore size distribution of the This project has been financially supported by South East Queensland carbon type. Water and the results it produced are used to develop recreational • Methods for triclosan adsorption and oxidation by hydrous and use policy for this and other water authorities. Ian Stewart presented commercial manganese dioxides have been developed. An the outcomes of this study at a US Government workshop on toxic understanding of the reaction mechanism is being developed. cyanobacteria in Research Triangle Park in 2005. This PhD project • In addition, nano-sized and nano-porous manganese oxides were has been completed and the thesis is available for download synthesized and are currently being impregnated into activated from the Queensland University Website http://eprint.uq.edu.au/ carbon. Catalytic oxidation studies will be made in the future. archive/00001883/ 24 Toxicology
1.2.1.1 Effects Induced by pH, Ionic and Osmotic Stress on PSP • Triclosan supports the growth of the putative degraders in Toxin Production in Cyanobacteria culture. Student and Organisation • Further intermediate analysis by LC-MS is underway to determine Jasper Pengelly (University of New South Wales) whether biodegradation of triclosan is occurring and its possible pathway. Principal Supervisor • Genetic studies have demonstrated that genes involved in Brett Neilan (University of New South Wales) triclosan inactivation/degradation are likely to be plasmid Start Date March 2004 encoded.
Project Outline Industry Uptake Paralytic shellfish poison production by Anabaena circinalis and It is expected that a better understanding of the effects of triclosan Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a public health concern and on biological treatment processes will help us to overcome potentially determination of how environmental factors control the genetics of adverse effects. By identifying resistant organisms that can degrade toxin production gives the possibility of setting strategies to avoid toxin triclosan, treatment plant operators may be able to alter practices to production by these organisms. The study will culture A. circinalis and enhance its removal. C. raciborskii under different environmental conditions. Genes specific for saxitoxin-producing strains will be identified and characterised and the response of these genes to varying environmental conditions will 1.2.1.9. Reproductive Toxicity of Cylindrospermopsin be investigated. Student and Organisation Dina Zebian (Flinders University of South Australia) Project Progress Principal Supervisors • The focus of this project is on four genes encoding membrane Fiona Young (Flinders University of South Australia), Andrew Humpage proteins from the cyanobacteria Anabaena circinalis and (Australian Water Quality Centre) Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. This project is now in its final Start Date March 2006 stages and is expected to be completed by the end of 2007. • The four transport genes have been cloned and expressed in Project Outline Escherichia coli. This has been confirmed by transcript analysis, however no visible protein can be seen under SDS PAGE and The objectives of the research are to examine the effects of western blotting. A small fragment of one transporter protein cylindrospermopsin on the in vitro metabolism and viability of human has been over-expressed with the aim of using it in STX binding granulosa cells and human spermatozoa. assays. Cylindrospermopsin inhibits protein synthesis and generates • The expression of the genes in vivo has been assessed under metabolites which are cytotoxic. This later mechanism of action was osmotic, salt and pH stress using real-time PCR. The saxitoxin prevented by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inhibitors. Granulosa cells content was also measured under these conditions. The results have two different CYP450’s involved in steroidogenesis, thus it is indicate a pH dependent movement of saxitoxin in both A. hypothesised that cylindrospermopsin will interact with these and circinalis and C. raciborskii correlating with transporter transcript generate metabolites that are toxic to granulosa cells, thus causing expression. cytotoxicity. Cylindrospermopsin effects will also be investigated by applying in vitro; follicular, luteal and pregnancy phases using FSH/LH • Several transporter homologues have been identified in the non- and hCG treatments combined with cylindrospermopsin. toxic cyanobacteria Synechocystis 6803. PCR-based mutagenesis was used to knock out these genes in an attempt to identify It is hypothesised that cylindrospermopsin will not inhibit protein function and provide a host for future expression of transporter synthesis in spermatozoa because they have no active protein proteins from A. circinalis and C. raciborskii. synthesis processes. Similarly, since there are no active CYP450s in spermatozoa, it is hypothesised that cylindrospermopsin will not be cytotoxic because there will be no generation of toxic metabolites. 1.2.1.6 Field and Laboratory Based Investigations of Triclosan However, cylindrospermopsin has been found to inhibit production Resistance in Wastewater Microorganisms of glutathione (GSH), reducing the neutralisation of reactive oxygen Student and Organisation species (ROS). Therefore, it is hypothesised that cylindrospermopsin Xiaoxia Qiu (University of South Australia) may indirectly affect sperm functionality, including motility and ability to fertilise an oocyte, because sperm membranes are densely packed Principal Supervisor with lipids that are easily oxidised by ROS. Mary Barton (University of South Australia) Start Date March 2005 Project Progress • Cylindrospermopsin has been shown to be toxic to human Project Outline granulosa cells Triclosan is a common man-made antiseptic found in household • At non-toxic concentrations, the toxin has been shown to alter personal hygiene products. The project focuses on the the hormone production of these cells. mechanisms of triclosan resistance in bacteria commonly found in wastewater treatment systems. The biochemical pathways of triclosan inactivation/degradation will be elucidated as well as the 1.2.2.1. Measurement and Modelling of the Radiological Impact of genetic determinants involved. Water-borne Radioactivity Student and Organisation Project Progress Ross Kleinschmidt (Queensland University of Technology) • The bacterial community in activated sludge was altered by Principal Supervisors treatment with triclosan. Riaz Akber (Queensland University of Technology), Heather Chapman • This demonstrates the effect of triclosan as a biocide in the (CRC for Water Quality and Treatment) wastewater environment and also a possible bacterial profile shift Start Date October 2004 to triclosan resistant bacteria and potential degraders. • Putative triclosan degraders were obtained by isolation and Project Outline purification from this consortium. The majority were from the The primary outcome of this research program is to generate a unique Pseudomonas species. data set to allow assessment of the impact of water-borne radioactivity
25 Toxicology in urban and rural situations. As our increasing population and Project Progress industrial development exploits new, or recycled, water resources, • Accumulation of radon from raw groundwater has been consideration needs to be given to determining the effects that demonstrated on point-of-use commercial activated carbon increased water usage, treatment and disposal will have on the filters. redistribution of radiologically enhanced materials and their human and environmental impact. • Early breakthrough was demonstrated, as was a high first-flush rate after periods of no flow. The program is designed to assess a number of critical exposure pathways associated with the treatment of raw water for consumption, • This could lead to an increased radon exposure in some disposal of radionuclides in wastewater streams and human circumstances. and environmental impacts by way of dose assessment. Novel bioaccumulator radioactive waste monitors will be developed and calibrated to allow monitoring of environmental level contaminants.
Table 3.2 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 1b Toxicology Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved (if number date applicable)
1 Investigate potential Year 4 No In Progress Being addressed by PhD projects. biomarkers of exposure or effect for DBPs.
2 Undertake toxicological Year 4 No In Progress Being addressed by PhD projects. investigation of selected DBPs that are of relevance to Australia.
3 Consultation completed Yes with all industry and research partners to develop formats and models for final project outcomes.
4 Biomarkers developed Yes PhD project on epidemiology of for selected micronucleus formation in bladder cells of micropollutants in water people drinking chlorinated water. and analysis undertaken for biomarkers in exposed person
5 Information provided Year 6 Yes Data provided to WHO for guideline value for the development of setting for cylindrospermopsin. guidelines for priority micropollutants in public water supplies.
6 Toxicological evaluation Year 6 & 7 No International Identified in the suite of issues to be taken of mixtures of collaboration up by GWRC. cyanobacterial toxins in water undertaken.
7 In connection with other No In progress Project on biological filtration for removal programs and sub- of cyanotoxins prior to chlorination is in programs, guidelines progress. developed for treatment of cyanobacterial toxins that minimise formation of deleterious by- products.
8 Health-based guidelines No Depends on Basic chemistry and toxicology generated developed for Health regulator but no formal guidelines yet formulated relevant by-products (requires Health Regulator’s input). from treatment of cyanobacterial toxins in water.
9 Guidelines developed Yes PhD project on health outcomes from for recreational exposure recreational exposure generated data that to cyanobacteria that have been incorporated into the Australian include all relevant Guidelines on Recreational Water Use. cyanobacterial species and represent all climatic regions in Australia.
26 People’s Perspectives
Program Leader Naomi Roseth CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
Program Aim The purpose of the program is to develop an understanding of community views, needs, expectations and preferences for water services across Australia. The research will include the views of urban, regional and rural communities as well as people who are more informed about water issues. The Program’s specific objectives are to: • Give the community a voice in the planning of water services. • Measure and understand the drivers of community trust and satisfaction with water services. • Facilitate the development of user-friendly communication materials that address the information needs of the community. • Understand the extent and reasons for which opinions on water-related issues vary across the country. • Provide regulators and policy makers with information on community attitudes, needs, expectations and judgement on standards of service.
The Program is integrated with the other Centre research programs in that it looks at issues related to the water industry from the point of view of the customers that the industry serves.
Program Background measures need to become more restrictive? Do people trust the The first planning workshop for the People’s Perspectives program authorities to ensure future supply? These were some of the questions was held in August 2001. About fifty people attended the workshop. which were addressed by this research. The information will assist the Participants included representatives from other Centre programs, the water industry in shaping education and marketing strategies and in water industry, industry regulators and other stakeholders, universities factoring community views into the planning and implementation of and community groups. During the workshop sessions, five broad sustainable water resource schemes. research themes emerged for community research, namely: • Views on water Research Approach • Trust and its drivers (in water and the authorities that deliver it) The study was conducted by way of a phone survey of a random sample • Risk perceptions and related behaviour of 3,500 residents, 700 in each of Adelaide, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. In addition, face-to-face interviews were conducted with • Education and communication a random sample of 56 of the phone survey respondents. • Views on price, value for money, willingness to pay. The results of the study were published as CRC Research Report 28: Community Views on Water Shortages and Conservation. The report The program has successfully completed a survey of the community was launched at Parliament House, Canberra, by the Hon. Malcolm views on drinking water quality project for the capital cities. Following Turnbull in August 2006 and received a considerable amount of that project a workshop was held to review the priorities for the media attention. program. The consensus from the workshop was that the focus should be on the community attitudes to sustainable water resource issues Outcomes such as water shortages and use of re-cycled water. The first of the new projects was completed during 2006 and is discussed below. While community concern about water shortages is not particularly high, individuals’ beliefs are fairly consistent and predictable. This suggests that people are at different points along the journey towards COMPLETED PROJECT accepting and actively participating in sustainable water resource Community views on water shortages and management. Some of the attitudes and concerns highlighted by the conservation survey include: Project Leader • Fear of running out is the most significant motivation for people to save water; ahead of care for the environment or financial Naomi Roseth savings. • People have come to accept the drought and water restrictions Organisations Involved as a way of life but the levels of concern and sense of urgency SA Water (Adelaide), Sydney Water (Sydney), Water Corporation about water shortages are not particularly high. (Perth), Yarra Valley Water (on behalf of the three Melbourne water • One third of people surveyed said that they would be really retailers) and Power and Water (Darwin) annoyed if water restrictions became tougher. • Eighty-eight percent of people believe that individuals can make Background and Relevance a difference by saving water, and almost all believe that there The study was based on the premise that water industry managers is need to save water all the time, not just during droughts and who wish to influence the community to save water and to support periods of hot weather. sustainable water management schemes, are engaging in social • Many people think that they are doing their bit to save water but reform. For this social reform to be effective it must be based on that it is other people who are not pulling their weight. Only 20 understanding of community attitudes to water shortages and percent said they could personally do a lot more to save water, conservation. but 70 percent believed that others in the community could do a For a number of years communities across Australia have been lot more. living through droughts, water restrictions and water conservation • Women are more concerned about water shortages than men campaigns and the situation is not likely to improve in the foreseeable and are more likely to be willing to take action to save water than future. How concerned is the community? How do people interpret men. the shortages? What is it like to live with water shortages? How do • Green gardens are very important to people living in Australian people envisage the future? How will they react if water conservation cities. While very few believe that paying for water entitles them
27 People’s Perspectives
to use as much as they want, when it comes to using water on Background and Relevance their gardens, many believe it is their right to maintain a green Australian governments at federal, state and local levels have the and healthy garden and use however much water is needed to management of sustainable water resources high on their planning achieve this. and resource allocation agendas. The relative economic, technical, • A small minority of people surveyed believed there was no need environmental and social impacts of the various supply and demand to save water because eventually it will rain or there will be some options available for an integrated urban water supply are constantly technological breakthrough. However, about one half thought being analysed and considered. the water situation would get worse. The main message that emerged out of this survey for water utilities As drought and water shortages continue to be a feature of Australian is that the prolonged drought is having an impact. People are aware life, there has been extensive media exposure about alternative of the water situation and have come to accept the current levels of water sources, in particular recycled water. Several studies have restrictions. However, the study suggests that the community may explored community views on recycled water in general and the resist tougher measures, should they be required. view of communities that are experiencing living with recycled water in particular (e.g. Rouse Hill in Sydney, Mawson Lakes in Adelaide). CURRENT PROJECT STATUS However, for most communities in the major Australian urban centres, recycled water is a theoretical concept. Although recycled water has 1.3.0.7 - Community attitudes to Recycled Water Use, an Urban received media attention, by and large people have not been exposed Australian Case Study – Part 2 to systematic and comprehensive education materials about the Contact Person: technical, environmental, financial and health implications of recycled Anna Hurlimann (The University of Melbourne) water schemes. This means that people’s views are largely uninformed or based on inaccurate, biased or emotively framed information. Organisations Involved: The lack of support for the recycled water scheme in Toowoomba, University of South Australia, The University of Melbourne, SA Water Queensland, as evinced in the referendum held there on Saturday 29 Corporation July 2006, may be a function of lack of or mis-information. Budget: $38,500 Start Date February 2007 The underlying questions for this research are: • To what extent is the community familiar with the concept of Background and Relevance recycled water? This project forms the second stage of Project 2.0.1.3.0.6 ‘In Theory • What is the community prepared to use recycled water for? and In Practice-Attitudes to Potential and Actual Use of Recycled Water • What are community concerns, and information needs? In and Out of House’. Project 2.0.1.3.0.6 was a long term study of • What is the impact of communication/information on people’s the Mawson Lakes (South Australia) population’s attitudes to recycled views on and support of recycled water? water. Three surveys of the community were completed – two prior to the use of recycled water commencing and the third 8 weeks post recycled water use commencing (PhD research project). The purpose of the study is to support water industry managers in As this final survey was shortly after the commencement of recycled factoring recycled water schemes into their planning for sustainable water use, it was recognised that an additional survey of the Mawson water resources by providing them with information which will assist Lakes community, would allow assessment of how attitudes to them in: recycled water change over the longer term and with more experience • Understanding and therefore managing community concerns of the recycled water product. This project conducts an additional and relating to the various uses of recycled water. critical fourth survey of the Mawson Lakes community. • Assessing the value of engaging in community education and communication on recycled water. Project Progress • Understanding the impact of quality information on community This twelve month project is half way through to completion. views on recycled water. A survey of 269 members of the Mawson Lakes community has • Designing education and communication materials that are been completed. Data analysis and writing up of results will occur user-friendly, respond to community needs and are likely to gain in the remaining six months of this project’s duration. During the first community support for recycled water schemes. six months, results of Part 1 of the project have successfully been communicated to stakeholders (SA Water, the City of Salisbury and Delfin Lend Lease Limited). Results have also been communicated to Project Progress the public at various forums. The project was conducted by way of an on-line survey of a random sample of 3050 residents, 610 each from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. At the time of writing, data collection 1.3.0.8 Community Views on Recycled Water – The Impact of is complete and data is now being analysed. Report writing and Information presentations will be completed by December 2007. Contact Person: Naomi Roseth Organisations Involved: Brisbane City Council, SA Water, Sydney Water, Water Corporation (WA), Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, City West Water, Melbourne Water Budget $207,000 Start Date October 2006
28 People’s Perspectives
Table 3.3 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 1c People’s Perspectives
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) why not number date achieved (if applicable)
1 Revised work plan Dec 07 In progress Both due by First draft of report completed on national for 2006/07 includes March 08 survey of community views on water reuse. emphasis on reuse issue: Survey of Mawson Lakes reuse scheme by Further surveys on PhD Student Anna Hurlimann in progress. topics relevant to the CRC. Community surveys to investigate views on water reuse.
2 Review and draw June 08 No Review Review of CRC activities with inclusion into implications from proposed Roadshows in May 2008. the output of other March 08 programs and from regulation and policy decisions.
29 Program Group Leader Dr Daniel Deere CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
Program Group Leader Ms Mary Drikas Australian Water Quality Centre
Aims • Identify and develop effective management processes for • Assess current desalination technology and develop sys- the control of problem microorganisms, organic and inor- tems and process improvements appropriate to Australian ganic pollutants within catchments, reservoirs, treatment water supply needs and opportunities. plants and distribution systems. • Provide improved technologies and methodologies for • Identify and evaluate alternative approaches to the provi- the management of water distribution systems, with spe- sion of a high quality water supply. cial attention to water quality objectives and system main- • Evaluate the effectiveness of current technologies for the tenance. removal of contaminants from non-conventional water sources and, if required, develop improved treatment and management processes.
Programs Part A
Catchments 31
Reservoir Management 34
Measurement 40
Programs Part B
Water Treatment Technology 50
Distribution 57
Sustainable Water Sources 63 Catchment to Customer
30 Catchments
Program Leader Daniel Deere CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Program Aim There are two central aims of the Catchments Program. The first is to provide tools to help water utilities set priorities for what to target in catchments by gaining a quantitative understanding of where pollutants arise. The second is to provide a basis to quantitatively design pollution control measures in catchments to help utilities put in place catchment management actions to reduce risk to water supplies. In relation to both of these aims, the research conducted by this Centre has focused on pathogens and natural organic matter (NOM). Another Centre, the CRC for Catchment Hydrology, has focused on sediment and nutrients while a third, the CRC for Freshwater Ecology, has focused on ecological processes. The work of these centres now continues through the eWater CRC. The program seeks to enhance catchment modeling tools and pollution source tracing tools that enable the relative significance of various pollution sources to be predicted and measured. The modeling tools also enable changes in catchment activities to be simulated along with the concomitant water quality benefits. The preventative measures that can be applied in catchments, often called management practices, are various and not all adequately understood in relation to drinking water-related hazards. This program is developing a quantitative understanding of the effectiveness of a selection of preventative measures that are applied in many Australian catchments.
Program Outline • A discussion paper was produced investigating the different risk The Catchments Program of the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment assessment methodologies for catchments and groundwater initially focused on two priority contaminants: NOM and pathogens. areas used by Australian water utilities. It detailed the strengths Previously the nutrient and sediment hazards in catchments were and weaknesses of the different approaches and recommended being researched by our collaborators. However, more recently the a national approach. Catchments Program has begun to expand its scope. One project • A workshop was held in Perth in March 2004 to discuss a that is expected to commence shortly involves developing incentive national approach. It was agreed that a two-stage hybrid of Risk mechanisms for achieving on ground outcomes in drinking water Management Standards incorporated within Hazard Analysis and catchments. One project recently completed involved the development Critical Control Points (HACCP) would be developed. of a peer position among catchment managers on recreational access • Guidelines were developed for catchment risk management, for whilst another project in progress involves the development of a peer identifying hazards and assessing and treating risks to raw water position on risk management planning in catchments. quality in catchments. • A discussion paper was presented at the 2004 IWA World Water Current Project Status Congress in Marrakech, Morocco. • Guidelines on catchment risk management were developed for 2.1.0.2 Catchment Risk Management: A Tool to Structure Source use by water management organisations of all sizes. Water Protection • A workshop was undertaken in May 2006 and the final Research Contact Person Report is currently being written up. Bruce Whitehill (Sydney Catchment Authority) Organisations Involved Industry Uptake Sydney Catchment Authority, South East Queensland Water, eWater The risk assessment component of a position paper is now being CRC, Melbourne Water, Water Corporation actively used by Sydney Catchment Authority and Water Corporation in their risk management planning. The final paper on risk management Budget $76,000 in catchments is currently being prepared. Start Date October 2003 2.1.0.3 Development of Pathogen and NOM Modules for Background and Relevance Integration into the CRC for eWater Catchment Toolkit This project was developed at the request of Centre parties to provide Contact Person a national position, guidance and best practice case studies on risk Shane Haydon (Melbourne Water) assessment and management in water supply catchments. Whilst Organisations Involved much conceptual work had been done on the individual components of catchment risk management, work on these components had not Melbourne Water (Student involvement), eWater CRC previously been combined to form a management tool for source Budget $433,750 water protection. This project was intended to provide processes for Start Date March 2003 catchment risk management in the form of a guideline document.
Background and Relevance Research Approach There is considerable interest in the development of models that can Two national workshops were used to collate information and provide quantitative assessments of the movement of contaminants establish a consensus on the way forward. An occasional paper was from the catchments to source waters. Development of such used to outline a proposed risk assessment methodology. The project models was a major activity in the CRCs for Freshwater Ecology and used the workshops and position papers to develop and capture the Catchment Hydrology and has continued in the eWater CRC. Their thinking of a multidisciplinary team drawn from the CRC for Water modelling tool kit includes the Environmental Management Support Quality and Treatment and the now completed CRC for Fresh Water System (EMSS). However, its value to the CRC for Water Quality and Ecology. Treatment is limited as it does not include pathogens or NOM. This project utilises data on NOM and pathogen generation and transport Outcomes in catchments obtained from other Centre projects, combined with • An introductory workshop was held in Canberra in October 2003 additional data made available by Centre parties, to develop computer to discuss and confirm the project scope. modules that can be incorporated into EMSS. In particular, data from the Centre projects Infectious Microorganisms in Catchment and 31 Catchments
Source Waters and Fate and Transport of Surface Water Pathogens sources and transport with land use, slope, vegetation cover, etc. (i.e. in Watersheds were locally relevant and available. Such models GIS derived information) along with run-off estimations and stream would enable quantitative assessments of the pollution reductions hydrology to achieve improved modeling estimates of pathogen likely, given particular management practices within catchments. Two loads and concentrations from a range of drinking water catchments. computer modules on NOM and pathogens were to be developed for The goal is to identify catchments with high pathogen risks so that attachment to the EMSS model. they can be prioritised for the implementation of control measures. This will enable water utilities to proactively manage their catchments to reduce the frequency and magnitude of pathogen loads. The Research Approach models could also be used to predict the extent of water quality Two computer modules, one for pathogens and another for NOM, improvements based on various management scenarios enabling were developed and tested against available data from a range of utilities to undertake cost benefit analysis of various catchment catchments. The modules are available through an environmental management options. management support system developed within CRC eWater.
Outcomes Outcomes • Models have been developed and tested. • NOM and pathogen models have been developed and tested. • Models are now being refined with new data. • CRC eWater has coded up the modules into its e2 modelling • The AwwaRF periodic reports have been submitted and accepted environment. by AwwaRF. • Two journal articles and two conference papers have been prepared from this project. Industry Uptake • Prediction of NOM in streams at the river basin scale is possible using the models in the EMSS platform. • SA Water Corporation is using the model in its Torrens catchment to support its planning. • Sydney Catchment Authority is using the model in its catchments Industry Uptake to support its planning. • Incorporation of the pathogen and NOM modules into the • ACTEW Corporation is using the model in its Googong catchment eWater e2 platform allows wide uptake of this research by the to support its planning. Australian water industry. • Melbourne Water has already used the alpha test version of the EMSS NOM and pathogen models in its catchment management Student Projects planning. These are postgraduate student projects within the Catchments • SA Water is using the e2 model with the pathogen module in its Program that are not directly linked to a larger project. Myponga catchment to support its planning. 2.1.1.0 Change in Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and the Effect 2.1.1.1 - Watershed Pathogen Model AwwaRF 3124 of Chlorination on NOM in the Water Supply System Contact Person Student and Organisation Christobel Ferguson (Ecowise Environmental) Meivy Ratanachaithong (RMIT) Organisations Involved Principal Supervisor SA Water Corporation, Sydney Catchment Authority and ACTEW Felicity Roddick (RMIT) Corporation. Start Date Budget $287,000 March 2005 Start Date April 2005
Project Outline Background and Relevance The aim of this project is to determine the characteristics of the This project was developed as a collaboration between AwwaRF and NOM as water flows from Maroondah reservoir via an aqueduct to the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. The project was largely the Yarra Glen Treatment Plant and through the distribution system, an extension of the work undertaken in four other Centre projects and the influence of the conditions on the levels of trihalomethanes to develop comprehensive models for movement of pathogens in (THMs) and haloaceticacids (HAAs) with season. The data will be catchments with general availability and an ability to operate at a range used for validating the CRC for Water Quality & Treatment model for of scales and in a range of platforms. Modules are being developed to THMs in the Yarra Glen system, and for extension of the model to allow prediction of pathogens in streams at a broad range of scales, include HAAs. depending on data availability. Modules will work within a broad range of commonly available platforms and not be restricted to EMSS. Sydney Catchment Authority and ACTEW Corporation have completed Project Progress pilot versions of the higher-resolution, pathogen budgeting modules The characteristics of NOM were reasonably consistent over 2006-7. in their catchment management planning. Melbourne Water is already Due to an extremely dry period with minimum rainfall in 2006, the using the alpha test version of the basin-scale pathogen model in its effect of rainfall and runoff to the water body could not be observed. catchment management planning. However, the effect is expected to be minor, judging from historical data supplied by Melbourne Water. Research Approach Chloroform was the main THM, and dichloroacetic and trichloroacetic This project will test and refine prototype mathematical models for acids were the predominant disinfection by-product (DBP) species, predicting and evaluating pathogen loads and concentrations in the levels of brominated species being low due to the low bromide drinking water catchments. A two-tiered approach will provide flexibility content of the water. Laboratory studies showed that THM formation in the application of the models by a range of users with different was linearly correlated to chlorine decay while no correlation was levels of supporting data information. The models will estimate found for HAA. Data to date show that the concentration of THMs pathogen loads and concentrations for key index pathogens (such as increases with residence time in the distribution system, whereas after Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and pathogenic E. coli) from general classes an initial increase, the HAA levels decrease. Chlorine residual, THM of watershed land use, slope, soil type, rainfall, and vegetation status. and HAA formation were simulated using a CRC for Water Quality & There is a need to integrate the available information on pathogen Treatment model.
32 Catchments
2.1.1.3 Impacts of Catchment Management Improvement Works Projects in Development on Drinking Water Quality in the Tarago Catchment Student and Organisation Defining the Value of Natural Assets in Drinking Water Kathy Cinque (RMIT and Melbourne Water) Catchments Principal Supervisor This project will develop a national position, guidance and best practice Nira Jayasuriya (RMIT) case studies on the value of drinking water catchment investments to the water utility and, therefore the expenditure that should be allocated Start Date October 2005 to their protection. A natural asset valuation system will be developed that recognises the role and value of natural assets to the water utility. Project Outline Specifically, it should be robust before a utility pricing regulator and inform investment in natural assets in catchments. The intention is This project looks at runoff quality changes over time following that this project will facilitate the implementation of the Framework improved catchment management practices. for Drinking Water Quality Management in the catchment/source context, particularly the catchment protection barrier which is stated Project Progress in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) as the being the The outcomes from this project will help inform catchment managers, most important barrier. Case studies are being scoped in South East policy makers, agricultural departments and water authorities on how Queensland Water and SA Water catchments. The project has been to best align farming practices with the supply of safe drinking water. approved by the Board and will start in August 2007. The work is original in that it will determine how good the catchment management practices are at reducing the risks to drinking water and by how much. The project is continuing to make good progress but the lack of rain has created difficulties in getting rainfall-related event data.
Table 3.4 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 2a Catchments
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Results from CRC Yes Several AwwaRF reports have been studies and other completed along with dozens of peer international review publications. Research Reports are in developments collated preparation or completed for all completed to give an interim, projects. Fact sheets are still being supplied updated, documented, based on work done as used to support conceptual model. a national series of industry seminars (‘Roadshow’).
2 Report on key Yes A review of outstanding knowledge gaps outstanding priorities has been completed during 2006/07; this and agreement on included polling of members. During 2007- plans to fill the most 08, new research funding is being sought critical knowledge gaps. to allow the research to continue into the future.
3 Close out of major Year 6 No In progress Three major projects are still in progress and projects and completion are expected to close out during June 2008. of short-term gap-fill projects.
4 Synthesis of knowledge Met A conceptual model of catchment pollution generated to give processes was completed and published a final documented in the Journal of the American Waterworks conceptual model, Association. The focus of future monitoring monitoring protocols and research was identified therein. and toolkit manual.
33 Reservoir Management
Program Leader Mike Burch Australian Water Quality Centre
Program Aim The aim of this Program is to develop an understanding of how water quality changes occur in bulk water storage reservoirs. The Program focuses on attenuation and transformation processes in reservoirs, specifically, the rates and mechanisms of contaminant attenuation and loss and pathogen inactivation in reservoirs. In addition, specific projects examine the impacts of stratification and oxygen depletion, which trigger the release of redox-sensitive metals, nutrients and other contaminants from the sediments. Another major focus of the Program is phytoplankton growth, especially nuisance cyanobacteria which produce taste and odour compounds and in some cases, hazardous toxins.
Program Overview waters can have significant impacts on water treatment and disinfection Australia has a wide range of storage reservoirs of various sizes and processes. Physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in therefore water retention times. Reservoirs with long retention times reservoirs have the potential to alter the nature of the NOM which provide the potential for water quality improvement through settlement may have significant implications for water treatment. The aim of this of particles and contaminants and die-off of microorganisms. However, project is to determine the changes in NOM that occur during water reservoirs also provide the potential for water quality deterioration storage in reservoirs and the implication of those changes on removal during storage through, for example, the increased opportunity for of NOM by conventional water treatment processes with particular cyanobacterial growth. reference to: There are several projects on toxic cyanobacteria, pathogens and • Impacts of water storage in reservoirs on the character of NOM. NOM in progress within the Centre. The projects on cyanobacteria • Impacts of destratification of Myponga Reservoir on the character have focused both on the significance of toxicity, and more recently of NOM. on quantifying the production of tastes and odours by both planktonic • The significance of the changes in NOM in relation to the capacity and benthic cyanobacteria; the latter of which have been thought to of conventional water treatment (using the coagulant alum) to be a more significant and largely uncharacterised source of odours remove NOM from raw water. in some reservoirs. The projects on pathogens have addressed the issues of fate and survival of pathogens in the reservoir environment to assess the risk reduction in water storages. NOM also undergoes Research Approach transformation in reservoirs, and it is important to understand how this • This project utilises the models developed in Centre projects affects treatability. Hydrodynamic Distribution of Pathogens in Lakes and Reservoirs A new project will commence in 2007/08 to survey the occurrence of and Modelling Coagulation to Maximise Removal of Organic the neurotoxic amino acid BMAA (β methylamino-L-alanine), which Matter. has been shown to be produced widely by free-living cyanobacteria • To assess the input of allochthonous (external) NOM into the from freshwaters throughout the world and is associated with a fatal reservoir, inputs from major sources (stream flows of the Myponga human neurodegenerative disease, with similarities to Alzheimer’s and catchment) will be investigated. Modelling of the Myponga Parkinson’s diseases. Given that the potential for human exposure to catchment hydrology will be investigated by RMIT University. BMAA via water may be widespread, this study is a comprehensive • Characterisation of the NOM, based on microbial activity survey for the detection of free BMAA-producing freshwater responses was investigated using extracellular enzyme assays cyanobacteria. The project will be developed in collaboration with and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC). A international partners in conjunction with the GWRC. range of chemical-structural characterisation techniques have Another new project is being developed jointly with AwwaRF to also been incorporated including, high performance size assess novel and innovative methods for the control of algae in exclusion chromatography, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass drinking water reservoirs. This project will specifically look at possible spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. alternatives to copper sulphate which is still used widely by a range of • Natural organic matter in water samples obtained following in water authorities and utilities in Australia and the U.S. situ (mesocosms) and/or laboratory simulated destratified and The primary emphasis of the Program for the remainder of the stratified conditions were characterised using the above methods Centre’s life will be the summary and integration of the outcomes from and concurrently assessed for treatability with alum. The alum various projects into decision-support and guidance information for treatment conditions were determined using predictions from reservoirs that deal with a range of aspects of water quality. This will models developed through the Centre project Modelling be in the form of a guidance manual that will support the risk-based Coagulation to Maximise Removal of Organic Matter. management approach for water quality in reservoirs.
Outcomes 2.2.1.2 Impacts of Destratification on Reservoir NOM and its A PhD thesis titled “Impact of destratification on the treatability of Removal by Water Treatment natural organic matter in drinking water reservoirs” has been submitted Contact Person by Leon Linden and is under examination. John van Leeuwen (University of South Australia) The aim of the study was to determine potential impacts of stratification, Organisations Involved de-stratification and inflow hydrodynamics on the raw water quality in drinking water reservoirs, from the perspective of NOM. Investigations Australian Water Quality Centre, Curtin University of Technology, RMIT of the changes in the concentration, character and removal of NOM University, ACTEW Corporation, University of Adelaide by conventional treatment processes during inflow hydrodynamics Budget $702,630 and thermal stratification were performed. Conceptual models Start Date July 2002 were developed in an attempt to place NOM within the existing frameworks of reservoir management from the perspective of other water quality hazards. Background and Relevance Key outcomes from this study component include: The concentration and nature of natural organic matter (NOM) in raw
34 Reservoir Management
• Demonstration of possible significant impacts from short term Research Approach fluctuations (hours to days) in the concentration and character of • Oocyst infectivity will be measured using a cell culture assay NOM through riverine inflow short circuiting to WTP offtakes in in combination with real time PCR to quantitate the level of reservoirs. infection. • The use of a selective withdrawal strategy in relation to known • In all experiments, sufficient oocysts are used to allow the reservoir hydrodynamics and riverine intrusion at the water measurement of up to a 10,000-fold reduction in infectivity. treatment plant (WTP) offtake should enable preferential intake of raw water of higher quality in relation to NOM. • Laboratory scale studies will be used to examine temperature effects; 1,000 litre tanks will be used to study solar inactivation. • The effect of a riverine inflow on the microbial activity in the reservoir has been found to be pronounced, indicating a possible significant influence from labile organic matter. Outcomes • Allochthonous and autochthonous organic inputs to Myponga • A new assay has been established for monitoring energy levels Reservoir and consumption by micro-organisms have been (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) in oocysts. estimated. • Using ATP and infectivity assays, it was found that inactivation rates • Differences in the UV-visible properties and molecular weight are positively correlated with temperature. Storage of oocysts in distribution (MWD) of NOM were found between field simulated Hope Valley Reservoir water for eight weeks at a temperature of (stratification, using mesocosms) water columns and destratified 25°C resulted in a 10,000-fold reduction in infectivity. water. However few differences were found in the non-removable • Microorganisms capable of ingesting Cryptosporidium oocysts organic matter by alum treatment. This indicates that residual were isolated and identified from Hope Valley Reservoir water. DOC, after alum treatment would remain similar whether from • Exposure of oocysts to solar radiation resulted in more rapid stratified or de-stratified waters. inactivation compared with temperature. A 10,000-fold reduction • A range of laboratory-based simulations of stratified and in infectivity was achieved following a four hour exposure to destratified waters subjected to different solar radiation conditions sunlight on a high UV-index summer day. and then analysed by a comprehensive series of methods • Experiments using light filters identified UVB as the predominant including jar tests with alum, fractionation, biodegradable organic wavelength of light responsible for oocyst inactivation. carbon concentration (BDOC), 3-day chlorine demand, UV-vis spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry, ATR-FTIR, chlorophyll- • The degree of inactivation by sunlight is greater than can be a concentration measurements, fluorescein diacetate assays and accounted for solely by DNA damage. mEnCo alum dose predictions has been completed. • A new method has been established to measure the membrane • Results from this work indicate that stratified and destratified potential of sporozoites. conditions as simulated in the laboratory do not result in significant • Preliminary data suggest a correlation between inactivation by differences in NOM character. However, the differences in sunlight and loss of membrane integrity. various solar radiation wavelengths and no radiation conditions • A literature review on the factors affecting the survival of oocysts are important in the change of NOM character in water. in the environment, and a paper on the effect of temperature on oocyst inactivation, have been published in peer reviewed journals. Industry Uptake A manuscript on the solar inactivation studies has been submitted for publication and a further two manuscripts on the effect of The outcomes should assist managers of drinking water reservoirs sunlight on sporozoite membrane integrity are in preparation. (where NOM is significant) to better manage offtake of water to WTPs and to understand the impact of destratification on the treatability of • The outcomes from this project were presented as an invited nd NOM, when using conventional treatment processes. symposium presentation at the 2 International Conference on Giardia and Cryptosporidium held in Morelia, Mexico, May 2007. A paper based on this presentation will be included in a book to 2.2.0.2 Investigation of Survival of Cryptosporidium in be published by CAB International. Environmental Waters Industry Uptake Contact person Project results were presented to Water Health and Environmental Paul Monis (Australian Water Quality Centre) Science (WHES) committee of WSAA, at International Cryptosporidium Organisations Involved and Giardia conference (Amsterdam October 2004) and at a Centre Australian Water Quality Centre, Sydney Water workshop on genotyping and infectivity methods (Melbourne June 2004). Budget $890,666 The infectivity method is in use at the Australian Water Quality Centre Start Date October 2002 and has been transferred to the Sydney Water Corporation. Information gained about the factors influencing survival and Background and Relevance infectivity of Cryptosporidium has been applied to risk assessment in The Framework for the Management of Drinking Water Quality requires the Framework for the Management of Drinking Water Quality in the the identification and risk assessment of hazards. Cryptosporidium is 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. recognised as a hazard to water quality and a potential threat to public health. An understanding of the factors that influence the survival and 2.2.1.4 Reservoir Management Strategies for Control and infectivity of Cryptosporidium is critical to assessment of the risk. Degradation of Algal Toxins The infective stage in the lifecycle of Cryptosporidium is the oocyst, Contact Person which is physically robust and resistant to chlorine. Currently, the only methods that appear to be appropriate for evaluating oocyst Justin Brookes (Australian Water Quality Centre and University of infectivity are animal or cell culture models of infection. This project Adelaide) will investigate the inactivation rates of Cryptosporidium oocysts Organisations Involved in environmental waters using a quantitative Cryptosporidium cell Australian Water Quality Centre, South East Queensland Water, Veolia culture infectivity assay. Such information can be used in combination Water, Griffith University, EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology and with hydrodynamic models to estimate the risk of infectious oocysts Scientific Services and the University of Queensland), AwwaRF reaching reservoir off-takes. This is critical for the risk assessment of Budget $1,379,040 Cryptosporidium in water and will determine the effectiveness of residence in reservoirs as a barrier to this pathogen. Start Date January 2004
35 Reservoir Management
Background and Relevance 2.2.1.8 Criteria for Quality Control Protocols for Various Algal Cylindrospermopsis is a major emerging, problem-causing Toxin Methods toxigenic cyanobacterium. Historically, it has been implicated in Contact Person a severe intoxication incident on Palm Island in Australia in 1979. John Papageorgiou (Australian Water Quality Centre) Cylindrospermopsis is generally considered a tropical species, however, Organisations Involved it appears to be invading more temperate climates. It has recently been detected in toxic blooms across a wide geographic area in the Australian Water Quality Centre, EnTox (Queensland Health Pathology US, notably in the south in Florida and as far north as Indianapolis. The and Scientific Services and the University of Queensland), Wright State potential health significance of toxic Cylindrospermopsis is currently University (USA), AwwaRF under review by the US EPA. Budget $584,108 The project systematically investigated the environmental factors Start Date August 2004 contributing to Cylindrospermopsis growth, the mechanism of release of cylindrospermopsin into the water column and factors leading to the degradation of cylindrospermopsin in the reservoir and treatment Background and Relevance processes. The project will also develop reservoir management A variety of analytical methods are in use to quantify the increasing approaches for the control of toxin production or eventual transport number of algal toxins. Reporting of toxin results varies between into treatment plant intakes. laboratories depending on the detection methodology and analytical standards used. Quality control protocols and certified standards are required to simplify interpretation and avoid ambiguity and potential Research Approach errors. This project is being fully funded by AwwaRF. • Examine the factors which lead to the growth of Cylindrospermopsis The project will establish a set of criteria or protocols to be used in water supply reservoirs. by laboratories providing algal toxin analyses to drinking water • Characterize the light and nutrient requirements of utilities. A quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) checklist will be Cylindrospermopsis and the influence of these on buoyancy produced for drinking water utilities to assess the applicability and regulation. quality of the analytical results they obtain. This project also aims to • Determine whether pre-treatment oxidation affects the cell establish protocols for the production of certified algal toxin analytical integrity of cyanobacteria. standards • Develop integrated hydrodynamic and kinetic models to describe Research Approach Cylindrospermopsis growth in response to light, nutrients and A number of analytical methods were investigated with a view to mixing. establishing optimised procedures and the necessary QA/QC protocols • Mechanisms for toxin degradation will be determined and for ensuring reliable and accurate results. These comprised: opportunities for optimising degradation prior to entry to • Chromatographic techniques with mass spectrometric detection treatment plants, by candidate processes such as adsorption, for the analysis of saxitoxins, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a. biodegradation and chemical conversion will be evaluated. • Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methodology for microcystin The study sites were North Pine Dam in Queensland, Australia and determination Eagle Creek Reservoir, Indianapolis, USA. • High performance ion exchange (HPIC) based method with fluorescence detection (FD) for quantitative determination of Outcomes cyanobacterial saxitoxins in a single chromatographic run. • A model has been developed and validated against historical • HPLC-photo diode-array (PDA) methodology for microcystin and data sets for North Pine Reservoir (Brisbane) and Eagle Creek cylindrospermopsin determination. Reservoir (Indianapolis) to determine which factors lead to the • HPLC-MS/MS based method for the analysis of saxitoxins, growth of Cylindrospermopsis. cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a in a single run. • The toxin and geosmin production and degradation model The performance of analytical methods in terms of linear response has been developed and incorporated into the process-based range, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, interferences, user ecological model (CAEDYM). friendliness, analysis time and cost were also determined. Sampling, • Laboratory experiments have been undertaken to determine sample preservation, and sample extraction and concentration were whether pre-treatment oxidation affects cyanobacterial cell also addressed as part of the overall analytical protocols. integrity/cell lysis. • Laboratory experimentation has been carried out to determine Outcomes mechanisms for toxin degradation for both microcystin and A project management meeting was held at Wright State University, cylindrospermopsin. Dayton, Ohio, USA, in May 2006 between the project investigators, • Laboratory experiments have resolved the light and nutrient AwwaRF project manager and AwwaRF Project Advisory Committee requirements of Cylindrospermopsis and how these influence (PAC) members. The major outcomes are: buoyancy regulation. • All experimental tasks related to the set project milestones were • The final report has been provided to AwwaRF and journal met. QC criteria for all aspects (e.g. extraction, preparation of articles published or submitted on several components of this standards, sample preservation protocols) of analysis of algal study toxins by selected methods were successfully investigated. The AwwaRF PAC requested that the main chapters of the Industry Uptake final report be prepared as an experimental guide/procedure for the “precise” analysis of algal toxins present in water and The modeling results have been used to provide advice on the use of cyanobacteria. It is intended that these procedures will be used artificial destratification in Eagle Creek Reservoir. by US water utilities once they are made available. The results from this study have been incorporated into a hydrodynamic • The final report is due for submission to AwwaRF on October 30, and ecological model to enable the prediction of toxin or taste and 2006. odour production for any reservoir Factsheets on cyanobacteria were produced through this study and Industry Uptake launched during the cyanobacteria roadshow. Water utilities are increasingly required to test for algal toxins. The outcomes from this project will provide the quality assurance required for confidence to be placed in the results by testing agencies and water utilities.
36 Reservoir Management
2.2.2.0 Tastes and Odours in Reservoirs Industry Uptake Contact Person The outcomes of this work will increase understanding of the different Mike Burch (Australian Water Quality Centre) sources and contribution of odours in water supplies as well as developing practical management techniques for control of benthic Organisations Involved cyanobacteria. SA Water, Melbourne Water, South East Queensland Water Corporation, Hunter Water Corporation STUDENT PROJECTS Budget $997,660 These are student theses that relate to themes within the Reservoir Start Date October 2005 Management Program but are not directly linked to a larger project.
Background and Relevance 2.2.0.4 The Effect of Iron Transformation on Cyanobacterial The problems associated with odours and toxins produced by Toxicity planktonic cyanobacteria (e.g. Anabaena and Planktothrix) are well Student and Organisation known in the water industry in Australia. As a consequence these planktonic cyanobacteria are usually the focus of attention for Leanne Pearson (University of New South Wales) management actions for odour and toxin control. Recently benthic Principal Supervisor cyanobacteria and actinomycetes have been implicated as a source Brett Neilan (University of New South Wales) of unexplained taste and odour incidents in drinking water reservoirs Start Date in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and June 2002 Western Australia. At present insufficient knowledge is available to determine the relative importance of the two sources and their Project Outline seasonal significance. It is therefore not possible to calculate or This project investigates microcystin production and export in the model the quantitative risk to water quality posed by planktonic vs. toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and examines the effects benthic types. There are similarly no proven management techniques of environmental variables such as light and trace metals (e.g. iron) on to mitigate or prevent the growth of benthic microorganisms that microcystin biosynthesis and export. Characterisation of a microcystin potentially produce these tastes and odours. export pathway and elucidation of the factors regulating toxin biosynthesis and export will enable better prediction and reduced Research Approach impacts of dangerous algal blooms. • This project will investigate and characterise the occurrence of tastes and odours from benthic cyanobacteria and actinomycetes Project Progress compared to those produced by planktonic algal sources in The study is complete and the thesis submitted. The project focused reservoirs. The impact on water quality will also be investigated. on the characterisation of the Adda O-methyltransferase, McyJ, the • This will be done by surveying and sampling a number of 2-hydroxy-3-methylsuccinic acid dehydrogenase, McyI, and the ABC Australian drinking water reservoirs. The study sites for the transporter, McyH. A combination of bioinformatic, molecular, and project are North Pine Dam in Brisbane, Grahamstown Reservoir biochemical approaches has been used to elucidate the structure, in Newcastle, Yan Yean Reservoir in Melbourne and Happy function, regulation and evolution of these microcystin synthetase Valley, Hope Valley and Myponga Reservoirs in Adelaide. The gene cluster encoded enzymes. Extensive sequence analyses sampling will aim to identify the key taste and odour species are reported, including phylogenetic and structural studies. The of benthic cyanobacteria and odour producing actinomycetes in distribution of mcyH, mcyI and mcyJ orthologues in different species these reservoirs. of cyanobacteria has been investigated via genetic screening with • The project will also include extensive field investigations to M. aeruginosa specific, and degenerate oligonucleotide primers. determine odour production in the water (planktonic) and from McyH, McyI and McyJ have been heterologously over-expressed sediments (flux rates). in E. coli and enzymatically assayed. Finally, an McyH antibody has • The study will also isolate and culture odour-producing been engineered and used to investigate the regulation of the McyH cyanobacteria in the laboratory and determine optimum ABC transporter in wildtype (WT) M. aeruginosa, and in various non- environmental conditions (e.g. light and temperature) for odour toxic engineered mutant strains. The results of these experiments production. are discussed with respect to the roles of McyH, McyI and McyJ in microcystin biosynthesis, and their relevance to the fields of water • The Project has included extensive collaborative work with quality management and rational drug design and production. Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Tainan, Taiwan. This has resulted in contributions from Professor Tsair-Fuh Lin and two students, 2.2.1.6 Role of DNA Transposition in Toxicity of Microcystis and one Masters and one PhD, who undertook projects of 3 months Nodularia duration at AWQC. Student and Organisation Alexandra Roberts (nee Knight) (University of New South Wales) Outcomes Principal Supervisor This study will generate new information on the occurrence, growth Brett Neilan (University of New South Wales) conditions, odour production, and relative risk posed by benthic Start Date March 2004 cyanobacteria and actinomycetes in causing water quality problems relative to planktonic sources. This will allow for better-informed risk characterisation and assessment of their importance in reservoirs. Project Outline A mass balance model identifying all possible inputs and outputs The toxins microcystin and nodularin, produced by cyanobacteria, of geosmin into a reservoir is being developed. Once all inputs and may cause liver damage if ingested by animals or humans, and in outputs have been quantified it will be possible to calibrate the extreme cases can result in death. They are considered a serious model. A further aim is to identify the environmental variables that toxicological and environmental problem worldwide, especially when control production and loss of geosmin in reservoir water, with the associated with large-scale cyanobacterial blooms. Understanding the intention of building a process model to predict odour events that acquisition and evolution of toxicity in cyanobacteria may influence may constitute a risk to drinking water treatment systems, and to the current methods of monitoring, detection and management of evaluate management options. The model will be applied to other toxic blooms. Furthermore, functional transposases associated with taste and odour compounds in reservoirs. toxin gene clusters may result in the acquisition of toxicity in presently non-toxic strains. This could potentially make current toxicity tests
37 Reservoir Management even more difficult to interpret. Therefore, an understanding of the Project Outline potentials of toxin gene transfer is essential to the water industry. This project aims to establish a pilot solution for on-line water quality monitoring and data warehousing as a prerequisite for real- Project Progress time forecasting of algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs. An automatic water quality monitoring and telemetry system, provided Putative insertion sequences (IS) have been identified flanking the by Hydrolab, will be implemented at the Happy Valley reservoir in microcystin gene cluster. These ISs are flanked by 9bp identical South Australia to send real-time water quality data to a computer inverted repeats and harbour a transposase gene under the control of a work station in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the putative promoter region. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) revealed University of Adelaide where the data will be archived in an Ecological the Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806 genome harbours approximately Data Warehouse (EDW) according to meta-information concepts and 100 copies of the transposase gene. Bioinformatic analysis has shown compatible with historical water quality data. The EDW will have a user that the transposase has a potential catalytic motif, implying that it interface in order to access process-based or data-driven modeling is active. qPCR has shown that the transposase is transcribed under techniques and perform both real-time and long-term forecasting. normal conditions, suggesting that under normal conditions the microcystin gene cluster may be mobilised. However exposure to UV light has been shown to decrease transcription of the transposase Project Progress gene. This implies that water treatment methods involving UV-C light The metadata concept has been used to design a highly relational will not induce the transfer of toxicity to presently non-toxic species. data warehouse to be implemented in an object-oriented manner by qPCR has also shown that microcystin gene transcription is lower after means of ORACLE and EML. A comprehensive literature review and UV induction, correlating with the reduction in microcystin production the detailed research proposal have been prepared. A data logger (PP2a assay). platform was installed in the Torrens River in December 2005. Since then, hourly water quality data are being remotely transferred from 2.2.1.7 Early Warning for Algal Blooms the sample site to a computer in the lab in real-time mode. These data have been used to assess short-term biological activities such Student and Organisation as diurnal dynamics of chlorophyll-a, and correlations between Amber Welk (University of Adelaide) rainfall and algal concentration, chlorophyll-a and pH, turbidity and Principal Supervisor Microcystis, chlorophyll-a and Microcystis. Another data logger system was bought from the Aqualab company and will be installed Friedrich Recknagel (University of Adelaide) in a drinking water reservoir in South Australia. Historical data of the Start Date March 2004 Happy Valley and Myponga Reservoirs, Lake Suwa, Lake Soyang, Lake Kasu, Nakdong River and real-time data from Torrens River have been Project Outline transformed and imported into the data warehouse. A preliminary web application program was developed to facilitate the data query Algal blooms can cause significant operational problems in reservoirs, and access processes for data mining by an Evolutionary Algorithm especially if there is inadequate warning of the threat. This project appropriate for modeling the outbreaks of algal blooms. will develop novel artificial neural network and evolutionary algorithm techniques for real-time forecasting of algal outbreaks in the Myponga The PhD candidate has taken a six month leave of absence from and Happy Valley reservoirs in South Australia by exploring historical his postgraduate studies in 2007 and progress has been reduced. and real-time water quality data. The project aims to develop However he will resume his studies in September 2007. and implement predictive models in an operational mode fed by electronically measurable climate and water quality data. The resulting 2.2.2.2 Transcription Regulation in Microcystis models will allow real-time forecasting of algal blooms,one to three Student and Organisation weeks before the bloom is predicted to occur. This will provide the early warning necessary for the reservoir management to implement Hannah Root (University of New South Wales) adequate prevention or control measures. Principal Supervisor Brett Neilan (University of New South Wales) Project Progress Start Date January 2005 A framework using both supervised and non-supervised artificial neural networks has been developed and applied to Myponga and Project Outline Happy Valley Reservoirs in South Australia. It facilitates 7-days-ahead forecasting of chlorophyll-a and Anabaena abundances as well as The aim of this project is to elucidate further the mechanisms of toxin ordination and clustering of long-term water quality patterns regarding gene regulation, which in turn may indicate environmental factors seasons, habitat conditions and management of the reservoirs. able to dictate the production of the toxin. Once the mechanism of gene regulation is known, the role of the toxin and the reason for Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithms (HEA) have been applied to the which it is produced may be found, which in turn may aid in the merged historical data from Myponga and Happy Valley Reservoirs, control of toxic cyanobacterial water contamination. In order to further to develop generic chlorophyll-a forecasting models that are valid for understand toxic cyanobacterial blooms, research is needed in the both reservoirs. These models will be tested with online real-time data area of toxin regulation as, to date, the precise role of microcystin as to test their applicability to real-time forecasting and also with data a cellular component of M. aeruginosa is unknown. The mechanism from another independent water body, similar in nature to Myponga of gene regulation via DNA binding proteins as transcription factors and Happy Valley Reservoirs, to test the extent of their generality. will be investigated. It has been hypothesised that regulation via Results have been documented in two conference papers in 2006. DNA binding proteins is one of several factors that may play a role Amber Welk completed her experiments and data analysis in the in toxin synthesis due to interaction with the promoter controlling the first half of 2007 and has now completed the draft PhD thesis of the transcription of the toxin gene cluster. This study thus combines several project. She willl submit her final thesis by December 2007. fields of interest in cyanobacterial research towards the elucidation of the mechanism of toxin synthesis in M. aeruginosa. 2.2.2.1. Early Warnings of Algal Blooms in Myponga Reservoir Using Real-Time Data Acquisition and Evolutionary Project Progress Computation The promoter region of the toxin gene cluster revealed certain motifs Student and Organisation that suggested regulation via DNA binding proteins commonly found Cheng Shoa (University of Adelaide) to regulate iron (Fur protein) and nitrogen (NtcA protein) responsive Supervisor genes in cyanobacteria. Further investigation of the putative role of these proteins included locating the genes for NtcA and Fur in Friedrich Recknagel (University of Adelaide) M. aeruginosa PCC 7806, followed by cloning, expression and Start Date March 2005
38 Reservoir Management purification of the transcription factors. Work currently in progress is a method described as Mobility Gel Shift Assay, whereby the binding of these proteins to the target sequences found within the promoter is investigated. If in fact these DNA binding proteins bind to the promoter, the methods by which microcystin is produced may become clearer and thus benefit the work done in controlling and predicting toxin bloom events. Varying aspects of this work have been presented as oral presentations at international conferences in Singapore, France and Denmark in the past year.
Table 3.5 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 2b Reservoir Management
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Practical guidance Dec 2007 No In progress 2.0.2.2.2.3 - Integrated models and on reservoir guidance manuals for the reservoir management management. Some work was sub- techniques for contracted. drinking water supply resource managers.
2 Results from CRC Yes Met by the reports on pathogens and algal studies and other management in reservoirs. international developments collated to give an interim, updated, documented, conceptual model of reservoir management options for water quality improvement.
3 Report on key Yes outstanding priorities and agreement on plans to fill the most critical knowledge gaps.
4 Close out of major Yes Remaining major projects commenced. projects and completion of short- term gap-fill projects.
5 Final synthesis No In progress Subject of the proposed project on the of knowledge integration of reservoir models 2.0.2.2.2.3 generated to give a final documented conceptual model, monitoring protocols and a reservoir management manual.
39 Measurement
Program Leader Robert Kagi Curtin University of Technology
PROGRAM AIM The aim of the Measurement Program is to develop a range of measurement techniques that will support the multi-barrier concept underpinning the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, resulting in a more cost-effective and lower risk operation of water systems from catchment to tap. Complex challenges in environmental and water quality monitoring are being addressed by the utilisation and development of advanced methodologies for the detection and assessment of contaminants in water. Biomarkers of exposure and effect for use in health studies represent a particular focus. This program supports the entire Centre research portfolio and works closely with researchers from other programs to establish key research areas. A high priority for the Measurement Program is the encouragement and support of research students. This program currently has eleven PhD projects
PROGRAM BACKGROUND nitrogen compounds in source and treated drinking waters. Measurement issues are at the forefront of most CRC for Water Quality Several current PhD projects in the Measurement Program are and Treatment research programs. Close collaboration between addressing this issue. analysts with expertise in the identification and measurement of different substances in drinking water and toxicologists and medical Monitoring of Cyanobacterial Toxins epidemiologists who can evaluate the safety of these substances from The joint AwwaRF project, Early detection of cyanobacterial toxins a human perspective is crucial to understanding the microbiological using genetic methods. (CRC Project 2.3.0.4) has now been completed and chemical risks of drinking water. There are several priority areas and the final report has been submitted to AwwaRF. An unsolicited for the Measurement Program. These are largely determined by the proposal put to AwwaRF in early 2006 to continue with aspects of needs of the other research Programs within the Centre’s research this work was successful. The project is supported through the CRC portfolio. These areas are briefly described below. in-kind contribution at AWQC and is called CRC project 2.3.2.5, Are there more toxin genes than toxic cyanobacteria. A summary of this Advanced Methods for Characterisation of NOM project is presented here. NOM studies are a priority as they have wide impacts touching on issues in reservoirs, treatment plants distribution systems, public CURRENT PROJECT STATUS perceptions and health issues. A number of research projects dealing 2.3.0.4 Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Toxins Using Genetic with NOM issues (e.g. advanced analytical approaches, the use of Methods stable isotopes, diverse water systems, new treatment processes) are being supported by the Measurement Program and other Centre Contact Person programs. A new project Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter Chris Saint (Australian Water Quality Centre) (NOM) in Highly Coloured Surface Waters commenced in June 2006. Organisations Involved Australian Water Quality Centre, University of New South Wales, Monitoring and Sensors Metropolitan Water District Southern California, GreenWater Knowledge and technology gaps in on-line measurement of water Laboratories/CyanoLab, University of Central Florida quality parameters (e.g. disinfectant, pH, temperature and more Budget $982,635 exotic parameters) was the focus of a two-day workshop dedicated Start Date September 2002 to potable water online monitoring issues. In the past year, two new projects (Development of Low Cost On-line Monitoring Package to Improve Chloramination Control and Case study using Scan Background and Relevance Spectrolyser (S::CAN) online monitoring system ) have been added Many different species of cyanobacteria populate freshwaters, in this area. some producing toxins that are harmful to animals and humans. Cyanobacterial toxins are products of enzymatic pathways that are Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) encoded by genes present in the DNA of these organisms. The genes responsible for the production of cyanotoxins are obvious targets The presence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria. Large multi-gene clusters poses a compliance and public health concern and is an important have been sequenced for numerous toxins, including microcystin and issue for both researchers and water utilities. The toxicity effects of nodularin, and sequencing is presently in progress for other toxins compounds present in water is not well understood and regulated such as cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a. A variety of DNA or RNA protocols are continually under review and frequently extended by detection methods are available to detect these genes and this project the addition of new compounds of concern. A current PhD project is is specifically examining the utility of real-time PCR and microarrays. conducting research in this area. The development of rapid screening methods for toxic cyanobacteria will provide the water industry with important tools to monitor and Taste and Odour Compounds manage water systems. Project 2.3.1.4 Development of Biosensors for Analysis of Methylisoborneol and Geosmin has advanced to phase 2 with new Research Approach funding from AwwaRF. The second part of the project commenced in June 2007. A summary is presented here on the outcomes from • Develop technology for the rapid amplification of cyanobacterial phase 1. DNA using qPCR. • Identify and report genes related to the production of cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a. Contaminant Measurement There is also a need to survey non-target DBPs, particularly organic
40 Measurement
• Develop qPCR detection assays for genes responsible for Outcomes cylindrospermopsin, nodularin, microcystin and anatoxin-a • Expansion of an ongoing inter-laboratory comparison program production. for the analysis of soluble and total nutrients, including carbon, • Test the assays as an early warning indicator of toxic cyanobacteria in natural waters has been achieved. in water systems. • Australia-wide uniform quality as regards sample collection, storage, preservation, analysis and nomenclature of waters for Outcomes the above parameters. • Four new genes discovered in a putative cylindrospermopsin • A paper defining the educational benefits that can be achieved gene cluster. This gene cluster is thought to have been almost from PT was prepared for the ILAC PT Consultative Group and is completely sequenced. to be used as a resource document for all accreditation bodies worldwide. • Simple, robust and rapid preparation methods for field extraction and amplification of cyanobacterial DNA have been developed. • Polygenic real-time PCR multiplex assay developed for Industry Uptake cylindrospermopsin producers. This project continues to deliver significant benefits to water • A candidate gene cluster has been discovered that may be laboratories involved in the analysis of nutrient species. This is responsible for anatoxin-a production. demonstrated by improved performances within the proficiency trials of laboratories who have participated for several rounds. Benefits to • Real-time PCR detection has been demonstrated in both the the water industry and environmental modellers include identifying laboratory and the field. challenges used in comparing data derived from different methods or • Real-time PCR analysis has been compared to image analysis procedures used for nutrient analysis, such as biases or limitations. and microscopic enumeration. The program is to be used as a model for other parameters in an enhanced PT program for the broader water industry. Industry Uptake Molecular methods such as real-time PCR are gradually moving 2.3.1.3 Methods for Advanced Characterisation of NOM in from the research sector into the water industry. Adoption of the Australian Water Systems technologies developed during the course of this project will be Contact Person contingent on existing capability (having personnel and equipment to perform real-time PCR) and need (justification for funding personnel Robert Kagi, Curtin University of Technology and equipment if not available). Analytical capacity is being developed Organisations Involved within industry, with expertise available at the AWQC and QHSS. Curtin University of Technology, Australian Water Quality Centre, Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services, ActewAGL, 2.3.1.2 National Low Level Nutrient Collaborative Trial Brisbane City Council, Water Corporation of Western Australia Contact Person Budget $682,755 Gary Prove (Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services) Start Date September 2004 Organisations Involved Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services, Australian Background and Relevance Water Quality Centre Many of the surface waters and groundwater aquifers in Australia Budget $218,581 contain elevated levels of NOM which can contribute to various water quality issues (e.g. disinfectant persistence, disinfection by- Start Date August 2003 products, biofilm growth and the aesthetic quality of potable water). Characterisation studies which provide a detailed understanding of Background and Relevance the origins, structural features and reactivity of NOM in source waters will help predict its impact on potable supplies and allow targeted Note: This program is now called the Environmental Nutrient treatment. The analytical challenges of NOM characterisation are Collaborative Trials (ENCT). compounded by its inherent complexity, wide range of molecular size The Australian water industry has recognised the need for additional and type, and the seasonal variation of Australian waters. Different quality assurance measures for the analysis of water samples. water bodies can contain very different types of NOM. This existing Proficiency Testing (PT) program is unique to Australia The present project aims to build on previous approaches by assembling because it uses real time samples that are collected, stored and an extended tool-kit of advanced analytical methods appropriate for distributed using routine preservation procedures. This permits robust NOM characterisation, with emphasis on novel approaches. A diverse evaluation of all the program components. The sensitivity of previous range of analytical tools is imperative for studies of the complex, measurements has not been sufficient to detect key analytes at the naturally-occurring organic materials present in natural waters since levels at which cyanobacterial blooms, high disinfection by-product the composition can vary considerably between samples and only a concentrations or other water system problems may start to occur. subset of techniques may be applicable in any one case. Moreover, these programs operate only on an ephemeral basis and do not use real time samples. Research Approach This project will assist in the attainment of comparative results generated for routine water quality measurement. The outcomes A tool-kit of advanced analytical methods facilitating the will be of direct relevance to modelling and research problem areas characterisation of NOM. Methodology relating to isolation such as toxic cyanobacterial blooms and generation of disinfection procedures, derivatisation methods (e.g. thermochemolysis, chemical by-products. and enzymatic degradation) and contemporary spectroscopic methods (GC-MS, GC-irMS, NMR, multidimensional LC-MS (including multidimensional and reverse phase chromatography)) Research Approach will be developed and optimised for study of various NOM types. The program is conducted in an educational framework by teasing out The project aims to develop emerging technologies (e.g. liquid issues that are likely to influence the efficacy of an analytical method. chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), stable isotopic analysis; Questions on all aspects of analysis, from sampling techniques, hydrous pyrolysis GC-MS; chemical and enzymatic degradation methodology and reporting, are distributed with the proficiency processes) for their suitability to assist NOM characterisation studies. testing samples. Results from these questionnaires are collated and New operational protocols will be adopted to overcome the technical can lead to topics suitable for exploration in a workshop situation. difficulties encountered with several previously trialled techniques (e.g. NMR spectroscopy).
41 Measurement
Outcomes this information, the feasibility for a simple biosensor for MIB and A technique to reduce polar functional groups in NOM has been geosmin detection will be assessed. In addition, probes for a real-time developed. Using butyl silane and a catalyst, tris pentafluorophenyl PCR based assay to predict in situ taste and odour removal in a water borane, carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters and treatment plant will also be developed. Furthermore, preliminary phenols can be reduced to alkanes resulting in the original material experiments will be performed to assess the potential for seeding becoming soluble in non-polar solvents and amenable to analysis by sand filters with known bacterial degraders in an attempt to reduce GC-MS. Unlike pyrolysis techniques which form secondary reaction the lag time before efficient removal of MIB and geosmin occurs products and make structural interpretations sometimes unreliable, within WTPs. this method allows for the original structure of NOM to remain intact while structural features can be investigated. Results from this study Outcomes are currently being interpreted with a view to publish in the near • Successful enrichment of MIB and geosmin degrading bacteria future. from sand filter biofilm by using the taste and odour compounds A sample of highly coloured surface water from the south west of as the sole carbon source. Western Australia has been collected and fractionated using high • Culture-independent techniques were used to identify the key performance size exclusion chromatography to obtain discrete organisms involved in the degradation of the taste and odour molecular weight fractions for further study. This is a novel isolation compounds within the enrichment culture. and fractionation technique having only been attempted a handful of times world wide with regard to the study of NOM. Collection of these • Culture-based methodologies were used to successfully fractions is a lengthy process. Currently significant quantities of nine isolate three bacteria that degrade geosmin by a cooperative fractions have been collected and inorganic salts are being removed mechanism. from each to allow structural characterisation of the organic material, • Molecular-based methodologies were developed and optimised such as butyl silane reduction as mentioned above. In addition, the to elucidate the genes involved in the degradation of geosmin behaviour of each fraction following treatment with chlorine will be by the bacterial consortium. studied and may provide an insight into precursors of disinfection by- • Preliminary investigations into the seeding of the three member products formed after treated water is disinfected. consortium onto laboratory scale sand filters resulted in more efficient removal of geosmin and a decrease in lag time. Industry Uptake • Experiments revealed that it was unlikely that the CAM This project will help establish best practice analytical capability (camphor) genes from Pseudomonas putida were involved in the for characterising NOM in Australian waters. Understanding the degradation of MIB as previously published. behaviour of NOM in conventional and novel water treatment • Final report is currently in print. processes is also of high importance with respect to treatment and the removal of the problematic moiety of NOM from the potable water system. The characterisation of source and treated waters will help Industry Uptake evaluate the efficiency of various treatment processes for removing A real-time, simple, inexpensive technique for the analysis of MIB NOM and minimising its adverse effects on potable supplies. The new and geosmin would be of great value to many water suppliers world- information from advanced characterisation will also help catchment wide. and reservoir managers refine strategies for minimising the loads and Some of the uses for such an analytical technique include: harmful consequences of NOM. • Regular monitoring of source water and distribution systems - water suppliers could be pro-active in their approach to taste and 2.3.1.4 Development of Biosensors for Analysis of odour issues by being aware at the beginning of a problem. Methylisoborneol and Geosmin • Regular monitoring of the removal of MIB and geosmin through Contact Person the treatment train - knowledge of the performance of the plant Chris Saint (Australian Water Quality Centre) even when the compounds are at low levels, is important for plant improvement. Organisations Involved • Instant reaction to a taste and odour episode - when taste and American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF), odour levels begin to rise adjustments can be made in powdered United Water International activated carbon doses, and the episode can be monitored in Budget $408,676 real-time. Start Date March 2004 In addition, preliminary studies suggest that seeding taste and odour degrading bacteria onto sand filters may be a viable option for the Background and Relevance enhanced removal of MIB and geosmin. The compounds 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin are the most common causes of naturally occurring tastes and odours in drinking 2.3.1.7 Development of Low Cost On-Line Monitoring Package water world-wide. At present the most common methods for analysis to Improve Chloramination Control (closed loop stripping or solid phase micro-extraction followed by gas Contact Person chromatography-mass spectrometry) are time consuming, expensive, Chris Chow (Australian Water Quality Centre) and require sophisticated equipment and trained personnel. Therefore, a more rapid and inexpensive method for the detection of Organisations Involved these compounds would be of benefit to the water industry. Australian Water Quality Centre, Griffith University, SA Water, Sydney In addition, biologically active sand filters have been shown to be Water, University of South Australia, Water Corporation a useful treatment option for the removal of MIB and geosmin from Budget $458 638 source waters. In many cases, bacteria indigenous to the sand filter Start Date August 2005 biofilm have the capability to remove the taste and odour compounds; however, a lag period often exists before 100% removal is achieved. Therefore, a better understanding regarding the cause of such lag Background and Relevance periods would also be of benefit to the water industry. On-line ammonia monitoring is used to optimise chloramination, especially in relation to reduction of nitrification. Commercially Research Approach available systems generally suffer from high capital and maintenance costs including a requirement for frequent calibration and high This project aims to isolate bacteria capable of degrading MIB or consumption of chemical reagents. These restrictions make these geosmin. Isolation of these organisms will allow for the genes involved systems unattractive to the water industry, both post-treatment and in the degradative processes to be identified and characterised. Using more especially in distribution systems. This project aims to develop
42 Measurement a system that is easier to maintain and has a lower limit of detection chemical processes that cause chlorinous off-flavours and to identify for ammonia. water treatment protocols and management strategies that will prevent chlorinous off-flavours, thus improving aesthetic water quality. Better understanding of the causative mechanisms of chlorinous off- Research Approach flavours will lead to improved disinfection management in water This project aims to develop a sensitive on-line ammonia detection supplies in Western Australia, and this will be translated Australia- system by combining a microdistillation process with a suitable wide and internationally. The project has the potential to contribute detection method. The microdistillation step is required to isolate and to improved utilisation of water resources because it aims to identify concentrate the ammonia, thus improving the method detection limit. improved methods of water treatment for source waters of marginal Various methods for analysing the ammonia will be investigated (e.g. quality. Better disinfectant management should also have positive fibre optic ammonia analysis system). The project will be conducted in implications for reducing consumers’ exposure to other undesirable two parts, analytical system development and system validation. The disinfection by-products (e.g. THMs and HAAs), and assist Australian analytical system will be developed by both Griffith University and the water utilities to ensure compliance with increasingly stringent health University of South Australia. System validation will be conducted at guidelines for these disinfection by-products. This project will assist the Australian Water Quality Centre. This includes collecting samples utilities to improve customer satisfaction. regularly from the industry partners, construction of a test rig, and selection of a suitable location for a field trial to validate the system. Industry Uptake The knowledge generated in this project will be extended to other Outcomes sites around Australia where chlorinous off-flavours are, or become, a A prototype microstill and conductive analyser system has been concern for the water utility. Once causes and prevention strategies developed and has been used successfully to analyse a variety of have been identified in the local setting, it will be possible to extend chloraminated waters from the industry participants’ systems in these outcomes more widely around Australia. Sydney, Western Australia and South Australia. Steps are being taken to assess alternative analyses for the system (e.g. UV). The developed system is currently under commercialisation consideration. 2.3.2.1 Characterisation of NOM in Highly Coloured Surface Waters Industry Uptake Contact Person It is anticipated that an ammonia monitoring system will be available for the industry to provide operators with the capacity to optimise Anna Heitz (Curtin University of Technology) chloramination. The benefits include improved control at the water treatment plants and re-chlorination plants (minimises the risk of over Organisations Involved dose or under dose) and minimisation of the impact of nitrification prior to entering the distribution systems. This would lead to savings in Curtin University of Technology, Water Corporation, Australian Water operational recovery costs, change over costs from chloramination to Quality Centre chlorination, dumping of service reservoirs and flushing of systems. Budget $396 990 Start Date July 2006 2.3.2.0 Causes and Prevention of Chlorinous Off-Flavours in Potable Water Background and Relevance Contact Person The high levels and variable nature of natural organic matter (NOM) in Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) source waters throughout different regions of Australia can contribute Organisations Involved to major disinfection management and treatment problems (e.g. high chlorine decay rates, high concentrations of DBPs, biofilm Curtin University of Technology, Water Corporation regrowth and aesthetic issues). Water Corporation and SA Water Budget $213 668 have independently conducted preliminary investigations of NOM Start Date July 2006 from coloured water, but no firm correlations between colour, origin, properties or variability have been established. Several treatment strategies have been investigated, but the heterogeneity and varied Background and Relevance dynamics of NOM in Australian source waters has challenged existing To protect public health and ensure compliance with health treatment processes. Consequently, only advanced and expensive guidelines, potable water supplies must be disinfected, however, strategies (e.g. adsorption using activated carbon) have consistently this often causes the water to be aesthetically unpleasant. Balancing provided the preferred efficiency of NOM removal from coloured these beneficial and detrimental effects of a disinfectant residual on waters. water quality is becoming increasingly important for water utilities. There is a clear need to better understand the fundamental Chlorinous off-flavours (i.e. chlorinous tastes and odours) are probably characteristics of NOM in surface waters of high colour so that (i) the best example of the fine balance between adequate disinfection existing schemes can be better managed, and (ii) new cost effective and consumer satisfaction with the aesthetic quality of the water. water treatment process can be developed for sufficient removal of NOM. Research Approach The project will focus primarily on chlorinated sources. Source waters Research Approach will be categorised into those having a chlorinous off-flavour due to an The project will be conducted jointly by Curtin University of excess of chlorine / chloramine (Type 1), or due to a by-product of the Technology and AWQC. The study will focus on eight water sources. disinfection process that gives a chlorinous off-flavour even when free Six will be from Western Australia (Walpole River and Quinninup chlorine levels are below the odour threshold (Type 2). Classification Dam (South West), Bolganup Dam, Quickup Dam and Denmark River of water sources into these ‘types’ will provide the basis for studies on (Great Southern) and Harding Dam (West Pilbara)) and two from South the causes of chlorinous off-flavours. Australia (Myponga and Middle River (Kangaroo Island)).
Outcomes Outcomes This study has potential benefits throughout Australia, and The anticipated benefits of this project include: internationally, due to the widespread nature of chlorinous off- • More effective removal of NOM in coloured source waters, flavours. In areas which are currently free of chlorinous off-flavour primarily via improved ability to match treatment strategies to complaints, these benefits may be realised in the future, if a change water quality variations. in water quality (e.g. due to drought conditions or damage caused by bushfires) occurs. The project aims to improve understanding of 43 Measurement
• A better understanding of the variations in DOC concentration Industry Uptake and character should lead to better management of catchments This work will provide a much deeper understanding of the data and sources. provided by real-time PCR and other methods of DNA detection in • A better understanding of the origin of DOC should lead to the context of toxic cyanobacteria. The better interpretation of this better catchment management strategies. data is likely to provide the industry with enhanced tools monitoring • Improvements and enhancements to models that may predict and forecasting the growth of toxic cyanobacteria. DOC changes in coloured waters. This may be a commercial outcome. STUDENT PROJECTS • Improvements and enhancements to the suite of simple, rapid These are student theses that relate to themes within the Measurement analytical techniques available to the CRC for the characterisation Program that are not directly linked to a larger project. of NOM, including improved ability to interpret the combined data gained from these techniques and to tailor treatment strategies to NOM character. 2.3.0.1 The Chemistry of Halophenol Tastes in Drinking Water • Reduce the usage of disinfectants (e.g. chlorine) and other Student and Organisation chemicals used during treatment. Justin Blythe (Curtin University of Technology) • Minimise disinfection by-product (DBP) formation and allow Principal Supervisor utilities to more easily comply with the Australian Drinking Water Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) Guidelines (ADWG). Start Date March 2001 • Improve water quality distributed to customers, in relation to health and aesthetic considerations. Project Outline • Extend the use of the SEC-UV-OCD system that was developed Bromophenols are the compounds suspected of causing the ‘plastic’, in CRC for Water Quality and Treatment project 2.3.1.1 to create ‘medicinal’ or ‘chemical’ taints in Perth’s groundwater-sourced drinking a data base for of Australian source waters. water after boiling. The principal aims of this project were to: Industry Uptake • Develop techniques for the analysis of bromophenols. Drinking water utilities/planning and operation of treatment plants, • Establish rates of formation of bromophenols in waters from especially in regional systems. different sources. • Investigate the effects of various trace components of natural waters on bromination rates. 2.3.2.5 Are There More Toxin Genes Than Toxic Cyanobacteria? The research approach involved: Contact Person • Optimisation of the purge-and-trap method for maximum Chris Saint (Australian Water Quality Centre) recovery of the bromophenol analytes Organisations Involved • Assessment of the effects of water treatments on bromophenol Australian Water Quality Centre, United Water International, University formation in waters sampled from both conventional and MIEX® of Tennessee treatments at the Wanneroo Treatment Plant. Budget $474,397 • Determination of the cause/s of the different rates of bromination Start Date October 2006 of phenol in different source waters, especially the role of calcium, species related to hardness, such as bicarbonate ion and calcium carbonate, and inorganic and organic nitrogenous compounds Background and Relevance towards the bromination of phenol. DNA detection strategies such as real-time PCR can rapidly assess whether toxin genes are present in cyanobacteria and what type of Project Progress organisms these may be. Despite these capabilities, some important knowledge gaps remain in terms of toxin production: if a set of It has been established that the presence of calcium ion or cyanobacterial strains all produce the same toxin, what makes some bicarbonate ion does not impact the formation of bromophenols. strains produce more toxin than others; and how does this relate to However, the presence of calcium ion and bicarbonate ion (thought the number and distribution of the toxin genes within the genome? to form calcium carbonate) was shown to slow the formation of These questions are important because in all reports where real-time bromophenols, promoting the formation of 2,6-dibromophenol, PCR is used to detect the toxin genes, more toxin genes are observed the most organoleptically potent congener. This is relevant to the than toxic algae present formation of the plastic taste in boiled groundwaters of significant hardness and alkalinity, given the high concentrations of calcium ion and bicarbonate ion in these waters, with the high tendency for Research Approach these waters to form inorganic scale, comprised mainly of calcium • Establish the relationship between cyanobacterial genes, carbonate, inside kettles. especially toxin genes, and cells using real-time PCR, cell counts The presence of ammonia and organic amino compounds significantly and flow cytometry slows the formation of bromophenols at ambient temperature. The • Investigate the effect of growth on gene number impact of elevated temperature on the formation of bromophenols • Examine if the number of toxin genes affects toxin production was investigated in the presence of inorganic (formed from ammonia) and organic (formed from amino acids and amines) N-chloramines. • Examine the potential of combined data to better forecast the Bromophenol formation was faster at elevated temperature, but growth of toxic cyanobacteria in water systems. still slower compared to reactions in the absence of the nitrogenous compounds. However, the slower rate of bromophenol formation Outcomes favoured the formation and persistence of 2.6-dibromophenol. Therefore, the presence of inorganic and organic N-chloramines at • Growth-related effects on gene copies observed for several elevated temperature, particularly those encountered in boiled water, toxic species including Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis and may promote the plastic taste. Furthermore, the presence of ammonia Ananbaena and organic nitrogenous compounds may promote the persistence of • Relationship between toxin genes and toxin production under chlorine and bromine in distributed water, increasing the possibility of investigation bromine reacting with phenol in the consumer household. • Combination of real-time PCR data and cell counts appears be a Investigation of bromophenol formation in the kettles of complaining useful predictor of bloom status customers has revealed that the formations of bromophenols occurred
44 Measurement only after the water had been boiled and had started to cool. This was quantified inhibition of microbially produced ferrocyanide using the the result of phenol leaching as the temperature, and possibly the pH, electrochemical method of chronoamperometry. increased. The concentration of chlorine was found to be critical in the formation of bromophenols. Project Progress The PhD thesis was completed in April 2007 and was awarded with an unconditional pass from each examiner. The inhibitory effects of a range of test samples have been investigated using diverse microorganisms including pure and mixed microbial consortia. The preparation of a PhD thesis is well advanced. 2.3.0.2 The Structure and Chemistry of NOM in Groundwaters from the Gnangara Mound 2.3.0.7 Development of a Biosensor for Detection of Student and Organisation Cylindrospermopsin Daniel Couton (Curtin University of Technology) Student and Organisation Principal Supervisor Rebecca Campbell (University of South Australia) Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) Principal Supervisor Start Date February 2002 Chris Saint (Australian Water Quality Centre) Start Date March 2003 Project outline Natural organic matter (NOM) can act as a precursor to harmful Project Outline compounds known as disinfection by-products (DBPs) which are produced during the disinfection of drinking water. NOM is generally This PhD project has two distinct components involving the: considered to be produced as a result of humification of plant material 1. Biosynthesis of cylindrospermopsin of highly varied sources and its structure is highly complex, varied • To fully sequence the genes implicated in the biosynthesis of and site-specific. Isolation and characterisation of NOM from two sites cylindrospermopsin. (i.e. bores) representative of diverse environments in the Gnangara • To identify toxic markers that permit the design of DNA probes Mound, a shallow, unconfined aquifer used for supplying the majority that demonstrate unambiguous detection of cylindrospermopsin- of Perth’s northern suburbs with drinking water, may provide further producing cyanobacteria. insights into NOM. An improved understanding of NOM will aid water treatment agencies in preventing water quality issues such as DBPs. • To implement preliminary trials of the DNA probes on a suitable, commercially viable biosensor platform. This research project consisted of two primary objectives: 1) investigate the mechanisms of thermochemolysis reactions by comparison of 2. Biodegradation of cylindrospermopsin on-line and off-line experiments with different thermochemolysis • To identify the genes involved in the biodegradation of the toxin reagents and optimisation of heating, solvent effect and the basicity cylindrospermopsin from bacteria. of the thermochemolytic reagent; 2) Characterise natural organic • To investigate monitoring the activities of such genes as an matter contained within two bore water samples from the Gnangara alternative biosensor for the presence of cylindrospermopsin. Mound in Wanneroo, Perth. These bores are located below differing vegetation so that the effect of surface vegetation on the shallow • To design suitable DNA probes that indicate the presence of the aquifer beneath can be observed. identified biodegrading genes. Biosensors/probes will permit rapid detection of either cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria or cylindrospermopsin- Project Progress degrading bacteria in environmental waters, enabling water quality A comprehensive study of the thermochemolytic process has been managers to adopt effective treatment strategies when dealing with completed. The study compared product distributions yielded by both cyanobacterial blooms. on and off-line thermochemolysis of model compounds as parameters such as reaction temperature, duration and thermochemolytic reagent were changed. Results have highlighted the importance of the choice Project Progress of solvent and reaction duration for off-line thermochemolysis, and • Currently 99% of the genes implicated in the biosynthesis of reaction temperature for on-line thermochemolysis. cylindrospermopsin have been sequenced. Two NOM samples, isolated from groundwater bores located in the • Screening for suitable toxic markers has commenced. Gnangara Mound have been analysed by a suite of spectroscopic and • A biosensor platform has been selected for trials to commence in spectrometric techniques. Structural characterisation of these samples the near future. is being finalised. • Previously identified cylindrospermopsin degrading bacteria Completion of the PhD thesis is expected in late 2007. have been received and are being reviewed for cylindrospermopsin degrading ability. 2.3.0.3 Development of a Rapid Microbial Toxicity Assay Employing Ferricyanide as an Artificial Respiratory 2.3.0.8 Chemical Processes in Chloraminated Distribution Electron Acceptor Systems Student and Organisation Student and Organisation Kylie Catterall (Griffith University) Ina Kristiana (Curtin University of Technology) Principal Supervisor Principal Supervisor Peter Teasdale (Griffith University) Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) Start Date June 2002 Start Date March 2003
Project Outline Project Outline The use of ferricyanide as an artificial electron acceptor in microbial The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) is of particular respiration has been investigated with a view to developing a rapid concern due to the potential long-term health effects of some DBPs. microbial-based toxicity assay to overcome the shortfalls of existing As a result, the concentrations of some DBPs in drinking water are techniques. The principle of this assay is similar to conventional regulated and efforts are made to minimise their formation in drinking microbial-based toxicity assays that quantify inhibition of the respiratory water. Treatment parameters (e.g. disinfectant, pH, contact time, process. In this case, however, rather than monitoring changes in temperature), source water (e.g. NOM characteristics, bromide ion bioluminescence (Microtox) or oxygen (OECD Respirometry) we concentration) and distribution system conditions have considerable
45 Measurement influence on the concentration, speciation, and stability of DBPs. and real samples from around Australia. The universal calibration Chlorine and chloramine are the two most common disinfectants system has been applied to pH, fluoride and ammonium detection used in WA with the latter primarily used in long distribution systems with great success. because of greater stability resulting in a more persistent disinfectant Reliable low cost on-line monitoring tools will be of significant residual. economical benefit to utilities required by regulation to monitor for a This project aims to study the chemical processes taking place in number of water quality parameters. They will also provide an increased a chloraminated system, with particular focus on processes of DBP safety guard for water systems supporting small communities where formation. This includes investigation of the formation of chloramination less frequent monitoring is an economic reality. DBPs through a study of factors affecting their formation as well as mechanistic and kinetic studies of DBP formation. The outcomes 2.3.1.5 Development of Portable Instrumentation for the of this project will benefit the water industry by providing a greater Measurement of Pesticides in Water understanding of the chemical processes, especially those involved in DBP formation in chloraminated systems. This is important for Student and Organisation the optimisation of chloramination practices, which will improve the David Beale (RMIT University) quality of drinking water supplied to areas where chloramination is Principal Supervisor used, and provide the knowledge required to respond appropriately to lower guidelines values for DBPs in drinking water anticipated in Nichola Porter (RMIT University) the future. Start Date March 2004
Project Progress Project Outline Improved analytical methods for the analysis of DBPs (trihalomethanes, The main objective of the project is to develop an instrument that can haloacetic acids, and haloacetonitriles) have been developed and be easily transported from site to site for in situ rapid determination used for routine analyses. of agricultural pesticides which have impacted source waters. The -1 All of the required experimental work for this project has been carried occurrence of pesticides in low μgL concentrations has been out, and all data have been collected. The PhD thesis is currently known to cause devastating effects to wildlife and in some cases being written. humans. The onsite determination of a pesticide will ensure that remediation efforts can be implemented as quickly as possible at a contaminated site. 2.3.0.9 Development of a Real Time, Rapid and Non-destructive This project aims to develop a portable instrument based on a fourth Monitoring System generation flow injection analysis (FIA) system with chemiluminescence Student and Organisation detection. The final instrument methodology incorporates a Shoshana Fogelman (Griffith University) pre-concentration event, to make it significantly quantitative at Principal Supervisor environmental concentrations, followed by separation on a low pressure separation column. FIA incorporates the use of bi-directional Huijun Zhao (Griffith University) syringe pumps for the introduction, manipulation and reaction of Start Date March 2003 a sample with a reagent or series of reagents with a detection cell located in front of photomultiplier. It is fast, efficient and economical in its use of reagents. Several pesticides in drinking water and their Project Outline appropriate reagents will be tested using the proposed instrument in Potable water is consistently monitored from the catchment area to the order to obtain a measure of the concentration at or below the values tap to ensure it can be consumed with safety. Current water monitoring stated in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. practices adopt a routine test approach, where samples are collected from different locations and transported back to laboratories for the prescribed standard analyses. Over 200 parameters are monitored Project Progress either weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Economic • Atrazine and simazine (triazine herbicides), hexazinone (a constraints restrict the number of samples that can be processed by triazinone herbicide), dicrotophos and monocrotophos laboratory analyses, hence monitoring is often limited to a few test sites (organophosphate insecticides) have been detected using over a large time scale. Treatment and monitoring of water servicing conventional flow injection analysis successfully. Detection limits small communities can be particularly infrequent. There is a real need, were above Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). therefore, for a real-time, on-line, non-destructive monitoring system, • When natural waters containing NOM were used as a matrix, to ensure more frequent monitoring of drinking water, particularly in the NOM caused severe interference, masking any response rural areas of Australia. generated from the pesticides. This project aims to develop a universal calibration system that is • 3D excitation-emission fluorescence (3D FL) spectra have been capable of real-time, on-line monitoring of drinking water quality in determined for the six natural waters used in this project to help any water body, without the need for calibration, reagents and with identify the differences between them and relate the 3D FL limited man power. The monitoring system needs to indicate sudden spectra to the chemiluminescence emission (610 and 425 nm), or extreme changes in water quality which, for example, might be total N and the UV spectra of the waters. attributed to microbial contamination or the presence of excess chemicals. It should shift the current reliance of end-point testing to • FIA with pre-concentration (in-line solid phase extraction (SPE)) determine water problems, to a preventative management approach, was successfully applied to all five pesticides with detection where the problems are detected by the Management Authority limits below Australian drinking water guidelines. The elimination before they reach the consumers’ tap. The design will aim for a device of NOM from the natural water samples was achieved by the or protocol which is simple to use and has low maintenance costs so inline SPE while maintaining a relatively fast analysis (approx 10 that it is economically feasible to implement into more isolated areas minutes per sample). of Australia. • Separation of the pesticides was achieved by incorporating a low pressure separation column with UV detection. Experiments are currently underway with chemiluminescence detection. Project Progress • A paper titled Atrazine detection by Flow Injection An on-line, real-time software-based monitoring system has been Chemiluminescence Analysis (FICA) was presented at ERE developed and optimised for on-line monitoring. The system 05, Hobart, Tasmania. Another paper has been submitted uses computational intelligence techniques and signals from fibre for publication to the journal Water Research titled Atrazine optic sensors, as well as other simple water quality parameters to detection in water by flow injection chemiluminescence. determine the water quality parameters accurately, without the need for calibration, reagents or presample treatment. The concept of the Universal Calibration System has been validated on synthetic samples 46 Measurement
2.3.1.6 Characterisation and Treatability of Natural Organic Start Date February 2005 Matter in Groundwaters used for Drinking Water Student and Organisation Project Outline Stacey Hamilton (Curtin University of Technology) Elevated concentrations of NOM, as is the case with many Western Principal Supervisor Australian groundwaters, can adversely affect water quality and Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) increase the demand for chemical disinfectants (e.g. chlorine). This research project focuses on the development and optimisation Start Date March 2004 of thermal and chemical degradation methods for analysing the structural and compositional character of NOM, with a particular Project Outline focus on microscale sealed vessel (MSSV) pyrolysis. The NOM in source waters can affect various aspects of water The potential of MSSV pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass treatment and water quality. If not effectively removed, NOM may spectrometry (Py-GCMS) for thermally releasing compositional and provide precursors for disinfection by-products, taste and odour structural information from NOM will be investigated. A broad range compounds, or contribute to biological growth and biofilm formation of NOM samples will be studied, including those representative in distribution systems. Characterisation studies providing a detailed of end member source waters. In combination with studies of understanding of the origins, structural features and reactivity of model compounds and standard materials, this will assist method NOM in source waters will also help assess its treatability and possibly development and provide insights into the pathways of thermal identify improvements to treatment processes for the effective degradation for a suite of molecular precursors contributing to removal of NOM. NOM. Other novel chemical and thermal degradation techniques will also be investigated for their utility to provide complementary The aims of this project are to conduct a detailed study of the origins, structural and chemical information. The chemical character and structural features and reactivity of NOM in a Perth groundwater. variability of NOM derived from various Australian source waters The characterisation information may help optimise treatment will be evaluated, and conclusions drawn regarding the major processes which will ultimately contribute to the improved quality of precursor inputs and diagenetic mechanisms of incorporation of drinking water supplied to consumers. The protocol for studying the such precursors into NOM structures. Such characterisation studies groundwater is as follows: should provide a more comprehensive understanding of the origins, • Develop and refine a polymeric adsorbent method and an structural features and reactions of NOM in source waters and aid ultrafiltration method to isolate NOM from local groundwater the development of improved and/or targeted treatment methods. supplies into several distinct fractions of reduced complexity. • Characterise isolated fractions by various established analytical Project Progress techniques. Compare data from different preparative methods. The majority of MSSV pyrolysis GC-MS and flash pyrolysis analyses of • Laboratory-scale treatment (relevant to contemporary water several freshwater NOM and related samples, standard materials, and treatment processes used in Western Australia) of fractions to model compounds have been completed. Selected samples have also investigate the removal efficiency of the different fractions been separately analysed at several different off-line MSSV pyrolysis followed by analytical characterisation. Assess structural temperatures and times to investigate the thermal mechanisms of characteristics of the recalcitrant moiety of NOM and establish formation for various MSSV products. For comparative purposes, its disinfection by-product formation potential (qualitative and several selected samples have also been additionally analysed using quantitative). the advanced characterisation techniques of thermochemolysis, • Identify better treatment strategies in order to optimise treatment hydro-pyrolysis and LC-MS. Comprehensive processing of the practices. acquired data is also well underway and is ongoing. Natural organic matter from an Australian catchment (North Pine, Brisbane) has been Project Progress isolated and fractionated using XAD resins into hydrophobic and transphilic fractions. Analytical characterisation of these samples (flash The origins, structural features and reactivity of natural organic matter pyrolysis, thermochemolysis, 13C-NMR and MSSV pyrolysis) has also (NOM) from a Perth groundwater bore is being investigated using the been completed. Preliminary experiments investigating the use of isolation methods of ultrafiltration and a polymeric adsorbent method. a hydrogen donor solvent during off-line closed-system pyrolysis of A large quantity (1000 L) of water from bore W300 has been sampled NOM are also underway. Thesis preparation is in the early stages with and isolation using a polymeric adsorbent is ongoing. Isolation of a draft of one chapter near completion. Various aspects of the project NOM using ultrafiltration has been completed and characterisation is work have also been presented at several national and international currently underway. conferences and an article was recently published in Organic The W300 raw water sample has also been treated by a laboratory Geochemistry (Berwick et al., 2007, ‘The thermal release of nitrogen simulation of the MIEX® process, an innovative water treatment organics from natural organic matter using micro-scale sealed vessel process currently in operation in Western Australia. This process was pyrolysis’, Organic Geochemistry Vol. 38, pages 1073-1090). carried out using conditions to model the full-scale MIEX® treatment plant at the Wanneroo groundwater treatment plant. For this purpose, MIEX® resin was preconditioned by treatment with W300 raw water 2.3.1.9 The Use of Stable Isotopes for the Characterisation of before regeneration. The MIEX® treated raw water from W300 (400 NOM and Investigation of the Different Organic L) has been reduced to a more convenient volume (approx. 70L) for Precursors of Aquatic Systems polymeric adsorption which has been completed and characterisation Student and Organisation is currently underway. Dawn White (Curtin University of Technology) The information obtained in this study may assist in optimisation of Principal Supervisor catchment and treatment practices. Characteristics of the unique local Kliti Grice (Curtin University of Technology) NOM will be related to its potential treatability by current and future local water treatment processes. Start Date Dec 2006
2.3.1.8 Thermal Maturation Studies of NOM to Release Macro- Project Outline Molecularly Bound Biomarkers and Investigate the This PhD project aims to develop and test the utility of stable isotopic Diagenetic Pathways of Major Organic Precursors analysis for characterising and establishing the main precursors Student and Organisation of DOC. It will be aligned with Centre Project 2.3.1.3 Advanced Characterisation of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in Australian Water Lyndon Berwick (Curtin University of Technology) Supplies, which seeks to assemble an extended tool-kit of advanced Principal Supervisor analytical methods appropriate for NOM characterisation. Robert Kagi (Curtin University of Technology)
47 Measurement
Stable isotopic data of NOM will be obtained on both a whole sample 2.3.2.2 Chlorinous Off-Flavours in Drinking Water and a compound specific basis to investigate the utility of stable Student and Organisation isotope analysis for studying the source input, temporal and spatial dynamics (e.g. bioproductivity), transportation and fate of organic Hanna Driessen (Curtin University of Technology) material in source water systems. A range of NOM samples will be Principal Supervisor studied since the chemical and physical nature of NOM is dependent Cynthia Joll (Curtin University of Technology) on the source materials and surrounding environmental conditions, Start Date March 2006 hence NOM from different locations can vary considerably in structure and behaviour. NOM fractions will be separately studied to establish the relationship between the structural moieties of NOM and specific Project Outline organic precursors. A correlation of the source inputs of organics in Chlorinous tastes and odours (off-flavours) are the single most the source waters with the subsequent occurrence of certain DBPs significant cause of taste and odour-related consumer complaints following treatment may also help identify which precursors are most to water utilities in Australia. Although the causes of chlorinous off- significant with respect to DBP formation. flavours are often attributed to high concentrations of chlorine, it has been shown that they can occur even when the concentration of free Project Progress chlorine is much lower than its odour threshold concentration. The main focus of the project is to further investigate the prevalence and Dawn enrolled on 8 November 2006 and her PhD candidacy was causes of chlorinous odours. This will include examination of the roles approved on 11 May 2007. Chemical degradation trials have of chlorination practices, bromide, and natural organic matter (NOM), been conducted on several samples (see below) with the aim of especially nitrogenous organic compounds in the causes of chlorinous obtaining simpler fractions amenable to compound specific isotope odours and to determine whether changes in water treatment practices analyses (CSIA). or methods can decrease the extent of consumer complaints related • Soil surrounding a surface water catchment (Mundaring, WA) to chlorinous odours. Causative off-flavour compounds formed from • Humic and Fulvic acids isolated from Neranie swamp (Myall reactions of halogens with model compounds will be identified, and Lakes, NSW) an understanding of their mechanism of formation will be developed, • Fulvic acid from Suwanee River (Georgia, USA) an International aiding identification of process solutions to the problem. The role Humic Substances Society (IHSS) standard of bromine, iodine and AOX in chlorinous off-flavours will also be examined. The PhD project will utilise the Taste and Odour panel • A suite of soluble and insoluble biofoulant fractions obtained convened through the larger project. from autopsy of Reverse Osmosis membranes (France) • Tannic acid – a commercially available reagent known to be a component of certain types of NOM Project Progress The following ‘wet chemical’ techniques have been trialed This PhD project commenced in March 2006. The application for candidacy has been approved. A literature search on reactions of • Acid and base hydrolysis, halogens with model compounds, particularly amino acids, in aqueous • Saponification systems, and analysis of the products is being continually updated. • Oxidation using ruthenium tetroxide Model compound experiments have commenced, with breakpoint chlorination reactions being conducted. This involved chlorination of • Copper oxide oxidation various amino acids at varying chlorine concentrations. This is hoped to • Nickel boride and Raney nickel treatments help better understand the mechanism and formation of nitrogenous by-products which have been found in the literature to cause chlorinous off-flavours. Method development is being undertaken to Py-GC-irMS, Py-GCMS, EA-irMS, MSSV- GCMS have been used to be able to analyse for the nitrogen precursor compounds (amino acids) analyse various products of NOM. Another component of this PhD and for the causative nitrogen-containing compounds (aldehydes and has been to develop appropriate analytical protocols to detect nitriles). These methods will then be utilised to further explore the phospholipids fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers of microbes. These breakpoint reaction and resulting by-products, and their relationship biomarkers may facilitate the correlation of microbial communities to chlorinous off-flavours. at different stages of the water system and are potentially another means to obtain simple, clean fractions suitable for CSIA. So far, PLFA analysis of soil samples has been conducted to become familiar PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT with the technique before carrying this out on a NOM sample. Then Modelling THMFP and Chlorine Demand of Cocktail Waters PLFA analysis will be performed on biological samples obtained from Sydney Water and the Water Corporation of WA, the anticipated No scientific or mathematical approximation (i.e. model), using arrival of these samples is October 2007. Considerable time has been the characteristics of the individual waters as input parameters, is spent liaising with the water industry in order to obtain appropriate presently able to estimate the disinfection decay characteristics and samples. THM formation potential of mixed waters. The proposed project aims to address this knowledge gap by developing mathematical models Dawn was awarded a travel scholarship to attend a NOM workshop to characterise the chlorine decay behaviour and THM formation in Naples, Italy in September 2007. Dawn will present her current potential of mixed drinking water. Input to the model would comprise research findings at this workshop and also to the Laboratoire de the parameters of the individual source waters comprising the mixture. Chimie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (LCEE) Poitiers University Studies will include blends containing up to three source waters. hosted by Professor Jean-Philippe Croué. Dawn will also visit Professor Sylvie Derenne at the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris to discuss potential collaboration on NOM characterisation.
48 Measurement
Table 3.6 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 2c Measurement
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Reports targeted at Year 5 No In progress Technology projects completed, underway the implementation or proposed will: of developed - provide unique DOC detection capability monitoring protocols for HPSEC. and measurement - develop a toolkit of advanced NOM technologies characterisation techniques. by industry and - develop a new ammonia monitoring regulators. device. Technologies aiding online monitoring or assessment of water quality are being developed. Reports on these and other related program activities will be available as the projects progress.
2 Results from CRC Year 6 & 7 No In progress Captured in extensive research project and studies and other graduate student project research portfolio. international Program leader was the only Australian developments who attended the 2006 Gordon Research collated to give Conference on disinfection by-products a state of the art (report available). position in monitoring approaches and measurement technologies with respect to the effective management of water quality for the priority contaminants.
3 Report on key June 2008 No In progress This will be a task for conclusion in early to outstanding priorities mid 2008. and agreement on plans to fill the most critical knowledge gaps.
4 Close out of major June 2008 No In progress This will continue late into CRC as several projects and major projects are scheduled to end in June completion of short- 2008. Some PhD projects extend beyond term gap-fill projects. June 2008.
49 Water Treatment Technology
Program Leader Mary Drikas Australian Water Quality Centre
Program Aim The purpose of the Water Treatment Technology Program is to identify and/or develop improved engineering and system management of water treatment processes to control problem organisms and compounds. Such improvements will be implemented within the framework of the multi-barrier approach of managing water quality from catchment to customer. This will ensure that improvements implemented as a result of this research program do not adversely impact on water quality within the distribution system.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW • Collection of samples of appropriate biological agents to Research undertaken within the Water Treatment Technology determine if a suitable biomass could be propagated to Program has enabled understanding and improvement in established decolour and/or mineralise the NOM with and without chemical technologies such as coagulation, disinfection and powdered activated pre-treatment to enhance biodegradability. carbon (PAC) for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM), algal • Development of a salt tolerant biological system for treatment of metabolites and pathogens. In addition tools have been developed the concentrated NOM solution generated by the MIEX® DOC to assist with implementation of these improvements such as (registered trade mark for an ion exchange resin) process into techniques for characterisation of NOM and comparison of PAC, and either a NOM-free brine solution for reuse in the process or a models to maximize removal of NOM using coagulation. Innovative form that is acceptable for discharge to the environment. processes which improve water quality, reduce environmental impact and/or reduce costs such as biological filtration for removal of NOM, Outcomes algal metabolites and manganese are also being developed. A collaborative project has commenced which will seek to directly link • The results obtained from a mixed inoculum from 10% salt treatment and distribution by assessing the impact of water treatment fields successfully acclimatised to ozonated NOM from a on distribution system changes and the water quality reaching the water treatment plant and initial biodegradation rates were customer tap. encouraging and should be developed further. Prolonged drought and resulting water shortages have increased • High performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) (used interest in desalination and reuse for water supply purposes and to determine molecular weight) shows promise for distinguishing placed these items firmly on the Australian water industry agenda. the extent of NOM reduction by biodegradation or adsorption. Collaborative projects have been established by Centre partners and • Enhanced biodegradability of refractory NOM treated by funded through state and national funding initiatives. The Centre is peroxide and ozone has been studied. Outcomes have indicated also developing a project to enhance recovery and reduce waste from that ozone is the treatment of choice. a reverse osmosis desalination system. • The final report has been initiated. Industry Uptake CURRENT PROJECTS Orica Pty Ltd is supporting the project financially as a successful 3.2.9 Development of Biological Treatment System for outcome will solve the waste disposal issue associated with the use of Concentrated Natural Organic Streams MIEX® and extend its application within the water industry. Contact Person Jim Morran (Australian Water Quality Centre) 2.4.0.1 The Removal of Manganese from Drinking Water Organisations Involved Contact Person Australian Water Quality Centre, University of Queensland, Orica David Dixon (Melbourne University) (Student involvement) Organisations Involved Budget $652,083 CSIRO, University of Queensland, Gold Coast City Council Start Date December 2002 Budget $1,340,161 Start Date November 2002 Background and Relevance Natural organic matter (NOM) has been shown to be one of the key Background and Relevance water quality parameters affecting treatment processes and this has resulted in the removal of NOM from raw water being of prime concern The intention of the project is to develop a simple, cost effective for water authorities. Many of the processes specifically developed technology for the biological removal of manganese from drinking for NOM removal, such as nanofiltration and ion exchange, produce water, and to develop a fuller understanding of manganese (Mn(II)) a waste stream of high NOM and salinity that is difficult to treat or ion adsorption and oxidation upon substrates of use in manganese dispose of by conventional practices. Inadequate disposal systems for removal. By using the very same micro-organisms which currently this waste will hinder further application of this new technology. cause problems in the reticulation systems to solve problems further upstream, it should be possible to learn more about what happens in the reticulation system. Research Approach Our primary objectives for the project extension were: This project was designed to assess the viability of biotreatment for a) to complete longer term pilot plant trials with the bioreactor, the disposal of concentrated NOM waste streams resulting from monitoring its performance with respect to treatment of the potable water treatment processes. The system was applied to waste Hinze Dam water and establishing an optimised operational from an ion exchange process, however the process could also be protocol, and applicable for treatment of membrane filtration retentate. b) to extend the range of feed waters to include those sourced The experimental approach was divided into three stages: from the hypolimnion (water below the thermocline) which • Characterisation of the biodegradability of NOM in a typical would obviously have much higher Mn levels. The ability of waste stream. the bacteria to cope with such raw waters was monitored as a
50 Water Treatment Technology
function of both Mn and oxygen levels. The incentive for this field of surface and colloid chemistry, with extensive experience in the study is that there are circumstances (e.g. taste and odour issues international drinking water community arising from algal blooms) that may make it more cost effective and desirable from a water quality perspective to draw raw water Industry Uptake from below the thermocline. It is hoped that many members of the international water industry will use this book as a reference to aid in the understanding, and Research Approach therefore the optimisation, of drinking water treatment processes. To Two types of testing regimes were employed in this study and were date nearly 100 books have been sold. known as ‘Batch’ mode and ‘Single Pass’ mode. Batch mode requires a ‘batch’ of a certain volume of water that is continuously passed 2.4.0.3 Development of Combined Treatment Process for the through the column, while, as the name indicates, in single pass mode Removal of Recalcitrant Organic Matter water only goes through the column once. Contact Person
Outcomes Mary Drikas (Australian Water Quality Centre) Organisations Involved The major finding is that there is a viable biological manganese removal method which consistently extracts manganese from the raw Australian Water Quality Centre, CSIRO, University of New South water. This has now been demonstrated on a laboratory scale, in a Wales, University of South Australia, RMIT University, Curtin University bioreactor pilot plant and in an on-site demonstration plant under a of Technology (Student involvement) range of different operating conditions. Budget $1,914,942 If the current trend towards the elimination of chlorination during Start Date October 2002 filtration continues then more treatment plants will be forced to seek alternative treatment strategies for the removal of manganese and biological methods should be to the fore, especially those that have Background and Relevance already been demonstrated to work in the field. The presence of NOM in source water can be problematic for Unfortunately it was not possible to operate the demonstration plant production of drinking water as it reacts with both coagulants and continuously for long periods due to water saving issues caused by disinfectants used in drinking water treatment and can be a food the current drought conditions and this would be an obvious next step source for bacterial growth in distribution systems. Based on the for any future activities. studies carried out in the original Centre, the NOM remaining after the conventional treatment process has certain characteristics. It is not easily removed by current treatment processes and can also Industry Uptake cause fouling of microfiltration (MF) membranes. This project has The microbiological research undertaken has demonstrated that adapted simple tools to better characterise NOM and link water significant biological oxidation and removal of manganese canbe quality with treatability. A range of treatment options for the removal achieved in an up-flow bioreactor. The level of industry support for of recalcitrant natural organic matter and methods to limit its effect on biological treatment of manganese will depend upon the priority given MF membranes are being studied. to solving distribution system issues and ultimately to the pressure exerted by the consumer base or the regulatory authorities. Research Approach In order to understand the impact of the recalcitrant NOM on various 2.4.0.2 Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment treatment processes, a major component of this project was to Contact Person characterise the recalcitrant NOM. The techniques selected provided Gayle Newcombe (Australian Water Quality Centre) better understanding of the impact of the NOM character on treatment processes but are simple enough for treatment operators Organisations Involved to understand and apply to optimise treatment processes. Australian Water Quality Centre, CSIRO Treatment processes, including coagulation and adsorption were the Budget $76,112 main area of study. This project assessed the ability of each process Start Date March 2002 to remove the recalcitrant NOM. The magnetic ion-exchange process, MIEX®, has been found to selectively reduce trihalomethane formation and was investigated in more detail. With the current operation of Background and Relevance two MIEX treatment plants in both South Australia and Western All water sources contain minerals, dissolved and particulate, and Australia, gaining a better understanding of MIEX® effectiveness will natural organic material. Also present are microorganisms such as be of relevance to the water industry. A major focus of this project bacteria, algae and protozoa. In many instances microcontaminants was research and development of other processes, such as the use of human origin are present. These include industrial and agricultural of powdered activated carbon (PAC), which may remove the neutral chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The result is organic components. In addition, the chemical components of NOM a complex “soup” that often requires a range of treatment processes that most significantly foul MF membranes were identified inan for the achievement of water treatment objectives. Virtually all of these attempt to develop better indicators of membrane fouling rate and treatment processes involve interfacial phenomena, and the success to reduce fouling. of the treatment process relies on the optimisation of the interfacial interactions taking place during treatment. This book presents the Outcomes latest understanding of interface science and interfacial processes taking place during the treatment of drinking water, with an additional • A combined treatment incorporating MIEX®, PAC and alum was emphasis on practical applications to the processes involved. It is shown to achieve significant reductions in DOC concentration envisaged that the audience will consist of surface scientists, applied and THM formation potential (THMFP). PAC had a greater effect scientists, water treatment scientists, as well as interested managers than alum on DOC and THMFP removal from the organics and treatment plant staff. remaining after MIEX® treatment. • Laboratory studies using bacterial regrowth potential (BRP) measurements were shown to be subject to contamination and Outcomes highlighted the need to ensure experimental design overcomes The book was published in August 2006, by Elsevier. It is a well- this issue. written authoritative book explaining in plain language, but with • Selected combined treatments incorporating coagulation were sufficient scientific detail, all interfacial processes taking place during proven to significantly reduce short-term fouling of hydrophilic drinking water treatment. The contributors are world leaders in the microfiltration membranes for two varied water sources.
51 Water Treatment Technology
• HPSEC has been identified as a non-destructive detection Outcomes method for colloidal organic fouling of low pressure microfiltration • Effective removal of Cryptosporidium was achieved through membranes. HPSEC can also be used as a membrane integrity optimised conventional water treatment utilising alum, ferric test in recycled water applications using reverse osmosis chloride and polymers. membranes to ensure the system is operating correctly. • Minimal inactivation of Cryptosporidium was apparent with • Collaborative research with the University of South Australia and exposure to coagulants and coagulant aids used for water the University of New South Wales on novel treatment processes treatment and disinfection with chlorine and chloramine. continued. This included the use of self-assembled monolayer technology and advanced oxidation processes for NOM • Minimal effect of conventional water treatment and disinfection removal. chemicals and processes on inactivation of aged Cryptosporidium oocysts (aged up to 6 months). • A draft final report has been prepared. • Coagulation using ferric chloride and alum removed adenovirus and poliovirus with more efficient removal of adenovirus. Industry Uptake • Minimal inactivation of viruses with exposure to coagulants • The water industry has an increased understanding of the and coagulant aids (alum, ferric chloride and polymers) with importance of NOM and treatment plant operators are optimising virus effectively bound within the flocculated material. Effective coagulation processes and accessing NOM characterisation inactivation was achieved with chlorination and chloramination techniques. disinfection. • MIEX® has been applied to increase NOM removal and provide • A range of viruses were detected in some South Australian rivers improved water quality in four operating treatment plants in including adenovirus and enterovirus indicating the presence of Australia. faecal contamination entering these supplies. This is most likely • Data obtained from MIEX® and alum evaluations have been due to the presence of unserviced/maintained septic tanks. used to aid optimisation of treatment conditions at selected • Molecular assays developed for the detection of enterovirus, Australian water treatment plants including Mt Pleasant WTP, adenovirus, reovirus, polyomavirus, hepatitis A virus, rotavirus South Australia. and poliovirus. • Pilot plant trials using polysilicate iron coagulation prior to • Real-time PCR assays have been developed for virus analysis. membrane filtration demonstrated that the coagulant load was too high for the membrane module and could not be effectively Industry Uptake backwashed. Sedimentation of the polysilicate iron before the membrane may improve the performance. • The project has enabled effective transfer of cell culture and rapid detection methods, such as PCR, for viruses and Cryptosporidium between Sydney Water and the Australian Water Quality Centre. 2.4.0.4 Optimising the Water Treatment and Disinfection Train The methods are available for routine use, and in the event of a for Pathogen Destruction water crisis. Contact Person • Industry is more aware of the effective removal of Cryptosporidium Alex Keegan (Australian Water Quality Centre) and viruses through water treatment processes. Organisations Involved • Virus testing laboratory was established at AWQC for Australian Water Quality Centre, CSIRO, Sydney Water industry use.
Budget $1,877,692 2.4.0.5 Biological Filtration Processes for the Removal of Algal Metabolites Start Date November 2002 Contact Person Gayle Newcombe (Australian Water Quality Centre) Background and Relevance Organisations Involved Drinking water supplies have a long history of association with a spectrum of human pathogens including enteric protozoa (e.g. Australian Water Quality Centre, EnTox (University of Queensland and Cryptosporidium) and viruses (e.g. enteroviruses) and are recognised Queensland Health and Scientific Services), South East Queensland as potential risks to human health. Many studies have investigated the Water, United Water International (Student involvement) removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts and viruses by water treatment Budget $1,475,461 and disinfection processes, but few have looked at the effect of the Start Date March 2004 processes on their infectivity. This project investigated the effects of water treatment processes to determine whether they have any effect on infectivity of the pathogens. Subsequent susceptibility of Background and Relevance pathogens to disinfection was used to determine whether any hidden This project addresses the important issue of biological treatment of effects of the water treatment processes are active within the water algal metabolites, in particular filtration through biologically-active treatment plants. media. With the ongoing concern regarding the addition of chemicals to our water supply, and the potential by-products of oxidation Research Approach processes, biological treatment techniques are becoming more attractive to water suppliers and the general public. However, for the • Determine the effects of water treatment processes (conventional confident application of biological techniques to the removal of algal and dissolved air flotation (DAF) including alum, ferric chloride metabolites it is essential that the optimum conditions are known, and and polymers in jar tests) on Cryptosporidium oocyst infectivity the complete removal of potentially harmful organic compounds is using cell culture-polymerase chain reaction (CC-PCR) and guaranteed. At present this is not possible, and this lack of knowledge enteric virus (enterovirus and adenovirus) infectivity using tissue will be directly addressed within the project. culture (plaque assay and cytopathic effect). The major compounds of interest within this project are the • Determine the effects of ageing oocysts at environmental algal metabolites, geosmin and MIB, microcystin toxins and temperatures then after water treatment process with CC-PCR. cylindrospermopsin. These are all compounds that are found • Determine whether the water treatment processes increase throughout Australia and are problematic for many water authorities. susceptibility of Cryptosporidium oocysts and viruses to disinfection. Research Approach The research approach is based on a series of questions: • Can we identify individual bacteria capable of degrading the 52 Water Treatment Technology
compounds? Are they present in a range of waters? 2.4.1.1 Biological Processes for Dissolved Organic Carbon • Will there be a “lag phase”, or delay, between when the biofilm (DOC) Removal first “sees” the compounds, and when it is capable of degrading Contact Person them? Jurg Keller (University of Queensland) • Under what conditions is biofiltration likely to be a viable option Organisations Involved for removal of these metabolites? Can we predict whether a biological filter would be effective for the removal of a transient University of Queensland, RMIT University, Brisbane City Council, episode of the metabolites? Caboolture Shire Council (Student involvement) Budget • Does ozone pre-treatment enhance the removal? $863,136 Start Date • Is it possible to modify the biofilm and/or conditions to produce January 2006 maximum removal in less than optimal conditions? A series of laboratory scale, pilot scale and full scale scientific Background and Relevance investigations have been designed to supply the solutions to these NOM is a problem in water supplies when it provides precursors research questions. for disinfection by-product formation or when it provides a carbon/ energy source for biofilm producing microorganisms in the distribution Outcomes system. Biofilms can harbour organisms that have a deleterious effect on water quality such as nitrifying and iron reducing bacteria • Bacteria which are able to effectively degrade microcystin toxins, or pathogens. The biofilms themselves become a problem when cylindrospermopsin and geosmin have been isolated from changes in water flow strip them from water supply mains causing biological sand filters. These bacteria have been genetically dirty water events. Oxidation processes in water treatment alter typed and identified. the chemistry of remaining organic compounds making them more • Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) was shown to be effectively removed available for biological growth. For this reason oxidation methods through a biologically active pilot filtration plant, consisting such as ozonation are typically followed by a biological process, of a sand filter preceded by a roughing filter, at North Pine most commonly biological activated carbon (BAC), to reduce these Dam in Queensland. This filter was also effective in removing biodegradable compounds prior to distribution. It has become Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii cells. apparent from operational experience, and from research, that BAC • A bacterium, identified as a Sinorhizobium sp., was isolated treated water often contains residual biodegradable compounds. The from this filter and shown to be capable of degrading CYN and ability to produce biologically stable water is essential to improve the deoxy-CYN under a range of different environmental conditions, quality of potable water systems. The aim of this project is to develop including initial CYN concentration, pH, temperature and the improved biological treatment for natural, oxidised and recycled water presence of nutrients such as phosphate. that improves aesthetic water quality and protects public health. • A real-time PCR assay is being optimised to use as a molecular tool to screen for possible microcystin degraders within biological Research Approach filters and source waters. After an initial detailed assessment of various methods for DOC • Laboratory biological filtration studies are continuing, including removal by biological means in other parts of the world (mainly the development of assays to measure biofilm activity within Europe and USA/Canada), a number of experimental designs have the filters. Batch degradation experiments have shown that been finalised. This project will address improving the efficiency biofilm detached from sand filters have the ability to degrade of biofilters using information gathered from other sites as well as microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, MIB and geosmin without a evaluating the merits of single versus two stage biofiltration under support medium, in some cases without the lag period usually Australian conditions. The processes occurring through the biological observed prior to degradation commencing. filters will be characterised to improve the ability to custom design • All laboratory scale studies have indicated that each of the biofilters to particular applications. This will include biologically active aforementioned algal metabolites can be readily degraded slow sand filtration, low head-loss open biofilm media as well as through small column experiments and batch degradation biologically activated carbon. The effect of chemical pre-treatment experiments. and dissolved oxygen will also be investigated in conjunction with the above filters. Processes occurring through the treatment process will • Pilot plant studies have shown that a new sand filter can develop be characterised. a biofilm capable of degrading geosmin to a significant extent within one year of commissioning • A laboratory scale comparison of granular activated carbon (GAC) Outcomes and sand biological filtration revealed that when functioning in • Contact has been established with international groups working biological mode, sand can display the same efficiency of removal on similar processes and will be maintained throughout the of metabolites as GAC, although the biofilm took significantly project. Biological treatment processes developed by these longer to establish. groups will be incorporated into this research. • Full scale studies have indicated that very effective removal of • A range of white rot fungi with good NOM decolourisation MIB and geosmin can be obtained through conventional rapid ability in plate culture were isolated and are currently being sand filtration, provided no disinfectant is present in settled or identified using molecular biology techniques. Methods have backwash water. been developed to grow them in pellet form and the four most effective species have been investigated for their decolourisation ability in shake flask culture. The activity of the lignolytic enzymes Industry Uptake manganese peroxidase and laccase has been correlated with • A conventional PCR assay has been used in a recent survey to decolourisation. Changes in the NOM during the decolourisation screen a range of source waters around Australia for possible process have been followed using fluorescence excitation- microcystin degrading bacteria. These results will be published emission spectra. in an upcoming AwwaRF report. • Test columns have been installed at a water treatment plant • Industry has shown considerable interest in the application of low that treats high DOC groundwater and also at a water recycling cost biological processes for the treatment of algal metabolites. plant that has the potential for indirect potable reuse. The test • SA Water recently ceased backwashing with chloraminated water columns use three media types - filter sand, BAC and a polythene at one of its filtration plants. Geosmin is now removed to below bioreactor packing and include a two stage sand/ BAC process. detection through biological activity in the rapid sand filters. The columns are able to utilise water with a variety of pre- Powdered activated carbon is not required at this plant, with treatments including alum flocculation and ozonation. subsequent costs savings to the corporation.
53 Water Treatment Technology
• After 7 months of operation biological processes are well involving collaboration with South African, German, French and established and the BAC columns are demonstrating steady UK groups is in preparation. This project is funded by the Global state adsorption/ biological DOC degradation processes. The Water Research Coalition. high level of biological activity in the recycled water columns has required the addition of aeration to meet oxygen demand. The Industry Uptake low flow rates employed are demonstrating the ability of BAC to remove much higher DOC percentages than normal. Australian manual: A strong uptake is anticipated, as the manual • Work is continuing on optimising the contact time for the will provide guidance on management of cyanobacteria and their most efficient combinations of pre-treatment and media metabolites for source waters and treatment. These are important type. Characterisation of the DOC components removed has issues for the Australian water industry. commenced with fluorescence excitation-emission matrix International manual: With an emphasis on the global perspective (EEM) spectroscopy showing promise as a relatively simple and of toxic cyanobacteria, this manual should have a strong influence reliable method for identifying and quantifying classes of organic worldwide, and will be considered to be a complementary publication compounds. to the next edition of the WHO book on cyanobacteria. It is anticipated that this will be published in 2007.
Industry Uptake 2.4.1.7 Optimal Water Quality to Minimise Distribution System The industry has shown strong interest in the use of biological processes Problems for water treatment. In particular, CabWater is actively involved in this project and would consider utilising this technology in some of Contact Person its operations if it is proven to be cost-effective and addressing the Mary Drikas (Australian Water Quality Centre) shortcomings of current processes. Organisations Involved Recently introduced Queensland Government policies mandate the Australian Water Quality Centre, Delft University of Technology, SA supply of recycled water to industry. There is scope for this project to Water, United Water International, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, provide appropriate technology for reuse projects. There is currently Water Corporation, Orica Watercare a high demand from a number of industry groups for high quality recycled water at reasonable cost. The biological stability of water Budget $1,101,926 for these purposes is vital to its successful use and biological DOC Start Date October 2006 removal has the potential to provide stable water at low operating costs to these industries. Background and Relevance Provision of good quality water at the customer tap is the aim of all 2.4.1.2 Management Strategies for Blue Green Algae, a Guide water utilities. This is usually achieved by management of raw water for Water Utilities sources such as catchments and/or reservoirs followed by the use of Contact Person one or more treatment processes. The treated water is then distributed Gayle Newcombe (Australian Water Quality Centre) to the customer via pipework systems networked to provide water from the distribution mains to the customer tap. Water utilities spend Organisations Involved considerable time and money cleaning and flushing distribution Australian Water Quality Centre, United Water International, Veolia systems to minimise water quality deterioration at the customer tap as Water the major response to distribution system issues. However one of the Budget $142,676 key parameters affecting water quality at the customer tap is the water Start Date October 2003 quality that enters the distribution system and whilst water treatment is implemented by many water utilities, there has not been a focus on identifying the appropriate water quality to minimise water quality Background and Relevance deterioration in the distribution system. As particles and organic The project involves the development of a guide, designed to be matter play a key role in water quality deterioration, the treatment used by water utilities worldwide, that will consolidate all available processes should, at a minimum, provide effective removal of these current knowledge on the management of toxic blue-green algae components. (cyanobacteria). The guide will include management strategies for source waters and all stages of the treatment process. Research Approach The aim of this project is to determine the extent of treatment necessary Research Approach to produce water quality which minimises water quality deterioration Over the past 20 years significant research has been conducted into after passage though the distribution system. This will be achieved by the management of cyanobacteria and the toxins they produce. A comparing the impact of a range of water qualities provided from 4 wealth of published material exists in the form of scientific papers and different treatment schemes on four parallel distribution test rigs, with reports. A significant proportion of the work has been undertaken by detention time of 3 days, including 2 overnight stagnation periods the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, where expertise exists in all and monitoring for a period of 12 – 18 months. The water entering areas to be covered. This guide will consolidate all of the information the test rigs will be chlorinated to satisfy chlorine demand but with produced by Centre research, and reported in the literature, into minimal chlorine residual entering the test rigs to maximise biofilm an accessible guide, which can be used in the practical, day-to-day growth.The proposed treatment processes used to supply these test management of algal blooms and the toxins they produce. rigs are: The guide will cover the following topics: health effects, guidelines and • Coagulation/sedimentation/high rate filtration as used in a standards, sampling and monitoring programs, risk assessment, alert conventional treatment plant to provide removal of particulates levels for action, mixing strategies, algicides, conventional treatment, and some organics. oxidation, activated carbon, biological filtration, UV, membranes and • MIEX® for removal of organics followed by microfiltration for multiple barrier options. solids removal, with and without granular activated carbon (GAC) for further removal of biodegradable organics. Outcomes • Nanofiltration, with microfiltration as pre-treatment, to provide high purity water. • The treatment section of the guide has been completed. Revisions to the source water section have been necessary to A range of water quality parameters and analytical tools including incorporate recent revisions to the alert levels framework (ALF) on-line techniques will be used to monitor treated water quality and changes within the distribution systems. The key parameters to be • An international guidance manual for toxic cyanobacteria, monitored will include particle composition, microbial growth, NOM
54 Water Treatment Technology concentration and character, and biofilm growth. This will identify treatment plant. This work was part of a larger project examining water quality parameters and analytical tools which are most suited the application of membrane pre-treatment for reverse osmosis for for monitoring water quality within distribution systems and can be salt reduction of the water prior to reuse. A refereed conference used to predict water quality deterioration. publication resulted from this work. It is also intended to use information gained from this project to validate The second phase of applying these techniques to brackish drinking and build upon established modelling tools to enable the prediction water which is subject to periodic algal blooms has commenced. The of the water quality at the customer tap based on the water quality three major algal contaminants have been identified, and techniques leaving the treatment plant. This will be an additional component to for their culture in the laboratory have been validated. Preliminary one of the already existing hydraulic distribution models. microfiltration experiments with variously treated algal preparations have been conducted to characterise the system. Outcomes • The project agreement was signed off by all parties and approved PROJECTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT by the Governing Board in November 2006. 2.4.2.0 Membrane Distillation of Brine Wastes • An initial meeting with all partners to familiarise them with the Contact Person project was held in Adelaide late November and included a site Eddy Ostarcevic (Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water) visit to Mt Pleasant Water Treatment Plant where the pilot plants and test rigs will be constructed. Organisations Involved • Detailed design specifications for the distribution test rigs were Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Victoria University completed, tenders let and quotations for construction received. Budget $50,000 Quotations were significantly in excess of the proposed budget. The design was modified in agreement with one of the contractors Expected Start Date October 2007 to reduce the cost. Additional funding was sought and approved Background and Relevance to enable the test rigs to be constructed. Construction will begin in July 2007. Water recoveries of 70-75% are typical for inland reverse osmosis • A number of online monitoring tools, including particle counters, plants. This level of recovery means that 25-30% of the water source biofilm monitors, TILVS units (Time Integrated Large Volume is wasted when the brine is disposed of. One possible technique to Sampling) and S::CAN have been purchased or provided on loan increase the water recovery through brackish water reverse osmosis in preparation for installation. A detailed monitoring program systems is membrane distillation. has been prepared. Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging technology for desalination, which uses vapour pressure (heat) rather than absolute pressure as the Industry Uptake driving force. While membrane distillation may be used for directly The substantial external funding provided for this project from a desalinating seawater or brackish waters, its more likely short term number of industry partners highlights the interest in identifying the applications are for the treatment of concentrated brine streams, as the impact of incoming water quality on distribution performance and vapour pressure is not adversely affected by high salt concentrations water quality reaching the customer tap. whereas the osmotic pressure is.
STUDENT PROJECTS While membrane distillation has been known for some time, there are no known commercial operating systems, although Singapore These are postgraduate projects that relate to themes within the PUB currently has pilot plants. There are several technical issues that Water Treatment Technology Program but are not directly linked to have prevented membrane distillation being commercialised, these a larger project. being: organic wetting of the membranes, scaling of the membrane, low flux through the membranes and the membranes having a wide 2.4.1.8 Mitigation of Fouling of Membranes Used in Desalination distribution of pore sizes. All of these issues relate directly to the of Algae-Containing Water membrane material and design. There have been advances in the membranes used for distillation, with several manufacturers now Student and Organisation researching membranes specifically designed for this purpose. David Stork (RMIT University) Principal Supervisor Principal aim Felicity Roddick (RMIT University) To examine the feasibility of membrane distillation as a treatment Start Date April 2006 technique to increase water recovery through RO processes and reduce the volume of brine to be disposed of using newly designed Project Outline distillation membranes. A small pilot membrane distillation trial will be trialed on Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water’s brine streams using Although membrane technology is being increasingly applied in water newly designed distillation membranes from commercial suppliers. treatment, fouling of the membranes is still a major problem and a significant factor in determining their practical application. Fouling can be due to inorganic, organic, colloidal and particulate matter, as Status well as microbes. The desalination of brackish waters using membrane The project proposal was approved in principle, subject to acceptable processes may be further complicated by the presence of seasonal peer review, by the CRC Board in June 2007. Peer review has been blooms of algae and their products. Many water pre-treatment sought and a response is due August 2007. processes have been trialled to mitigate fouling from such waters with varied success. A range of treatment processes to prevent the fouling of microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes will 2.4.2.1 Evaluation of Integrated Membranes for Tastes and be investigated for the desalination of brackish waters, particularly Odours and Algal Toxin Control those containing algae. Contact Person Gayle Newcombe (Australian Water Quality Centre) Project Progress Organisations Involved An extensive literature review has been undertaken. Australian Water Quality Centre, Veolia Water North America, United The first phase of the experimental work involved validation of Water International, AwwaRF experimental and analytical techniques for the microfiltration and ultrafiltration of an algae-containing treated effluent from a wastewater
55 Water Treatment Technology
Budget $553,500 • Identification of the most effective integrated system(s) Expected Start Date October 2007 for each of the algal metabolites taking into consideration other product water quality parameters Background and Relevance • Cost analyses of the recommended system(s) Tastes and odours and algal toxins associated with blue-green algae are an issue for water authorities world-wide. Membrane processes, • Recommendations to be made regarding the best particularly when used in conjunction with additional treatment system for a particular water quality, and potential algal technologies such as coagulation and/or activated carbon, have metabolites the potential to eliminate aesthetic and health issues relating to cyanobacteria. However, to date there has been no comprehensive, Status systematic study of combined water treatment processes including The project was approved by the CRC Board in June 2007. The project membranes. agreement has been prepared by AwwaRF and will be forwarded to the CRC for signing shortly. Principal aim The objective of this project is to evaluate ultrafiltration, nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis membranes, in integrated treatment systems, for the removal of taste and odour compounds and algal toxins. The outcomes of the project will be:
Table 3.7 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 2d Water Treatment Technology
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Identify methods of Year 5 No Industry Project 329 is evaluating the biological minimising treatment workshop treatment of regenerant waste from ion residues. down graded exchange processes. priority. Final report in progress.
2 Evaluate the Year 5 Yes Review being A workshop held 2005 highlighted suitability of new and prepared for desalination as a priority need for the CRC emerging desalination publication. and three possible research areas were technologies under identified. A review of current knowledge Australian operating was also initiated. conditions.
3 Evaluate advanced Year 6&7 Yes In progress Being addressed by projects 2403, 2405 and treatment processes 2411, associated PhD projects 2406, 2407, for removal of key 2408, 2409, 2413, 2414, 2415 and proposed algal metabolites 2417 and AwwaRF membrane project. and micropollutants that limit by-product formation, improve water quality and minimise treatment residues.
4 Evaluate biological Year 6 & 7 Yes In progress Being addressed by projects 2405 (due for systems for the cost- completion May 08) and 2411(Sept 2008) effective removal and associated PhD projects 2406, 2413, of biodegradable 2414, 2415. contaminants and other micropollutants.
5 Develop new or 30 June 08 No In progress Small project commenced to determine modified processes whether a complementary process such as for cost-effective vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) can be desalination that is retrofitted to existing reverse osmosis plants applicable in remote to enhance desalination system recovery areas. to 95% to reduce the cost of production and reduce the amount of ground water extracted and the impact of the rejected saline discharge on the environment.
56 Distribution
Program Leader Dammika Vitanage Co – Deputy Program Leaders Corinna Doolan, Sydney Water Corporation Dharma Dharmabalan, Central Highlands Water
Program Aim The aim of the Distribution Program is to identify and develop effective management processes for the control of microorganisms, organic carbon, disinfection decay and particles within the distribution system. This will result in the provision of improved technologies and methods for the management of water distribution systems with a focus on water quality objectives and system maintenance.
Program Background The program has completed all the agreed projects within the • Knowledge gained during this project will be used to produce a generic disinfection residual control tool (DrCT) Guidance Commonwealth agreement and the milestones other than the ‘Development of Distribution Operational and Maintenance Manual that can be used by industry partners to develop DrCT Strategies’. The new project on ‘Application of Distribution Tools systems for use in any network. for System Management’ will address this milestone. The key effort during the year was to focus on the completion of the balance of Outcomes project work and also focus on the industry uptake issues as a follow • This study has identified three rapid methods to predict bulk water up of the road shows. chlorine demand and one rapid method has been developed to The two Deputy Program Leaders continued to provide excellent predict bulk water chloramine demand. The use of UV254 as a support to the program leadership. The Deputy Program Leaders surrogate indicator of bulk water chlorine is promising. However, provided input to the technological transfer and uptake initiatives. this option does not appear to be possible for chloramine demand prediction. Current Project Status • Two field trials were conducted at Myponga, SA (United Water) and 2.5.0.1 Development of Tools for Improved Disinfection Control Woronora, NSW (Sydney Water). A suitable on-line UV monitoring within Distribution Systems instrument was identified. A two-week on-line monitoring trial was conducted at Myponga Treatment Plant. The S::CAN instrument Contact Person displayed real-time chlorine demand prediction based on UV Project Leaders: Chris Chow (AWQC) and Mike Holmes (UWI) absorbance. The predictions correlated well with conventional Organisations Involved laboratory chlorine demand measurements. In the Woronora system trial the work was extended into using S::CAN and high AWQC, Melbourne Water, Power and Water, SA Water, Sydney Water performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) to assess Corporation, University of South Australia, University of Adelaide, treatment plant performance and organic character change in United Water, Water Corporation the distribution system. Budget and Duration • A sampling program with water samples from different Budget: $1,878,758 organisations over a two-year period, with samples collected Duration: July 2002 – December 2007 every three months, was used to establish the relationship of water quality and disinfectant demand. This provided additional water quality information, including advanced organic Background and Relevance characterisation, and captured seasonal variation of several water Many Australian water utilities rely upon operator experience to quality parameters. control secondary disinfection in distribution systems. Water quality This information was also provided to the industry partners and prior to chlorination/chloramination may alter rapidly as a result of feedback indicates they are finding it to be a useful reference. source water changes, giving rise to variation in disinfectant demand. • The key outcome of this research is an ANN-based model Not all water utilities have access to a calibrated hydraulic model for that can be incorporated into on-line water quality monitoring their distribution system. The use of grab samples to monitor water systems as a useful tool in predicting and controlling water quality in the distribution system may incur a high labour cost and quality changes within water distribution systems. In particular, may not indicate periods of non-compliant water. This project aims to this project is focused on the development of a disinfection provide some tools to assist operators, including residual control tool (DrCT) that will be able to assist managers • a surrogate disinfectant demand sensor to assess water quality of water treatment plants in optimising chlorine residuals within variation prior to disinfection, water distribution systems. The perceived benefits of a DrCT • a full evaluation report of the current available on-line analysers are improved protection against microbiological contaminants, for disinfectant residual measurement and reduced formation of harmful disinfection by-products and a reduction in disinfection costs. • an artificial neural networks (ANN) data management package to • Nine free chlorine, six total / monochloramine and three ammonia predict disinfectant residuals in advance. analysers were evaluated under laboratory conditions using a methodology based upon the ISO Standards. The final report has been released. Ammonia monitoring has been identified as Research Approach a key parameter for chloraminated systems. The project team • Commercially available disinfectant residual sensors will be have identified that the currently available commercial on-line identified and assessed. ammonia analysers are either too expensive or without the • A 24-month water quality case study of waters from various detection limit required. As an outcome of this 2501 project, a sources (different industry partners) to develop the concept spin off project to develop a specific ammonia analyser in the of rapid assessment of bulk water chlorine and chloramine Measurement Program has been successfully set up. A prototype demand. utilising a novel measurement concept has been tested in three locations with promising results. • ANN models will be developed to attempt to predict chlorine/ chloramine in distribution systems in advance and to control dosing of disinfection chemicals.
57 Distribution
Industry Uptake Outcomes • Disinfectant Residual Control Tools (DrCT) have been developed • A review of the literature relevant to discoloured water occurrence as case studies within two operational distributions systems at and treatment is available either as a hard copy report or as part Myponga (SA Water) and Woronora (Sydney Water). of the Discoloured Water Management Support System (see • Based on the outcomes of the online instrument report, several below). water utilities are investigating the options available to develop • A survey has been undertaken of 188 customers across Sydney, online monitoring capability for disinfection management. Brisbane, Darwin and Perth who complained about discoloured • In Nov ‘06 an ANN training session was conducted at Sydney water in their house. The survey provided an interesting Water with representatives also present from WA and SA as part comparison of the customer attitudes and other circumstances of the technology transfer requirements. between the four cities. • A follow-on CRC research project (2.3.2.4) has a number of • An on-line Customer’s Tap Monitoring Apparatus to measure water utilities investigating the performance of the S::CAN to flow, turbidity, particle size and to take a filtered and unfiltered assess its potential as a tool to measure water quality changes in sample of a discoloured water event has been developed. A distribution from the WTP to the customer tap. prototype was built and used for field studies at Brisbane and Perth. Despite problems with getting all of the functions working at once there were sufficient positive aspects to warrant further 2.5.0.2 Understanding the Generation of Discoloured Water at development of this apparatus. the Customer’s Tap and in Distribution Systems • Guidelines to use mass balance to predict the potential Contact Person for discolouration within the distribution pipes have been Peter Teasdale (Griffith University) developed. Organisations Involved • The re-suspension potential method (RPM) to predict discolouration, developed by researchers in The Netherlands, has Griffith University, Brisbane City Council, Power and Water Corporation, been tested and evaluated for Australian distribution systems. South East Water Ltd, Sydney Water Corporation, Water Corporation, Yarra Valley Water Ltd. • A web-based management support system has been developed to allow water providers to better manage discolouration from Peer review – Hunter Water Corporation and Gold Coast Water catchment-to-tap. Included within this software is: Budget and Duration • An up-to-date discoloured water information database Budget: $1,100,123 that can be accessed from anywhere within the site and Duration: October 2002 – August 2006 which can be updated as new information becomes available. Background and Relevance • A conceptual model development package that can be used for knowledge capture, education purposes, planning Discolouration of water within distribution systems has a number of improvements, and allows a clear perspective of where the causes. The impacts of discoloured water events and the actions taken main discoloured water problems may arise. to minimise their occurrence vary. The aim of this project is to develop an improved understanding of how discoloured water events occur, • A risk assessment module to allow experienced managers by linking water quality parameters with operational protocols and to determine with a high degree of certainty from where the discoloured water events. An improved understanding of the cause main discoloured water problems arise. and impacts of discolouration will allow the development of a set of • Both the Discoloured Water Management Support System tools to better manage discoloured water. and risk assessment modules can be supported by data storage and management support details (contact numbers, water quality guidelines). Research Approach • Guidance manuals are being prepared for most of the above Implementation of this project has occurred in stages, incorporating outcomes. industry feedback through workshops and steering committee sessions. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on all aspects of discoloured water and an evaluation and comparison Industry Uptake of data provided by industry parties relating to discoloured water Access to the web based Discoloured Water Management Support formation was carried out. System was provided to the industry partners. The modified RPM unit The second stage of the project included undertaking customer was designed and successfully used by the industry in two separate surveys, collecting and characterising particles at various locations case studies. around Australia and development of on-line monitoring apparatus to assist with characterisation of discoloured water events. 2.5.0.3 Decision Support System to Maintain Water Quality The third stage of the project involved development of a discoloured Contact Person water management support software package, which incorporated: Project Leaders: Greg Ryan (South East Water) and Asoka Jayaratne • the literature review; (Yarra Valley Water) • a series of questions (developed by holding workshops with Organisations Involved industry water managers in Stage 2) concerning processes that can influence discoloured water events from catchment- CSIRO, South East Water, Sydney Water, Adelaide University, United to-tap that are answered by industry managers, which lead Water, Water Corporation, Yarra Valley Water to a system-specific conceptual model giving the possible Budget and Duration causes of discoloured water in that system; Budget: $586,247 • extensions to the project have also incorporated an Duration: September 2002 – May 2008 interactive risk assessment module and a data storage capability. Also undertaken in Stage 3 were field trials using a number of in situ or on-line monitoring approaches Background and Relevance developed, either as part of this project or elsewhere, Water authorities around Australia are faced with numerous water to supplement customer complaint data and allow quality problems, such as discoloured water, taste and odour, bacterial characterisation of discoloured water events. During Stage contamination and disinfection by-products. Determining the most 3, two Griffith University researchers, Kelly O’Halloran cost-effective combination of water quality improvement measures and Lisa Hamilton, visited Delft Technical University in that results in the desired water quality levels is extremely difficult. The The Netherlands to conduct research on new distribution difficulty of the problem is exacerbated by the competing demands system monitoring approaches. 58 Distribution from hydraulic, water quality, customer service, environmental and University of New South Wales, United Water International, Water other cost objectives that have to be met. Current approaches Corporation for dealing with this problem vary widely, but generally rely on a Budget and Duration combination of modelling and experience. The experience referred to Budget: can be of individual operators or corporate experience encapsulated $789,260 in a set of decision-making rules. Duration: January 2005 – December 2007 This Project aims to develop an optimisation module for chlorine decay using genetic algorithms. In the longer term this has the Background and Relevance potential to be linked with commercially available hydraulic and water Water is often transported over long distances at elevated temperatures quality models to provide a user-friendly decision support system for in Australia providing conditions that are favourable for the regrowth water authorities. of microorganisms in distribution systems. One such group is the opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which includes members of the Research Approach legionellae, mycobacteria, aeromonads and pseudomonads. Of • Compile a literature review and evaluation of the current status greater interest to certain regions of Australia are the free-living of decision support modelling tools worldwide. protozoan Naegleria fowleri and bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. At present there is limited information available on the incidence of • Develop an optimisation tool for increasing the speed of system these organisms within potable water distribution systems as well as a hydraulic and water quality models and to enable an optimal strategy for their risk reduction in these environments. solution to hydraulic and water quality analysis simulations using genetic algorithms Research Approach • Test the optimisation tools using standard modelling software optimisation problems. The incidence, significance and control of priority opportunistic • Undertake case studies of systems from Melbourne and pathogens and microbial indicators were systematically sought in bulk Sydney for future system operation and long term planning to water and pipe biofilms in seven water municipal systems Australia- compare the results of the decision support analysis with current wide. Recycled water distribution systems were also investigated operational practices and existing options reports. as part of the Wastewater Program. The incidence of organisms was investigated both spatially and temporally (seasonally) using • Determine the sensitivity of the modelling tools and their culture-based and molecular methods. Physical and chemical water applicability to determining least cost options to optimise quality parameters were also collected to assess their impact on water quality in terms of discoloured water and chlorine/ pathogen incidence and regrowth in water distribution systems. The chloramine residual, infrastructure expenditure and operational significance of pathogen presence was assessed both qualitatively expenditure. and quantitatively using quantitative microbial risk assessment • Develop a graphical user interface to provide a proof of concept (QMRA) techniques and a risk management strategy proposed using demonstration tool for the water industry. conventional disinfection and mains cleaning techniques.
Outcomes Outcomes • The literature review of available modelling technology has been • A qualitative assessment of the risks posed by various completed. opportunistic pathogens in Australian potable and recycled • The speed of current hydraulic and water quality models has water distribution systems will be compiled. been increased by more than eight times, through the use of • Recommendations will be developed for the management of specific learning algorithms. potable water systems so as to reduce the risk from opportunistic • Genetic algorithms that are able to determine optimal solutions bacterial pathogens, with particular attention paid to Burkholderia to complex problems, with outcomes equivalent to or better than and Naegleria spp. in regions where these organisms are previous simulation tools, have been successfully determined. endemic. • Data collection and problem formulation for the two case studies have been completed. Industry Uptake • Optimisation of the Sydney Water case study is complete. The This project, which is being conducted on operational distribution Yarra Valley Water case study is nearing completion. systems of industry parties, will provide an outline of the conditions • One student has completed his work and submitted his thesis, that may decrease pathogen growth, including potential biofilm the other is writing up his thesis. management strategies that can be used by water utilities. • Development of the Graphical User Interface has commenced with development of the GUI specification. 2.5.1.7 Application of Tools for Distribution System Management Contact Person Dharma Dharmabalan Industry Uptake Organisations Involved Industry parties have been involved in undertaking the case studies, and once the GUI has been developed there will be an industry road Melbourne Water Corporation, Power and Water Authority, South show along with dissemination of the model, which will provide proof East Water Limited, Water Corporation, Yarra Valley Water, Central of concept for this modelling approach. Further industry uptake will Highlands Water, Brisbane Water depend on industry interest in the proof of concept model. Budget and Duration Budget: $483,600 Duration: July 2006 – June 2008 2.5.0.7 Understanding the Growth of Opportunistic Pathogens within Distribution Mains Background and Relevance Contact Person The CRC’s Consolidation of Modelling Tools Project 2.5.0.9 completed Nick Ashbolt (University of New South Wales) its objectives over a period of 18 months ending in December 2005. Organisations Involved Achievements include: ACTEW Corporation, Australian Water Quality Centre, CSIRO, • Introduction of technology transfer of CRC modelling tools to Melbourne Water Corporation, PathWest, Power and Water industry partners Corporation, SA Water, South East Water, Sydney Water Corporation,
59 Distribution
• Delivery of distribution tools (DMT and PSM) software (CD) on a • Disinfectant residual control tool (DrCT) common platform • Particles • Provision of technical support and collation of user-friendly • DSS manuals • ANN • Assisting industry partners with specific case studies using these tools • Conducting introductory workshops in Sydney, Melbourne and The major focus is on the application of the toolbox approach of using Perth smart tools to make decisions on complex distribution system issues. The CRC for Water Quality & Treatment’s distribution program’s role is • Feedback collation from industry for further enhancement to facilitate the transfer of research knowledge in a form that is easily Industry support for this project was overwhelming. The road shows adopted by industry partners. The project team is very interested is in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, attracted more than 55, 90 and working with international participants to share the knowledge gained 100 participants respectively, and most of them expressed interest so far and to improve the tools for distribution management. KIWA in gaining access to these tools to improve their management is interested in developing further the sediment model concept with practices. the principles utilised in the particle component of the water quality The Consolidation of Modelling Tools project identified improvements modelling toolbox. The value of gaining KIWA’s experience using to make the modelling tool-box more useful. They included different techniques to assess discolouration (Re suspension Potential the software platform, user guidance, interpretation of results, Method, TLVSS and particle-counting) is critical for wider acceptance improved understanding and the ease of integration with industry IT of the tool internationally. Basically the integration of two sets of frameworks. toolboxes will add value for the Australian, Netherlands and many other water industry personnel around the world. The disinfection and particles/sediment modelling tools are now on a common platform for use by industry with limited on-line guidance for The funding strategy may include contributions and in-kind support effective use without assistance from the researchers. The next step from major industry partners within Australia and international is to enhance these two tools for application, but the tool-box will partners. The CRC’s role would be to undertake the project leadership also contain other tools such as the decision support system (DSS) and coordination effort to achieve the set objectives. and a disinfectant residual control tool (DrCT) that can be integrated into any water distribution system (WDS) to improve the control of secondary disinfection. The artificial neural network (ANN) can be Outcomes used to forecast future disinfectant residual concentration at various The development will enable the water industry to better manage critical points in the network. These forecasts can be incorporated into distribution issues. The proposed toolbox allows the use of a range of an advisory control system to assist the water treatment plant operator tools under a common umbrella and review outputs simultaneously. It to set the disinfectant residual level at the point of leaving the plant also minimises the need to have different data sets for each module (or at booster chlorinators). Although the ANN will not lead to the and allows integration of data, reducing the time for simulation runs. development of universal software, which can apply directly to other Data transfer using on-line capability for fast response and detection systems, the platform developed will provide enough information for of problematic hotspots is another advantage. Other, more specific industry partners to decide the usefulness and benefits of applying benefits are listed below: this tool to their systems. The complete toolbox when fully developed Stage 1 with integrated tools such as disinfection, particles/sediment, DSS, DrCT and ANN, is the first of its kind for use to manage water • Particle/sediment modelling tool for use and new validation distribution network issues. methodology The CRC Board at its meeting in December 05 endorsed the • Validated PSM modelling toolbox for network models verified in development of detailed proposal with a view to seek funding from 2- 3 systems the industry and other parties to develop application strategies for a • Detailed guidance manual for use by industry for PSM, disinfection technology transfer project. and discoloration • Operational and maintenance strategies guidance manual for systems optimisation Research Approach Stage 2 Additional tasks, such as enhancements to the existing common • Integration of DSS, DrCT and ANN into the existing common platform and inclusion of new modules currently in development, platform (DMT and PSM) are essential to realise the full potential of the toolbox. An extension to tasks completed so far and to develop an integrated toolbox to • Application of these tools to assist in distribution network include a number of other tools such as the decision support and ANN management strategies is important to encompass all aspects of the research work undertaken • Identifying the usefulness of these tools for total water cycle by the CRC. For successful uptake of technology by industry, the management following identified aspects require further enhancement. • Assessments to be undertaken in 2–3 systems for continual • Research into particle/sediment movements to prevent water improvements discoloration • Ability to use ANN to better understand the distribution system. Industry Uptake • Provide guidance on how to make informed decisions to better manage the distribution network by being able to superimpose There are a number of benefits to industry in consolidating all the outputs from different tools into a single platform. research into a common toolbox for field application and making available all the required guidance manuals in an easy to use format. • Application of disinfection tool to recycled water management and risk reduction • Integration of distribution modelling tools into a single common platform • Deployment of these tools for demand management strategies. • Validated Guidance Manuals and sustainable maintenance • Develop Distribution Operational Maintenance strategies with support for the tools the utilisation of these tools • Ongoing maintenance of the software and future enhancement responsibilities Ultimately, the CRC’s Water Quality and Treatment Distribution Water • Enhancement and use of tools to manage distribution network Quality Modelling Toolbox (platform), which is based on EPANET, will issues cost effectively include modules such as: • Minimisation of risks and protection of public health • Disinfection
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Student projects 2.5.1.6 Improved Methods for Optimising Water Quality in 2.5.0.6 Development of triggers for taste and odour of microbial Distribution Systems production of geosmin and MIB in drinking water distribution Student and Organisation systems Alice Weatherford (University of Adelaide) Student and Organisation Principal Supervisor Heather Uwins (Griffith University) Graeme Dandy (University of Adelaide) Principal Supervisor Dr Helen Stratton (Griffith University) Project Outline Heuristic optimisation methods are used to solve a wide variety of Project Outline real-world problems. In the field of water distribution alone, these The project investigates several groups of organisms capable of methods have been used in the design of pipe networks, the location producing geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) to determine of chlorine booster stations and the improvement of operations to physiological triggers that cause the release of these compounds. A minimise energy costs and improve water quality. The Decision survey will be conducted to ascertain the extent of taste and odour Support System (DSS) project funded by the CRC for Water Quality problems in Gold Coast Water’s distribution system and source waters. and Treatment focuses on the use of genetic algorithms (GA) to solve This project will provide improved understanding of precursors of these problems. This project demonstrated the feasibility of heuristic taste and odour production in drinking water related to geosmin and optimisation in water distribution systems (WDS). However, GAs are MIB. Research is underway with Gold Coast Water to develop and likely to require long run times for many real distribution systems and implement indicators to predict the potential formation of geosmin may not find the best solution. and MIB in their distribution systems. This research proposes that to find the best solution for a problem it is necessary to first find the best algorithm by understanding the problem characteristics that determine which algorithm is most appropriate Project Progress and the characteristics of an algorithm that make it applicable to a Methods for sampling geosmin and MIB have been developed and certain type of problem. implemented. The 12-month survey of Gold Coast’s source water Following on from the DSS project, which only considered GA and distribution system is complete and data have been analysed. optimisation, this research will examine a wider range of heuristic The results of this survey were presented at the IWA Symposium of techniques in an attempt to find methods that will be more applicable Off-Flavours in the Aquatic Environment held in Canada in October to the unique problems of optimising WDS planning and operations. 2005. Comprehensive laboratory work involving a geosmin-producing Streptomyces species examining potential physiological triggers is underway. All laboratory and field experiments are complete, though Project Progress some data analysis and interpretation is required on the laboratory A research proposal has been submitted and approved. Progress has experiments. been made on the coding of various optimisation algorithms including The project will be completed by the end of June 2008. differential evolution and particle swarm optimisation.
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Table 3.8 Research Outputs/Milestones - Program 2e Distribution
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Strategies for Year 5 No Improved The new project Application of Tools for optimal maintenance project Distribution System Management will of appropriate design now in address this milestone. disinfection levels in progress. distribution system applied.
2 Distribution water Yes Completed outcomes from the quality model Consolidation of Modelling Tools Project capabilities assessed (202509), the Disinfection Management and guidelines for the Tools Project (431), the Particle Project use of such models to (436), have contributed to this milestone. manage water quality Current projects on Disinfection Control issues developed. (2501), Discoloured Water (2502) & Decision Support System (2503) will also contribute to the completion of this milestone. The new project on the Application of Distribution Tools for Systems (2517) would finalise and consolidate this effort.
3 Better monitoring Year 6 & 7 Yes The Disinfection Control Project (2501) of water quality within its On line monitoring review module in distribution and the Discoloured Water Project (2502) systems based have contributed to provide improved tools on an improved and understanding on better monitoring of understanding of the disinfection and discoloured water. system needs.
4 Improved Yes The project on Understanding of pH understanding of in Distribution System provided the the management of information to fulfil this milestone. The pH, alkalinity and Discoloured Water Project (202502) project hardness within the within its Discoloured Water Modeller distribution systems, provides further information. their impacts on water quality management and critical customers.
5 Management Year 6&7 Yes Completed outcomes from the strategies and Consolidation of Modelling Tools Project improved guidelines (2509), the Disinfection Management Tools for maintenance Project (431), the Particle Project (436), of water quality in have contributed to this milestone. Current distribution systems projects on Disinfection Control (2501), finalised. Discoloured Water (2502) & Decision Support System (2503) will also contribute to the completion of this milestone. The new project on the Application of Distribution Tools for System (2517) project would finalise and consolidate this effort.
62 Sustainable Water Sources
Program Leader Heather Chapman CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Program Aim The major capital cities of Australia are currently facing water supply issues. The ability of water authorities to build new dams is limited, demand management has a limited ability to accommodate future water demands and the current droughts have reduced yields from catchments. Other pressures on water supplies arise from population growth, increased uncertainty about rainfall and a changing culture towards resource management. These factors are forcing an examination of alternative water systems. The use of water conserving strategies such as water recycling and rainwater tanks are likely to become more common. The aim of the Sustainable Water Sources Program is to develop water supply systems based on alternative water cycle management practices that are sustainable from economic, environmental, health and social points of view.
Program Overview The main aims of this project are: The focus of the program is on researching and understanding the • To provide data and establish water quality in urban rainwater processes underpinning the provision of safe and affordable water into tanks appropriate for various end uses. the future. Much of the work in the program involves issues related to • To detect and enumerate chemical and microbiological water availability, water quality and protection of public health. This contaminants which may cause poor water quality in rainwater includes governance in the use of water, community perceptions and tanks in urban/industrial areas. environmental conditions that impact on the sustainability of alternative • To monitor and review critical control points (first flush devices, water sources. Underpinning this is the technology and science that UV disinfection and hot water units) for effectiveness in pathogen by necessity must form the platform from which the other issues are removal. addressed. During the last few years continuing water shortages and increased restrictions on water use have precipitated consideration of recycled water for indirect potable reuse. Indirect potable reuse is now Research Approach firmly on the agenda in South East Queensland, as well as nationally National Survey - Urban Water Quality Monitoring and internationally and is rapidly progressing towards implementation in 2008. A survey of chemical pollution and microbial activity has been undertaken for water quality in rainwater tanks in several urban areas PhDs have been awarded to Nyree Stenekes and Daniel Livingston who of Australia. Rainwater tanks were located and sampled at sites with completed their degrees in 2005. Both were based at the University known or suspected chemical pollution in Broken Hill, Melbourne, of New South Wales and considered socio-technical aspects relating Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. to governance of water recycling and decentralised water systems respectively. Since then three other PhD students have joined the Monitoring and Evaluation of Devices Sustainable Water Sources Program and their work is in progress. This stage focused on verifying the critical control points in removing Nicole Thornton is enrolled at the Institute of Sustainable Futures, organisms, including first flush devices, hot water systems and University of Technology Sydney, Baden Myers at the University disinfection technologies such as UV. Data has been collected from of Adelaide and Jason Dunlop at the University of Queensland. several projects involving urban rainwater tanks. Descriptions of their projects are provided below. The remaining Guidance Manual for Urban Rainwater Tanks students, Jodi Dong, Rob Huston and Ian White from Griffith University A guidance manual on the design and installation of rainwater tanks in and Vicki Ross from the University of Queensland have all had their the urban context has been developed based on the above studies. candidatures confirmed and are nearing completion of their projects.
Outcomes CURRENT PROJECT STATUS A draft literature review was completed in December 2003. The 2.6.0.4 Water Quality and Health Risk Assessment from Urban monitoring and analytical data for the national survey was completed Rainwater Tanks – Stage 1 and 2 by June 2005. A report on the project will contain outcomes from the Contact Person national survey and from other studies conducted in Australia where Tony Cartwright (Sydney Water) information has been made available to the project participants. The research report and guidance manual are at draft stage and will be Organisations Involved available in early 2007. ACTEW Corporation, Brisbane City Council, Department of Human Services (Victoria), Melbourne Water, Monash University, Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services, SA Water Corporation, Industry Uptake Sydney Water Corporation, Water Services Association of Australia, There is strong industry support for, and involvement in, this project. Yarra Valley Water, Department of Health NSW, Natural Resources and Rainwater tanks are being included in urban developments without Mines, Queensland adequate knowledge of what constitutes good practice in their Budget $217,790 design, operation and management. Data to inform policy is being actively sought and used by public health regulators and government Start Date February 2004 agencies.
Background and Relevance 2.6.0.6 Sustainable Urban Water – Schemes and Technologies In the urban environment, rainwater tanks have the potential to Contact Person supplement mains water as a supply of potable water and thereby conserve and reduce the demand on mains water. There have been Gunnar Kirchhof (University of Queensland) many studies examining hydrological, design and economic aspects Organisations Involved of using rainwater tanks for outdoor uses and toilet flushing. However, University of Queensland, Water Corporation, South East Water, very few intensive studies provide baseline data on rainwater quality Queensland EPA in urban areas of Australia and explain how that relates to health risk assessment.
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Budget $348,357 analysis which has resulted in wide-ranging results and an ensuing Start Date January 2004 level of uncertainty. To date the implications of the differing framing assumptions (which are often implicit) are yet to be determined. There is a need to explore the significance of these implications in order to Background and Relevance improve the transparency of cost analysis, and to provide guidance Ongoing drought conditions and decreasing water storage levels in conducting and interpreting the results of sustainable urban water are forcing the Australian water utilities and governments to look for studies. new and innovative approaches to securing our future water supply. Sharing information and lessons learned is an important driver of Research Approach innovation. This project aims to facilitate the inclusion of sustainable urban water Recognising the importance of effective and efficient knowledge strategies and systems into utility planning, through providing a sharing, this project has developed Naiad™, a comprehensive guide to best practice in determining the cost effectiveness of these knowledge repository on innovative water management in Australia. strategies and systems. Its key objectives are to: This planning tool works like an electronic storybook. An intuitive interface lets users search for information on water schemes that match • Promote consistency and transparency in cost analysis and life their interests and situation. The information contained in Naiad™ cycle costing of sustainable urban water alternatives. will help users make informed decisions and avoid the repetition of • Allow a true comparison at a given location between the cost of mistakes, thus propagating innovative water management. sustainable urban water alternatives and the cost of servicing via existing systems or conventional alternatives. Research Approach • Place selected existing costing studies of sustainable urban water into context, thereby making these studies and their results more An integrated knowledge management system is being developed useful to urban water planners. While the methodology will be containing information about projects implementing: focused on analysis of options for a new development area or • water recycling sub-division and re-developments, it will also have the potential • water sensitive urban design to inform higher level strategic planning processes. • resource substitution • innovative treatment technologies Outcomes • demand management solutions. A practitioner workshop was held on 10 March 2006 at RMIT University in Melbourne. Approximately 40 invitees attended the workshop. The information collected on these projects covers a comprehensive Utility, regulatory, Government, research and private consulting range of issues, including project objectives, treatment technologies sectors from around Australia were represented. A proposed set of used, risk management, participatory planning, etc. Information best practice principles for costing sustainable urban water were available in the public domain is being collected about a variety presented to the group. Each principle was explained and discussed of schemes, including large-scale and smaller projects, including by the group. Valuable input was obtained and has been incorporated decentralised schemes. The focus is on projects with an urban into a redrafted set of best practice principles. The development of component. ‘new’ case studies to be incorporated into this project is continuing. Work on the final output of the project, a manual called a Guidebook Outcomes for Costing for Sustainable Urban Water, is also progressing and the The final stage of the project involved presenting this information report should be available by the end of 2007. to project owners for review, completion and consolidation. Once approval for publication is received, the information will be made Industry Uptake available to the intended users of Naiad™. This project has substantial industry support and participation. It is expected that uptake of the outcomes will be similarly broad. Industry Uptake Naiad™ is now available and accessible to industry parties and other 2.6.1.1 Benchmarking Water Sensitive Urban Development- interested persons. It is assisting those involved in the planning and Cluster Housing implementation of alternative water scheme projects. Additional funding from the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency Contact Person (EPA) has enabled the extension of this project. A database manager Ted Gardner (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, has been retained one day per week until June 2008 to continue to Queensland) populate and maintain the database. Provision is being made for Organisations Involved extension of the resource in WQRA. Department of Natural Resources and Mines and Water, Brisbane City Council, Environmental Protection Agency (Qld) 2.6.1.0 Best Practice Cost Analysis Methodology for Budget $40,000 Sustainable Urban Water Systems State Date September 2005 Contact Person Cynthia Mitchell (University of Technology Sydney) Background and Relevance Organisations Involved Urban hydrology is an applied science that will have an increasing University of Technology Sydney, Sydney Water, Hunter Water role to play in the sustainability of human societies. Growth in urban Corporation, Melbourne Water, Environmental Protection Agency populations and increasing difficulty in finding new sources of drinking (Qld) water are driving the need for better urban hydrology and water Budget $170,000 management. Growth of urban areas brings significant changes in the Start Date September 2005 physical properties of the land surface, increasing the vulnerability of inhabitants and ecological systems that support them. Knowledge of future urban systems needs to focus on new technology, transfer of Background and Relevance knowledge, innovation, social equity and other considerations. The interest in sustainable urban water in recent years, including in water An ecosensitive subdivision of twenty-two homes is being constructed sensitive urban design and water conservation, has seen a significant in Queensland which incorporates major innovations in the delivery number of studies conducted which assess the cost effectiveness or of water and sewerage services, stormwater treatment and energy life cycle costing (LCC) of alternative strategies or system options. consumption. The innovations include rainwater tanks on each house There has been significant variation in the approaches taken to cost linked to a large (150kL) community tank to provide fire fighting flows 64 Sustainable Water Sources and trickle top-up supplies; onsite grey water treatment and irrigation Specific questions to be answered include: systems and bioretention basins to reduce the frequency and peak • What reliable biological methods of measurement and associated discharge of storm flows and contaminant export. The twenty-two criteria should be used to best assess the risk of estrogenic architecturally designed homes in the subdivision incorporate features effects across a wide range of species? How can these tools be of low embodied energy and low operational energy. integrated into a regulatory framework to identify and regulate The main objective of this project is to benchmark the water savings, these substances in water including complex mixtures? energy savings, stormwater quantity/quality behaviour, avoided waste • What modifying factors such as water quality conditions influence discharge, and residents’ satisfaction/behaviour of an ecosensitive the measured estrogenic activity or response? subdivision. These results will be compared, wherever possible, with a business-as-usual scenario. The aim is to provide evidence for developers and regulators that alternative urban water development Research Approach models are attractive on environmental, technical and consumer The project will be carried out in 3 stages. acceptance criteria. The data available from this project will also • Stage 1 reviewed biological assay methods from within contribute to the project Sustainable Urban Water Schemes and laboratories and from the published literature, including Technologies. promising newer methods. • Stage 2 validated bioassays in the laboratory and compared Research Approach results against criteria for selection both within and between • To investigate whether rainwater tanks can make a substantial laboratories. Chemical analysis was used for validation of and safe contribution to satisfying urban demand for potable bioassays. water. • Stage 3 will involve the synthesis of project outcomes and • To quantify the costs associated with rainwater tanks and production of a final report. determine if the technology is cost-effective compared with traditional ‘big pipe’ solutions. Outcomes • To examine and quantify the water and energy usage that is A draft report has been produced which details the chosen methods, achieved by sensitive terra-forming, responsive house design, data, analysis and conclusions along with recommendations for the use of solar energy for heating, low water plumbing (aerated selection of appropriate bioassays to measure estrogenic activity faucets, low flow shower roses, etc), recycled water and rainwater in environmental matrices. Results of these studies will provide tanks. standardised methods for risk assessment purposes. Deliverables from • To examine whether sensitive urban design can provide a this project will include quality assurance/quality control materials. safe, cost-effective and sustainable marketable alternative to The methods used in this project will also be useful for evaluating the traditional urban solutions. extent to which water and wastewater treatment processes remove • To investigate whether the urban metabolism of a largely estrogenically-active compounds. conventional urban community can be reduced using a suite of A review of the available bioassays to measure estrogenicity in relatively simple existing technologies in an integrated manner. environmental water samples has been completed. A workshop was held in October 2005 to discuss which bioassays to select for further Outcomes evaluation. Project outcomes will include rigorous benchmarking of alternative water/energy/waste technologies. Credible benchmarking will provide Industry Uptake information to the development industry, regulators and governments This is a project with significant collaboration with the international on the acceptance of the technology by consumers and the safety water industry. It is expected to have substantial uptake globally as and economic and environmental sustainability of this type of housing indicated by the project participants. development. Data from the monitoring program so far, has indicated water savings but at the cost of high energy usage. Data collection has been delayed due to insufficient rainfall, but the work is expected to Student Projects be completed by March 2008. These are postgraduate projects within the Sustainable Water Sources Program that are not directly linked to a larger project. Industry Uptake A documented development initiative such as this has the potential 2.6.0.7 Urban Planning and Integrated Water Management: to become an icon development. This concept was identified by the Towards an Alternate Institutional Framework recent National Water Initiative to provide a model for sustainable Student and Organisation change in urban water form and function for the whole of Australia. Jodi Dong (Griffith University) Principal Supervisor 3.1.0.5 Tools for Analysing Estrogenicity in Environmental Brendan Gleeson (Griffith University) Waters Start Date March 2004 Contact Person Heather Chapman (CRC Water for Quality and Treatment) Project Outline Organisations Involved Most of Australia’s urban areas are experiencing drought, ageing Griffith University, University of Technology Sydney, KIWA infrastructure, environmental degradation and significant population (Netherlands), TZW (Germany) growth. Therefore, the sustainable management of the water cycle in Budget $339,200 Australia’s cities is an important goal. Start Date March 2005 Much of the institutional response to this situation has been focused on technological solutions (grey water reuse, rainwater tanks), demand management (education and consumptive restrictions) and Background and Relevance best management practices in development (Water Sensitive Urban The potential presence of estrogenic substances in water has become Design). an issue for water recycling. The use of tools for quantifying the estrogenic effects of chemicals in water has become possible in recent years. International agreement on the best tool will allow a widely While these are all important strategies, they will not address all accepted assessment of the risks posed by these substances. aspects of the problem. There are broad trends that are taking place
65 Sustainable Water Sources in cities worldwide that need to be considered to better inform the Project Outcomes debate. These trends are encapsulated in the concept of Splintering Studies for Perth and Toowoomba have now been completed and the Urbanism, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to explore how data are being analysed. The remaining case study being conducted the complex social, economic and political shifts that are occurring as an example of non-potable water reuse is in the Coomera-Pimpama intersect with evolving technologies, and result in the social and region at the northern end of the Gold Coast. ecological fragmentation and splintering of metropolitan areas. The purpose of this research is to inform and enhance approaches to sustainable urban water management in Australia by answering the 2.6.0.9 An Assessment of Chemical Contamination of Rainwater question: ‘To what extent and in what way has Splintering Urbanism Tanks in Urban/Industrial Areas of Australia influenced the possibility for sustainable urban water management in Student and Organisation Australia?’ It will also provide a mechanism for critical reflection on Rob Huston (Griffith University) the theory itself. Principal Supervisor Andrew Chan (Griffith University) Project Progress Start Date March 2005 During the first year a comprehensive literature review was conducted on water management, urban planning, institutional theory and approaches to sustainability. This investigation assisted in the Project Outline development of the research question. The contamination of potable water supplies from air-borne particulate Two case studies will be conducted this year in Adelaide and and soluble pollutants has been identified as a potential cause of a Sydney. Preliminary investigation indicates that there are elements of reduction in potable water quality. Aerosol pollutants at sufficient splintering in both cities. Selection criteria are based on the existence concentrations may result in the non-compliance of domestic water of elements of Splintering Urbanism in a state or region’s water tank supplies with drinking water guidelines. management regime. This includes the degree to which: This project will assess rainwater quality, from a chemical perspective • the utility/authority has been restructured and/or corporatised in focusing on chemical contaminants. This will be achieved by measuring recent years both metals/metalloids and organic contaminants in water. Innovative techniques will be used to ensure that sensitivity is maximised. These • the authority shows signs of segmentation of its services include the use of passive samplers for both the organic and inorganic • the authority has had water quality problems with regard to components sited in tanks. Advanced analytical facilities are available either human or environmental health and include ICP-MS for metals and GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS for • the authority has contracted out its services, and what companies organic compounds. (i.e. local or multinational) received those contracts. To determine the potential human health impact of the contaminants The final year will involve compilation of results, conclusions and detected, probabilistic health risk assessment will be undertaken using the writing of the thesis. Jodi is expecting to submit her thesis in the results of this project for the exposure assessment and literature September 2007. data for the dose-response assessment.
2.6.0.8 Role of Social Processes in Sustainable Urban Water Project Progress Management A prototype deposition gauge sampler and stand has been Student and Organisation constructed and preliminary sampling has been conducted. Trial Vicki Ross (University of Queensland and CSIRO WA) extraction and analysis is being carried out to gauge the volumes needed and sensitivity attainable with the current equipment. The Principal Supervisor majority of the field sampling and analysis will take place from mid Kelly Fielding (University of Queensland) 2006 to mid 2007. Start Date March 2004 A successful trial of air pollution modelling has been undertaken for a week in winter during the year 2000 and it has been mapped using ArcGIS 9.1. Motor vehicle emission source have also been successfully Project Outline mapped on GIS. This project is expected to be completed in 2008. Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent, with a highly variable climate, and at the same time Australians are amongst the highest consumers of water in the world. This makes sustainable 2.6.1.2 Social Interaction with Rainwater Tank Technology water use one of the nation’s major challenges. Lifestyle expectations, Student and Organisation varying cultural experiences and socioeconomic differences will affect Ian White (Griffith University) how communities respond to these issues and to the acceptability of proposed policy and management options. A basic research and Principal Supervisor policy question to consider is how best to involve people so that their Peter Daniels (Griffith University) preferences, values and constraints upon their actions are incorporated Start Date March 2005 in policy formulation. This process should utilise their awareness and knowledge about sustainable water use to assist informed debate on strategic issues and their participation in decision making. Project Outline The principal aims of the project are: The household use of rainwater tanks to supplement mains supply in South East Queensland is increasing. Within these communities • To assess the processes needed to engage the community in some local authorities have mandated the use of rainwater tanks, long-term planning for urban water supply. others offered rebates for voluntary installation of rain-tanks both • To examine the role of trust in community acceptance of water new and retrofitted, whilst others are provided by developers asa management strategies. marketing hook. Across these communities, there is little research into As well as exploring the relationship between risk and trust, the the experience, challenges and solutions of rainwater supply at the study aims to develop and test a social-psychological model for the household level. Patterns of rainwater use, overall water consumption, characteristics of trust and the factors that determine trust. This model hazard reduction, maintenance procedures and compliance with will be applied to a low perceived risk situation (drinking water quality guidelines and regulations needs to be investigated. Understanding in Perth), a moderately perceived risk situation (non-potable reuse on the social impacts within and beyond the household and identifying the Gold Coast) and a high perceived risk (indirect potable reuse in the conditions relating to systematic variation in households, if any, Toowoomba). informs risk assessment, monitoring and compliance.
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Project Progress Project Progress PhD confirmation was completed in May 2005. Work is progressing This project commenced in March 2006. The project will extend and the project is expected to be completed in 2008. beyond June 2008.
2.6.1.3 People’s Attitude to Water and the Associated Impacts 2.6.1.5 Investigation into the Effects of Salinity and Turbidity in on Water Use Behaviour Freshwater Ecosystems Student and Organisation Student and Organisation Nicole Thornton (Institute of Sustainable Futures, University of Jason Dunlop (University of Queensland) Technology Sydney) Principal Supervisor Principal Supervisor Heather Chapman (CRC for Water Quality and Treatment) Cynthia Mitchell (University of Technology Sydney) Start Date March 2006 Start Date February 2006 Project Outline Project Outline Salinity and turbidity are amongst the highest priority contaminants This project will investigate the interaction between demand of inland aquatic ecosystems in Queensland yet little is known management technology and society. The project is 50% funded by about the effects of increasing salinity and turbidity in freshwater the Gosford City Council. aquatic environments. Both contaminants are highly variable in their The objectives of this research project are to: composition and consequently can affect aquatic ecosystems in different ways making it difficult to predict their effects. • Examine how our lifestyle changes with, and influences, the way we use water. The project will be designed as an ecological risk assessment and its major focus of the risk assessment will be on establishing the likely • Measure water usage (quantitative) and attitudes to water use effects of salinity and turbidity. In the final risk assessment the likelihood (qualitative) to assess how they are linked. of their occurrence will be described by salinity flow relationships as • Compare the attitudes of water users from locations with different incorporated into the models used to simulate behaviours of the management strategies/programs (e.g. the level of acceptance salinity. and use of recycled water such as proposed in Toowoomba) and between the east coast and west coast of Australia (e.g. Perth and Sydney). Project Progress • Document the influence of community structure and lifestyle Since commencement of the project at the end of March 2006 on attitudes and behavioural changes to water conservation project activity has focused on the planning and development of measures over the short, medium and long-term; plus any anticipated project outcomes and setting project milestones. A interactions between institutional and structural changes. draft scientific paper titled Regional variation in salinity tolerance of macroinvertebrates a case study from Queensland, north-east Australia has been prepared and accepted for publication. Project Progress This project commenced in February 2006. Confirmation of candidature has been approved (July 2007). This project will extend beyond June 2008.
2.6.1.4 Development of Process-Based Water Quality Models for Urban Design Systems Student and Organisation Baden Myers (University of South Australia) Principal Supervisor Simon Beecham (University of South Australia) Start Date March 2006 Project Outline Conventionally, urban water systems have been designed to deliver potable water into the urban environment from the surrounding catchments while at the same time removing wastewater and stormwater. As a result conventional systems are by and large considered to be three separate systems, stormwater, wastewater and drinking water. An existing constraint to onsite treatment and harvesting of stormwater is the perceived health risks of harvesting storm-water from urban catchments. The aim of this research is to: • Characterise the water quality processes taking place within individual water sensitive urban design systems. • Identify or develop suitable modelling algorithms for these treatment processes. • Develop modelling procedures based on these algorithms.
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Table 3.9 Research program 2e Sustainable Water Sources – Research Outputs/Milestones
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Methodologies for Year 5 Yes Project 2.6.0.4 Water Quality and Health assessment of health Risk Analysis of Water from Rainwater Tanks risk associated with in progress and nearing completion. alternative water Project 1.1.0.6 Water Reuse and Alternative systems tested and Water Sources: Attitudes, Practices, Risk confirmed. Assessment and Human Health Outcomes is underway in the Epidemiology Program.
2 Methodologies for Year 5 Yes Several PhD projects underway (Project assessment of social 2.6.0.2 Decentralised Urban Water and environmental Management and project 2.6.0.3 Risk in the costs associated with Governance of Water Reuse completed in alternative water 2006). systems tested and PhD student projects all addressing specific confirmed. issues relating to this milestone are in progress. Project 2.6.1.1 Urban metabolism project underway. Project 2.6.1.0 Best practice cost analysis for sustainable urban water due to be completed in September 2006.
3 Reliability of pollutant Year 5 Yes Project 6.0.0.3 Chemicals of concern in removal from wastewater effluent – is there a problem? conventional and Project 1.2.1.0 (Toxicology program) advanced treatment Decomposition and removal of triclosan technologies from reused water as a drinking source. understood and Project 3.1.0.5 Strategic Directions Tools quantified. for analysing estrogenicity in environmental waters. GWRC. Project 2.6.0.6 Sustainable urban water – schemes and technologies database.
4 Design manual for Year 6&7 Yes This was an over ambitious milestone. design of alternative Completed for Rainwater tanks. water systems Other systems such as reuse are being produced. investigated from a health perspective in Program 1A.
5 Expert system for Year 6&7 Yes Achieved by 2.6.0.6 Sustainable Urban critical evaluation Water - Schemes and Technologies This of alternative water project provides data required by health system designs and environmental regulators and the produced and tested. water industry that will enable comparison between alternate urban water systems and assist in developing and implementation of more sustainable urban water management.
6 Water regulations Year 6 & 7 Yes Completed work in 2.6.0.4 has improved upgraded to cover design and regulation for rainwater tanks. design and operation of alternative water systems.
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The CRC for Water Quality and Treatment has established collaborative Toxicology relationships with a wide variety of organisations both in Australia Researchers in the Toxicology Program have on-going collaborations and further a field. Water quality continues to be a critical issue in with international experts at institutions such as University of Alberta most parts of the world, and the Centre’s research draws together and the Institute for Marine Biosciences in Canada, City University teams from industry, government and communities to tackle relevant of Hong Kong, University of Konstanz and the Federal Environment problems. Agency (UBA) in Germany, Environmental Protection Agency, National The Centre’s research activities are conducted with extensive Institute of Environmental Health Science, and Wright State University involvement of CRC participating and associate member organisations. in the US, and the National Food Safety Authority (AFSSA) and the In the past year at least fifteen organisations have had one or more National Natural History Museum in France. staff involved in CRC Research projects and a further eight have Collaborative projects include the development of rapid genotoxicity contributed resources on a part time basis. assays for disinfection by-products, comparison of analytical and The table below shows the variety of international collaborations of bioassay methodologies for detection of cyanotoxins, and toxicological which the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment is a part. investigations into the effects of microcystins and cylindrospermopsin. These collaborations allow them to greatly expand the amount of relevant research that is conducted, raise the profile of the CRC CRC Research Program Collaborations for Water Quality and Treatment on the international stage, and The nature of collaborative relationships within the CRC is variable leverage funds from overseas sources such as the American Water and is usually determined by the nature of individual projects. In and Wastewater Association Research Fund (AwwaRF) and the Global addition to the many collaborations between the CRC’s partner Water Research Coalition (GWRC). Last year the Toxicology Program organisations (see individual project descriptions for organisations secured almost $200,000 in cash funding from such sources. involved) the summaries below from Research Programs describe the most significant interrelationships with global and national bodies whose interests and focus are of particular relevance to this CRC. Catchments Collaborative linkages continue with CRC eWater, building on those established with CRC for Catchment Hydrology and CRC for Epidemiology Freshwater Ecology following an initial research planning workshop Involvement with the Global Water Research Coalition and the World in 2001. Health Organisation (WHO) on the topic of cardiovascular health Other collaborative linkages were established with the American effects of calcium and magnesium in drinking water has continued this Water Works Research Foundation (AwwaRF), particularly in relation year. Activities included participation in an international conference to catchments pathogens research. These collaborative arrangements and WHO Expert Meeting, and involvement in the Scientific Advisory avoided duplication and now see this Centre working to add value Committee for a research study funded by the Netherlands national to established catchment and river health research programs of water research organisation KIWA. collaborative partners. Strong linkages are in place with CRC eWater In the area of microbial risks and risk management, a Centre researcher in relation to modelling aspects. In addition, extensive collaboration from the Epidemiology Program was invited to take part in an expert is continuing with AwwaRF in relation to pathogens. colloquium on “Clean Water: What is Acceptable Microbial Risk?” Outcomes from this Centre are being translated into eWater national convened by the American Academy of Microbiology. catchment modelling frameworks and into design criteria for The Program has also continued its collaboration with the management practices. These outcomes are being actively used by Department of Public Health Science at the University of Alberta, CRC participants as they apply their e2 modelling framework to water Canada on the project Developing Evidence Based, Strategic Water supply catchments. Quality Monitoring Systems, and begun new collaborative projects on alternative water sources involving non-CRC stakeholders in two states.
Country Company/Research Organisation Nature of collaboration
USA AwwaRF Granting body, professional networks
USA Wright State University Research collaboration
USA US EPA Research collaboration, granting body
Canada University of Alberta Research collaboration
South Africa Water Research Commission Professional networks
The Netherlands KIWA NV Professional networks/Research collaboration
The Netherlands University of Delft Collaboration/Researcher visits
Germany DVGW - Technologiezentrum Wasser (TZW) Professional networks/ Research collaboration
USA University of North Carolina Collaboration/Researcher visits
USA Metropolitan Water District, California Research collaboration
Taiwan National Cheng Kung University Collaboration/Researcher exchange
France Poitiers University Collaboration/Researcher exchange
various GWRC Granting body, Research collaboration
World Health Organisation Collaboration in international guidance document
Switzerland EAWAG Professional networks/Researcher visits
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Reservoirs Phil Singer, Dan Okun Professor from University of North Carolina, The American Water Works Association Research Foundation Chapel Hill, spent three weeks at the Australian Water Quality Centre (AwwaRF) continues to be an important collaborator in aspects of in September. He presented three very interesting seminars on MIEX this Program, and a new project will be the partnership to investigate and disinfection by-products. A number of discussions regarding alternative algal control. possible papers and future collaborations were held. A number of collaborative papers are proposed with the first paper presented at The collaboration with National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan has an international conference by Prof Singer in March. been strengthened by the sabbatical visit of Professor Tsair-Fuh Lin to the Australian Water Quality Centre from July-December, 2006. Professor Lin and two of his PhD students worked within Project Distribution 2.2.2.0 (Tastes and Odours in Reservoirs). During his visit he developed The program continued its collaborative links with AwwaRF and KIWA. a reservoir geosmin budget model, and undertook experimental Discussions with AwwaRF related to the “Development of Distribution measurement to verify some of the production and loss compartments Management Tools” and “Decision Support Systems”. Enhancing the of geosmin in reservoirs. His expertise has been a major bonus for this capability of using the particle sediment model (PSM) was the subject project, and has been a major contribution to one of the key aims of of discussion with KIWA. A paper was published in the AWA Water this project. This collaboration will be further enhanced by a reciprocal Journal in February 2007 on ‘International Collaborative Research on visit of Michael Burch to Taiwan for a three month study visit in 2007. Discoloured Water’. Veolia Water has provided funding for the project Reservoir Management Strategies for Control and Degradation of Algal Toxins. Sustainable Water Sources A Global Water Research Coalition project (Tools for analysing Measurement estrogenicity in environmental waters) commenced in March 2005 Professor Jean-Philippe Croue of the Laboratoire de Chimie de l’Eau et and is nearing completion. This has built strong collaborative links de l’Environnement (LCEE) Poitiers University has made an important to several Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) members from contribution to the Centre project Advanced characterization of NOM the USA, UK, France, Netherlands, Germany and South Africa and in Australian water systems. PhD student, Ina Kristiana, benefited will strengthen Australia’s involvement in the coalition. A final project greatly from a six-month internship at Poitiers, and one of the Poitiers workshop for Tools for analysing estrogenicity in environmental waters students, Thomas Cornu, spent three months at Curtin University of (Project 3.1.0.5) was held in San Francisco in May 2007. Technology. In April 2006, the Curtin Water Quality Research Centre, at Curtin Regional and Rural Water Supplies University of Technology, hosted a one-week workshop with senior This program has developed a number of projects to extend staff of Water Corporation, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic collaborations with allied organisations during the reporting period. Science and Technology (EAWAG) and CSIRO Land and Water. It is anticipated that this workshop will lead to an enduring collaboration Remote Community Water Management was a Desert Knowledge between the parties. A number of cross-disciplinary research topics CRC project, undertaken in collaboration with the CRC for Water have been identified and projects are currently being developed. Quality and Treatment. The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Centre for Appropriate There is an active collaboration with Dr Paul Rochelle at the Technology are also core partners in the project. The project aimed Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr to assist small remote Indigenous communities who self-manage Rochelle will provide DNA microarray facilities for looking at toxin their water supply to identify methods for the implementation of the genes in cyanobacteria as part of the Centre project Development of Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality in the 2004 Biosensors for Analysis of MIB and Geosmin. Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. This project was completed in Project 2.3.0.4 Early detection of cyanobacterial toxins using genetic December 2006. methods has involved two international postgraduate students, The Waterproofing Homelands – Kimberley Water Strategy Pilot Alexandra Sourzat (ENSIL, France) and Pierre Barbez (University project, addresses core determinants of ongoing water system failure of Lille, France), and international collaborators including Dr Paul in the region with six case study communities. This secured an initial Rochelle (MWDSC, USA) and Chris Williams (Greenwater Labs, USA). year of funding through the Department of Family and Community At the national level, significant collaborative work has been undertaken Services and Indigenous Affairs for the 2006-2007 financial year. This with SEQWater (Qld) and Central Queensland University (Qld). Project collaboration will facilitate direct dialogue between researchers and 2.3.0.4 and 2.3.2.5 are providing important research tools and insights policy-makers with regard to essential services delivery in remote for international research groups, captured in several new proposals Indigenous communities. submitted in Germany (Dr. Claudia Wiedner) and the USA (Dr. Chris The PhD project, Perceptions and Utilisation of Water in Remote Williams). Indigenous Communities, will investigate perceptions and utilisation of water in remote Indigenous communities. Discussions have taken place Water Treatment with the CRC for Aboriginal Health and other relevant organisations Research collaboration both nationally and internationally is an regarding involvement and collaboration in this project. important component of the Water Treatment Technology Program. The Australian Groundwater Quality Database project will develop Studies of treatment processes and their effectiveness for the removal a database utilising verified water quality data integrated with of NOM has been undertaken nationally between a number of Centre hydrogeological data. The database will be used to improve capacity, partners. understanding and enhance the assessment and prioritisation of water Dr Jasper Verberk from the University of Delft, Netherlands, started a quality issues in regional and rural areas. 14 month visit at the Australian Water Quality Centre in September, 2005. Dr Verberk and Ms Drikas collaborated on establishing a project to determine the extent of treatment necessary to produce water quality which minimises water quality deterioration after passage though the distribution system. The project concept and collaboration originally arose from a Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) workshop on distribution systems held in Sydney in September 2003. The project which will be co-funded by the Centre and a number of interested industry partners commenced in October 2006.
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REFEREED JOURNAL PAPERS Humpage AR, Ledreux A, Fanok S, Bernard C, Briand JF, Eaglesham Allpike B, Heitz A, Joll CA and Kagi RI (2007) A new organic G, Papageorgiou J, Nicholson B, and Steffensen D (2007) carbon detector for HPLC. Journal of Chromatography A 1157, Application of the neuroblastoma assay for paralytic shellfish 472-476. poisons to neurotoxic freshwater cyanobacteria: Inter-laboratory calibration, and comparison with HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and Jellett Berwick L, Greenwood PF, Kagi RI and Croué JP (2007) Thermal Mist Alert™ for PSPs. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry release of nitrogen organics from natural organic matter using 26, 1512-1519. micro scale sealed vessel pyrolysis. Organic Geochemistry 38, 1073-1090. Hurlimann A (2007) Is recycled water use risky? An urban Australian community’s perspective. The Environmentalist 27 (1) 83-94. Brooke S, Newcombe G, Nicholson B and Klass G (2006) Decrease in toxicity of microcystins LA and LR in drinking water by ozonation. Hurlimann A and McKay J (2007) Urban Australians using recycled Toxicon 48, 1054-1059. water for domestic use - An evaluation of the attributes of price, saltiness, colour and odour using conjoint analysis. Journal of Heitz A, Busetti F, Cuomo M, Badoer S, Pojana G, Marcomini A and Environmental Management 83, 93-104. Traverso P (2006) Solid phase extraction and HPLC UV-DAD/FLD determination of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Kim DK, Cao H, Jeong KS, Recknagel F and Joo GJ (2007) Predictive aqueous and solid samples from an Italian wastewater treatment function and rules for population dynamics of Microcystis plant. Journal of Chromatography A 1102, 104-115. aeruginosa in the regulated Nakdong River (South Korea), discovered by evolutionary algorithms. Ecological Modelling 203, Chan WS, Recknagel F, Cao H and Park HD (2007) Elucidation and 147-156. short-term forecasting of microcystin concentrations in Lake Suwa (Japan) by means of artificial neural networks and evolutionary Malek F, Harris JL and Roddick FA (2006) Interrelationship of photo- algorithms. Water Research 41, 2247-2255. oxidation and microfiltration in drinking water treatment. Journal of Membrane Science, 281, 541-547 Chow C, Dexter R, Sutherland-Stacey L, Fitzgerald F, Fabris R, Drikas M, Holmes M and Kaeding U (2007), Multi-wavelength Nakasugi K, Alexova R, Svenson CJ and Neilan BA (2007) Functional UV/Vis spectrometry in drinking water quality management. analysis of PilT from the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis Water: Journal of the Australian Water Association 34(4), 63-66. aeruginosa PCC 7806. Journal of Bacteriology 189, 1689-97. Copp JN, Roberts AA, Marahiel MA, Neilan BA (2007) Characterisation Nakasugi K, Svenson CJ and Neilan BA (2007) The competence of NsPPT, a cyanobacterial phosphopantetheinyl transferase from gene, comF, from Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 is involved Nodularia spumigena NSOR10. Journal of Bacteriology (published in natural transformation, phototactic motility and piliation. on-line ahead of press: 16 February, 2007). Microbiology-SGM 152, 3623-3631. Daly R, Ho L and Brookes J (2007) Effect of chlorination on Microcystis Nicholson B (2006) N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) – An emerging aeruginosa cell integrity and subsequent microcystin release issue for the water industry, Water: Journal of the Australian Water and degradation. Environmental Science and Technology 41, Association 33(6), 46-51. 4447-4453. Pearson LA, Barrow KD and Neilan BA (2007) Characterisation of Fabris R, Lee EK, Chow C, Chen V and Drikas M (2007) the 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase, McyI encoded within the Pre-treatments to reduce fouling of low pressure micro-filtration microcystin biosynthesis gene cluster of Microcystis aeruginosa (MF) membranes. Journal of Membrane Science 289, (1-2), PCC7806. Journal of Biological Chemistry 282, 4681-4692. 231 - 240. Recknagel F, Talib A and van der Molen D (2006) Phytoplankton Falconer IR (2006) Are endocrine disrupting compounds a health risk community dynamics of two adjacent Dutch lakes in response to in drinking water? International Journal of Environmental Research seasons and eutrophication control unravelled by non-supervised and Public Health 3, 180-184. artificial neural networks.Ecological Informatics 1, 3, 277-286. Falconer IR and Humpage AR (2006) Cyanobacterial (blue-green Rizak S and Hrudey SE (2006) Misinterpretation of drinking water algal) toxins in water supplies: cylindrospermopsins. Environmental quality monitoring data with implications for risk management. Toxicology 21, 299-304. Environmental Science and Technology 40, 5244-5250. Fanok S, Froscio SM and Humpage AR (2007) Improved cytotoxicity Rizak S and Hrudey SE (2007) Response to comment on testing of products in contact with drinking water. Water, Journal “Misinterpretation of drinking water quality monitoring data with of the Australian Water Association 34(5), 55-58. implications for risk management” [2] Environmental Science and Technology 41, 3389-3390. Fitzgerald F, Chow C and Holmes M (2006) Disinfectant demand prediction using surrogate parameters - A tool to improve Rizak S and Hrudey SE (2007) Strategic water quality monitoring disinfection control. Journal of Water Science, Research and for drinking water safety. Water: Journal of the Australian Water Technology - Aqua 55, 391-400. Association 34(4) 67-71. Ho L, Gaudiuex A, Fanok S, Newcombe G and Humpage AR (2007) Rogers E, Zehr D, Gage M, Humpage AR, Falconer IR, Marr M and Bacterial degradation of microcystin toxins in drinking water Chernoff N (2007) The cyanobacterial toxin, cylindrospermopsin, eliminates their toxicity. Toxicon 50: 438-441. induces fetal toxicity in the mouse after exposure late in gestation. Toxicon 49: 855-864. Ho L, Hoefel D, Bock F, Saint CP and Newcombe G (2007) Biodegradation rates of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin Roseth N (2006) Community views on water shortages and through sand filters and in bioreactors. Chemosphere 66, conservation. Water: Journal of the Australian Water Association 2210-2218. 33(8) 62-66. Ho L, Hoefel D, Saint CP and Newcombe G (2007) Degradation Salmon TP, Rose AL, Neilan BA and Waite TD (2006) The FeL model of microcystin-LR through biological sand filters. Practice of iron acquisition: Nondissociative reduction of ferric complexes Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste in the marine environment. Limnology and Oceanography 51, Management 11, 191-196. 1744-1754. Ho L and Newcombe G (2007) Evaluating the adsorption of Seifert M, McGregor G, Eaglesham G, Wickramasinghe W and Shaw microcystin toxins using granular activated carbon (GAC) G (2007) First evidence for the production of cylindrospermopsin Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology – Aqua 56(5) and deoxycylindrospermopsin by the freshwater benthic 281-291. cyanobacterium, Lyngbya wollei (Farlow ex Gomont) Speziale and Dyck. Harmful Algae 6, 73-80. Hoefel D, Ho L, Aunkofer W, Monis PT, Keegan A, Newcombe G and Saint CP (2006) Cooperative biodegradation of geosmin by Thomas SD, Chow C, Davey DE and Mulcahy DE (2006) a consortium comprising three Gram-negative bacteria isolated Determination of aluminium by cathodic stripping voltammetry from the biofilm of a sand filter column. Letters in Applied with 1,2-dihydroanthraquinone-3-sulphonic acid (DASA) as ligand: Microbiology 43, 417-423. Effect of thin film mercury electrode. Electroanalysis 18(22), 2257 - 2262.
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Verberk JQJC, Doolan C, Jayaratne A, Teasdale PR, Vreeburg JHG, Cook D, Daly R, Morran J, Drikas M and Kilmore G (2007) O’Halloran K, Hamilton L and Vitanage D (2007) International Degradation of NDMA in an Open Reservoir. 233rd National collaborative research on discoloured water. Water: Journal of the Meeting, American Chemical Society, Chicago. Australian Water Association 34(1) February 2007 144-149. Drikas M, Dixon M and Morran J (2007) Removal of DBP Warton B, Heitz A, Joll CA and Kagi RI (2006) A new method for Precursors using the MIEX Process in Combination with GAC. determining the chlorine demand of natural and treated waters. 233rd National Meeting, American Chemical Society, Chicago. Water Research 40, 2877-2884. Eikebrokk B, Fabris RB, Drikas M and Chow C (2007) NOM Warton B, Heitz A, Zappia L, Masters D, Alessandrino M, Franzmann characteristics and treatability by coagulation: comparison of P, Joll CA, Allpike B, O’Leary B and Kagi RI (2007) Magnetic Ion Norwegian and Australian waters. Proceedings of the 12th Exchange (MIEX) drinking water treatment in a large scale facility. International Gothenburg Symposium On Chemical Treatment Of Journal of the American Water Works Association 99(1), 89-101. Water And Wastewater, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Wen L and F Recknagel (2006) Balancing phosphorus adsorption Fabris RB, Chow C and Drikas M (2007) Combined treatments for and consumption processes in experimental treatment ponds enhanced reduction of trihalomethane precursors. 233rd National designed for agricultural drainage water. Ecological Engineering Meeting, American Chemical Society, Chicago. 28, 14-24. Fabris RB, Chow C and Drikas M (2007) Combined treatments for Watkinson AJ, Murby, EJ and Costanzo, SD (2007) Removal of enhanced natural organic matter removal. 4th IWA Leading-Edge antibiotics in traditional and advanced wastewater treatment: Conference, June, Singapore. Implications for environmental discharge and wastewater Fabris RB, Lee EK, Chow C, Chen V and Drikas M (2006) Size recycling. Water Research 41, 4164-4176. exclusion chromatography as a tool to detect fouling of low Watkinson AJ, Micalizzi GB, Bates JB, and Costanzo SD (2007) A pressure micro-filtration (MF) membranes. AWWA, Water Quality novel method for rapid assessment of antibiotic resistance in Technology Conference, Denver. Escherichia coli from environmental waters using a modified Hurlimann A (2006) ‘Who should manage recycled water systems? chromogenic agar. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 73, The community’s perspective’. Proceedings from the WateReuse 2224-2229. Symposium, The American WateReuse Association, September, Whigham P, Dick G and Recknagel F (2006) Exploring seasonal Los Angeles USA. patterns using process modelling and evolutionary computation. Kristiana I, Croué J-P, Joll CA, Gallard H (2006) Specific TOX Ecological Modelling 159, 1-2, 146-152. formation from chlorination and chloramination of natural organic Zappia LR, Warton B, Alessandrino M, Scott D, Wylie JT, Heitz A, Hiller matter isolates. AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference, B, Masters D, Nolan P, Thiel P, Kagi RI, Joll CA and Franzmann November, Denver, Colorado, USA. PD (2007) Pilot scale testing of biofilter post-treatment of MIEX McKay JM, Hurlimann A and Pisaniello JD (2006) Do Australian treated water. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology water institutional governance regimes respond to rural and urban – AQUA 56, 217-232. customer preferences? IWA World Water Congress, September, Beijing, China. CDROM. UNREFEREED JOURNAL PAPERS O’Toole J, Leder K, Sinclair MI (2006) Not another telemarketing call Sinclair MI and Schlösser O (2007) Water softening: epidemiological – it’s dinner time! Challenges for telephone surveys in the modern evidence on calcium and magnesium in drinking water and era. Australasian Epidemiological Association Annual Conference, cardiovascular disease. Water21 - Magazine of the International September, Melbourne, Australia. Water Association, February, p18-19. Pope PB and Patel BKC (2006) Comparative Genomic Analysis of DNA Fragments from a Cyanobacterial Bloom. 12th International Conference on Harmful Algal Blooms, Copenhagen, Denmark. AUTHOURSHIP OF BOOKS OR CHAPTERS OF BOOKS Sanly Lim M, Chow C, Chiang K, Drikas M and Amal R (2006) Davis JL and Shaw G (2006) Impacts of eutrophication on the safety Rapid Fractionation Study on the TiO2 Removal of Humic of drinking and recreational water. (Chapter 2.20.4.2) In Water Acid from Drinking Water. 1st Environmental Applications of and Public Health, edited by Grabow WOK. Encyclopedia of Life Advanced Oxidation Processes (EAAOPs) Conference, September, Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under the auspices of the Chania, Greece. UNESCO, Eolss Publishers, Oxford, UK, [http://www.eolss.net]. Singer PC, Boyer TH, Chow C, Holmes M, Trolio R, Xanthis KG Shaw G Davis JL and (2006) Toxic cyanobacteria. (Chapter 2.20.5.4) In and Walker R (2007) Bromine incorporation down under. Water and Public Health, edited by Grabow WOK. Encyclopedia 233rd National Meeting, American Chemical Society, March, of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under the auspices Chicago, USA. of the UNESCO, Eolss Publishers, Oxford, UK, [http://www.eolss. net]. Solarska S, Roddick FA and Lawrie AC (2006) Isolation of NOM- degrading fungi. 8th International Mycology Conference, August, Newcombe G Cook D and (2006) Natural microcontaminants Cairns, Australia. removal from drinking water using activated carbon. Encyclopedia of Surface and Colloid Science, Second Edition; Taylor & Francis: Storey MV, Kaucner CE, Blackbeard JR and Ashbolt NJ (2006) The New York, 6, pp. 4221 - 4239. incidence, significance and control of microbial pathogens and indicators in potable and recycled water distribution systems. Newcombe G (2006) Removal of natural organic material and 5th IWA World Water Congress, September, Beijing, China. algal metabolites using activated carbon in Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment: Theory and Applications, Newcombe Storey MV (2007) Legionellae and the opportunistic bacterial G, Dixon D (Eds), Interface Science and Technology Series, 10, pathogens. Risk assessment and risk management. 22nd Meeting Elsevier, Amsterdam. of the European Working Group for Legionella Infection (EWGLI) June, Stockholm, Sweden. Thiel P, Zappia L, Warton B, Nolan P, Scott D, Alessandrino M, CONFERENCES: INTERNATIONAL WITH PROCEEDINGS Franzmann P, Hiller B, Heitz A and Masters D (2006) Activated Buchanan W, Roddick FA and Porter N (2007) NOM Removal by carbon vs anthracite as primary dual media filters - A Pilot Plant biologically activated carbon after VUV pre-treatment. 4th IWA Study. Water 2006, August, Auckland, New Zealand. Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies, Wang H, Lewis D, Brookes J, Newcombe G and Ho L (2006) June, Singapore. Separated adsorption and bacterial degradation of microcystins Chow C, Fabris RB and Drikas M (2007) Optimisation of natural organic in GAC filtration. CHEMECA Conference, September, Auckland, matter removal using rapid organic characterisation techniques. New Zealand. 4th IWA Leading-Edge Conference, June, Singapore.
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CONFERENCES: INTERNATIONAL WITHOUT PROCEEDINGS Chan WS (2006) Pathways and extent of geosmin presence in Alessandrino MA, Joll CA, Heitz A, Kagi RI (2006) Formation of Australian drinking water reservoirs. (Abstract) CRC for Water trihalomethanes from halogenation of isoprenoids as model Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, compounds for natural organic matter. Gordon Research July, Melbourne. Conference on Drinking Water Disinfection By-Products, August, Chow C, Dexter R, Sutherland-Stacey L, Fitzgerald F, Fabris RB, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA. Drikas M and Holmes M (2007) A new monitoring tool in drinking Blythe JW, Joll CA, Heitz A and Kagi RI (2006) The impact water quality management. Proceedings of the AWA OzWater of nitrogenous compounds on bromophenol formation in Conference, March, Sydney. aqueous solutions. Gordon Research Conference on Drinking Chow C, Doolan C, Dexter R and Vitanage D (2007) The benefits of Water Disinfection By-Products, August, South Hadley, on-line water quality monitoring as a component of disinfection Massachusetts, USA. management. Proceedings of the AWA OzWater Conference, Kristiana I, Joll CA, Heitz A and Kagi RI (2006) Disinfection by- March, Sydney. product formation from chlorination and chloramination of Cinque K (2006) Quenching Melbourne’s thirst for high quality drinking Western Australian plant leachates. Gordon Research Conference water. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate on Drinking Water Disinfection By-Products, August, South Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Hadley, Massachusetts, USA. Clarke B (2006) Organic chemical contamination in biosolids. CRC for Ho L and Newcombe G (2006) Degradation of microcystin-LR Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, through biological sand filters. 2nd International Conference on July, Melbourne. Sustainable Water Environment: Water Resource and Quality Crute-Schwarz K (2006) Decay rate of enteric pathogens in biosolids Management in Taipei, November, Taiwan. used in agriculture. (Abstract) CRC for Water Quality and McLeod S, Davey DE, Fitzgerald F, Zhao H and Chow C (2006) Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Studies of chloramine stability with pH variation In potable Cumming J (2006) Environmental fate and ecotoxicology of polymeric waters using A microstill conductance module. INTERACT 2006, quaternary ammonium salts. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, September, Perth, Australia. Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. McLeod S, Davey DE, Fitzgerald F, Kuntke P, Zhao H and Chow C Dixon MB, Drikas M and Morran JY (2007) A pilot plant study (2006) Microstill collection and conductance detection of ammonia combining granular activated carbon filtration with the MIEX after chloramine breakdown in potable waters. 10th International DOC process. OZWATER 2007 Sydney Convention and Exhibition Conference on Flow Analysis, September, Porto, Portugal. Centre, Sydney. Morran J (2006) N-Nitrosodimethylamine in Australia. GWRC Dong J (2006) Splintering urbanism and sustainable urban water Research Strategy Workshop - Analysis, Toxicity, Occurrence, management in Australia. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Fate and Removal of Nitrosamines in the Water Cycle, October, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Karlsruhe, Germany. Driessen H (2006) Causes and prevention of chlorinous off-flavours in Pengelly J (2006) Investigation of sodium dependent transporters drinking water. (Abstract) CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, in cyanobacteria. UNESCO exchange program seminar, Tskuba Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. University, Tokyo, Japan. Dunlop J (2006) Towards a risk model to assess the impact of dissolved Pope PB and Patel BKC (2006) Metagenomic Analysis of DNA salts in freshwater ecosystems. CRC for Water Quality and th Fragments from a Cyanobacterial Bloom. 11 International Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Symposium on Microbial Ecology, Vienna, Austria. Fang S (2006) Abiotic removal of triclosan from aquatic solution: adsorption and oxidation. Antimicrobial Agents in Waste and CONFERENCES: DOMESTIC WITH PROCEEDINGS Waste Water: Potential Effects on Soil Processes and Attenuation Bain P (2006) Gene expression profiling of cylindrospermopsin of Contaminants, CSIRO Land and Water. toxicity in vitro: insights into mechanism of action. CRC for Fang S (2006) Adsorption of Triclosan from aquatic solution by Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, commercial powdered activated carbon. CRC for Water July, Melbourne. Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Bain P, Shaw G, Wells CA and Patel BK (2006) Mechanisms July, Melbourne. of cylindrospermopsin toxicity: a toxicogenomics approach. Fang S (2006) Effects of surface functional group of activated carbon Challenges in Environmental Toxicology in Australia, on adsorption of triclosan from aqueous solution. at International 13-14 July, Melbourne. Environmental Research Event, Sydney. Beale D (2006) Pesticide detection in drinking water by flow injection Fogelman S (2006) Development of the universal calibration system for chemiluminescence analysis (FICA). CRC for Water Quality and the on-line analysis of drinking water. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Beard N (2006) Water proofing homelands; integrating approaches Gibbs M (2006) Applying genetic algorithms to water distribution for small water supply reliability in the Kimberley, WA. systems. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Sustainability of Indigenous Communities Conference, July, Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Murdoch University, Perth. Hamilton S (2006) Isolation and characterisation of natural organic Berwick L (2006) The utility of micro-scale sealed vessel (MSSV) matter from Perth groundwaters. CRC for Water Quality and pyrolysis for compositional characterisation of NOM. CRC for Technology Postgraduate Students Conference, July, Melbourne. Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Humpage AR, Grummt T, Heinze R, Fanok S, Froscio SM and Falconer July, Melbourne. IR (2006) Cylindrospermopsin cytotoxicity and genotoxicity: Brinkmann S (2006) NOMy salt and the bugs from hell. CRC for Apoptosis, plating efficiency, Ames test, cell proliferation, Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, and chromosome aberration. Symposium on Environmental July, Melbourne. Toxicology, Melbourne. Broad D (2006) Optimisation of water distribution systems with Hurlimann A (2007) ‘Incorporating the use of recycled water in building metamodels incorporating the effects of uncertainty. CRC for design - is it feasible from the perspective of building occupants?’ Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Planning Institute of Australia National Congress, May, Perth. July, Melbourne. Huston R (2006) Chemical contamination of rainwater tanks in urban Campbell R (2006) A novel detection method for cylindrospermopsin. and industrial areas of Australia. CRC for Water Quality and CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Conference, July, Melbourne
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Kleinschmidt R (2006) Point-of-use water treatment & NORM (naturally Rodrigo S (2006) A randomised, double blinded intervention study ongoing radioactive materials). CRC for Water Quality and to assess health effects of drinking water from rainwater tanks Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. (Abstract). CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Kristiana I (2006) Total Organic Halogen (TOX) formation from Student Conference, July, Melbourne. chlorination and chloramination of NOM isolates. CRC for Water Root H (2006) On transcription factors in M. aeruginosa PCC 7806 Quality and Treatment Postgraduate Students Conference, and their role in the regulation of Microcystin synthesis. CRC for July, Melbourne. Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Laingam S (2006) Genotoxicity investigation of disinfection by- July, Melbourne. products in Australian drinking waters. CRC for Water Quality and Roseth N (2006) Community views on water shortages and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. conservation. Proceedings of Enviro 2006 Conference and Lee E (2006) Development of hybrid membrane processes for Exhibition, Melbourne. the removal of recalcitrant organic matter for drinking water Roseth N (2007) Community views on water shortages and treatment. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate conservation. Proceedings of the AWA OzWater Conference, Student Conference, July, Melbourne. March, Sydney. Linden L (2006) Investigating the influence of destratification on Ross V (2006) The role of trust in community acceptances of sustainable the microbial processing of NOM with an in situ mesocosm urban water management strategies. CRC for Water Quality and experiment. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Ruebhart D (2006) Alternative bioassays for the detection of Lowe T, Morran J, Dixon M and Drikas M (2007) Contact filtration for cyanotoxins. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate River Murray water. Insanity or a possibility with MIEX®? OZWATER Student Conference, July, Melbourne. 2007, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney. Shao C (2006) Intelligent data warehousing for real-time data May R (2006) Data-driven modelling and analysis to improve control acquisition, archiving and early warning of algal blooms in the of water quality within water distribution systems. CRC for Water Torrens Lake and Happy Valley Reservoir, S.A. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. July, Melbourne. McDowall B (2006) Biological filtration of MIB & geosmin. CRC for Shaw G, Neumann C and Bain P (2006) The cyanobacterial secondary Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, metabolite, deoxycylindrospermopsin, a toxicological enigma. July, Melbourne. Gold Coast Health and Medical Conference, Radisson Palm McDowall B, Ho L, Saint CP, and Newcombe G (2006) Removal of Meadows, Griffith University. MIB and geosmin through biologically active rapid gravity filters - Shaw G, Neumann C and Bain P (2006) The in vitro toxicology of the A full-scale and laboratory-scale study. AWA Regional Conference, cyanobacterial secondary metabolite, deoxycylindrospermopsin. Adelaide. Challenges in Environmental Toxicology in Australia, July, Mohammed-Abdul J (2006) Monitoring for membrane fouling Melbourne. Abstract p. 15. assessment. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Smith M (2006) Health effects of disinfection by-products (DBPs) Student Conference, July, Melbourne. in drinking water. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Myers B (2006) Development of process-based water quality models Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. for water sensitive urban design systems. (Abstract) CRC for Soh J (2006) The effects of solar radiation and reservoir destratification Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, on the character of NOM and on its treatability under conventional July, Melbourne. water treatment process conditions. CRC for Water Quality and O’Toole J (2006) Water reuse and health risk. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Soh YC, Roddick F and van Leeuwen J (2007) Destratification of O’Toole J, Leder K, Sinclair MI and Jeavons T (2006) Water reservoirs: its impact on the treatability and quality of water by sample preservation for endotoxin analysis. Australian Society of conventional treatment conditions. OZWATER 2007, March, Microbiology Annual Conference, July, Gold Coast, Queensland. Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney. Pengelly J (2006) Investigation into the roles of two types of Soh YC, Roddick F, van Leeuwen J and Spark K (2006) Changes Na+ dependant transporters found in saxitoxin producing in natural organic matter character in reservoir water: how cyanobacteria. Australian Society of Microbiology Conference, climate change and ozone depletion may affect Australian water Gold Coast. resources. ERE 2006 - Environmental Research Event, Macquarie University, December, Sydney. Pengelly J (2006) Regulation of saxitoxin production through sodium transport in cyanobacteria. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Solarska S (2006) Application of white rot fungi for the removal of Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. natural organic matter. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Pope P (2006) Metagenomics of cyanobacterial blooms. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Storey MV, Kaucner CE, Angles ML, Blackbeard JR and Ashbolt July, Melbourne. NJ (2007) Microbial regrowth and water quality in potable and recycled water distribution systems in Australia. AWA OzWater Qiu X (2006) Biodegradation of triclosan as a representative of PPCPs Convention, March, Sydney. in wastewater environment. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Stork D (2006) Mitigation of membrane fouling from algae-containing water. (Abstract) CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Ratanachaithong M (2006) The investigation of disinfection by- Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. product (DBP) precursors in Maroondah Reservoir, Melbourne. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Stork D, Nguyen T, Roddick FA and Harris JL (2007) Membrane Conference, July, Melbourne. pretreatment of clarifier and lagoon effluents for reverse osmosis. Membranes Specialty Conference II proceedings, Ratanachaithong M, Roddick FA Stevens M and (2006) Preliminary February, Melbourne. investigation of NOM and DBP formation in Yarra Glen Treatment Plant. Environmental Engineering Event, December, Newcastle. Tan B (2006) Fate of endocrine disruptors in selected sewage treatment plants in Queensland. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Roberts A (2006) The effect of lateral gene transfer on cyanobacterial Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. toxicity and the implications for toxic bloom monitoring. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Thiel P, Zappia L, Warton B, Nolan P, Scott D, Alessandrino M, July, Melbourne. Franzmann P, Hiller B, Heitz A and Masters D (2006) Activated carbon vs anthracite as primary dual media filters – A Pilot Plant Study. WIOA Conference, September, Bendigo.
74 PUBLICATIONS 2006/07
Thornton N (2006) Water use in urban households; attitudes, Warton B, Wyber A, Pringle P, Koska L, Nolan P, Maus A and Trolio behaviour and water consumption. (Abstract) CRC for Water R (2006) Investigation of turbidity effect on disinfection. Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Corporation Water Quality and Treatment Mini-Symposium, July, Melbourne. August, Perth. Uwins H (2006) A survey of potential sources and triggers for geosmin Watkinson AJ Micalizzi, GR, Murby, EJ and Costanzo, SD (2006) and MIB production in the Hinze Dam, Queensland. CRC for Occurrence of antibiotics in South East Queensland: implications Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, for wastewater treatment and recycling. Interact 2006: Air, Water July, Melbourne. and Earth. September, Perth. Wang H (2006) Combined adsorption and biological filtration of Watkinson AJ (2006) Antibiotics and resistant bacteria in our microcystins. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate waterways: should we be worried? 9th International Riversymposium, Student Conference, July, Melbourne. September, Brisbane. Watkinson A (2006) A novel method for the rapid assessment of bacterial resistance in the aquatic environment. CRC for Water REPORTS/CONSULTANCIES Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Beard N (2007) Performance assessment of Calgon™ polyphosphate July, Melbourne. sequestering agent at Yuelamu Community, NT. Alice Springs: Weatherford A (2006) Relationships between algorithm and problem Centre for Appropriate Technology and Cooperative Research characteristics in heuristic optimisation. (Abstract) CRC for Centre for Water Quality and Treatment. Consultancy for Northern Water Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Indigenous July, Melbourne. Essential Services Division. Welk A (2006) A generic rule-based model for forecasting of Beard N and Seidel M (2007) Mulga Bore Kwatye Mwerre - Getting Chl-a concentrations in drinking water reservoirs by means of good water at Mulga Bore. A water supply assessment project for evolutionary computation. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Anmatjere Community Government Council. Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. Nicholson B, Papageorgiou J, Humpage AR, Steffensen D, White I (2006) Social interactions with rainwater tanks in South East Monis P, Linke T, Fanok S, Shaw G, Eaglesham G, Davis B, Queensland households. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Wickramasinghe W, Stewart I, Carmichael W and Servaites J Postgraduate Student Conference, July, Melbourne. (2007). Determination and significance of emerging algal toxins Wickramasinghe W, Seawright A, Stewart I, Seifert M, Eaglesham (Cyanotoxins). AwwaRF Report, AwwaRF and CRC for Water G, Sadler R and Shaw G (2006) Risks to public health from Quality and Treatment. Denver. cylindrospermopsin class of blue-green algae toxins. Queensland Bernard C, Baker P, Robinson B and Monis P (2007) Application of an Health and Medical Conference, November, Brisbane. image analysis system to enumerate and measure cyanobacteria. Wijesundara S (2006) Biological filtration processes for removal of Research Report 31, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. the cyanobacterial toxin, cylindrospermopsin. CRC for Water Kastl G et al (2007) Optimisation of chlorine residual in a distribution Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, system (Greenvale-Sydenham, Melbourne). Research Report 30, July, Melbourne. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Zebian D (2006) The effects of cylindrospermopsin on human Roseth N (2006) Community views on water shortages and granulosa cells and spermatozoa. (Abstract) CRC for Water conservation. Research Report No. 28, CRC for Water Quality Quality and Treatment, Postgraduate Student Conference, July, and Treatment. Melbourne. Roser D and Ashbolt N (2007) Source water quality assessment and the management of pathogens in surface catchments and aquifers. CONFERENCES: DOMESTIC WITHOUT PROCEEDINGS Research Report 29, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Allpike B, Heitz A, Joll CA, Kagi RI (2006) A new organic Saint CP (2007) Regulation of cylindrospermopsin production by carbon detector for HPLC. Interact 2006: Air, Water and Earth, the cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. Research September, Perth. Report 32, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Blythe J, Heitz A, Joll CA and Kagi RI (2006) Determination of bromophenols in water at nanogram per litre concentrations using WORKSHOPS - INTERNATIONAL purge-and-trap after in situ acetylation. Interact 2006: Air, Water Morran J (2006) GWRC Research Strategy Workshop - Analysis, and Earth, September, Perth. Toxicity, Occurrence, Fate and Removal of Nitrosamines in the Garbin S, Joll CA, Heitz A, Kagi RI, Couton D, Allpike B, Hamilton Water Cycle, Karlsruhe, Germany, October 2006. S, Vitzthum von Eckstaedt S (2006) Natural organic matter Chow C, Fabris R and Drikas M (2006) Techniques for characterising characterisation. Water Corporation Water Quality and Treatment natural organic matter (NOM). 1st Australia-China Workshop for Mini-Symposium, August, Perth. Water Quality and Technology, November, Adelaide. Joll CA, Allpike B, Loi C, Heitz A and Kagi RI (2006) Characterisation Fabris R, Chow C and Drikas M (2006) Strategies for optimum NOM of molecular weight fractions of natural organic matter in source removal. 1st Australia-China Workshop for Water Quality and waters and their behaviour in water treatment processes. Interact Technology, Adelaide. 2006: Air, Water and Earth, September, Perth. Humpage AR (2006) Toxicology of cyanotoxins. 1st Australia-China Lethorn A, Joll CA, Heitz A, Driessen H, Maus A, Scott D (2006) Workshop on Water Quality and Technology, 31 October - 2 Chlorinous off-flavours in drinking water.Water Corporation Water November, National Wine Centre Adelaide. Quality and Treatment Mini-Symposium, August, Perth. Morran J (2006) Application of the MIEX process. 1st Australia-China Lethorn A (2006) The Effect of Alkaline Earth Metal Ions on the Workshop on Water Quality and Technology, October, National Formation of Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water. Wine Centre Adelaide. Enviro2006, May, Melbourne. Newcombe G (2006) Activated carbon/oxidation for the removal of Sinclair MI (2006) Epidemiological study methods and the evidence algal metabolites; Biological filtration and application of genetic linking DBPs to cancer. Disinfection By-products Workshop. techniques. 1st Australia-China Workshop on Water Quality CRC for Water Quality and Treatment & Water Quality Research and Technology October, National Wine Centre Adelaide. Australia, June, Perth. Warton B, Hamilton S, Joll CA, Heitz A, Alessandrino M and Kagi RI (2006) MIEX® Selectivity. Water Corporation Water Quality and Treatment Mini-Symposium, August, Perth.
75 PUBLICATIONS 2006/07
WORKSHOPS - DOMESTIC THESES Brookes J (2006-07) Cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs. CRC for Hewett MK (2006) Characterisation of bacterial symbionts in Water Quality and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Adelaide, Amoebae. PhD Thesis, UniSA. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Pearson L (2006) Characterisation of the tailoring and transport Burch, M (2006-07) Sampling and monitoring for cyanobacteria. enzymes involved in the microcystin biosynthesis pathway. PhD CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Thesis, UNSW Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Kuntke P (2006) New approaches for managing a chloraminated Froscio SM (2006-07) Screening assays for cyanotoxins. CRC for distribution system. Masters Thesis, University of Duisburg, Water Quality and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Adelaide, Germany. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Motzko S (2007 Using free ammonia measurement as disinfection Humpage AR (2006-07) Public health risk assessment and the control strategy. Diploma Thesis, Georg Simon Ohm University of formulation of guidelines. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Applied Science, Nuremberg. Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Bichani AK (2007) Application of modelling tools to optimise chlorine Brisbane, Perth. decay in distribution system - Middle River case study. LMWM Neilan B (2006) Genetics of toxin production. CRC for Water Quality Masters Thesis, UniSA. and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Sydney. Cruveiller L (2007) Low cost on-line monitoring package to improve Newcombe G (2007) Activated Carbon. WIOA One Day Seminar on chloramination control. LMWM Masters Thesis, UniSA. Activated Carbon Use in Water Treatment, January, Melbourne. Gnos G (2007) Development of a Kinetic Model to Support Control Newcombe G and Ho L (2006-07) Water treatment options for Decisions in a Chloraminated Distribution System. LMWM Masters cyanobacteria. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Cyanobacteria Thesis, UniSA. Roadshow, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Newcombe G (2006) Optimisation of the removal of blue-green algae OTHER PUBLICATIONS and their metabolites. AWA Advanced Water Treatment Essentials Beard N Workshop, July, Port Macquarie. (2007) Investigation into scale mitigation measures for hard groundwaters. In ‘Small Water Systems’ Newsletter, Autumn, Papageorgiou J (2006-07) Analysis of cyanobacterial toxins in pp1-2. CRC for Water Quality and Treatment Regional & Rural Australian fresh water sources: chromatographic methods. CRC for Water Supplies Program. Water Quality and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Adelaide, Soh YC, Roddick F, van Leeuwen J Melbourne, Perth. (2007) The potential effects of climate change and ozone depletion on Australian water quality, Saint C (2006-07) Biological detection methods. CRC for Water Quality quantity and treatability. The Environmentalist (Available online) and Treatment Cyanobacteria Roadshow, Adelaide, Melbourne, Drikas M Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Verberk JQJC and (2007) Interaction between treatment and distribution systems: the key to delivering quality, Water: Journal of the Australian Water Association, 34 (3) 72-76.
76 External research grants Brief Description of relationship to the Centre’s research research to the Centre’s Brief Description of relationship or projects. programs strategies to initiates the development of pretreatment This project components and inorganic membrane fouling by the organic control and reclaimed). of Australian waters (brackish, ground a quantitative estimate of microbiological will provide This project which can be rainwater, drinking untreated health risks from extrapolated to occasional or inadvertent consumption of rainwater when it is supplied for non-potable uses. It will contribute to policy authorities and help water decisions on rainwater use by regulatory suppliers to conserve conventional drinking water supplies by fit for purpose. alternativethat are providing water sources builds on and extends the work carried out in CRC This project water during to recycled 2.0.1.1.1.0. It is assessing exposure project non-potable uses such as laundry and playing field irrigation using and ambient conditions. indicator organisms different that limit the use of toxicity problems will address This project by assays with finished drinking water – interference screening disinfectants (chlorine, chloramines, ozone) and lack of sensitivity. put toxicity assays that should be a panel of high through The result can be used for detection of natural and man-made toxicants in drinking water. cash is partly supported by the GWRC. It receives This project Quality and Treatment the CRC for Water funds in Australia from Services Association of Australia. This is a high priority and Water become high priority for the GWRC and has recently area research and population for Australia also as the continuing drought on water supplies that suggest indirect place stresses increases may be a viable additional water source. potable reuse on rainwater research is an application of Centre This project tanks and their management in arid-zone Aboriginal communities. rainwater tank will implement locally-appropriate The project which is currently community, management strategies with Yuelamu water and packaged for drinking. bore on poor-quality reliant access of community members to quality will increase The project drinking water. Total Total ($) Value 277,400 844,313 151,490 794,219 202,651 49,613 2006-07 ($) Value 85,350 366,688 151,490 327,860 126,685 49,613 Period 2006-08 2005-07 2006-07 2006-08 2005-07 2006- 2008
Granting Body Fund Smart Water (Victorian Water Trust) NHMRC Fund Smart Water (Victorian Water Trust) American Water and Wastewater Association Fund Research (AwwaRF)/UK Drinking Water Inspectorate Global Water Coalition Research (GWRC) National Water Initiative, Community Water Grants Project Title Project Mitigation of Fouling Desalination Membranes A randomised double- blinded intervention study to assess health effects of drinking water from rainwater tanks Health risk assessment of water recycled Methods for measuring toxins in finished waters for Analyzing Tools in Estrogenicity Waters Environmental Rainwater harvesting augmentation and management for Yuelamu drinking water, NT community, Organisation RMIT University Monash University, Department of Health, South Australia Monash University Australian Water Quality Centre, Griffith University, Queensland Heath and Scientific Services CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Griffith University CRC for Water Quality and Treatment/Centre for Appropriate Technology Researcher F Roddick M K Leder, A Sinclair, Forbes, D Cunliffe M K Leder, J Sinclair, C O’Toole, Diaper A Humpage, C S Froscio, G Shaw, Chow, G Eaglesham HF Chapman and FDL Leusch N Beard External research grants provide additional support for projects with the Centre. The table following outlines the external research funding achieved by Centre personnel. funding achieved by Centre The table following outlines the external with the Centre. research additional support for projects grants provide External research
77 External research grants Brief Description of relationship to the Centre’s research research to the Centre’s Brief Description of relationship or projects. programs work on the performance continues on previous This project assessment and trial of the scale mitigation additive ‘Calgon’ supply in a groundwater (sodium hexametaphosphate) in a hard central Australian community. remote devices will be used to support molecular and stable These pyrolysis materials organic of high-molecular-weight isotopic-based research such as humic substances and kerogen. Total Total ($) Value 17,362 220,000 2,557,048 2006-07 ($) Value 17,362 220,000 1,345,048 Period 2006- 2007 2007 Granting Body Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure ARC Project Title Project Calgon performance assessment trial Advanced multi-purpose facility analytical pyrolysis Organisation CRC for Water Quality and Treatment/Centre for Appropriate Technology Curtin, UWA, Geoscience Australia Researcher N Beard Greenwood, Watling, Grice, Tibbett, Grierson, Kagi, van Boreham, Aarssen, Heitz Total
78 Program Group Leader Prof Tony Priestley Centre Deputy CEO and CSIRO
Aims This program brings together the output of the research • Provide education and training for the industry’s future programs and emphasises the uptake of research outcomes leaders, with a strong emphasis on developing postgraduate by end-users. The program will: students with industry focus and experience. • Coordinate water industry involvement in policy and • Identify and exploit the intellectual property developed regulatory activities. by the Centre. • Direct industry involvement in forums to consider • maximise industry involvement in all aspects of the alternative approaches to the future provision of water Centre’s activities. services and the best use of the significant investment in water infrastructure in Australia. • Examine treatment technologies for small systems, the water supply and health needs of indigenous communities and the issues associated with water supplies in tropical Australia.
PROGRAMs
Strategic Directions 80
Policy and Regulation 81
Regional and Rural Water Supplies 83
Commercialisation and Utilisation 89
Communication 91 COMMERCIALISATION AN D UTILISATION COMMERCIALISATION
79 Strategic Directions
Program Leader Tony Priestley Centre Deputy CEO and CSIRO
Program Aim This Program seeks to identify ‘over the horizon’ water quality issues and develop strategies to address emerging issues before they become of major public concern.
Program Activity international funding bodies to extend the project are in progress. As is implied by its title, this Program was designed to influence The Centre is also finalising production of a guidance manual on blue the direction of new research projects across the entire spectrum of green algae for GWRC members and international distribution will activity of the Centre. The identification of emerging issues requires occur during the latter half of 2006. excellent communication linkages with the international water research community, as well as an ongoing dialogue with industry During the year, the international research connections established practitioners. through the GWRC were expanded in a number of areas. Twenty one reports on a range of emerging water quality issues have been Dialogue with members of the water industry has continued on a produced by the GWRC and these have been made available to regular basis through research planning workshops and discussions Centre participants through the Participants Area of the CRC for Water at the quarterly participant meetings. Workshops have continued to Quality and Treatment website. Nine of these reports related to the consider long term strategic issues and incorporate these within the issue of endocrine disrupting compounds. In addition, the Centre has existing research program. been heavily involved in World Health Organiszation discussions on the relationship between water hardness and cardiovascular disease, a topic of great relevance to soft water supplies such as Melbourne, Strong linkages with the international water research community Canberra and Cairns. have been established through the Centre’s leading role in the establishment and operation of the Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC). The GWRC has a membership of fourteen leading research Other topics of discussion between the Centre and the GWRC organisations drawn from nine countries and is a prime vector for include waterborne pathogens, where the Centre has offered to communicating knowledge and information about emerging water lead a project on amoebae, and the potential health impacts of research issues. As a direct result of this activity, the Centre is involved a number of microcontaminants. An example is nitrosodimethylamine in international research initiatives targeting endocrine disrupting (NDMA), which can be formed under specific conditions during chemicals, disinfection by-products and algal toxins. water disinfection.
A GWRC project, Tools for analyzing estrogenicity in environmental waters, commenced within the Strategic Directions Program in March 2005 and has progressed well during the last year. Discussions with
Table 4.1 Commercialisation and Utilisation Outputs/Milestones - Strategic Directions
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Further research Year 5 Yes Further projects on endocrine disruptors and programs water borne pathogens are in preparation. identified as a result of continuing foresighting exercises.
2 At least two research Year 5 Yes Centre took leading role in GWRC project programs underway on estrogenicity. in response to issue Guidance manual on toxic cyanobacteria to identification. be released in late 2007.
3 Foresighting exercises Year 6&7 Yes Establishment of new research centre to fully accepted as follow on after CRC closes in June 2008. means of long term Research strategy developed for new centre research planning. Water Quality Research Australia.
4 Outcomes of strategic Year 6&7 No Ongoing A series of technology transfer seminars on research programs Natural Organic Matter and Distribution fully communicated System Management toured the country to industry. in 2005-06. Cyanobacteria roadshows completed in March 2007.
80 Policy & Regulation
Program Leader Tony Priestley Centre Deputy CEO and CSIRO
Program Aim The main objective of this Program is to apply the collective knowledge and experience of the Centre’s key staff, supplemented by Centre research and international developments, to the on-going refinement of the Australian policy and regulatory framework for urban water systems. This Program will also provide coordinated, industry-wide input into the processes for changing drinking water policy and regulation and, more recently for revision of national water recycling guidelines. The outcome for Australia should be systems and standards for urban water system regulation that are intelligently directed at achieving public health or other benefits. The aim is also to ensure that public health is able to be protected in ways that avoid overly restrictive standards that result in significant and unnecessary public cost.
Program Overview A software tool to assist rural and remote water supplies to implement The Centre’s involvement in the on-going refinement of the Australian the Risk Management Framework contained in the Australian Drinking policy and regulatory framework for public water supplies is intended Water Guidelines has been trialed and a number of improvements to promote a better basis for setting guidelines, by promoting a more made as a result. Final release of the software will occur at a time to credible, logical use of scientific data to deliver an intelligent and be specified by the Commonwealth Government. appropriate regulatory system. The Centre has available the necessary scientific, technical and managerial resources to play a central role Water for Our Cities - Pmseic Working Group in developing and implementing a rational and scientifically based approach to regulation. Deputy CEO Tony Priestley was one of the presenters at the Prime Minister’s Science Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) meeting in Canberra on Friday 22 June 2007. Two PMSEIC Working The logical and systematic approach to the upgrading of the Groups, each established by the Chief Scientist, were reporting to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) led by the Centre with PMSEIC at that meeting. They were the “Climate Change: Regional the support of key industry and health agencies is providing a better Impacts and Adaptation” Working Group and the “Water for Our basis for regulation of water quality in Australia. The Centre has also Cities” Working Group. In addition to Prof Priestley, CRC researcher Dr worked with organisations such as the World Health Organization Naomi Roseth and WSAA Executive Director and CRC Board member (WHO) to introduce these advances to international guidelines and Ross Young were also members of the “Water for Our Cities” Working will continue to do so. Group. CRC researcher, Dr. Michael Storey, also gave a presentation to PMSEIC as a leading example of a young researcher in the field. The terms of reference for the working group were: Milestones Achieved 1. Assess recent changes in supply and demand profiles for water The Centre is significantly involved in the review of the National Water in our cities in order to identify the degree and timing of supply Recycling Guidelines being undertaken under the direction of a Joint augmentation needed. Steering Committee established by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council and the Natural Resources Management Ministerial 2. Assess the economic and energy cost profiles and other Council. The draft Guidelines were released for public consultation externalities for technological advances in recycling and from late October 2005 to February 2006. Over 50 submissions were desalination supply systems. received and were considered at a combined meeting of the Risk 3. Review advances in water management and aquifer recharge as Management Framework and Integration Working Group and the complementary technologies to recycling. Health Working Group in March 2006. Revisions to the document 4. Consider the influence of pricing and regulatory arrangements have been made and forwarded to the Joint Steering Committee for on investment in urban water infrastructure. approval. 5. Analyse community perceptions and acceptance of water saving technologies, restrictions, recycling, desalination, and privatisation.
Dr Michael Storey, a CRC graduate, Prime Minister, John Howard, following the PMSEIC ‘Water for our Cities’ presentation.
81 Policy & Regulation
A 70-page paper prepared for the PMSEIC meeting, called “Water Karin Leder and Martha Sinclair were appointed as members of for Our Cities: Building resilience in a climate of uncertainty” is now the newly formed NHMRC Water Quality Advisory Committee. The available on the PMSEIC section of the DEST website. Committee has broad terms of reference to provide rapid scientific www.dest.gov.au/sectors/science_innovation/science_agencies_ and technical advice to the CEO of the NHMRC on health issues committees/prime_ministers_science_engineering_innovation_ relating to water quality in Australia, and is chaired by the former council/meetings/seventeenth_meeting.htm
Table 4.2 Commercialisation and Utilisation Outputs/Milestones – Policy and Regulation
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Finalise the best Year 5 Yes The Framework for Management of Drinking practice guide Water Quality is now encapsulated within to drinking water the current Australian Drinking Water regulation following Guidelines. consultation.
2 Adoption by WHO Year 5 Yes World Health Organisation adopted a of risk-based water similar approach to the above Framework quality management and have instigated development of Water processes as a key Safety Plans as a direct result. aspect of the WHO drinking water guidelines.
3 The development Year 6&7 Yes Responsibility Rolling review task force established by and implementation of NHMRC NHMRC in mid 2007. of mechanisms for the on-going maintenance of the ADWG and the regulatory guide to ensure currency with Australian and international developments.
82 Regional And Rural Water Supplies
Program Leader Paul Heaton Power and Water Corporation
Program Aim The Regional and Rural Water Supplies Program seeks to address key issues that affect the provision of good quality drinking water to regional and rural communities in Australia.
In particular, the program aims to: • Establish and maintain effective communication across industry and research parties in water related activities in rural communities. • Identify water issues for research that will provide better, appropriate and more affordable water supply solutions to Indigenous communities. • Develop and maintain an Australia-wide network of key stakeholders involved in regional and rural water supplies. • Represent issues of significance to regional and rural areas in consideration of industry policy, regulation and strategic directions.
Program Outline Outcomes The CRC for Water Quality and Treatment recognises that many water • Liaison has occurred with forty-one Indigenous communities and providers in regional and rural communities do not have the resources their stakeholders, and responses to community concerns have to effectively initiate and undertake research into water quality issues been provided in the form of technical support, water quality that may influence health. In order to address this issue, and the testing, and water management, technology and infrastructure unique issues often faced by many regional and rural communities, advice. the Regional and Rural Water Supplies Program identifies and bridges • A clear advisory role has been provided to remote communities gaps in technical water infrastructure design, research, information in the area of risk management strategies on individual water and support to remote, often largely Indigenous communities. The supplies. program provides Australian regional and rural water stakeholders with a mechanism that facilitates research representation, technology • The technology transfer officer has been a key focal point for transfer, and the exchange of information that impacts on the provision researchers, service providers and government agencies for of safe drinking water to these communities. information and resources on appropriate water quality, treatment methods and management strategies in remote Indigenous communities. Current Projects • Presentations have been delivered at workshops and meetings in Perth, Canberra, Alice Springs, Melbourne and Darwin throughout 3.3.0.1 Technology Transfer Officer Dealing with Water Quality this financial year to disseminate research knowledge generated and Treatment in Indigenous Communities though this project. Contact Person • Best practice information has been disseminated on the approach to the water quality risk management framework to community Nerida Beard (Centre for Appropriate Technology) members, health agencies, service providers and policy makers. Organisations Involved • Four new research projects attracted external funding in the 2006- Centre for Appropriate Technology 2007 financial year through the work of the Technology Transfer Budget $600,000 Officer. Start Date June 2001 - Waterproofing Homelands – Malarabah Water Strategy Pilot, was funded by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Background and Relevance (FaCSIA) for the first year It is widely recognised that Indigenous Australians have much higher - Two projects were funded by the National Water Initiative’s rates of morbidity and mortality than non-Indigenous populations. Community Water Grants scheme; implementing water Health complications such as waterborne disease, infectious skin quality and risk management improvement measures in disorders, renal disease and generally higher levels of ill health a remote homeland community in northern WA and a are linked to water supply quality and access, which are important rainwater tank augmentation project in a large remote determinants of environmental health. Approximately 20% of the community in central NT. Indigenous population resides in regional and remote areas in - A small research project was funded through the NT discrete Indigenous communities, many of which face considerable Department of Planning and Infrastructure, to assess challenges in maintaining reliable and adequate water supplies. the effectiveness of the antiscalant additive ‘Calgon’ Consequently, there is a need for evidence-based research to improve (sodium hexametaphosphate) in a hard water supply in our understanding of remote water supplies, the challenges in their a large remote community in central NT. management and governance and to inform improvements to water access in these communities. Industry Uptake Research Approach • Knowledge gained in the Regional and Rural Water Supplies Program directly contributed to the NHMRC Workshops on the The project facilitates a direct link between the needs of Indigenous Electronic Decision Support Tool for small water supplies. This people and water quality and treatment knowledge. The majority of the knowledge has been incorporated into the Community Water research results from demand-responsive interventions in Indigenous Planner CD-ROM. This tool is currently being used in trial projects communities, allowing immediate responses to water quality issues within Indigenous communities and by facilities managers seeking and the identification of areas for further research. The research process to better understand the implementation of risk management involves working with communities to understand challenges to their frameworks for their water supplies. water supplies, and to facilitate knowledge exchange on appropriate water management strategies and technologies to improve access. • In response to new enquiries from community members and stakeholders in regional water supplies, information and resources
83 Regional And Rural Water Supplies
on water quality and treatment in remote areas have been provided • Increased understanding of the impact of seasonal temperature to more than 41 communities and stakeholders on water supply variation on water quality in rainwater tanks located in arid areas related issues. This support has continued for other communities over a 12-month period. across the NT, WA, SA and Qld which already have established • Methods have been developed to communicate the appropriate relationships with the technology transfer officer program. The maintenance and safe management of water supplies to information provided assists Indigenous people, managers and communities in remote areas. policy makers to make informed choices about the quality and quantity of the water supplies in Indigenous communities. Industry Uptake • Organisations such as the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA), continue to • Rainwater tank system designs have been developed from the be influenced by research outcomes derived from this program project and will be implemented in three new locations in the in the development of policy for Indigenous communities. The NT and WA. These plans have also been supplied, on request, year of funding for the Kimberley Water Project by FaCSIA is to many other consultants, community councils and government evidence that the Centre’s research outcomes are of value to such departments. organisations. • Experience gained from this project will provide rigorous evidence • The Western Australian Department of Water requested for the design and implementation of future water supply projects information and a presentation from researchers under this in other Indigenous communities. program on the condition of water supplies in the Kimberley following a Ministerial review of water supplies to Indigenous communities in that state. 3.3.0.6 Remote Community Water Management • Due to the project’s continual water supply research and interventions at CAT, the National Water Commission invited CAT Contact Person to participate with other stakeholders in a closed national meeting Robyn Grey-Gardner (Department of Families, Community Services to inform the NWC of the issues and future directions to improve and Indigenous Affairs) water supplies in Indigenous communities. Organisations Involved • Through the ongoing water projects funded by the CRC for Water Desert Knowledge CRC, Centre for Appropriate Technology, Quality and Treatment at the Centre for Appropriate Technology, Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous a core of critical research and technical expertise is available to Affairs relevant stakeholders. This is having an important impact on raising the profile of Indigenous community water supply issues Budget $196,925 nationally. CAT is regularly contacted by local, state and federal Start Date April 2004 governments, regional environmental health practitioners and Background and Relevance interstate research institutions regarding the management and The project aims to identify methods for small remote Indigenous implementation of appropriate water technologies. This program communities, who self manage their water supply, to implement the provides a crucial link to public health protection and research in Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality in the 2004 regional and remote communities for regulators and the water Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. This is a Desert Knowledge CRC industry. project, with the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Centre for Appropriate Technology as core partners in the project and in collaboration 3.3.0.2 Mutitjulu Rainwater Tank and Point-of-Use System Trial with the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Researchers work closely with the community members involved in four case studies Contact Person and utilise the Framework on a case-by-case basis to deliver unique Nerida Beard (Centre for Appropriate Technology) management regimes for each community. Lessons learnt from the Organisations Involved process will inform the application of management plans in other remote Indigenous communities. The project will contribute to trialling Centre for Appropriate Technology the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines: Community Water Budget $286,991 Planner in remote Indigenous communities. Start Date June 2002 Background and Relevance Research Approach This project was initiated as a result of expressed Indigenous The project uses an ‘action research’ methodology and the holistic community need for the development of robust water harvesting “Sustainable Livelihoods” approach to trial the applicability of the and treatment systems for small remote communities. The project Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality in the 2004 is trialling a rainwater harvesting system and a point-of-use filtration Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to small, remote Indigenous device on nine houses in the Mutitjulu settlement near Uluru. The aim communities. The project will trial the development of appropriate is to provide a well-designed, robust and reliable system for rainwater management plans for four remote communities in different States/ harvesting suitable for use in remote communities. Territories with populations of less than fifty people who manage their own water supplies. Research Approach The research demonstrates the demand-responsive approach to secure Outcomes a sustainable supply of rainwater for remote Indigenous communities. • Identify factors that enable or hinder the adoption of the The project involves the appropriate design and installation of Framework for the Management of Drinking Water Quality and rainwater tank infrastructure, implementation of capacity-building provide feedback to the NHMRC on the trial of the Australian initiatives and maintenance and monitoring schedules. The project has Drinking Water Guidelines: Community Water Planner. been extended to include temperature monitoring over a 12-month • Provide resources and tools to support the broad application period, to improve understanding of water quality performance of of appropriate management plans in other remote Indigenous rainwater tanks in arid areas. communities. • Identify model processes for remote community water Outcomes management, including stakeholder engagement, water • Demonstration of a functioning rainwater tank infrastructure and management planning and provide valuable input into the current treatment system in a remote community. regional management and policy dialogues on integrated service delivery in remote communities.
84 Regional And Rural Water Supplies
Industry Uptake Industry Uptake The outcomes of this project will be used in other regional and remote The design of infrastructure and the approach used to manage areas to manage water supplies at a community level. community resources in this project is being utilised by: • The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Key outcomes are expected to be utilised by the following Affairs which has overall responsibility for policy relating to organisations: community investment and service delivery to Indigenous people living in remote areas. • Community councils, individuals, families, households and other organisations in remote communities. • Engineering consulting firms acting as program managers responsible for infrastructure project development in remote • Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous communities. Affairs (FaCSIA), and other government bodies concerned with the housing and health infrastructure in Indigenous communities. • Individual people, families and households in the outstations in which the project are being undertaken. • State and Territory and Commonwealth Government departments with a role in regulating or provision of water supplies. • Other small remote Indigenous communities wanting to improve water management in their community • Health departments (usually the environmental health section). • Indigenous Resource Centres and their staff. • Water suppliers including utilities, community councils, local governments. • Government departments that have a role in planning, housing, infrastructure and service delivery. • EnHealth Council, NHMRC and the Australian Water Association. • Cooperative Research Centres and research institutions involved in research and advocacy on regional and remote Aboriginal public health. 3.3.0.8 Investigation of the Defluoridation of Water Supplies in Rural and Remote Communities The project leader has contributed learnings from this project to a Contact Person national meeting on Indigenous water supplies with the National Amy Dysart (Power and Water Corporation) Water Commission, and a range of other state and regional forums. Organisations Involved Power and Water Corporation 3.3.0.7 Mabunji Rainwater Harvesting Management Project Budget $8,000 Contact Person Start Date May 2006 Alyson Wright (Centre for Appropriate Technology) Organisations Involved Background and Relevance Centre for Appropriate Technology Fluoride is common in the environment and consequently air, soil, Budget $274,767 food and water are likely to contain at least a small amount of fluoride. Start Date January 2004 The principal routes of human exposure to fluoride are through the consumption of food and ingestion of drinking water. There have Background and Relevance been a number of studies conducted to determine the natural fluoride The project was initiated as a result of the expressed Indigenous levels in drinking water across Australia; however, the data is limited community need to develop robust rainwater harvesting, water and disjointed, especially in regional and rural communities. Current treatment systems and appropriate water management structures for data suggests that natural fluoride exists in water supplies across small, remote communities. The research will investigate appropriate Australia, particularly in the central Australia region. Communities in infrastructure design, undertake a cost-benefit analysis, incorporating these areas rely on groundwater as their potable water supply. Many social benefits of a community-managed supply, and evaluate system of the communities are rural and remote and do not have access to sustainability for rainwater supplies in a remote northern Australian defluoridation systems. environment.
Research Approach Research Approach Internationally there has been considerable research into the The research demonstrates the demand-response approach to secure development of defluoridation systems, especially those appropriate a sustainable supply of rainwater for remote Indigenous communities. for rural and remote communities in developing countries. There are The project involves the appropriate design and installation of rainwater similarities, such as remoteness and desire for low cost alternatives, tank infrastructure, implementation of capacity-building initiatives and between the circumstances in developing countries and regional areas the community adoption of maintenance and monitoring schedules. in Australia. However, many of these techniques are designed to treat The project will refine appropriate infrastructure design and provide fluoride at significantly higher levels than those that occur in Australia an economic and social evaluation of the costs and benefits of the and are intended for domestic rather than whole community use. locally-managed supply. An assessment of the replication potential in This project aims to identify a robust, low maintenance defluoridation other remote communities will be undertaken. system that may be implemented at the community level within Australian rural and remote communities. Outcomes • As part of this project, an assessment of the ease and feasibility of Outcomes replicating this project in other communities will be conducted. • Identify and demonstrate the use of a low cost defluoridation In addition, processes for linking future research to other system that can improve water quality in rural and remote Indigenous research activities, such as housing projects, will be communities. investigated. • Conduct a national review of naturally occurring fluoride in • Water quantity and quality results will be monitored and groundwater that will assist water managers to identify the risks in community risk management and engagement processes will be rural water supplies. developed and implemented.
• The paradigm of current water supply projects is that they Industry Uptake are supply driven. It is suggested that the demand-response approach will yield technical design improvements that will inform • Provide more options for the management of elevated robust rainwater harvesting design in a Top End environment and fluoride concentrations in drinking water in rural and remote provide improvements to community water access. communities.
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3.3.9.0. Small Town Water Supply Consultation the Waterproofing Homelands – Kimberly Water Strategy Pilot. The Contact Person project pilots a strategy to address core determinants of ongoing water system failure. It will aim to build capacity within communities Stephen Gray (Victoria University) to protect their water supply quantity and quality, and to measure Organisations Involved and evaluate progress and replication of the approach. The primary CSIRO, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water, Central Highlands Water, funding for the project will be provided through the Department of North East Water, GHD Pty Ltd Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Budget $140,000 Start Date November 2002 Research Approach The project will develop and pilot a participatory approach to improving water reliability and safety with six small homelands, through a ‘whole Background and Relevance of water cycle’ approach to water management at the community This project was funded by the Victorian Department of Sustainability level. It will also assist in identifying a strategy for capacity building in and Environment to support North East Water and Grampians Wimmera remote communities to improve water quality and quantity knowledge Mallee Water investigate problems in their water supply systems. and management. During the pilot, small on-ground improvements North East Water identified the first component of the project, which to water supplies will be identified and conducted in the case study investigates issues associated with biological regrowth in distribution communities. This project will support Regional Service Providers in systems, particularly those with no residual disinfectant or where the maintenance of essential services infrastructure by strengthening rate of disinfectant decay is rapid. The second component of this community ownership and management of water supplies. It will project focuses on the delivery of potable water to small, isolated also endeavour to identify appropriate levels of water supply support communities. Many of the small towns in the Grampians Wimmera from external agencies, and inform governments about approaches Mallee Water and Central Highlands Water regions are supplied with to ensuring reliable water systems and possible improvements to a non-potable water supply, and this component investigates the management frameworks. ability of point-of-entry or point-of-use devices to economically deliver potable water. Research Approach Outcomes The first component of the project addresses the issues of biological regrowth in distribution systems. Laboratory based trials have • Participatory communication tools: Development of ‘Water investigated the ability of various treatment processes to reduce the Toolkit’ on major water quality and quantity issues to support biological regrowth potential of water and decrease the disinfectant participatory community water management planning processes. decay rate. The second component involves the development and Toolkit to be tested and analysis made available for use to other construction of a mobile point-of-entry treatment system for the practitioners. delivery of potable water to small supplies. The treatment systems are • Improved dialogue: Open a transparent dialogue between remote being trialled in a number of locations, with water quality data being homeland residents, Resource Agencies (Local Government collected by on-line monitoring and regular sampling of supplies. entities responsible for service delivery in remote areas), government departments funding essential service delivery and other regional stakeholders about water supply management and Outcomes issues in their region. Pre-project meetings and prior research • Identification of slow sand filtration (biological treatment) as indicate that the development of a matrix of responsibilities of the most effective process for lowering the biological regrowth the existing service delivery arrangements will be beneficial for all potential and the disinfectant decay in water delivered by North stakeholders and promote more efficient allocation of resources. East Water. • Improved water information: Participatory assessment of • Assessment of the mobile point-of-entry treatment system for community water supplies will provide an opportunity to combine treating to water to drinking water standards. knowledge of remote residents with technical water expertise to develop management strategies. Industry Uptake • Appropriate support frameworks: the research will provide • Slow sand filtration – UV treatment was identified as being the most information on appropriate levels of maintenance support for appropriate for distribution systems with no residual disinfectant, small, remote homelands. while slow sand filtration was also appropriate for systems where the rate of disinfectant decay was very rapid. Industry Uptake • A community in NSW has adapted the point-of-use treatment • WA Department of Water has already sought presentation of system design and a trial is underway. information on the status of homeland water supplies and this may open a dialogue on uptake of research findings. • The participatory toolkit will be useful to practitioners in water 3.3.1.3 Waterproofing Homelands – Kimberley Water suppliers, consultancy organisations and state governments. Strategy Pilot Contact Person Projects in Development Nerida Beard (Centre for Appropriate Technology) Organisations Involved Guidelines for Water Supply and Sewage Infrastructure in Rural and Remote Communities Centre for Appropriate Technology Contact Person Budget $209,110 Duration 2 years Paul Heaton (Power and Water Corporation) Organisations Involved Start Date July 2006 Power and Water Corporation, Centre for Appropriate Technology Background and Relevance Budget $0,000 Duration Many small and remote communities have difficulty maintaining reliable, 2 years good quality water supplies. Remote community water supplies in the Kimberley region have been an ongoing area of research for the CRC Background and Relevance for Water Quality and Treatment and has led to the development of Traditionally, water supply and sewerage infrastructure in regional and
86 Regional And Rural Water Supplies rural communities has been developed with limited focus on protection Perceptions and Utilisation of Water in Remote Indigenous of water quality through multiple barriers. Yet in many rural and remote Communities (Ph Project) centres, particularly those without disinfection, source and wellhead Budget $125,000 protection along with storage tank and reticulation system integrity are the principal barriers to water contamination. This project has been Duration 3 years developed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and to document Background and Relevance technical guidelines associated with infrastructure that impact on the Indigenous people have a unique cultural and spiritual relationship provision of safe drinking water to regional and rural communities. The with water. Although there has been some progress on research project will include a series of workshops where practitioners can share examining the relationships between Indigenous perceptions practical experiences and promote knowledge transfer. The project and utilisation of water, more research is required to enhance the aims to develop a range of principles to guide protection of water development of appropriate management initiatives. The project quality and provide infrastructure drawings. aims to investigate perceptions and utilisation of water in remote Indigenous communities. Outcomes from the project will inform Australian Groundwater Quality Database the development of links between water and health management strategies to improve Indigenous health outcomes, and access and Contact Person use of water resources. This includes quantifying water consumption Paul Heaton (Power and Water Corporation) patterns in these communities, developing a greater understanding Organisations Involved of people’s perceptions and utilisation of water and applying this knowledge to build meaningful water management and risk strategies Currently in discussion with potential collaborating organisations. for remote Indigenous communities. Duration 2 years
Background and Relevance The vast majority of Australian rural and remote communities rely on groundwater for their reticulated water supply. Although water quality analyses have been carried out in a number of locations, there remain water supplies that are not regularly analysed and consequently, often unverified data, or alternatively no information, is available on the water quality experienced in these centres. The relatively large number of water supplies and remoteness of many of the communities precludes the sampling and analysis of all of these supplies, as it is considered neither viable nor cost effective. Strong correlations exist between groundwater quality and hydrogeological characteristics. Consequently the development of a database, utilising verified water quality data integrated with hydrogeological data, is seen as an effective mechanism to improve capacity, understanding and the assessment and prioritisation of water quality issues in regional and rural areas. The project aims to assist knowledge-building related to groundwater quality and water supply issues in regional and remote Australia through the establishment of a web-based delivery system to facilitate the provision of data and information.
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Table 4.3 Commercialisation and Utilisation Outputs/Milestones – Regional and Rural Water Supplies
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Further research Yrs 3,4&5 Yes Updated and continuing implementation of projects identified as strategic direction – the ‘Water Strategy’. a result of continuing Two new research projects scoped foresighting exercises. beginning July 2007, seven ongoing research projects.
Developed Small Water Systems – their management and operation quarterly newsletter.
2 At least two research Years 3,4&5 Yes Ongoing Seven projects underway and two in projects underway review development in response to identified in response to issue issues. identification.
3 Continued Yrs 3,4,5,6&7 Yes Researched and developed the identification and implementation of the Water Quality promotion of research Framework in Small Communities. projects and input Development of protocols for effective into industry policy, consultation on water quality and treatment regulation and issues. strategic direction. Key industry involvement in investigation of improvements to remote community water supplies through State and Commonwealth Governments, industry consultants and regional water supply managers.
4 Review and report on Year 6&7 No Internal revision of the program’s role and program activities. projects within the water supply matrix in March 2006.
Assessed the program activities against the issues and research areas identified earlier in the program to ensure that the unique issues evident in many rural and remote communities are being addressed , ‘5 year review workshop’.
‘Small Water Systems – their management and operation’ newsletter (quarterly) reports and informs on program activities, projects and related topics for small systems.
Review and report on the application/ implementation and role of the ‘Community Water Planner’ in protecting the quality and drinking water supplies.
5 Consultation with Year 6&7 No Ongoing Establishment of the Rural and Regional Centre parties and progress Water Quality Network (water industry and other stakeholders to health agencies) in 2007-2008. gain support for the Workshop to be held on Rural and Regional future directions of water supplies during 07-08 financial year. the program.
88 Commercialisation and Utilisation
As described in previous Annual Reports, the major concern of the IP Management industry participants within the CRC for Water Quality & Treatment is The only significant activity undertaken in this area in 2006-07 relates to achieve wide-scale uptake and utilisation of the Centre’s research to further testing of the activated carbon regeneration technology by outputs. As a consequence, the major focus of activity has been Pica Pty Ltd., a subsidiary of Veolia. A number of tests have been around knowledge and technology transfer. Commercialisation of undertaken and communications with Pica are still in progress. project intellectual property has been a secondary consideration, as the clearly expressed policy of the CRC Board has been to make all knowledge generated in research projects freely available to the Disinfection Management Tool-Technology Transfer Workshop Australian water industry. The CRC for Water Quality and Treatment has developed a suite of The approach adopted to knowledge and technology transfer has tools that can be used to improve the management of disinfection also been described in previous Annual Reports and this approach residuals within water distribution systems. The suite comprises has been continued through 2006-07. The highlights have been a design, planning and operational tools that will allow water utility continuation of the road-show concept and further development of a managers to consider the effects of the many factors that contribute series of guidance manuals describing how to apply CRC generated to the performance of disinfection systems. In September at the knowledge. Australian Water Quality Centre, Mark Bruno demonstrated and In 2006-07, a road-show on the management of blue-green algae trained SA Water personnel in the use of this management tool. (cyanobacteria) was held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. In response to a request from several Tasmanian CRC Naiad Associates, a subsequent road-show was also held in Launceston. A Naiad™ is a project of the CRC’s Sustainable Water Sources high level of attendance and interest was achieved in all cases. Plans Program. It is a web-based knowledge repository, designed to for a national road-show on micropollutants to be held in the second facilitate the sharing of lessons learned from innovative urban water half of 2007 were also drawn up. schemes among planners, local governments, and practitioners. A workshop on the use of the NAIAD database also toured the country Since tracking of Naiad statistics commenced in August 2006 the in the latter half of 2006. This web-based database provides access site has received over 2800 hits – an average of about 50 hits per to data and information about a wide range of alternative water day. The site distributes highly specialised information relevant to a system designs currently undergoing field trials around the country. small segment of all Internet users (i.e. mostly Australian water sector It provides useful information for learning and comparison purposes professionals). Hit counts per scheme range from approximately 50 and has proved quite popular with an average of hits per month. for the less popular schemes to more than 300 for the most popular A series of projects designed specifically to facilitate knowledge schemes. The Western Corridor Recycled Water Project in South transfer were outlined in the 2005-06 Annual Report. Work on all of East Queensland, for example, has to date been viewed 339 times. these projects has continued and most are nearing completion with Since the new version of Naiad went online in June 2007, 43 users the production of a series of guidance manuals and modeling toolkits. have registered, mostly Australian water professionals working for A key addition to this list is the production of a guidance manual utilities, governments and consultants. Several of these make use of on the installation and operation of domestic rainwater tanks. This advanced features in Naiad such as the automatic email notification manual is an additional output from CRC research on rainwater tank feature, which alerts users whenever new schemes are added to quality and is designed to provide information to the public on a best the Naiad knowledge base. Naiad currently contains information practice approach to the utilization of rainwater tanks. on a total of 59 innovative water schemes, all of them Australian. In summary, the results clearly indicate that Naiad is being actively used in practice and achieves what it was designed for: sharing knowledge about innovative water management.
Panel discussion at Perth Cyanobacteria Roadshow
Table 4.3 Commercialisation and Utilisation Outputs/Milestones – Commercialisation
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 Processing of Centre Year 6 Met Carbon Regen Pty Ltd generated IP to continue.
2 Returns Year 6 No No commercial Currently progressing two possible generated from agreements commercialisation projects. commercialisation of finalised Centre IP.
89 Commercialisation and Utilisation
End User Involvement emphasis reflects an evolution of research priorities towards effective Current participants and associates of the CRC for Water Quality & implementation of the Framework for Management of Drinking Water Treatment cover the following areas and activities. Quality, a document and philosophy now firmly embedded within the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. • 13 research participants from six of the states and territories As a direct consequence of this priority, the key benefits outlined • 19 industry participants from seven of the states and in Table 5 relate directly to the identification, quantification and territories comprised of water supply authorities, catchment management of risk throughout the entire delivery chain from management authorities, health regulators, private sector catchment to tap. These risks relate not only to human health, but contractors and chemical and equipment suppliers also to aesthetic aspects of the delivered water and its acceptability • 20 associate members, comprised largely of small to to customers. Mitigation of these risks is a top priority for all water medium sized water authorities but also including an authorities and reflects the very large costs associated with either so- engineering consultant, an environmental regulator and called water quality incidents or customer aversion to the delivered government departments responsible for water planning water. Direct costs associated with these outcomes are very large and have been clearly outlined in previous annual reports. The Centre has attempted to involve all of these players in CRC activities through project and workshop activities. Table 5 provides a sample Table 5 illustrates the involvement of CRC industry parties in 10 of some of this involvement in 10 CRC projects. This table illustrates selected projects and clearly illustrates the key role they play in the increasing emphasis placed by all participants and associates on ensuring uptake and utilisation of research outcomes. the key role of risk identification, estimation and management. This Table 5 : End-user Involvement in CRC Activities End-user name Relationship with CRC Type of activity and Nature/scale of benefits Actual or expected end-user location to end user benefit to end user Sydney Water Participant & Board Health services utilisation Knowledge and Ability and confidence Corporation Member in dual reticulation understanding of health to safely implement dual systems, Rouse Hill, status of communities reticulation water supply Sydney with dual reticulated systems water supplies SA Department of Participant and Board Double-blinded control Knowledge and Ability and confidence Health, NHMRC member2 and CRC study of health impacts understanding of to effectively regulate research collaborator2 of drinking tank rainwater potential health risks rainwater tanks from rainwater tanks NHMRC, WHO Research collaborator Data on carcinogenicity, Data will be used to Ability to cost-effectively genotoxicity and produce drinking water produce safe drinking mechanisms of toxicity of guidelines water cylindrospermopsin SA Water Corporation, Participants and Board Assessing the impact Support for water Successful Brisbane Water, Sydney members of information on industry managers in implementation of water Water Corporation, community views on factoring water recycling recycling schemes Water Corporation, recycled water into planning decisions Melbourne Water ACTEW, Melbourne Participants and Board Development of a model Accurate estimation of Ability to accurately Water, SA Water members for pathogen movement pathogen loads and assess and mitigate Corporation, Sydney in watersheds concentrations risk associated with Catchment Authority pathogens SA Water Corporation, Participant and Board Consolidate CRC Models and guidance Ability to effectively United Water member research on reservoirs manuals used to manage risks and protect International into a comprehensive risk accurately assess risks public health management framework associated with reservoir operation Water Corporation Board member Understanding and Ability to effectively Higher level of consumer prevention of chlorinous control production of satisfaction with potable off-flavours in potable chlorinous off-flavours water supply water Orica, SA Water Participants and Board Understanding water Models will be able to Ability to cost effectively Corporation, United members quality required to calculate water quality optimise water treatment Water International, minimise problems in at customers tap to minimise problems in Water Corporation distribution systems based on water quality distribution entering and system characteristics Melbourne Water, Power Participants and Board Development of a The toolbox will facilitate More cost effective & Water Authority, members toolbox of CRC models optimal design and and safer operation of South East Water, Water to facilitate easy operation of water distribution systems Corporation, Yarra Valley application by industry distribution systems Water All Australian water >90% are CRC Development of a Internationally accepted Accurate risk assessment authorities participants toolbox of robust bioassay techniques will will facilitate regulatory biological methods for allow accurate estimation and consumer analysis of estrogenicity of risks from endocrine acceptance of water in water disrupting compounds recycling in water
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Communication Manager Angela Gackle CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
The CRC’s mission is to help the Australian water industry provide high quality water at an affordable price. Effective communication between researchers, research users, governments and the general community is critical in achieving this mission.
Communication strategy issues, participating in public debate as appropriate, and raising the The Communication Strategy outlines the major communication goals profile of the Centre, the CRC Program and drinking water issues in of the Centre for 2006-07: general. • Ensure effective communication within the Centre, so that Over the past year the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment has knowledge flows between researchers and industry and across provided expert comment for media personnel on the following projects and programs. issues: • Implement strategies to facilitate the uptake of Centre research • Water reuse outcomes by the Australian water industry. • Rainwater tanks • Build a strong corporate culture within the Centre, to strengthen • Water quality staff and student commitment to the organisation and foster • Blue-green algae collaborative work between participants. • Wastewater recycling • Raise awareness of, and build support for, the Centre, its role and Two media releases were issued by the CRC in August 2006: its achievements amongst the Australian water industry, water regulators, the research and education communities and the Facts About Hormones in Water broader public. Who Cares About Water Shortages • Work with decision-makers within the Australian water industry In February 2007 SA Health issued a media release announcing a to understand their needs and provide scientific information new collaborative study involving the CRC for Water Quality and that will assist them supply high quality water to Australian Treatment, Monash University and SA Health: communities. Adelaide the ‘city of choice’ for rainwater tank study • Work with policy makers to develop a science-based water quality regulatory environment that meets the needs of Australian communities. Publications • Raise awareness, and improve understanding, of water quality The Centre has produced the following publications over the past issues in the Australian community. year. • Promote the CRC Program and its objectives. • Research Report 29 Source Water Quality Assessment and the Management of Pathogens in Surface Catchments and Aquifers During the reporting period the Centre has focused on increasing the - produced in hard copy and as PDF number of activities and publications aimed at industry uptake and dissemination of research results. • Research Report 30 Optimisation of Chlorine Residual in a Distribution System (Greenvale-Sydenham, Melbourne) - PDF file Communication activities • Research Report 31 Application of an Image Analysis System to The Centre employs a variety of strategies to achieve the goals Enumerate and Measure Cyanobacteria - PDF file outlined in the Communication Strategy, including: • Research Report 32 Regulation of Cylindrospermopsin Production • Workshops, seminars and meetings. by the Cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii - PDF • An information-rich, frequently updated website. file. • Frequent personal contact between parties, associates and The following early Research Reports were made available to CRC Centre management. Participants and Associates as PDF files on the CRC website: • Targeted media. • Research Report 1 Determination of Cyanobacterial Microcystins and Nodularin by a Colorimetric Protein Phosphatase Inhibition • Industry-focused technical fact sheets. Assay Using Phosvitin as Substrate • Industry-focused Occasional Papers. • Research Report 2 Evaluation of Potential Matrix Interferences • Research Reports. in Phosphatase Inhibition Assays Used for Determining • Publications for the general public. Cyanobacterial Hepatotoxins • A quarterly external newsletter, Health Stream, with a circulation • Research Report 3 Removal of Cryptosporidium Using over 3500, reaching more than 50 countries. Coagulation • An internal e-mail newsletter, NEON, that informs Centre parties • Research Report 4 Disinfection By-Products from a Poly(Diallyldi and associates about Centre activities and research. methylammonium Chloride) Based Polyelctrolyte Used in Water Treatment Media Relations • Research Report 6 Genetics of Microcystis Toxicity - Identification of the Genetic Pathway for Microcystin Production in Microcystis The Centre has continued to build effective relationships with key aeruginosa media over the past year, briefing journalists and editors on emerging
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• Research Report 8 Development of Capillary Electrophoresis leaders were approached by several organisations that wanted to - Based Analyses for Paralytic Shellfish Poisons (PSPs) and contribute further case studies. Therefore, a series of forums were Microcystins organised in most capital cities to demonstrate Naiad™. The forums • Research Report 9 Impact of Ozone on Disinfection By-Products: gave participants an opportunity to explore its potential and invited Comparison of Three Surface Waters with Differing Character additional contributions to its knowledge base. They also addressed ways in which contributors (e.g. contractors and consultants) could use • Research Report 14 Measurement of Flocculant Residuals by Naiad™ to promote their technologies and expertise free of charge. Fluorescent Tagging • Research Report 22 Hybrid Membrane Processes for Water Treatment Joint Workshops Advanced Water Treatment Essentials Workshop 26-28 July 2006 Rydges, Port Macquarie, NSW This workshop, held in conjunction with In addition the paper Organic Chemical Issues in Wastewater Quality: the NSW Branch of the Australian Water Association and the NSW A Review of Current Analytical Methods was produced as a Special Water Directorate, examined the hows and whys of water treatment. Report. The event was aimed at regional water treatment engineers and Papers and reports produced as hard copies are distributed to all managers and focused on areas of interest including: Centre parties and associates and are sold via the Australian Water • Assessing Treatment Requirements Association bookshop. All titles are available in full as PDF files in the • Procurement Options for Councils Participants area of the Centre website. • Improving Water Quality To aid in the transfer of research outcomes to industry, the Centre • Operations and Maintenance develops fact sheet booklets to accompany technology transfer seminars. In 2006-07 the following booklet was produced: Associates Program Cyanobacteria: Management and Implications for Water Quality The Associates Program was established by the Centre to enable The Centre produces a quarterly newsletter called Health Stream. It small to medium enterprises to participate in Centre activities and, presents relevant health research in an accessible form, and provides in particular, to benefit from the communication of research outputs. informed comment on the implications of research findings for the There are now twenty-one organisations participating in the Associates water industry. The publication has achieved a high international Program (see Governance, Structure and Management for detail), up profile among water quality researchers. It currently has aprint from nineteen last year. circulation of around 2900 and is distributed electronically to more than 1400 readers. Amongst a range of benefits, associates can be involved in various Centre activities and have access to certain of the Centre’s resources, See the Publications section in this Annual Report for detail on but have no role in Centre governance. The Associates Program is scientific publications and presentations. managed by Dr Gerard Vaughan, the Centre’s Liaison Officer. See also Small Water Systems Newsletter in Rural and Regional Water. Media relations The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Website Minister formally launched CRC Research Report 28, “Community The CRC website continues to attract an increasing volume of Views on Water Shortages and Conservation” by Dr Naomi Roseth traffic with over 200,000 hits per month being recorded. The most before the media and guests at Parliament House, Canberra on frequently accessed pages include the Consumers Guide, Drinking Thursday 17 August 2006. Water Fact Sheets, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Articles on the report appeared in the Financial Review, Sydney Workshops and the electronic version of the Health Stream Morning Herald and The Canberra Times as well as other regional newsletter. The number of documents being downloaded has also newspapers. Dr Roseth also conducted radio interviews that aired increased, with the most popular categories being the Drinking around the country. Water Fact Sheets (for consumers) and the Technical Fact Sheets (for a professional audience). On 7 August, Professor Heather Chapman, Leader of the CRC’s Sustainable Water Sources Program issued a brief statement to the A popular item on the CRC website has been a report by Brenton media entitled “Facts about hormones in water”. The statement Nicholson on “Organic Chemical Issues in Wastewater Quality: was from a scientific perspective on related issues, prior to the A Review of Current Analytical Methods”. It was downloaded referendum on reuse in Toowoomba, Queensland. 10,950 times in three months since it was put on the CRC website in February. This makes it the third most popular download after the technical Fact Sheets on Disinfection Management and Water Awards and recognition Treatment. CRC Chairman Emeritus Professor Nancy Millis AC MBE FAA FSE was the recipient of a Clunies Ross Lifetime Contribution award at Events a ceremony organised by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in Melbourne on Tuesday 17 April 2007. CRC Workshops In November 2006 Associate Professor Holger Maier (University Cyanobacterial Research Technology Transfer Workshops of Adelaide and CRC Supervisor) received a $25,000 Australian These workshops held in Adelaide (November), Brisbane, Sydney and University Award for Teaching Excellence. The awards are made by Melbourne (December) presented the findings of a major research the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. program carried out by the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment into Dr Dharma Dharmabalan of Central Highlands Water, and Deputy areas such as guidelines for cyanobacterial toxins, detection methods Program Leader for the CRC’s Distribution Program, was appointed for cyanobacteria and their toxins, understanding cyanobacterial an Adjunct Associate Professor at Victoria University. Dharma will be growth, sampling and monitoring, reservoir management and water working with the Institute for Sustainability and Innovation on water- treatment options for toxins and taste and odour compounds. related industry projects. Eddy Ostarcevic (GWM Water) has been appointed an Adjunct Naiad™ Forums Senior Research Fellow within the Institute for Sustainability and Sydney - 12 October 2006 Innovation (ISI) at Victoria University. Melbourne - 19 October 2006 Amongst the recipients of awards announced on Australia Day 2007, Adelaide - 20 October 2006 was our former CEO, Donald Bruce Bursill of Tea Tree Gully, South Perth - 26 October 2006 Australia who was made a Member of the Order of Australia for Brisbane - 3 November 2006 service to water quality research and resource management through The release of Naiad™ led to very strong user interest, and the project a range of research and industry organisations.
92 Communication
A paper by Chris Chow, Rolando Fabris, Kerry Wilkinson, Fiona importance of community acceptance. Centre for Public Policy at Fitzgerald and Mary Drikas, Characterising NOM to Assess The University of Melbourne. Water: Australia’s Election Issue 2007? Treatability, which was published in the AWA Water Journal received Seminar Series, April, Melbourne. the Guy Parker Award 2005/2006 for best paper of the year. Leder K (2006) Health risks: recycled water and alternative A poster by Sylwia Solarska Isolation of NOM Degrading Fungi won water sources. Lecture to Graduate Diploma in Occupational & the best poster award in the Industrial Mycology section t the 8th Environmental Health students, September, Monash University. International Mycological Conference, August, 2006 in Cairns. O’Toole J (2006) Alternative water sources and health risk. Seminar Curtin University 2006 Honours student, Amanda Kobes, was for Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, July, awarded a CSIRO ‘Water for a Healthy Country Flagship’ full PhD Monash University. scholarship commencing in 2008. Sinclair MI (2006) The Sydney water quality incidents: risk communication. Case study for Master of Public Health students, Public Presentations – Domestic August, Monash University. Beard N (2006) Improving water supplies in remote Indigenous Sinclair MI (2006) How safe is the water we drink? Lecture to Master communities - lessons, barriers and opportunities. Presentation of Public Health students, August, Monash University. to Certificate II Environmental Health Worker Students, Batchelor Sinclair MI (2006) Microbial contamination of water supplies. Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, at the Centre for Tutorial for Master of Public Health students, September, Monash Appropriate Technology, August, Alice Springs. University. Beard N (2007) Water supply in remote Indigenous communities. Sinclair MI (2006) Waterborne disease: past, present and future. Presentation to Registrars & medical staff at Alice Springs Public Lecture to undergraduate Microbiology students, September, Hospital, June, Alice Springs. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Hurlimann A (2006) ‘Quenching our thirst: is water recycling the Melbourne. solution?’ Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning Seminar Sinclair MI (2007) Walkerton water contamination incident. Short Series. October. course in Environmental Risk Assessment, April, Monash University. Hurlimann A (2006) ‘Recycled Water Use - The Community’s Sinclair MI (2007) Water quality and public health. Lecture to Perspective’. Women in the Environment Group Event, hosted by undergraduate Engineering students, March, University of South Melbourne Water, November, Melbourne. Australia. Hurlimann A (2007) The Feasibility of Water Recycling - Some Storey MV (2007) A Career in the Australian Water Industry. 2007. Important Questions to Consider. The University of Melbourne, 17th Meeting of The Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Office of Environmental Programs, Plane Tree Forum, May, Innovation Council (PMSEIC), June, Canberra, ACT. Melbourne. Hurlimann A (2007) Water for the future: is water recycling the Public Presentations – International answer? Lunchtime Seminar, School of Social and Environmental Enquiry, The University of Melbourne, March, Melbourne. Storey MV (2007) The Young Water Professionals Program and Youth Participation in Millennium Development Goals. International Trends Hurlimann A (2007) Water recycling and desalination - The and Challenges, March, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
93 Program Leader Dennis Mulcahy University of South Australia Program Aim The Education and Training Program aims to provide specialist undergraduate and postgraduate experience in water science and technology. The Program encompasses: • PhD and Masters research projects • Coursework postgraduate activity • Summer Research Scholarships and some undergraduate project activity • Postgraduate Student Conferences and other support for conference attendance, including international conferences • Participation in the CRC Water Forum's Young Water Scientist of the Year competition • Involvement of researchers in coursework postgraduate and undergraduate lectures • Staff training activities • Leadership training UCATION AN D TRAINING E D UCATION
94 education and training
2006/2007 ACTIVITIES presented at the 12th International Conference on Harmful Algae, Summer Research Scholarships held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 4 – 6 September, 2006. Fifteen Summer Research Scholarships were awarded over the Amber Welk (Adelaide) presented at the 5th Conference of the 2006/2007 long vacation. Students were able to select from twenty- International Society of Ecological Informatics (ISEI 5) held in Santa six projects promoted via the Centre website. There were forty-six Barbara, California, from 3 – 7 December, 2006. applications for the program. Overseas exchange student activities continued in this reporting Industry parties Central Highlands Water, Melbourne Water, Power and period. Water (NT), SA Water, South East Water, the Centre for Appropriate Kevin Danel (University of Savoie, France) and Paul Tanis-Plant (ESCPE, Technology - Alice Springs, the Centre for Water Science and Systems Lyon, France) were placed with Drs Gayle Newcombe and Lionel Ho (SA) and the CRC Board’s satellite Wastewater Program hosted at the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC). Summer Scholars in this round. Ms Skadi Motzko (Georg-Simon-Ohm, University of Applied Sciences, South East Water retained Danielle Cromwell for further work on her Nuremberg, Germany) worked with Dr Chris Chow at AWQC. project “Validation of the CRCWQT Particle Sediment Model (PSM) Guillaume Humbert (ENGEES, Strasbourg, France), Manuel Reichl using the Resuspension Potential Measurements and Customer (Technical University of Amberg–Weiden, Germany) and Naomi Complaints”. Struve (Klausthal-Zellefeld University of Technology, Germany) took The Summer Research Scholarship Reporting Seminar was held at the up placements with Dr John van Leeuwen at University of South Hotel Ibis, Melbourne, from 20 – 21 February, 2007. Melbourne Water Australia. hosted a Technical Tour on the second day. This included Yering Pump Maria Augusta Requera of Universidade do Vale do Itajai (UNIVALI), Station, Sugarloaf Reservoir and Winneke Water Treatment Plant. The Brazil, was placed with Dr Glen Shaw of Griffith University and worked Summer Research Scholarship Students are listed in Table 3a. on the Gold Coast and at Boneo, Victoria. Sandra Kjellberg from the University of Lund, Sweden, was placed Postgraduate Students with Asoka Jayaratne at Yarra Valley Water. She previously had a The Centre is pleased to report eight more graduates: Javeed Abdul, placement at the Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands with Melissa Hewett, Leanne Pearson, An Ninh Pham, Phillip Pope, Nyree Dr Jasper Verberk. Stenekes, Jon Varcoe and Todd Wallace. Stijn Scheepers of TU Delft was placed with Paul Heaton and Amy Dysart at Power and Water, NT. Postgraduate Student Conference Ms Marloes Brussen, also of TU Delft, was placed with Dr Michael Storey and Adam Lovell at Sydney Water. The Centre’s fifth Postgraduate Student Conference, held at the Hotel Y, Melbourne, from 10 – 13 July, 2006 was the largest we have held. Tom Bond (Cranfield University, UK) spent 3 months at RMIT University Sixty students attended and up to thirty others per day. Parallel sessions working on UV treatment of NOM. were necessary on one of the days. The Conference incorporated a Careers Session and a Research Management Workshop. The latter Cultural Exchange / Scientific Research Visit was run by Dr Jeff Patrick of University of Southern Queensland. A Technical Tour of the Mt Martha Wastewater Treatment Plant was Centre Postgraduate student Jasper Pengelly (UNSW) visited Tskuba organized by Dr Greg Ryan, of South East Water. University in Tokyo, Japan, from 23 October to 4 November, 2006. The visit was arranged by the ACCU (Asia / Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO). He was a member of a group of five students from Australia, Overseas Conference Presentations/Exchange Student three from China and three from Thailand. They participated in twelve Placements days of seminars and cultural exchange. Jasper made a presentation Shiromi Wijesundara (UQ) presented at the 2nd International on the first day of the visit. Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, held in Houston, Texas from 19 – 22 August 2006. Coursework Masters, Undergraduate and Other Teaching Sylwia Solarska (RMIT) attended the 8th International Mycological Activities Conference held in Cairns, Queensland, from 20 – 25 August, 2006. Centre researcher Dr David Roser (UNSW) presented postgraduate Her poster presentation, Isolation of NOM Degrading Fungi, was coursework material on Microbial Risk Assessment, focusing on its judged the best in the Industrial Mycology Category. application to the drinking water industry and, in particular, to the Phillip Pope (Griffith) gave a paper (by invitation) at the 11th Framework for Management of Drinking Water Quality. International Symposium on Microbial Ecology, held in Vienna, Involvement of Centre staff in the presentation of the Masters in Water Austria, from 20 – 25 August, 2006. Resources Management at the University of South Australia continued. Alexandra Roberts (UNSW) gave a paper at the International A group of eighteen students from the Yellow River Conservancy Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes, held in Pau, France, from Commission (YRCC) joined the class in Advanced Water Quality 27 August – 1 September 2006. and Wastewater Management. Their schedule was arranged by the Four Centre postgraduate students: Phillip Pope (Griffith), Alexandra International Centre for Water Resources Management (ICEWaRM). Roberts (UNSW), Hannah Root (UNSW) and David Ruebhart (Griffith) One other Chinese student, two Sri Lankan and three Indian students
95 education and training also joined this class. In the previous semester one Chinese, two Excellent Publication Award Indian and two French students were class members in Water Will Buchanan of Barwon Water was the 2006/2007 recipient of this Quality Fundamentals and Processes. Further activity with ICEWaRM, Award for a paper in the journal Chemosphere. The paper was based and involving the above overseas students, took place at both the on his PhD research at RMIT. The Award was presented at the Summer University of Adelaide and University of South Australia. The project Research Scholarship Reporting Seminars in Melbourne in February, work of French students Lise Cruveiller and Gregory Gnos, on On-Line 2007. Monitoring of Ammonia in Chloraminated Distribution Systems and Related Decision Support, was particularly impressive. They worked with Dr Chris Chow at Australian Water Quality Centre. Environmental Research Event (ERE) Centre staff were again involved in the presentation of the final year ERE 2006 (the 10th in a series) was held from 10 – 16 December, 2006 Undergraduate Course in Civil and Water Engineering, Water Quality at Macquarie University, Sydney. Four Centre postgraduate students Processes, at University of South Australia. Dr John van Leeuwen attended. coordinated this activity. ERE 2007 will be held at James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland. Centre researcher Mr Peter Baker again presented a special RACI Environmental and Analytical Research and Development Topics undergraduate unit on Identification, Enumeration and Ecology of is another student conference run on very similar lines. It was held Phytoplankton to students at the University of Adelaide. at the University of Wollongong, NSW from 5 – 8 December, 2006. Centre postgraduate student David Beale attended. Introduction to Potable Water Treatment at IWES short course Mrs Mary Drikas and Dr Gayle Newcombe from the Australian Water Young Water Scientist of the Year (YWSOTY) Quality Centre presented this short course at the annual International The RiverSymposium organized the 2007 competition. The Centre as Winter Environmental School (IWES) from 17 – 21 July, 2006 on the a member of the CRC Water Forum, again acted as a sponsor. Ben Gold Coast and from 12 – 15 February, 2007 in Sydney. Tan from the satellite Wastewater Program participated and will be attending the RiverSymposium. Indigenous Student Mentoring James Newman, an Environmental Science student from Southern Links with Other CRCs Cross University, was supported to undertake a Summer Research The Young Water Scientist of the Year competition is one of our best project at the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) in Alice linkage activities. Springs. He presented his findings at the Summer Research Scholarship The Centre was again represented at the Annual Education and Reporting Seminar in Melbourne in February, 2007. Training Managers Workshop at the CRC Association Conference in Perth in May 2007. Internal Training Centre graduate and ECOWISE employee Christobel Ferguson and Education and Training Steering Committee two postgraduate students, David Ruebhart and Sylwia Solarska, This Committee, which drives the Centre’s Education and Training attended the University of Melbourne, Centre for R & D Leadership, Program, met quarterly during 2006/2007, with Professor Felicity CRC Leadership and Innovation Course in August 2006. Dr Robert Roddick (RMIT University) as Chair. Considine of Melbourne Water attended the Course dinner on behalf of the CRC. A broad-ranging Workshop on Research Management was presented Future Plans by Dr Jeff Patrick of University of Southern Queensland at the 5th A Technical Writing Workshop for industry staff is about to be Postgraduate Student Conference in Melbourne in July, 2006. This advertised. was open to all Conference participants. CRC Alumni have been surveyed regarding future networking approaches.
Judges and prize winners at the Summer Student conference in February. From left: Richard Stuetz (UNSW), Lise Cruveiller, Danielle Cromwell (at front), Kristina Ricketts, Laura Cook, CRC Chair Nancy Millis and CEO Dennis Steffensen.
96 education and training
Table 6 Education and Training Outputs/Milestones
Output/ Description Contracted Achieved Reasons why Strategies to achieve unmet milestones Milestone achievement (Yes/No) not achieved number date (if applicable)
1 At least 30 PhD Yes Thirty-two students were enrolled by Year 2. students engaged in There are currently fifty eight students and CRC Research eight graduates. Following a decision by the Governing Board an additional Year 5 intake was advertised.
2 At least three training Yes Three students each year are attending the programs run for University of Melbourne, Centre for R & students and CRC D Leadership, Leadership and Innovation staff Course for CRC’s. During 2006-07, a workshop on Research Management was incorporated in the Postgraduate Student Conference. Previous initiatives included a mock job interview and technical writing workshops.
3 All students to have No Partially met Use of industry supervisors in the industry co-supervisor postgraduate research education program. Industry members were invited to participate in the Postgraduate Student Conference. More specifically, a Careers Session was held there, run by the industry. Technical tours are incorporated into the Summer Research Scholarship Reporting Seminars and Postgraduate Student Conferences. Industry parties host some Summer Research Scholars.
4 Third PhD student Yes Our most recent Student Postgraduate conference run in Conference took place in July, 2006 in Year 6 Melbourne. It was the largest postgraduate conference the Centre has hosted.
5 First round of PhD Year 6&7 Yes Ongoing We have the following information about students successfully current occupations of 52 CRC graduates. placed in industry Industry - 40, Academia - 8, Marketing/ jobs Journalism - 1, further study (PhD) -1, Home duties - 1, Unknown - 1.
97 education and training
Summer Scholarship and Honours Students 2006-07
STUDENT LOCATION PROJECT
Ronald Halim UNESCO Centre for Membrane Hybrid Submerged Membrane Photocatalysis Process for Surface Water Science and Technology, UNSW, Treatment Sydney
Nicole Enting Melbourne Water, Melbourne Risk Analysis within a Melbourne Drinking Water Catchment
Kristina Ricketts Australian Water Quality Centre, Tracking the Growth and Distribution of Anabaena circinalis using Adelaide Molecular Tools
Laura Cook University of New South Wales, Unraveling the Mystery Behind Cyanotoxin Biosynthesis: Sydney Characterisation of Several Tailoring Enzymes from the Saxitoxin Biosynthesis Gene Cluster
Ilan Sagi University of South Australia, Adelaide Water Quality Improvement and Water Retention in a Pervious Pavement with Reservoir Structure
Sy Nguyen RMIT University, Melbourne An Investigation of THM Formation Kinetics in Water from Yarra Glen, Victoria
Susan Rowcliffe NRCET, Brisbane Evaluation of Chemicals in Drinking Water, Recycled Water and Surface Water
Sugi Swaminathan Power & Water Corporation, Darwin Coagulation and Flocculation of Sewage - Optimising Treatment Performance to Produce Water Suitable for Discharge and Water Recycling
Darshit Dalal Central Highlands Water, Ballarat, Drinking Water Use Minimisation at a Large Wastewater Treatment Victoria Facility
Gregory Gnos & Australian Water Quality Centre, Development of Low Cost On-Line Monitoring Package to Improve Lise Cruveiller Adelaide Chloramination Control
Mark Haase Griffith University, Brisbane The Microbial Census of Cylindrospermopsis Dominating Cyanobacterial Biofilms
Danielle Cromwell South East Water, Melbourne Validation of the CRCWQT particle Sediment Model (PSM) using the Resuspension Potential Measurements and Customer Complaints
Dorothy Loo Australian Water Quality Centre, Getting More Out of Waterborne Viruses Adelaide
Anjanee Bichani Australian Water Quality Centre, Application of WQDMTB to Optimise Chlorine Decay in Distribution Adelaide System
James Newman Centre for Appropriate Technology, Technical Review of Small-Scale Robust Household Water Quality Indigenous Alice Springs Improvement Methods Scholarship
98 education and training
Postgraduate Students
STUDENT LOCATION PROJECT Javeed ABDUL UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Monitoring for Membrane Fouling Assessment (2.4.1.0) (started March 2003) Technology, University of New South Wales M Eng (CRC Support) Brad ALLPIKE School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin Improved Drinking Water Quality: Investigation of Advanced (started July 2002) University Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Reducing Taste and PhD (APA (I) and CRC Support) Odour Problems and Disinfection By-Products (2.4.0.7) Peter BAIN School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Gene Expression Profiling of Cylindrospermopsin Toxicity in (started April 2003) Science, Cultured Intestinal Epithelial Cells (1.2.0.8) PhD Griffith University, Nathan Campus (CRC Support) David BEALE School of Applied Science, RMIT University Development of Portable Instrumentation for the Measurement of (started March 2004) (APA and CRC Support) Pesticides in Water (2.3.1.5) PhD Lyndon BERWICK School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin Thermal Maturation Studies of Natural Organic Matter to Release (started February 2005) University Macro-Molecularly Bound Biomarkers and Investigate the PhD (APA and CRC Support) Diagenetic Pathway of Major Organic Precursors (2.3.1.8) Sandy BRINKMANN AWMC, University of Queensland and Development of a Biological Treatment System for Concentrated (started March 2003) Australian Water Quality Centre Natural Organics Streams (3.2.9) M Phil (CRC Research Officer) Justin BLYTHE School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin The Chemistry of Halophenol Tastes in Drinking Water (2.3.0.1) (started July 2001) University PhD (APA and CRC Support) Darren BROAD Department of Civil and Environmental Decision Support System to Maintain Water Quality in Water (started March 2003) Engineering, University of Adelaide Distribution Systems (2.5.0.3) PhD (University of Adelaide Scholarship and CRC Support) Sam BROOKE Australian Water Quality Centre and School The Destruction of Cyanobacterial Toxins in Drinking Water by (started August 1999) of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Ozone (3.2.6) PhD (converted from M University of South Australia, App Sc) (AwwaRF, SA Water and CRC Support) Rebecca CAMPBELL Australian Water Quality Centre and A Biosensor to Detect Cylindrospermopsin (2.3.0.7) (started March 2003) School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, PhD University of South Australia, (CRC Support) Kylie CATTERALL School of Environmental and Applied Development of a Rapid Microbial Toxicity Assay Employing (started June 2002) Sciences, Ferricyanide as an Artificial Respiratory Electron Acceptor (2.3.0.3) PhD Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus (APA and CRC Support) Grace CHAN School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Pathways and Extent of Algal-bloom Contaminants in Australian (started September 2006) University of Adelaide Drinking Water Reservoirs (2.2.2.3) PhD (University of Adelaide Scholarship and CRC Support) Katrina CHARLES School of Civil and Environmental Risk Assessment of On-Site Sewage Systems in Sydney’s Drinking (started April 2001) Engineering, University of New South Wales, Water Catchments (2.2.2) PhD (Sydney Catchment Authority Support) Kathy CINQUE School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Impacts of Catchment Management Improvement Works on (started September 2005) Engineering, RMIT University Drinking Water Quality in the Tarago Catchment (2.1.1.3) PhD (Melbourne Water Support) David COOK Australian Water Quality Centre and Optimising Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Dosing to Remove (started August 2000) School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Unpleasant Taste and Odour Compounds in Water Treatment MAppSc University of South Australia (3.2.6) (CRC Research Officer) Daniel COUTON School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin The Structure and Chemistry of Natural Organic Matter in (started February 2002) University Groundwaters from the Gnangara Mound (2.3.0.2) PhD (APA (I) and CRC Support) Jodi DONG School of Environmental Planning, Griffith Urban Planning and Integrated Water Management : Towards an (started March 2004) University, Nathan Campus Alternative Institutional Model (2.6.0.7) PhD (CRC Support) Hanna DRIESSEN Dept of Applied Chemistry, Curtin University Chlorinous Off-Flavours in Drinking Water (2.3.2.2) (started March 2006) (CRC Support) PhD
99 education and training
STUDENT LOCATION PROJECT Shengfu FANG School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Decomposition and Removal of Triclosan from Reused Water as a (started February 2004) University of South Australia Drinking Water Source (1.2.1.0) PhD (UniSA Postgraduate Award and CRC Support) Jason DUNLOP School of Public Health, Griffith University Investigation into the Effect of Salinity and Turbidity in Freshwater (started March 2006) (Dept of Natural Resources and Mines, Ecosystems and the Development of an Ecological Risk PhD Queensland Support) Assessment Framework to Manage their Impacts (2.6.1.5) Shoshana FOGELMAN School of Environmental and Applied Development of a Universal Calibration System for the On-line (started March 2003) Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Analysis of Drinking Water (2.3.0.9) PhD Campus (CRC Support) Matthew GIBBS Department of Civil and Environmental Decision Support System to Maintain Water Quality in Water (started March 2003) Engineering, Distribution Systems (2.5.0.3) PhD University of Adelaide (APA and CRC Support) Stacey HAMILTON Department of Applied Chemistry, Curtin Characterisation and Treatability of Natural Organic Matter in (started March 2004) University Groundwaters Used for Drinking Water (2.3.1.6) PhD (CRC Support) Melissa HEWETT Australian Water Quality Centre and Characterisation of Bacterial Symbionts of Amoebae (4.2.2.2) (nee Todd) School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, (started February 2000) University of South Australia PhD (APA and CRC Support) Robert HUSTON Australian School of Environmental Studies, An Assessment of Chemical Contamination of Rainwater Tanks in (started March 2005) Griffith University, Nathan Campus Urban/Industrial Areas of Australia (2.6.0.9) PhD (CRC Support) Graeme JABLONSKAS Department of Soil and Water, University of Photochemical Degradation and Remineralisation of Dissolved (started October 1996) Adelaide Organic Carbon in the Warren Reservoir (2.1.3) PhD (SA Water and CRC Support) Christine KAUCNER School of Civil and Environmental Surface Properties and Transport of Pathogens in Runoff (2.2.2) (started July 2002) Engineering, University of New South Wales M.Sc (part time) (CRC Research Officer) Ross KLEINSCHMIDT Faculty of Science, School of Physical and Measurement and Modeling of the Radiological Impact of Water (started March 2006) Chemical Sciences, Queensland University - Borne Radioactivity in Urban and Rural Environments in Australia PhD of Technology (1.2.2.1) (Queensland Health Support) Ina KRISTIANA School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin Chemical Processes in Chloraminated Distribution Systems (started March 2003) University (2.3.0.8) PhD (CRC Support) Somprasong LAINGAM Dept of Clinical and Experimental Investigation into the Genotoxicity of Certain Disinfection By- (started July 2005) Pharmacology, University of Adelaide Products Isolated from Australian Drinking Waters (1.2.1.8) PhD (CRC Support) Eun Kyung LEE School of Chemical Engineering and Development of a Combined Membrane Treatment Process for (started February 2003) Industrial Chemistry, University of New the Removal of Recalcitrant Organic Matter (2.4.0.8) PhD South Wales and Australian Water Quality Centre (University of New South Wales Faculty of Engineering Scholarship and CRC Support) Leon LINDEN Dept of Environmental Biology, University of Impacts of Reservoir Storage on Natural Organic Matter and its (started July 2002) Adelaide and Treatability by Conventional Water Treatment Processes (2.2.1.2) PhD Australian Water Quality Centre (CRC Support) Daniel LIVINGSTON School of Civil and Environmental Decentralised Urban Water Management for Sustainability: (started March 2002) Engineering, University of New South Wales Frames and Change Pathways for a Socio-technical Problem PhD (APA and CRC Support) (2.6.0.2) Bridget MC DOWALL Australian Water Quality Centre and Development of a Biological Filter for Removal of MIB and (started February 2004) Department of Chemical Engineering, Geosmin (2.4.1.3) PhD University of Adelaide (University of Adelaide and CRC Support) Robert MAY Department of Civil and Environmental Tools for the Improved Control of Disinfection Residuals within (started March 2003) Engineering, Water Distribution Systems (2.5.0.1) PhD University of Adelaide (CRC and United Water Support)
100 education and training
STUDENT LOCATION PROJECT Baden MYERS School of Natural and Built Environments, Development of Process-Based Water Quality Models for the (started March 2006) University of South Australia Continuous Simulation of Water Sensitive Urban Design Systems PhD (University of South Australia and CRC (2.6.1.4) Support) Joanne O’TOOLE Department of Epidemiology and Water Reuse and Alternative Water Sources : Attitudes, Practices, (started March 2004) Preventive Medicine, Monash University Risk Assessment and Human Health Outcomes (1.1.0.6) PhD (CRC Support) Leanne PEARSON School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Characterisation of Microcystin Tailoring Enzymes from the mcy (Started February 2002) Sciences and Gene Cluster of Microcystis aeruginosa (2.2.0.4 ) PhD School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales (APA and CRC Support) Jasper PENGELLY School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Effects Induced by pH, Ionic and Osmotic Stress on PSP Toxin (started March 2004) Sciences, University of New South Wales Production in Cyanobacteria (1.2.1.1) PhD (APA and CRC Support) An Ninh PHAM School of Civil and Environmental Generation and Transformation of Iron and Manganese in Lake (started August 2002) Engineering, University of New South Wales Burragorang (2.2.1.3) PhD (CRC Support) Chris Pipe-Martin School of Engineering, University of Biological Processes for Dissolved Organic Carbon Removal (started September 2006) Queensland (2.4.1.1) M Phil (Caboolture Shire Council and CRC Support) Phillip POPE School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Cyanobacterial Diversity and the Expression of By-Products in (started January 2003) Science, Environmental Blooms (1.2.0.7) PhD Griffith University, Nathan Campus (APA and CRC Support) Xiaoxia QIU School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, A Study on the Mechanisms of Triclosan Resistance and Impact (started March 2005) University of South Australia of Triclosan in Wastewater Environments on the Prevalence of PhD (IPRS and CRC Support) Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.2.1.6) Meivy School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Change in Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and Effect of RATANACHAITHONG Engineering, RMIT University and Chlorination on NOM in the Water Supply System (2.1.1.0) (started March 2005) Melbourne Water PhD (Melbourne Water Support) Samantha RIZAK Department of Epidemiology and Developing Evidence Based, Strategic Water Quality Monitoring (started March 2005) Preventive Medicine, Monash University Systems (1.1.0.5) PhD Alexandra ROBERTS (nee School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular The Role of DNA Transposition in the Acquisition and Evolution Knight) Sciences, University of New South Wales of Microcystin and Nodularin Toxicity in Cyanobacteria (2.2.1.6) (started March 2004) (APA and CRC Support) PhD Shelly RODRIGO Dept of Epidemiology and Preventive Health Effects of Increased Usage of Recycled Water and (started April 2006) Medicine, Monash University Alternative Water Sources (1.1.1.2) PhD (IPRS and CRC Support) Hannah ROOT School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Transcriptional Regulation of Microcystin Production (2.2.2.2) (started January 2005) Sciences, University of New South Wales PhD (APA and CRC Support) Victoria ROSS School of Psychology, University of The Role of Social Processes in Sustainable Urban Water (started March 2004) Queensland Management (2.6.0.8) PhD (CRC Support) David RUEBHART EnTOX, Griffith University Investigation, Optimisation and Validation of a Range of (started October 2003) (CRC Support) Bioassays Using Lower Trophic Level Organisms for the Testing of PhD Aquatic Toxins (1.2.0.9) Cheng SHAO School of Earth and Environmental Intelligent Data Warehousing for Real-time Acquisition, Archiving, (started March 2005) Sciences and School of Computer Sciences, Forecasting and Early Warning of Algal Blooms (2.2.2.1) PhD University of Adelaide (University of Adelaide Faculty of Science and CRC Support) Michael SMITH Department of Public Health, Griffith Investigation of Health Effects of Disinfection By-Products in (started September 2005) University Australian Drinking Waters (1.2.2.0) PhD (CRC Support) Jonathan SOH School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Effects of Destratification on NOM and its Treatability (2.2.1.9) (started July 2004) Engineering, RMIT University PhD ( RMIT University and CRC Support)
101 education and training
STUDENT LOCATION PROJECT Nyree STENEKES School of Civil and Environmental Risk in the Governance of Water Reuse: the Case for the Reuse of (started February 2002) Engineering, University of New South Wales Wastewater (2.6.0.3) PhD (APA (I) and CRC Support) Sylwia SOLARSKA Department of Civil, Environmental and Utilisation of White Rot Fungi for the Removal of Natural Organic (started March 2004) Chemical Engineering, RMIT University Matter from Potable Water (2.4.1.4) PhD (CRC Support)
David STORK School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Mitigation of Fouling of Membranes Used in Desalination of (started April 2006) Engineering, RMIT University Algae-Containing Water (2.4.1.8) M App Sc (RMIT University and CRC Support) Nicole THORNTON Institute of Sustainable Futures, University of People’s Attitudes to Water and the Associated Impacts these (started February 2006) Technology Sydney have on their Water Use Behaviour in the Urban Environment PhD (Gosford Council and CRC Support) (2.6.1.3) Heather UWINS School of Environmental Engineering, Triggers for Taste and Odour- Microbial Production of Geosmin (started February 2003) Griffith University, and MIB in Drinking Water Distribution Systems (2.5.0.6) PhD Nathan Campus (APA and CRC Support) Jon VARCOE Department of Soil and Water, University The Influence of Natural Organic Matter on the Movement of (started May 1999) of Adelaide and Australian Water Quality Phosphorus in Soils (2.1.2) PhD Centre (CRC Support) Todd WALLACE Department Environmental Biology, Carbon and Nutrient Dynamics: Application to Reservoirs (2.2.0.5) (started March 2002) University of Adelaide PhD (APA and CRC Support) Alice WEATHERFORD Dept of Civil and Environmental Improved Methods for Optimising Water Quality in Distribution (started March 2006) Engineering, University of Adelaide Systems (2.5.1.6) PhD (University of Adelaide and CRC Support) Amber WELK Department of Environmental Biology, Early Warning for Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Reservoirs by (started March 2004) University of Adelaide Real– Time Forecasting (2.2.1.7) PhD (University of Adelaide and CRC Support) Dawn WHITE Water Quality Research Centre and Centre The Use of Stable Isotopes for the Characterisation of Natural (started October 2006) for Applied Organic Geochemistry, Curtin Organic Matter and Investigation of the Different Organic PhD University Precursors of Aquatic Systems (2.3.1.3) (CRC Support) Ian WHITE Australian School of Environmental Studies, Social Interactions with Rainwater Tank Technologies (2.6.1.2) (started March 2005) Griffith University, Nathan Campus PhD (CRC Support) Shiromi WIJESUNDARA EnTOX, University of Queensland Biological Filtration Processes for the Removal of the (started March 2003) (CRC Support) Cyanobacterial Toxin, Cylindrospermopsin (2.4.1.5) PhD Dina ZEBIAN Department of Medical Biotechnology, The Effects of Cyanobacteria of Medical Biotechnology (1.2.1.9) (started March 2006) Flinders University PhD (Flinders University and CRC Support)
Graduated Awaiting Thesis Outcome Awaiting Conferral of Award
102 Business Systems Manager Bob Dorrat CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
Performance Indicators 2006-07 In order to achieve its goals, the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment must look for high degrees of efficiency and effectiveness. • Efficiencymeasures the extent to which the resources are utilised optimally to produce the service. • Effectiveness measures the extent to which the targeted objectives are achieved. A performance indicator is a quantitative or qualitative indicator, related to a particular aspect of performance or standard of service that essentially enables the efficiency and effectiveness of the CRC to be determined. It expresses the level of actual performance achieved in respect to one of the objectives simplifying an otherwise complex evaluation. Targets and Goals for The Current Centre The major performance measure for the CRC Water Quality and Treatment is the degree of adoption of the research outcomes and their influence on the Australian Water industry. The tables that follow show the Centre’s performance against the currently approved performance indicators listed in the Schedule 6 of the Commonwealth Agreement. These indicators are grouped into six categories: • Centre Objectives • Quality and Relevance of Research Program • Strategy for Utilisation and Commercialisation of Research • Education and Training • Collaborative Arrangements • Resources, Management Structure and Performance Evaluation. PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Graduated Awaiting Thesis Outcome Awaiting Conferral of Award
103 PerformaNce measures year review replaced by development of a replaced year review th Performance 2006-07 forum held each quarter adjacent to Participant’s the Governingmeeting. An Implementation Board Quality committee was formed to establish Water Australia Limited (WQRA) to continue the Research activities of the CRC post 30 June 2008. This new to the public health to focus on issues related Centre and acceptability aspects of water supply recycling. 5 Proposed outcomes for WQRA by Strategic research new centre. Planning working group. the Research Ongoing collaboration with University of Alberta, 1.1.0.5 Developing Evidence Canada on the project Quality Monitoring Systems. Based, Strategic Water a basis to initiate discussion on This work has provided water ways of monitoring and regulating effective more can be expended supply systems so that resources effectively. more as Industry party involvement continues in all projects in-kind and cash contributions. held 25 July 06 Workshop Providers Research Performance 2005-06 forum held adjacent Participant’s to Governingmeeting. In Board September 2005 the Governing the strategic research reviewed Board in Centre of the current direction for establishing the new preparation to quality research Water Centre. safety to public health is still ensure the highest priority. considered for the Review of planned research two years of the Centre remaining completed in May 2006. Agreement in 2007. The to hold 5th year review Coalition Research Global Water to review program (GWRC) efficiency be utilised. Decision Support Tool Electronic developed to assist Implementation Quality Framework of the Water and rural communities. for regional Benchmarking tool to measure the Framework implementation developed by Water effectiveness Services Association of Australia (WSAA). National Reuse Guidelines out for public comment. Final technical edits due in August 2006. Next stage of national Guidelines to focus on potable reuse. Industry party involvement in all as in-kind. All new research projects must now have cash projects industry parties contribution from prior to approval. Performance 2004-05 forum held each quarter. Participant’s annual Executive meetings review actions and assign priorities each quarter. An internal mid-termwas review carried out in February 2005. The Governing has been advised Board priorities. of the revised Australia formally adopted the to the Australian Drinking revisions Guidelines in December 2004. Water The National Reuse Guide process on 15 April 2005 by NRM approved and EPH Ministerial councils. have industry projects All research party involvement and support. emphasis on now place greater We of external sourcing funds. Key measurement Key measurement parameters Acceptance of key objectives by parties and Centre panels. review See next section. Inclusion in Australian Drinking Guidelines Water (ADWG). Number of projects industry with direct party involvement. Target over life Target of Centre Maintain clarity of definition. See next section. Australian Quality Water Management Framework adopted by all elements of industry. Direct involvement of water industry parties in research. Centre Performance indicator Objectives Centre Clarity of objective definition. Undertake high quality research program. Evidence based Australian water system. regulatory Close involvement of water industry in activities. research Table 7 Performance Evaluation Table
104 PerformaNce measures . Tools for analysing estrogenicity in for analysing estrogenicity Tools Performance 2006-07 Research Active member of the Global Water and Emerging Coalition. CEO attended GWRC Board meetings during year. Technologies as lead agent is nearing completion of The Centre the GWRC project waters environmental of calcium and health effects Cardiovascular magnesium in drinking water with GWRC and WHO. Assisted with an expert colloquium on “Clean Water: Risk?” convened by the What is Acceptable Microbial American Academy of Microbiology 110 postgraduate students have now been involved 79% (41/ 52) of graduates are with the Centre. or environment of water, employed in the areas active in the currently health. Fifty eight students are training program. postgraduate research Series of technology transfer seminars conducted on Cyanobacteria Research. web-based Forums held on Naiad™ the CRC’s on innovative urban water knowledge repository schemes. for Our Cities” Working Member of the “Water Science Engineering of the Prime Minister’s Group and Innovation Council (PMSEIC). Recommendations in Canberra on 22 June 2007 presented . Particle Performance 2005-06 Active member of the Global Water CEO and Deputy Research. and Emerging attended GWRC Board meetings during May Technologies has 2006 in Switzerland. The Centre been asked to lead the GWRC project for analysing estrogenicity Tools waters in environmental Sediment Model successfully trialled in Netherlands by KIWA. 110 PhD students have now been 80% (35/44) involved with the Centre. employed in the of graduates are or health. environment of water, areas active currently are students Sixty-nine training in the postgraduate research One Honours student was program. at Curtin University. sponsored Series of technology transfer seminars conducted on distribution system management. Survey of participants planned for 2006. Report on the estimated financial and sent to CRC benefits prepared for inclusion in national Secretariat survey of CRCs. Risk avoidance the the major benefit from considered research. Centre’s Performance 2004-05 risk management WHO release framework, based on the ADWG in in Morocco Framework, at IWA Sept 2004. MOU with Sheffield of University for the prediction discoloration in distribution systems. The CEO elected as Deputy Chair of Coalition Research the Global Water as (GWRC) in April 2005 (resigns Treatment and Quality Water for CRC CEO December 2005). Collaborative development progressed project with the University of Alberta, Canada. 76% (29/38) of graduates are of water, employed in the areas or health. Sixty-five environment active in the currently students are training postgraduate research Six Honours students program. at four universities. sponsored Letters sent to parties outlining their participation statistics after three years. Follow up interviews held with each party by Deputy CEOs. outlining the report A revised against research benefits of Centre the Framework for Drinking Quality Management was Water to the Governing presented Board. public health incidents by Avoiding research implementation of Centre outputs is seen as one of the major research. benefits of the Centre’s Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number and size of collaborative agreements. Number of graduates who obtain employment in industry. Survey of industry to quantify degree of research adoption. Assessment of economic, social and environmental benefits of Centre – to be projects carried out prior to 2nd and 5th Year Reviews. Target over life Target of Centre an Create international network of collaborating water research institutions. Significant proportion of Centre postgraduate students to enter technical and managerial positions in industry. industry Water to be fully utilising Centre output. research Actual and benefits future than five more times resources committed. Performance indicator Strong international alliances. of high Provision quality future industry leaders. research Centre outcomes effectively communicated. Benefits to Australia.
105 PerformaNce measures
, Performance 2006-07 CRC entity will ensure to form Agreement new research outcomes continue to benefit drinking water research service providers. ($134k $914k of externalthis year, funds received funds from and $781k additional project AwwaRF from participants). $5.2M of externalin the first six years funds received to the original estimate of $2.4M. compared Recognition of the need for better training agencies in the operating personnel and regulatory underlying rationale of quality monitoring programs, informedand more data collection and interpretation; for future agenda and approach research definition of a development of monitoring methods and tools Treatment Interface Science in Drinking Water published in August 06 summarises optimisation of processes. drinking water treatment understanding of the importance Natural Increased Matter. Organic Reports have been published as In total 36 Research well as five technical transfer papers associated with shows. road journals and 1 non-refereed. 44 papers in refereed 77 and students have presented staff CRC research 12 papers or posters at National Conferences. at CRC workshops. presentations , Cryptosporidium Performance 2005-06 industry participants recognise Water the benefits of developing a stand- Negotiations entity. alone research new entity to replace to create commenced instead of the Centre for Commonwealth rebid a third funding. Carbon CRC program continuing to project regeneration be advanced to commercialisation. $1.1M of external funds received and AwwaRF ($390k from this year, funds from $692k additional project participants). $4.3M of external in the first five years funds received to the original estimate of compared $2.4M. in water supply Improvement chemical operations by reducing and monitoring costs is estimated The avoidance of at $27M so far. one water quality incident similar to (cost $155M ) or the 1998 Walkerton Sydney incident of (estimated at $300M), represents at least an 82% to 250% return on the $85M, 7 years of CRC for Water cash and in- Quality and Treatment kind investment, plus avoiding all of The the consequent human suffering. the outcomes have reduced Centre cost of managing cyanobacteria by costs by at least 10% thus reducing $20M per year. approximately Reports have In total 27 Research been published. One new Occasional technology transfer Paper and three published. 63 refereed booklets were publications in Journals and 4 non- and staff CRC research refereed. 44 papers or students have presented posters at International Conferences 53 67 at National Conferences. at CRC workshops. presentations being 3124) Watershed Pathogen Watershed AwwaRF AwwaRF Performance 2004-05 A paper on benefits to industry developed (see above). Commenced negotiations with industry regarding or independent re-bid a Centre body funded by research participants. Carbon regeneration $661K to commercialisation. project of externalthis year. funds received $3.1M of externalin funds received the first four years with $1M due in subsequent years including a new 2.1.1.1 project Model ( external developed. Sourcing funds is now a priority. for all new projects completed this year are: Projects 2.1.0.4, 1.3.1.6, 2.1.0.9, 2.2.0.1, 3.2.6, 2.4.0.1. Reports have In total 23 Research new Occasional been published. Two Papers and one technology transfer published. 57 refereed booklet were publications in Journals and 6 non- and 10 papers presented refereed. at International 37 proceedings and 26 11/36 National Conferences. at CRC workshops. presentations Key measurement Key measurement parameters Demonstrated application of IP to water Centre supply problems. of external Value R&D contracts – evaluated at 2nd and 5th Year Reviews. Assessment of value of particular projects Centre to participants – evaluated at completion. project Number of publications in journals, refereed international and national conferences. Target over life Target of Centre Adding value to intellectual capital at least equal to CRC Commonwealth funding. Additional income of at least $2.4 million from outside contracts for R&D. Actual and benefits future worth more than three times resources committed. High peer of recognition output research including 100 publications in refereed journals 100 papers in international conferences 100 papers in national conferences. Performance indicator Benefits to the Centre. Benefits to participants Program Quality and Relevance of Research Scientific status of research output and user acceptance.
106 PerformaNce measures AwwaRF 4128 AwwaRF
Criteria for Quality Control Protocols for Various Various for Protocols Control Quality for Criteria Are there more Toxin Genes than Toxic Genes than Toxic Toxin more there Are Development of Biosensors for MIB and Control Membranes for T&O and Algal Toxin Performance 2006-07 2.2.1.8 Methods Algal Toxin 2492 AwwaRF 2.3.2.5 Cyanobacteria 4060. AwwaRF 2.3.2.7 Geosmin Detection ( phase 2) 2.4.2.1 4016 AwwaRF continue to have active industry All projects must have significant external participation. Projects prior to approval. funding as a pre-condition of part as initiated centre new the for program Research plan to be merged transition to WQRA. CRC research during final year. with new centre in the Epidemiology program Recycled water research better definition of water quality that is “fit provides agencies for purpose” and will assist health regulatory level of public to frame guidelines with an appropriate for the intended end-uses of recycled health protection water in the domestic context. Continued support of the National Recycled Water Guidelines and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines incorporating the Framework for Quality. Management of Drinking Water Year review. Year th Performance 2005-06 with AwwaRF Additional projects - are: Pathogen Model 2.1.1.1 Watershed 3124 AwwaRF 1.2.2.2 Methods for Measuring Toxins in Finished Water #4020– AwwaRF On- State-Of-The-Art Of Real-Time, Line Monitoring of Contaminants In Quality and (CRC for Water Water and UKWIR) #4025 KIWA, Treatment, 2.4.1.2 Management Strategies for Algae Guide GWRC Blue-green Toxic 3148 continue to have active All projects industry participation. The CRC is not applying for renewal. to is no requirement As such there undertake a 5 Support continues for the new Guidelines National Recycled Water out for public comment. Deputy joined the Water Priestley, CEO, Tony of the enHealth Group Working Council to advise on supply of food water for drinking, recreation, and and recycling, production ensuring wastewater is not a hazard, and any gaps in those arrangements a health perspective. from Performance 2004-05 2.2.2 Fate funded projects:- AwwaRF Pathogens 2.2.0.1 Hydrodynamic Distribution of Pathogens. 2.2.0.6 2.2.1.4 Algal Toxins. Emerging Algal management in reservoirs. for algal toxin 2.2.1.8 QA protocols analysis. 2.3.0.4 Early Detection 2.3.1.4 of Cyanobacteria Toxins. Develop Biosensors for analysis MIB. 2.5.0.5 HACCP in Distribution Systems. continue to have active All projects industry participation with greater emphasis on external funding for new projects. A mid termof progress review against the Commonwealth held in February 2005. Agreement to the required Some modifications 1A milestones for Programs agreed and 1C. Review of the Epidemiology Program priorities (August 2004) research priority in the revised resulted of water of health effects area Support for new National recycling. Guidelines. The Recycled Water Guidelines Australian Drinking Water incorporating the Framework for the Management of Drinking Water by all states Quality now approved and territories in Australia. Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number of projects research involving international collaboration. Number of projects research involving industry participant collaboration. Qualitative and quantitative measurement of outcome reviews in scientific years 2 and 5. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of impact on water quality regulation. Year Year th and 5 nd Target over life Target of Centre Involvement in international research projects. Involvement of industry in research projects. prior to Projects 2 Reviews. Results from Epidemiology and Toxicology research used programs as a basis for the ongoing of the review Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and the National Quality Water Management Framework. Performance indicator of Research Strategy for Utilisation and Commercialisation Adoption of outputs research by industry or community generally.
107 PerformaNce measures . The study Developing Evidence Community Views on Performance 2006-07 1.3.0.8 Commenced project – the Impact of Information Recycled Water is conducted by way of an on-line survey 3,100 620 in each of Adelaide, randomly selected residents; Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Enhanced catchment modelling tools and pollution significance tracing tools that enable the relative source and to be predicted of various pollution sources measured. The modelling tools also enable changes in catchment activities to be simulated along with the concomitant water quality benefits is developing a quantitative This program of a selection understanding of the effectiveness applied in many that are measures of preventative Australian catchments 1.1.0.5 Completion of project Quality Monitoring. Based, Strategic Water will be better informed Industry and regulators about the capabilities, potentials, and limitations of monitoring systems for managing drinking water systems. – to – this project provides provides – this project Community Views on Water Community Views on Water Performance 2005-06 Completed the national survey on the Shortages and Conservation managers with water resource provide information about the extent to which the community is concerned with water shortages and is willing to act to conserve water. Information on pathogen transport in catchments used for risk assessment and catchment planning. Pathogens helps demonstrate to land research managers and planning agencies the benefits of catchment protection. access Management of recreational in catchments and storages has been sustainable developed to ensure management. Incorporation of the pathogen and NOM modules into the CRC biofilm toolkits (EMSS eWater platform) will allow wide uptake of by the Australian water this research industry. Developing evidence based, strategic water quality monitoring systems guidance on designing cost-effective and better monitoring programs, use of monitoring information to understanding and improve increase management of individual water supply systems. Cryptosporidium Performance 2004-05 Perspectives Program The People’s at a workshop in was reviewed focus was July 2004. The research of changed by the representatives water quality to parties from Centre water scarcity. ‘Pathogens Roadshow’ technology completed transfer seminars were Australia. This revealed around that good design and maintenance of agricultural riparian regions from and effluent discharge were onsite systems in rural areas the top priorities for catchment management attention across Australia. genotyping was found to be the most valuable tool internationally for information providing on genotype and potential infectivity in oocysts faecal samples. isolated from Development of an electronic for the Decision Support Tool Management of Drinking Water Quality in Rural and Remote Communities (a collaboration with the Desert Knowledge CRC). Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number and scale of community consultation affected. exercises Number and scale of catchments and reservoir management plans affected. Qualitative assessment of impact on water quality monitoring practices. Target over life Target of Centre Results from the People’s Perspective program used to guide community consultation exercises and gauge community to response water quality issues. Future management of catchments and reservoirs to be based on information the from Catchment and Reservoirs Programs. quality Water monitoring practices to lessons reflect learnt in the Monitoring program. Performance indicator Adoption of outputs research by industry or community generally.
108 PerformaNce measures International Collaborative Research on Discoloured International on Discoloured Collaborative Research ttp://www.naiad.net.au Performance 2006-07 in established Understanding and improvement technologies such as coagulation, disinfection and of for the removal activated carbon (PAC) powdered matter (NOM), algal metabolites and natural organic pathogens. In addition tools have been developed for characterisation of NOM and comparison PAC of NOM using and models to maximize removal water which improve coagulation. Innovative processes impact and/or reduce environmental reduce quality, removal of NOM, costs such as biological filtration for also being algal metabolites and manganese are developed The development of new technologies has resulted in the industry having access to a number of tools Quality Management. Distribution Water improve continued its collaborative links Distribution program and the GWRC. A paper was KIWA with AwwaRF, Journal in February 2007 Water published in the AWA on Water (NAIAD™) on knowledge repository A comprehensive innovative water management in Australia has been developed to house case studies on water recycling, substitution, water sensitive urban design, resource technologies and demand innovative treatment access via management solutions. Web h including a range of Performance 2005-06 The NOM technology transfer completed around seminars were Australia. This has lead to increased understanding of the importance of NOM and implementation by the water industry of NOM characterisation techniques, coagulation optimisation and application of powdered improved transfer activated carbon. Effective of methods for viruses and Cryptosporidium isolation, concentration, cell culture and rapid detection methods such as and the PCR between Sydney Water The Quality Centre. Australian Water use available for routine methods are and in the event of a water crisis. Consolidation of models developed into a in the Distribution Program common platform using EPANET Five distribution system software. management technology transfer completed. They were seminars were held in Sydney and Melbourne late 2005 and Perth, Adelaide Darwin in 2006. The four major themes biofilm management, were presented water disinfection tools, discoloured management tools and optimisation and risk management. Focus groups industry participants to be set from up in distribution operations and maintenance strategies (DOMS). Sources The Sustainable Water is looking at the barriers or Program impediments to uptake of alternative water supply systems. Social and institutional acceptance, as well the technical aspects of rainwater more the tanks, urban water systems are focus of the program. Performance 2004-05 water to applied technique genetic A and biofilm samples can detect the of biofilms-degrading presence bacteria. Biological sand filtration MIB and geosmin (100 can remove ng/L) to below detection. Rapid fractionation technique has been used by a number of utilities to assist them in characterisation of natural matter in their waters. organic Coagulation alone has been show to significant be insufficient to provide of NOM for some waters. removal Biological manganese removal technology was successfully scaled the pilot plant bioreactor up from to a demonstration plant with the assistance of Gold Coast City Council. Laboratory demonstration (PSI) is a more that poly-silicato iron coagulant for reduced effective membrane fouling. transfer and uptake Technology being conducted via are projects the Consolidation case studies from A project. of Modelling Tools Decision Support System developed water management for discoloured in distribution systems. A reference to manage biofilms guide produced in distribution systems. Particle and disinfection models and distribution to the industry participants with workshops and visits. new PhD projects Three commenced: 2.6.0.7 – Urban Planning and Integrated Water Management: 2.6.0.9 – Assessment of Chemical Contamination Rainwater tanks 2.6.1.2 – Social Interactions with Rainwater Tank Recycling Guidelines Technologies. for public planned released consultation in July 2005. Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number and scale of new approaches to treatment adopted. Qualitative assessment of impact on distribution system operating practices. Number of new approaches identified and trialled. Target over life Target of Centre New to approaches water treatment based on output from the Treatment program adopted by water authorities. Distribution system management practices strongly influenced by understanding generated in the Distribution program. sustainable New to approaches water supply system design, emanating from the Sustainable Sources Water to be program, tested in real systems. Performance indicator
109 PerformaNce measures Performance 2006-07 awaiting their Eight new graduates and eight more thesis examination outcome. Fifty eight students are at the end listed in the Post graduate (Ph D) Program 6. of Year (Graduate, UNSW), David Christobel Ferguson Ruebhart (Griffith) and Sylwia Solarska (RMIT) attended the University of Melbourne,for R Centre &D Leadership, Leadership and Innovation Course in August 2006. held this year. Postgraduate Student Conference No Node Meetings this year. Scholarship Industry support for Summer Research and for postgraduate students. program at the River Symposium presented Watkinson Andrew Program the Wastewater from as planned. Ben Tan the 2007 competition. entered applications submitted for the 2007 Annual CRC Three in Perth. association conference Performance 2005-06 Six new graduates and one awaiting Sixty- conferral of her award. listed in the students are three at the Postgraduate (PhD) Program of these were 5. Twelve end of Year appointed in the 2005-06 period. Will Buchanan (RMIT University), Anna Hurlimann (University of South Australia) and Daniel Livingston (University of New South Wales) attended the University of Melbourne, for R & D Leadership, Centre Leadership and Innovation Course in August 2005. Postgraduate Student Conference bookings completed and book of to be papers printed. Conference held in July 2006 Melbourne. Node Meeting held in Sydney, September 2005. Industry support for Summer Research postgraduate Scholarship program, students and the Postgraduate planned for July Student Conference 2006. the from Watkinson Andrew is our candidate Program Wastewater at the River for 2006. He will present Symposium in Brisbane September 2006. Peter Bain and Phillip Pope of Griffith at the CRC University both presented in Brisbane Association Conference May 2006. Performance 2004-05 Seven new graduates and a awaiting their thesis further six are examination outcomes. Fifty- listed in the four students are at Postgraduate (Ph D) Program of these 4. Ten the end of Year appointed in the 2004-05 were period. Rebecca Campbell (UniSA), Wallace(Uni Robert May and Todd of Adelaide) attended the BHERT – Melbourne Business School Development Leadership and Career Course in August/September 2004. Planning has commenced for the next Postgraduate Student in CRC Mark II) (our third Conference in mid-2006. Node Meeting held in Adelaide February 2004. Industry sponsorship of annual (South Excellent Publication Award 2005); Graduate East Water, and Employment Action Group Industry Pilot Mentoring Scheme initiated. Industry funding of some Postgraduate Scholarships and Scholarships. Summer Research Dr Ian Stewart (University of Queensland) is our candidate for 2005. Submitted two entries in 2005. Key measurement Key measurement parameters and Enrolment completion of PhD theses. Successful staging of conferences. Node meetings in years between student conferences Attendance of industry partners at the student conference. Submit candidate in the annual CRC Forum’s Water Water Young Scientist of the competition. Year Showcasing postgraduate students at the annual CRC Association conference. Target over life Target of Centre ten new Offer postgraduate scholarships per year in years 1-4. 30 students at enrolled peak. Postgraduate student conference every 2 years. Development of links with industry. Performance indicator Education and Training Postgraduate student training and mentoring.
110 PerformaNce measures Performance 2006-07 Widespread industry supervision; guidelines for industry supervisors in place. for twenty six received Forty six applications were completed. A two-day were Fifteen projects projects. seminar was held in Melbourne reporting in February 2007. in 2007. provided No Honours scholarships were and planned projects Additional monitoring of current finish at the end of projects was initiated to ensure CRC. Externalin addition to schedule funded projects to WQRA after 30 1 commitments will be transferred June 2008. Industry collaboration continues in all projects. Four Management Committee and four Executive held during the year: meetings were Four Governingmeetings and four of Board held. Committee were the Commercialisation by Deputy in Sept 2006 and replaced CEO resigned CEO until end of CRC in June 2008. Performance 2005-06 Widespread industry supervision; guidelines for industry supervisors produced. received Forty-six applications were Eleven for twenty-seven projects. completed. A two-day were projects seminar was held in Sydney reporting in February 2006. One Honours scholarship was in 2006. provided planned of all remaining A review two years in the remaining project was carried out in February 2006 to the and a priority list presented meeting. A review 2006 Board March priorities and of original research compliance with Commonwealth milestones was also completed. Industry collaboration continues in all specific cash funding Project projects. industry participants is a now from process. in the approval prerequisite Four Management meetings held during year: Four Governing Board meetings, Four Commercialisation Committee, Four Management Committee Five Executive meetings (new CEO commenced in January 2006). Performance 2004-05 Widespread industry supervision; guidelines for industry supervisors produced. applications were Twenty-nine twenty two projects fro received were in 2005. Fourteen projects completed. A two-day reporting seminar was held in Adelaide February 2005. Industry funding of some Summer Research Scholarships. Six Honours scholarships were in 2005. provided review The Epidemiology Program needs in research identified new of water reuse. the health affects Perspectives Program The People’s change focus to community attitudes of drinking water scarcity. Industry collaboration as well additional cash funding for all new have industry All projects projects. participation. A mid-termon research review was carried out in February programs 2005. Nine management meetings held during the year including five Executive Committee and four Management Committee meetings. Four Governingmeetings Board held. Key measurement Key measurement parameters involvement Direct from of staff outside the universities in thesis supervision. Number of summer projects completed. Numbers of scholarships taken up. Number and success of project development workshops. Number of partners involved in each project. Number of full management meetings per year. Target over life Target of Centre nine Offer summer scholarships per year. Introduce scholarships for honours students. to All projects be developed jointly between and researchers industry. 80% of all have projects than one more partner directly involved. Involvement of all Program Leaders Group and Program Leaders in the management decisions. At least six full management meetings per year. Performance indicator Undergraduate student training. Collaborative Arrangements Development of projects. Collaboration within projects. Development of a collegiate management culture.
111 PerformaNce measures Tool- in relation to in relation
Method Development for Role of Amoeba in Distribution Developing Evidence Based, Strategic Water Developing Evidence Based, Strategic Water Performance 2006-07 CRC Linkages maintained with eWater being actively used analysis aspects. Outcomes are by CRC participants as they apply their e2 modelling framework to water supply catchments on pathogens modelling is nearing with eWater Project completion. completed. with CRC Desert Research Project International continues with collaboration with AwwaRF for : proposals invitations to submit new research RFP 4092 AwwaRF Systems and RFP 4089 proposal: AwwaRF Associated with Cancer Disinfection By-Products Collaboration with the Department of Public Health Science at the University of Alberta, Canada on project Quality Monitoring Systems 3.1.0.5 – leadership of the GWRC project Project box of Robust Biological Methods for the Analysis Waters. in Environmental Estrogenicity , is in progress , is in progress Performance 2005-06 Ecology and The CRC for Freshwater the CRC for Catchment Hydrology CRC. combined into the new eWater Forum will evolve How the Water number of considering the decreased members is still being discussed. Continuation of the Pathogens collaboration with modelling project CRC for CRC (previously eWater Catchment Hydrology). KWIA collaborated with the with a 12- Distribution Program month testing trial of the Particles Sediment Model. Results showed with their existing good correlation project, GWRC The program. cleaning in for analysing estrogenicity Tools waters environmental for completion July and on target spent three researchers 2007. Two months in The Netherlands at KIWA water discoloured on the Centre’s researcher and a KIWA-based project has visited Griffith University in is the project Queensland where based. Economic costs of cyanobacterial to USA blooms in Australia presented in November 2005. EPA Participated in the Emerging workshop during May Technologies 2006 as part of the Global Water to Coalition. Exposure Research assists international in research trends in developing its own the centre strategy. research Performance 2004-05 Formal collaborative linkages with CRCFE in terms of risk assessment and CRCCH in terms of catchment in terms analysing and with AwwaRF of pathogen fate and transport analysing. computer modules that allow Two pathogen and NOM estimates to be made in catchments will a part of the CRCCH analysing toolkit Formal linkages being sought with CRC, Land and Water the eWater Australia and a number of other primary industry R&D Corporations and the USEPA. for resigned GWRC agreement years to May 2008. further three 3.1.0.5 Tools The GWRC Project in for analysing estrogenicity waters managed environmental by the CRC commenced February 2005. Collaboration has been established with WRC (South Africa), TZW (Germany), Anjou Recherché (France) and UKWIR (UK) to develop an International Guidance Manual Algae, for the Management of Toxic funded by the GWRC. projects research particle related Two in are the Distribution Program from in collaboration with KIWA. progress contributed to the The Centre Reuse Foundation GWRC/Water workshop on new sponsored initiatives in water reuse. research Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number of meetings of the Forum. Water Number of joint with the projects forum. Water Signed agreements on research collaboration. Number of working visits between and the Centre overseas research agencies. Number of projects supported through the Technology Program. Diffusion Target over life Target of Centre Maintain links to other water based CRCs the through Forum. Water Consolidate the linkages with the leading water research in USA, centres France, The Netherlands, Germany and South Africa by signing a formal agreement on research collaboration. Continue linkages with overseas researchers. Performance indicator Development of external links. and Promotion extension of international linkages.
112 PerformaNce measures Performance 2006-07 Leder both Martha Sinclair and Karen CRC researchers, on the newly established Monash University are from Quality Advisory Committee of the National Water Council (NHMRC) Health and Medical Research Involved in drafting and the arranging review Use Water for the Australian Recreational process Guidelines. Helped write a WHO position paper on the cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin. Management Committee met each quarter and as participated in the development of new centre well as CRC activities. in Sept 2006 and Resignation of CEO (Keith Stallard) by Deputy CEO Dennis Steffensen. replacement system improvements. updated to reflect Protocols guidance forms Improved and operating instructions hosted on the CRC website. used to monitor all projects. PIMS database effectively under greater Monitoring of all final year projects scrutiny. leaders to the by program Monthly status reports issues for early Executive assist in identifying problem correction. Performance 2005-06 Renewed contract with NHMRC now that the triennium funding is finalised. Commission has clearly The European indicated that it is including a risk- review in its current based approach for of drinking water regulations Union. The Australian the European Guidelines (ADWG) Drinking Water Framework concepts led by the with the support of key Centre industry and health agencies, have influenced this new direction strongly internationally. Management Committee met protocols Approval each quarter. out to allow approvals streamlined leaders of session. New program for the Regional and Rural Water (Paul Heaton) and Supplies Program (Andrew Program the Toxicology Humpage). of the long-term The resignation CEO (Don Bursill) in December 2005 appointed in and his replacement has January 2006 (Keith Stallard) in changes to reporting resulted to for research and responsibilities to the deputy CEOs. be transferred unchanged. remain Protocols reports due of final project A review at 30 June 2006 was completed. A was schedule to complete the reports to milestones initiated. Adherence automatically and exception reporting collated for all management meetings. Performance 2004-05 Continued leadership of risk management framework for drinking water quality with WHO and Canadian authorities. Formal management committee Mid- meetings held each quarter. in projects term of research review February 2005. Formal meetings Executive also held of the Centre quarterly. available on Access to protocols website. listed Listed benefits of each project in PIMS database. A theme report outlining the interaction of research was the programs themes across objectives/ initiated. The project outcomes and industry uptake are outlined. Key measurement Key measurement parameters Number of Centre involved with staff WHO. Number of full management, and industrial committees per year. Operating in place. protocols to the Adherence milestones. project Target over life Target of Centre Continue to be involved directly with the water quality guideline development with the process Health World Organisation (WHO). Establish a management committee with representation research from and industrial partners. Establish an industry based review committee for each Research Group. Program Revise and update the existing Operating Protocols. Timely completion of all projects. Performance indicator Development of a collegiate management culture. Development of clear operating guidelines. Project Management. Resources, Management Structure and Performance Evaluation Management Structure Resources,
113 PerformaNce measures . Low Cost On-line Monitoring Performance 2006-07 budget allocations and reallocation Review of Program initiatives. of funds completed to maximise the research in in monthly expenditures Enhanced financial control place for final year for managing any Industry partners to take lead role external for access to developed intellectual requests property. Successfully developed a new on-line ammonia technology. analyser based on a new measurement identified that components were Also several spinoff ammonia in demonstrate the benefit of minimising free the system. commenced with process Commercialisation within the agent from appointing a commercialisation team for 2.3.1.7 - project Chloramination Control Package to Improve company on Negotiations continuing with French activated carbon technology. and modifications for final year Business plan reviewed meeting. at the June 2007 Board approved Performance 2005-06 cash flow for of the Centre A review two years was carried the remaining 2006. Priority projects out in March identified to match the available were cash flow. in the activities occurred Promotional USA on alum dosing model. The Disinfection Management Model developed in the Distribution has the potential for limited Program agent to sales. A commercialisation from be appointed when interest eventuates. potential purchases Discussions continue with prospective licensee for the carbon regeneration process. model: USA Coagulation software water utility to assess the process feedback. The aim is and provide Works to have the American Water in Association market the process its journal. the USA through A halt has been called to the development of test strips for field analysis patent A recent microcystins. application and the appearance on the market of a number ELISA detection based kits for microcystin doubt onto the have thrown value of further research commercial on this topic. and Business Plan Actions reviewed updated for 2006-07. Performance 2004-05 implemented. All data now ACCPAC New cash summary held by Centre. PFR completed. Discussions held with an organisation to determine if their services might be of value in facilitating the IP. of Centre commercialisation continuing Negotiations are to the offer a commercial regarding on carbon regeneration. Centre Model Coagulation Software Water displayed at the AWWA in San Conference Technology Antonio (USA). Actions commenced to market and distribute the to the AWWA through software try to penetrate the USA market. The appearance on the market of a number of ELISA based kits for detection have thrown microcystin some doubt onto the commercial on the value of further research test strips for field analysis Centre’s of microcystins. of plan completed. Annual review Executive committee reviews business plan actions each quarter. Key measurement Key measurement parameters to Adherence budget. IP clauses signed by all parties prior to commencement of any project. Number of patents obtained. Number of commercialised projects. Completion of the strategic pan. Target over life Target of Centre to All projects operate within the approved budgets. All IP developed within the fully projects protected. Maximum commercial benefit obtained from IP developed during projects. Strategic plan developed in year one. Performance indicator Budget control. of Protection intellectual property. Commercialisation. Planning.
114 George Turelli Business Manager CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
Aim The Centre’s Governing Board and Management recognise that effective management of financial and other resources is essential for the delivery of world-class research. To achieve this, the Centre has established systems and frameworks to ensure efficient project and financial management.
TABLES
Appendix A – Research Staff Resources
Research Staff - In-Kind Contributions 116
Research Staff - CRC funded resources 121
Summary of Contributions
Table 8.1 In-kind Contributions from Participants 123
Table 8.2 Cash Contributuions 128
Table 8.3 Summary of Resources Applied to Activities 130
Table 8.4 Allocation of Resources between Categories of Activities 131 Financial Information
115 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
APPENDIX A - RESEARCH STAFF RESOURCES PERCENTAGE TIME ALLOCATION OF RESEARCH STAFF RESOURCES IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2006/2007 Organisation: ACTEW Corporation Ltd % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr C Ferguson R 2.4 2.4 2.4
TOTAL 2.4 0.0 2.4 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Australian Water Quality Centre % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr A Humpage R 86.0 85.2 85.2 0.8
Dr J Papaegeorgiou R 85.0 85.0 85.0
Dr P Hobson R 83.5 83.5 83.5
Dr C Chow R 79.0 3.1 75.9 79.0
Ms M Drikas R 76.8 76.8 76.8
Mr M Burch R 65.6 65.6 65.6
Dr D Steffensen R 64.0 64.0 64.0
Dr P Monis R 59.5 59.5 59.5
Mr T Kildea R 49.4 49.4 49.4
Dr B Nicholson R 34.2 34.2 34.2
Dr G Newcombe R 32.6 32.6 32.6
Dr C Saint R 29.6 29.6 29.6
Mr R Fabris R 26.6 26.6 26.6
Mr J Morran R 22.4 22.4 22.4
Mr D Daminato R 8.3 8.3 8.3
Ms C Fazekas R 5.3 5.3 5.3
Mr P Baker R 0.9 0.2 0.2 0.7
TOTAL 808.7 88.3 718.9 0.0 807.2 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Brisbane City Council % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Ms R Ambler R 5.0 5.0 5.0
Mr S Simkhada R 0.7 0.7 0.7
Mr N Smith R 0.5 0.5 0.5
Ms J McLellan R 0.1 0.1 0.1
Mr P Belz R 0.1 0.1 0.1
TOTAL 6.4 0.0 6.4 0.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Mr M Moran R 4.2 4.2 4.2
TOTAL 4.2 0.0 0.0 4.2 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: CSIRO % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Prof T Priestley R 50.0 0.0 50.0
Dr C Diaper R 2.8 2.8 2.8
Dr J Gras R 0.8 0.8 0.8
Dr J Wu R 0.3 0.3 0.3
TOTAL 53.9 3.9 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.0 0.0 50.0 0.0
116 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Organisation: Curtin University of Technology % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Prof R Kagi E 77.9 47.9 47.9 30.0
Dr C Joll E 46.0 16.0 16.0 30.0
Dr A Heitz E 42.1 17.1 17.1 25.0
A/Prof K Grice E 3.8 0.0 3.8
TOTAL 169.8 0.0 81.0 0.0 81.0 88.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Griffith University % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr B Gleeson R 16.0 11.0 11.0 5.0
Dr H Zhao R 10.3 5.3 5.3 5.0
Dr P Teasdale R 10.0 0.0 10.0
Dr T Greene R 10.0 0.0 10.0
Dr R Rickson R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr H Stratton R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr J Lee R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr D Hawker R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr J Tisdell R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr A Chan R 2.7 2.7 2.7
A/Prof B Patel E 30.2 20.2 20.2 10.0
TOTAL 159.0 39.3 19.0 0.0 58.3 100.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Melbourne Water Corporation % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Ms K Cinque R 45.5 45.5 45.5
Dr S Haydon R 19.1 19.1 19.1
Dr M Stevens R 1.4 0.6 0.6 0.8
TOTAL 66.0 0.0 65.2 0.0 65.2 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Monash University % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr M Sinclair R 43.8 19.6 4.6 24.2 12.1 7.5
Dr K Leder R 32.9 22.9 22.9 10.0
Prof J McNeil R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr A Forbes R 0.5 0.5 0.5
TOTAL 82.2 43.0 0.0 4.6 47.6 27.1 0.0 0.0 7.5
Organisation: Orica Australia Pty Ltd % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Ms A Holmquist R 2.6 2.6 2.6
Mr G Vero R 0.8 0.8 0.8
Dr H Nguyen R 0.8 0.8 0.8
Mr P Smith R 0.8 0.8 0.8
TOTAL 5.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
117 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Organisation: Power & Water Corporation % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Ms A Dysart R 56.9 56.9 56.9
Mr P Heaton R 12.9 12.9 12.9
Ms K Green R 6.6 0.8 5.8 6.6
Mr P Sherman R 2.9 2.9 2.9
Mr S Plant R 1.0 1.0 1.0
Mr A Donald R 0.7 0.7 0.7
TOTAL 81.0 0.0 1.5 79.5 81.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: RMIT University % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Prof F Roddick R 21.7 1.7 1.7 20.0
Mr F Younos R 20.0 0.0 20.0
Dr T Nguyen R 4.6 4.6 4.6
Dr N Jayasuriyo R 6.5 1.5 1.5 5.0
Dr N Porter E 5.0 0.0 5.0
TOTAL 57.8 0.0 7.8 0.0 7.8 50.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: South East Water Ltd % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Mr G Ryan R 13.0 13.0 13.0
TOTAL 13.0 0.0 13.0 0.0 13.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Sydney Catchment Authority % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Mr R McInnes R 9.2 9.2 9.2
Mr P Cox R 1.3 1.3 1.3
Mr B Whitehill R 0.4 0.4 0.4
TOTAL 10.9 0.0 10.9 0.0 10.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Sydney Water Corporation % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Ms C Doolan R 19.5 19.5 19.5
Mr D Vitanage R 13.8 13.8 13.8
Mr A Cartwright R 4.8 4.8 4.8
Ms N Nelson R 1.5 1.5 1.5
Dr M Angles R 0.8 0.8 0.8
Mr G Kastl R 0.5 0.5 0.5
Mr G Allen R 0.1 0.1 0.1
TOTAL 41.0 0.0 41.0 0.0 41.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
118 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Organisation: United Water International Pty Ltd % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Mr R May R 15.0 15.0 15.0
Dr J Nixon R 9.9 9.9 9.9
Mr M Holmes R 5.0 5.0 5.0
Dr R Regel R 3.4 3.4 3.4
Mr U Kaeding C 2.6 1.2 1.2 1.4
Dr S Rinck-Pfeiffer A 0.7 0.0 0.3 0.4
TOTAL 36.6 0.0 34.5 0.0 34.5 0.0 1.7 0.4 0.0
Organisation: University of Adelaide % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research A/Prof H Maier E 25.0 0.0 25.0
Prof G Dandy E 20.0 0.0 20.0
A/Prof J Brookes E 18.8 0.0 18.8
A/Prof F Recknagel E 12.9 0.0 12.9
A/Prof G Ganf E 10.0 0.0 10.0
Dr D Lewis E 10.0 0.0 10.0
TOTAL 96.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 96.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: University of New South Wales % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr C Davies R 1.5 1.5 1.5
Prof N Ashbolt R 51.2 20.4 20.4 30.8
A/Prof B Neilan E 20.0 0.0 20.0
Prof D Waite E 15.0 0.0 15.0
Mr H Colebatch E 10.0 0.0 10.0
Mr A Feitz E 5.0 0.0 5.0
A/Prof V Chen E 5.0 0.0 5.0
Prof T Fane E 5.0 0.0 5.0
Prof D Wiley E 5.0 0.0 5.0
TOTAL 117.7 0.0 21.9 0.0 21.9 95.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: University of Queensland % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research DR J Keller R 10.0 0.0 10.0
Dr G Kirchoff R 8.3 8.3 8.3
TOTAL 18.3 0.0 8.3 0.0 8.3 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: University of Technology, Sydney % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr S Fane R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr C Mitchell R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr S White E 1.0 1.0 1.0
TOTAL 11.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
119 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Organisation: University of South Australia % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Dr A Badalyan R 27.3 27.3 27.3
Dr J van Leeuwen R 10.0 0.0 10.0
Dr G Klass R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr S Andrews R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Prof M Barton R 5.0 0.0 5.0
Prof D Mulcahy E 91.5 0.0 91.5
Prof J Mckay E 7.5 7.5 7.5
A/Prof P Pendleton E 5.0 0.0 5.0
Dr S Beecham E 5.0 0.0 5.0
TOTAL 161.3 7.5 27.3 0.0 34.8 126.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
Organisation: Yarra Valley Water Ltd % Allocation of Time Spent Research Program
Main Total % Name Sub program Education Commercialisation CRC Communication Activity of time Total Administration 1 2 3 Research Mr A Jayaratne R 0.8 0.2 0.2 0.6
TOTAL 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0
GRAND TOTAL 2003.8 182.0 1065.3 88.3 1335.6 608.5 1.7 50.4 7.5
120 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Research Staff - CRC funded resources % Allocation of Time Spent
Research Program
Sub program
Main Total % Name Activity of time Total
1 2 3 Research Education Administration Communication Commercialisation
Dr L Ho R 100.0 100.0 100.0 AWQC
Mr B Allpike R 100.0 100.0 100.0 CURTIN UNI
Dr S Froscio R 100.0 98.8 98.8 1.2 AWQC
Dr F Leusch R 96.4 96.4 96.4 GRIFFITH UNI
Mr S Garbin R 91.7 91.7 91.7 CURTIN UNI
Mr A Lethorn R 91.7 91.7 91.7 CURTIN UNI
A/Prof H Chapman R 83.3 83.3 83.3 QHP&SS
Ms N Beard R 67.0 67.0 67.0 CAT
Ms N Cooke R 62.5 62.5 62.5 MONASH UNI
Mr S Vitzthum Von R 58.3 58.3 58.3 Eckstaedt CURTIN UNI
Mr R Fabris R 56.8 56.8 56.8 AWQC
Mr A Chan R 55.0 55.0 55.0 CURTIN UNI
Ms C Fazekas R 53.4 53.4 53.4 AWQC
Mr M De Souza R 50.0 50.0 50.0 RMIT
Dr M Sinclair R 50.0 50.0 50.0 MONASH UNI
Dr C Davies R 49.0 49.0 49.0 UNSW
Dr N Roseth R 45.8 45.8 45.8 UTS
Dr T Loetscher R 33.3 33.3 33.3 QLD UNI
Dr D Deere R 30.0 30.0 30.0 AWQC
Em Prof I Falconer R 25.6 25.6 25.6 UNI OF ADEL
Mr S Smith R 21.3 21.3 21.3 CSIRO
Ms C Kaucner R 21.1 21.1 21.1 UNSW
Dr R Daly R 14.8 14.8 14.8 AWQC
Dr C Pipe-Martin R 10.3 10.3 10.3 CabW
A/Prof H Chapman R 8.3 8.3 8.3 QLD UNI
Dr S Fane R 6.7 6.7 6.7 UTS
Mr A Jayaratne R 6.2 5.4 5.4 0.8 YVW
Dr R Plant R 5.0 5.0 5.0 UTS
Mr A Kazaglis R 5.0 5.0 5.0 UTS
Mr P Pringle R 5.0 5.0 5.0 CURTIN UNI
Prof J Keller R 4.6 4.6 4.6 QLD UNI
121 Appendix A Research Staff Resources
Research Staff - CRC funded resources % Allocation of Time Spent
Research Program
Sub program
Main Total % Name Activity of time Total
1 2 3 Research Education Administration Communication Commercialisation
Mr J Ward R 3.6 3.6 3.6 CSIRO
Ms S Simard R 3.3 3.3 3.3 UTS
Mr S Watts QLD R 3.3 3.3 3.3 UNI
Dr M Keywood R 2.9 2.9 2.9 CSIRO
A/Prof C Mitchell R 2.5 2.5 2.5 UTS
Ms J Guice SCA R 2.4 2.4 2.4
Dr B Warton CUR- R 1.7 1.7 1.7 TIN UNI
Dr B Nicholson R 1.6 1.6 1.6 AWQC
Mr N Sukumaran R 0.4 0.4 0.4 YVW
Ms C Bellamy UNI E 87.6 0.0 87.6 SA
Dr G Vaughan C 80.0 0.0 80.0 CSIRO
Ms F Wellby C 50.0 0.0 50.0 AWQC
Ms P Lightbody C 39.9 0.0 39.9 MONASH UNI
Ms A Gackle C 39.6 0.0 39.6 AWQC
Prof A Priestley C 30.0 0.0 20.0 10.0 CSIRO
Mr G Turelli A 100.0 0.0 100.0 AWQC
Mr F Fleuren A 100.0 0.0 100.0 AWQC
Mr B Dorratt A 100.0 0.0 100.0 YVWL
Ms S Spragg A 60.0 0.0 60.0 AWQC
Ms P Barry A 63.3 0.0 63.3 AWQC
Mr K Stallard A 33.4 0.0 33.4 AWQC
Dr D Steffensen A 26.0 0.0 26.0 AWQC
GRAND TOTAL 2239.6 310.5 953.9 163.4 1427.8 88.4 20.0 492.7 210.7
122 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (785) 7,251 1,782 3,433 2,648 60,847 18,963 14,016 21,267 (41,884) (37,180) 272,000 234,820 328,877 330,659 953,071 7 YEARS (233,629) (257,128) 4,416,983 4,183,354 1,210,199 DIFFERENCE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 31,390 43,610 75,000 182,350 167,650 350,000 200,522 219,478 420,000 131,505 177,686 309,191 7 YEARS 4,022,577 5,644,506 9,667,083 1,438,808 1,870,337 3,309,145 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,251 14,016 21,267 34,823 42,825 77,648 140,466 228,497 368,963 163,342 491,478 654,820 133,287 506,563 639,850 TOTAL 7 YEARS 3,788,948 1,181,680 3,080,536 4,262,216 10,061,489 13,850,437 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 577,390 810,196 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 7 2007/08 1,387,586 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 577,390 810,196 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 7 2007/08 BUDGET 1,387,586 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25,112 34,888 60,000 156,300 143,700 300,000 171,876 188,124 360,000 109,567 148,044 257,611 3,445,187 4,834,310 8,279,497 1,233,264 1,603,146 2,836,410 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TO DATE 7,251 14,016 21,267 28,545 34,103 62,648 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 114,416 204,547 318,963 134,696 460,124 594,820 111,349 476,921 588,270 976,136 ACTUAL 3,211,558 9,251,293 2,813,345 3,789,481 12,462,851 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 577,390 810,196 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 6 2005/06 1,387,586 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,952 5,369 1,168 1,168 8,811 9,258 8,036 4,704 12,321 18,069 52,854 60,890 11,163 15,867 90,772 537,866 294,152 384,924 YEAR 6 2005/06 ACTUAL 1,509,876 2,047,742 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 577,390 810,196 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 5 2005/06 1,387,586 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 849 1,168 2,017 4,704 4,052 8,756 31,121 26,685 57,806 61,936 18,240 82,319 639,030 396,830 458,766 100,559 150,033 507,598 657,631 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 1,917,755 2,556,785 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 577,390 810,196 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 4 2004/05 1,387,586 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 433 2,336 2,769 5,410 20,100 29,530 49,630 12,324 17,734 45,820 12,399 12,844 25,243 99,697 601,449 111,097 156,917 465,262 564,959 YEAR 4 2004/05 ACTUAL 1,883,821 2,485,270 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6,278 8,722 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,938 29,642 51,580 15,000 574,487 806,126 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 3 2003/04 1,380,613 EXPENDITURE AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,088 3,504 1,692 5,196 9,280 4,648 6,738 6,043 29,384 33,472 13,928 23,331 12,781 529,498 117,507 140,838 186,842 541,839 728,681 YEAR 3 2003/04 ACTUAL 1,238,649 1,768,147 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 21,815 29,476 51,291 569,492 799,115 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 2 2002/03 1,368,607 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,504 2,894 6,398 14,239 77,864 92,103 22,622 18,864 41,486 15,922 506,839 113,143 129,065 210,324 491,288 701,612 YEAR 2 2002/03 ACTUAL 1,276,759 1,783,598 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26,050 23,950 50,000 28,646 31,354 60,000 569,038 798,481 205,544 267,191 472,735 YEAR 1 2001/02 1,367,519 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,336 1,382 3,718 37,916 35,714 73,630 19,723 25,115 44,838 396,876 238,468 513,206 751,674 YEAR 1 2001/02 ACTUAL 1,424,432 1,821,308 Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Ltd Water City West Salaries Capital Other TOTAL CSIRO Salaries Capital Other TOTAL ACTEW Corporation Ltd Australian Water Quality Centre Australian Water Services Pty Ltd Australian Water Brisbane City Council Inc. Technology for Appropriate Centre Table 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS Table
123 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,601 97,499 94,324 82,769 47,460 (25,368) (79,416) (75,880) (85,384) (41,464) 191,823 113,033 604,009 717,042 332,072 7 YEARS (423,374) (448,742) (155,296) (131,484) (216,868) (129,834) (284,612) DIFFERENCE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 89,117 91,860 120,883 210,000 150,726 147,987 298,713 132,170 224,030 708,547 881,874 701,344 933,513 7 YEARS 1,284,479 1,524,222 2,808,701 1,590,421 1,634,857 1,270,311 1,742,993 3,013,304 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 686 6,476 7,162 71,310 72,107 82,769 861,105 186,616 215,207 401,823 143,417 821,580 571,510 939,114 985,699 TOTAL 7 YEARS 1,498,854 2,359,959 1,485,883 2,307,463 1,593,393 2,075,065 3,060,764 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 7 2007/08 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 7 2007/08 BUDGET 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 76,386 91,860 103,614 180,000 150,726 147,987 298,713 132,170 224,030 607,326 755,892 601,152 800,154 1,100,982 1,306,476 2,407,458 1,363,218 1,401,306 1,088,838 1,493,994 2,582,832 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 TO DATE 686 6,476 7,162 71,310 72,107 82,769 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 677,608 173,885 197,938 371,823 143,417 720,359 471,318 805,755 804,226 ACTUAL 1,281,108 1,958,716 1,359,901 2,080,260 1,359,842 1,826,066 2,630,292 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 6 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,152 3,895 13,047 58,890 85,211 180,504 414,862 595,366 211,838 304,535 516,373 144,101 102,610 203,712 306,322 YEAR 6 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 5 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,152 3,404 12,556 94,538 122,114 187,202 309,316 388,149 762,589 118,659 213,197 132,704 240,101 372,805 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 1,150,738 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 13,122 18,881 32,003 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 4 2004/05 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,200 1,200 17,651 20,656 38,307 59,169 92,143 99,250 121,690 241,932 363,622 151,312 189,848 289,098 135,157 337,920 473,077 YEAR 4 2004/05 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 50,242 49,329 99,571 26,246 37,763 64,009 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 3 2003/04 EXPENDITURE AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 476 686 1,162 56,415 70,009 27,708 96,665 82,769 127,287 259,746 387,033 126,424 124,373 155,148 340,689 578,606 123,351 308,059 431,410 YEAR 3 2003/04 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 50,242 49,329 99,571 26,246 37,763 64,009 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 2 2002/03 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,400 2,400 68,943 73,262 90,929 24,863 22,313 47,176 30,099 50,512 61,552 112,293 181,236 164,191 102,843 132,942 112,064 120,796 341,379 462,175 YEAR 2 2002/03 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,731 17,269 30,000 50,242 49,329 99,571 26,246 37,763 64,009 183,497 217,746 401,243 101,221 125,982 227,203 100,192 133,359 233,551 181,473 248,999 430,472 YEAR 1 2001/02 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,253 9,045 2,400 2,400 3,396 1,126 4,522 9,796 57,070 65,072 17,298 46,447 49,794 96,241 12,980 22,776 122,142 189,608 394,896 584,504 YEAR 1 2001/02 ACTUAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Griffith University Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Curtin University of Technology Department of Human Services (VIC) EGIS Consulting Australia Pty Ltd Agency (QLD) Protection Environmental Corporation Melbourne Water Monash University Table 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS (Cont.) 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS Table
124 0 0 0 0 0 0 45,761 15,474 36,471 62,915 60,940 43,200 (50,435) (92,449) (50,361) (12,500) (19,661) (42,456) 126,787 172,548 155,098 123,855 242,255 7 YEARS (142,884) (260,075) (244,601) (118,627) (284,711) DIFFERENCE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 163,502 209,280 372,782 481,677 602,196 675,248 760,662 156,491 191,259 397,750 753,571 7 YEARS 1,083,873 1,616,818 2,292,066 1,028,629 1,789,291 1,610,000 1,610,000 1,020,929 1,774,500 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 62,915 37,500 113,067 116,831 229,898 527,438 728,983 415,173 642,035 106,130 234,459 378,089 468,860 TOTAL 7 YEARS 1,256,421 1,632,292 2,047,465 1,183,727 1,825,762 1,670,940 1,733,855 1,263,184 1,732,044 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26,750 34,240 60,990 68,811 86,028 96,464 24,728 30,222 54,950 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 7 2007/08 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26,750 34,240 60,990 68,811 86,028 96,464 24,728 30,222 54,950 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 7 2007/08 BUDGET 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 136,752 175,040 311,792 412,866 516,168 929,034 578,784 651,996 881,682 131,763 161,037 342,800 645,918 875,082 1,385,844 1,964,628 1,533,678 1,380,000 1,380,000 1,521,000 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 TO DATE 86,317 82,591 62,915 81,402 37,500 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 168,908 458,627 642,955 318,709 533,369 204,237 323,139 361,207 ACTUAL 1,101,582 1,401,318 1,720,027 1,036,780 1,570,149 1,440,940 1,503,855 1,117,337 1,478,544 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25,750 32,960 58,710 68,811 86,028 96,464 23,892 29,200 53,092 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 6 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,147 2,912 9,216 16,279 25,426 81,952 99,841 75,812 78,724 62,950 15,634 23,522 39,156 12,597 17,464 30,061 181,793 109,114 172,064 233,941 243,157 YEAR 6 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24,438 31,280 55,718 68,811 86,028 96,464 23,083 28,212 51,295 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 5 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,092 3,912 9,004 21,029 19,754 40,783 97,602 23,557 90,413 11,163 23,313 33,551 56,864 119,782 217,384 228,767 252,324 239,929 330,342 261,079 272,242 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23,250 29,760 53,010 68,811 86,028 96,464 22,304 27,258 49,562 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 4 2004/05 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15,896 18,713 34,609 84,369 10,973 15,275 34,168 49,443 79,290 104,224 188,593 110,415 479,828 590,243 147,779 244,363 392,142 239,277 250,250 172,493 251,783 YEAR 4 2004/05 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22,126 28,320 50,446 68,811 86,028 96,464 21,549 26,336 47,885 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 3 2003/04 EXPENDITURE AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,533 8,324 15,579 17,432 33,011 84,114 79,414 85,171 14,283 12,857 46,955 60,983 102,252 186,366 419,923 499,337 136,498 221,669 239,510 253,793 107,938 YEAR 3 2003/04 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21,125 27,040 48,165 68,811 86,028 96,464 20,819 25,000 25,446 71,265 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 2 2002/03 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,690 6,453 9,216 12,143 63,487 79,762 85,859 74,219 22,889 37,500 68,580 48,698 143,249 164,687 250,546 161,916 236,135 234,127 243,343 128,969 439,901 488,599 YEAR 2 2002/03 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20,063 25,680 45,743 68,811 86,028 96,464 20,116 25,000 24,585 69,701 154,839 230,974 327,438 108,666 146,947 255,613 230,000 230,000 107,653 145,847 253,500 YEAR 1 2001/02 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,064 11,844 11,092 22,936 47,103 16,552 32,300 48,852 72,837 17,979 65,731 83,710 57,151 137,093 184,196 144,961 217,798 233,007 241,071 486,147 543,298 YEAR 1 2001/02 ACTUAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Orica Australia Pty Ltd Corporation Power and Water Queensland Health Pathology & Scientific Services RMIT University Corporation SA Water Ltd South East Water Sydney Catchment Authority Table 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS (Cont.) 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS Table
125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 57,941 28,401 37,258 (38,468) 488,233 449,765 130,515 138,372 268,887 103,291 394,401 497,692 663,227 721,168 213,839 242,240 308,485 345,743 7 YEARS (438,107) (213,812) (651,919) DIFFERENCE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48,000 48,000 228,662 271,530 500,192 568,155 890,057 767,697 7 YEARS 1,509,074 1,911,011 3,420,085 1,458,212 1,199,331 1,967,028 1,798,104 2,790,655 4,588,759 1,098,076 1,703,569 2,801,645 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37,258 359,177 409,902 769,079 671,446 825,638 356,485 393,743 TOTAL 7 YEARS 1,470,606 2,399,244 3,869,850 1,284,458 1,955,904 1,862,558 2,688,196 1,359,997 2,576,843 3,936,840 1,126,477 1,917,408 3,043,885 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 12,000 12,000 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 7 2007/08 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 12,000 12,000 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 7 2007/08 BUDGET 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36,000 36,000 195,996 232,740 428,736 486,990 762,906 658,026 941,208 1,316,784 1,667,504 2,984,288 1,249,896 1,027,998 1,686,024 1,541,232 2,391,990 3,933,222 1,460,202 2,401,410 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TO DATE 37,258 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 326,511 371,112 697,623 590,281 715,967 969,609 344,485 381,743 ACTUAL 1,278,316 2,155,737 3,434,053 1,157,307 1,747,588 1,691,225 2,407,192 1,103,125 2,178,178 3,281,303 1,674,041 2,643,650 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 12,000 12,000 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 6 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44,508 45,138 89,646 31,206 35,791 66,997 30,448 14,430 104,658 191,524 296,182 156,839 306,276 463,115 127,729 158,177 168,306 309,005 477,311 112,614 127,044 YEAR 6 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 12,000 12,000 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 5 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66,874 75,429 71,527 79,972 22,828 158,407 205,637 364,044 142,303 159,245 230,772 164,092 303,065 467,157 239,554 319,526 238,531 407,136 645,667 155,676 178,504 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 12,000 12,000 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 4 2004/05 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 68,055 70,524 76,196 76,196 203,779 331,495 535,274 138,578 151,687 285,953 437,640 150,737 232,474 383,211 419,814 953,467 199,444 354,972 554,416 YEAR 4 2004/05 ACTUAL 1,373,281 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 192,290 243,507 435,797 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 3 2003/04 EXPENDITURE AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 82,479 94,041 99,143 88,808 278,877 452,976 731,853 176,520 202,324 301,467 105,216 205,293 310,509 256,945 345,753 161,554 277,072 438,626 YEAR 3 2003/04 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 258,757 327,674 586,431 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 2 2002/03 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47,928 54,759 65,472 65,997 280,215 523,027 803,242 102,687 152,122 217,594 264,448 330,445 209,645 403,522 613,167 106,533 184,815 291,348 YEAR 2 2002/03 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,666 38,790 71,456 81,165 288,867 365,802 654,669 127,151 208,316 109,671 171,333 281,004 256,872 398,665 655,537 156,868 243,367 400,235 YEAR 1 2001/02 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29,969 40,569 70,538 97,794 73,086 95,241 312,530 597,465 909,995 166,139 263,933 379,669 452,755 274,438 196,961 471,399 141,041 236,282 YEAR 1 2001/02 ACTUAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL University of Queensland Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Sydney Water Corporation Sydney Water International Pty Ltd United Water University of Adelaide University of NSW University of South Australia Sydney University of Technology, Table 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS (Cont.) 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS Table
126 0 0 0 49,560 20,402 69,962 90,868 70,269 151,248 230,932 382,180 670,708 761,576 7 YEARS 8,809,300 DIFFERENCE (1,825,705) 10,564,736 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 7 YEARS AGREEMENT 19,264,455 28,700,173 48,014,628 GRAND TOTAL 0 0 0 49,560 20,402 69,962 90,868 151,248 230,932 382,180 670,708 761,576 120,269 TOTAL 7 YEARS 17,438,751 39,264,909 56,823,929 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 7 2007/08 2,707,564 4,053,481 6,761,045 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 7 2007/08 BUDGET 2,707,564 4,053,481 6,761,045 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 AGREEMENT 16,556,891 24,646,692 41,253,583 0 0 0 TO DATE 49,560 20,402 69,962 90,868 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 151,248 230,932 382,180 670,708 761,576 120,269 ACTUAL 14,731,187 35,211,428 50,062,884 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 6 2005/06 2,705,728 4,051,179 6,756,907 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 9,440 7,080 3,060 5,378 14,500 23,940 10,140 131,691 137,069 YEAR 6 2005/06 ACTUAL 1,995,136 4,741,056 6,736,192 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 5 2005/06 2,703,607 4,048,511 6,752,118 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 9,440 8,415 12,238 11,375 13,294 24,669 17,855 143,832 156,070 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 2,760,342 6,866,101 9,626,443 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 4 2004/05 2,714,762 4,064,918 6,779,680 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 8,260 2,898 23,511 27,232 50,743 11,158 29,159 245,813 274,972 YEAR 4 2004/05 ACTUAL 3,039,888 7,171,782 10,211,669 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEAR 3 2003/04 2,773,346 4,114,697 6,888,043 EXPENDITURE AGREEMENT 0 0 0 9,577 7,080 2,064 9,144 13,304 22,881 17,470 27,963 45,433 82,769 YEAR 3 2003/04 ACTUAL 2,437,646 5,528,793 8,049,208 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25,000 YEAR 2 2002/03 2,826,686 4,180,795 7,032,481 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 9,440 1,533 67,839 89,104 10,973 20,706 37,500 156,943 102,617 123,323 YEAR 2 2002/03 ACTUAL 2,328,158 5,643,494 8,009,152 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25,000 YEAR 1 2001/02 2,832,762 4,186,592 7,044,354 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 8,260 2,432 5,917 25,779 77,225 10,692 18,792 24,709 103,004 YEAR 1 2001/02 ACTUAL 2,170,017 5,260,202 7,430,219 - Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other TOTAL Salaries Capital Other GRAND TO (IN KIND) TAL (T1) Water Corporation Water Services Association of Australia Water Ltd Water Valley Yarra IN - KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL Basis of Valuation activities. 1. Salaries have been valued at actual cost based on time spent relevant utilising the multiplier shown in 2. Participants contributions have been valued seperately for each paticipant organisation the average multiplier for CRCWQT was applied. For participants without a derived multiplier, Commonwealth Agreement. 6 amounted to $91,033 3. Non - participant contributions in Year 6 including Note 3 total $6,827,225 contributions in Year 4. Total Table 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS (Cont.) 8.1 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PARTICPIANTS Table
127 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 YEARS SEVEN DIFFERENCE 0 0 50,000 350,000 140,000 441,000 350,000 250,000 105,000 350,000 700,000 350,000 280,000 350,000 420,000 350,000 350,000 105,000 350,000 700,000 210,000 700,000 350,000 350,000 200,000 770,000 350,000 YEARS SEVEN 1,900,000 1,400,000 1,050,000 1,225,000 14,496,000 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 0 0 50,000 350,000 140,000 441,000 350,000 250,000 105,000 350,000 700,000 350,000 280,000 350,000 420,000 350,000 350,000 105,000 350,000 700,000 210,000 700,000 350,000 350,000 200,000 770,000 350,000 YEARS TOTAL SEVEN 1,900,000 1,400,000 1,050,000 1,225,000 14,496,000 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 7 2,028,000 2006/07 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 7 2,028,000 2006/07 BUDGET 0 0 90,000 90,000 50,000 120,000 378,000 300,000 200,000 300,000 600,000 350,000 240,000 300,000 360,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 900,000 600,000 180,000 600,000 300,000 300,000 150,000 660,000 300,000 3000,000 1,650,000 1,200,000 1,050,000 12,468,000 AGREEMENT 0 0 TO DATE 90,000 90,000 50,000 120,000 378,000 300,000 200,000 300,000 600,000 350,000 240,000 300,000 360,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 900,000 600,000 180,000 600,000 300,000 300,000 150,000 660,000 300,000 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 3000,000 1,650,000 1,200,000 1,050,000 ACTUAL 12,468,000 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 6 2,028,000 2006/07 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 6 2,028,000 2006/07 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 5 2,028,000 2005/06 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 5 2,028,000 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 4 2,078,000 2004/05 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 62,500 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 4 2,090,500 2004/05 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 3 2,078,000 2003/04 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 37,500 20,000 63,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 3 2,065,500 2003/04 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 2 2,028,000 2002/03 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 2 2,028,000 2002/03 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 1 2,228,000 2001/02 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 0 50,000 20,000 63,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 50,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 175,000 110,000 YEAR 1 2,228,000 2001/02 ACTUAL CSIRO Services RMIT University Griffith University Monash University Water Corporation Water City West Water Ltd Water City West South East Water Ltd South East Water Brisbane City Council Yarra Valley Water Ltd Water Valley Yarra University of Adelaide SA Water Corporation SA Water Orica Australia Pty Ltd ACTEW Corporation Ltd University of Queensland Sydney Water Corporation Sydney Water Power & Water Corporation Power & Water University of South Australia Sydney Catchment Authority Melbourne Water Corporation Melbourne Water University of New South Wales Curtin University of Technology Australian Water Quality Centre Australian Water University of Technology Sydney University of Technology Egis Consulting Australia Pty Ltd Australian Water Services Pty Ltd Australian Water United Water International Pty Ltd United Water Department of Human Service (VIC) Water Services Association of Australia Services Association of Australia Water Environmental Protection Agency (QLD) Protection Environmental Queensland Health Pathology & Scientific Townsville Thuringowa Water Supply Board Thuringowa Water Townsville Table 8.2 CASH CONTRIBUTIONS Table TOTAL CASH FROM PARTICIPANTS TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
128 0 332,500 464,757 100,558 767,201 269,907 YEARS SEVEN 2,477,993 4,143,009 7,583,009 1,688,486 1,760,851 4,070,645 7,968,630 (4,167,893) DIFFERENCE 0 0 0 690,000 350,000 YEARS (320,000) SEVEN (250,000) 2,400,000 3,440,000 16,750,000 34,686,000 34,756,000 17,724,300 17,031,700 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 814,757 100,558 269,907 YEARS TOTAL SEVEN 2,477,993 1,022,500 3,167,201 7,583,009 1,438,486 1,440,851 16,750,000 38,829,009 38,826,645 25,692,930 12,863,807 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 (42,000) YEAR 7 (250,000) 2,344,000 4,922,000 5,130,000 2,578,500 2,551,500 2006/07 AGREEMENT 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 YEAR 7 2,344,000 4,922,000 1,646,486 1,483,486 5,130,000 2,578,500 2,551,500 2006/07 BUDGET 0 0 0 - - 590,000 300,000 138,000 2,000,000 2,890,000 14,406,000 29,764,000 29,626,000 15,145,800 14,480,200 AGREEMENT TO DATE 922,500 764,757 100,558 269,907 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 2,477,993 2,767,201 7,033,009 9,794,405 ACTUAL 14,406,000 33,907,009 10,004,769 33,696,645 23,114,430 10,312,307 0 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 (42,000) YEAR 6 2,500,000 5,078,000 5,120,000 2,573,500 2,546,500 2006/07 AGREEMENT 21,427 52,188 564,110 190,000 143,497 350,582 732,052 YEAR 6 1,269,616 2,500,000 5,797,616 1,646,486 4,883,181 3,635,386 1,195,607 2006/07 A ctual 0 0 0 0 50,000 (42,000) 100,000 400,000 550,000 YEAR 5 2,500,000 5,078,000 5,120,000 2,573,500 2,546,500 2005/06 AGREEMENT 23,447 31,570 386,578 195,000 102,832 492,386 936,328 732,052 YEAR 5 1,400,243 2,500,000 5,928,243 6,132,519 4,675,867 1,425,083 2005/06 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 YEAR 4 (102,000) 2,500,000 5,128,000 5,230,000 2,678,500 2,551,500 2004/05 AGREEMENT 1,623 81,169 209,377 175,000 123,581 451,818 961,399 936,328 YEAR 4 2,500,000 5,551,899 2,276,284 6,891,855 4,881,187 1,929,499 2004/05 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 (52,000) YEAR 3 2,500,000 5,128,000 5,180,000 2,628,500 2,551,500 2003/04 AGREEMENT 0 53,631 650,803 150,000 150,944 382,863 YEAR 3 1,388,241 2,500,000 5,953,741 3,019,903 2,276,284 6,697,359 4,540,411 2,156,949 2003/04 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 50,000 100,000 400,000 550,000 (92,000) YEAR 2 2,500,000 5,078,000 5,170,000 2,598,500 2,571,500 2002/03 AGREEMENT 0 88,631 562,125 122,500 138,661 775,771 YEAR 2 1,599,057 2,500,000 6,127,057 1,393,716 3,019,903 4,500,870 2,526,798 1,885,442 2002/03 ACTUAL 0 0 0 0 0 90,000 50,000 140,000 468,000 YEAR 1 1,906,000 4,274,000 3,806,000 2,093,300 1,712,700 2001/02 AGREEMENT 430 90,000 16,350 105,000 105,242 113,782 414,454 YEAR 1 1,906,000 4,548,454 1,436,122 1,393,716 4,590,860 2,854,782 1,719,728 2001/02 ACTUAL 5 ,000. $ $ 5 0,000: WSSA 0,000 and Power & Water Melbourne Water Corp $ 15 ,000: 23 , 149 : Sydney Catchment Authority $ 1 00,000: Water $ $ 39 , 457 : South East Water $ 15 ,000: SA Water 144 , 993 : Orica Australia $ 15 ,000: Power & Water $ Health $ 15 ,000: Melbourne Water Services $ 15 ,000: B risbane City Council 2 , 5 00: D epartment of ACTEW $ 33 , 846 : Australia Water $ 21 ,000. Water Valley 43 , 847 : WSAA $ 73 333 and Yarra Corporation $ $ 5 ,000: Water United Water $ 39 , 252 and WSSA 79 5 00. 73 ,000: United Water Corp $ $ 6 ,000: Sydney Water 35 , 177 : South East Water $ $ 1 0,000: SA Water 25 0,000: Power & Water $ $ 6 ,000: D epartment of Health 124 , 874 : Melbourne Water Water ACTEW $ 6 ,000: B risbane City Council 21 West $ 25 ,000. Water Valley Services Association of Australia $ 79 , 9 00: Yarra 7 0,000: Water Corporation $ $ 55 ,000: University of SA 1 , 678 : Water 2 0,000: United Water $ $ 15 ,000: Sydney Water 4 0,000: South East Water $ $ 55 ,000: SA Water ACTEW $ 25 ,000: Melbourne Water 1 00, 31 0: Services Association of Australia $ Corp $ 157 , 5 00: and Water 37 ,000: Water $ Corp $ 3 0,000: United Water $ 26 ,000: Sydney Catchment Authority 15 Water 9 0,000: South East Water $ $ 55 ,000: Orica Australia 1 0,000: SA Water ACTEW $ 25 ,000: B risbane City Council 3 , 00: CSIRO 15 Melbourne Water $ 73 , 782 . Funds contributed by ARMCANZ $ 4 0,000 and AwwaRF $ 45 ,000. $ 23 , 849 : and WTA B oard Management Catchment Water $ 6 ,000: Torrens $ 52 0, 922 : D epartment of Health NSW 2 0,000: NRE (Vic)14 0,000: Gold Coast City Council $ 2 0,000 Hobart Water $ Funds contributed by AwwaRF Alliance $ 45 ,000. Treatment 3 0,000 and Water $ $ 6 ,000: South East Queensland Water Qld $ 15 ,000: Hobart Water $ 271 , 863 : D epartment of Health & Ageing 15 ,000: EPA Funds contributed by AwwaRF Qld $ 3 0,000: Gold Coast City Council 25 ,000: South East $ 15 , 5 00: D ept of Prime Minister & Cabinet 68 ,0 4 0: EPA 1 0,000: CSIRO Land & Water $ $ 387 , 271 : Central Highlands Water 15 ,000: AwwaRF $ Management B oard Funds Contributed by Adelaide & Mt Lofty Natural Resource 6 0,000 WERF $ 3 0, 7 0 2 and GWRC 873 . $ Water $ 5 0,000: Veolia Queensland Water 12 , 5 00 $ Water $ 4 0,000: Veolia Water 19 ,000: Hunter Valley $ City Council $ 3 0,000: Grampians Water Qld $ 61 ,000: Gosford $ 133 , 922 : D ept of Prime Minister & Cabinet 54 16 0: EPA Funds Contributed by AwaaRF Year 1 : Year 2 : Year 3 : Year 4 : Year Services Association of Australia $ 53 , 4 00 $ 4 0, 177 : Water risbane City Council $ 15 , 8 00: D epartment of Health 5 0,000: Orica Australia United Water b 5 : Year 6 : Year 1 : Year 2 : Year 3 : Year 5 : Year 6 : Year Table 8.2 CASH CONTRIBUTIONS (Cont.) Table OTHER CASH Participants (Note 1) Associates Interest Sundry income Contract Research (Note 2) Contract Research OTHER CASH TOTAL FUNDING FROM THE CRC GRANT CASH CONTRIBUTION CRC (T2) TOTAL year previous Cash carried over from LESS Unspent Balance CRC CASH TOTAL EXPENDITURE (T3) OF CASH EXPENDITURE BETWEEN HEADS ALLOCATION Salaries Capital Other Note 1 : Note 2 : PARTICIPANTS
129 340,176 YEARS SEVEN 9,070,502 4,070,645 6,158,177 6,642,794 13,141,147 13,147,147 DIFFERENCE 50,000 YEARS SEVEN 48,014,628 34,756,000 82,770,628 36,988,755 45,731,873 82,770,628 AGREEMENT GRAND TOTAL 390,176 YEARS TOTAL SEVEN 57,085,131 38,826,645 95,911,776 43,146,933 52,374,667 95,911,776 0 YEAR 7 6,761,045 5,130,000 5,286,064 6,604,981 2006/07 11,891,045 11,891,045 AGREEMENT 0 YEAR 7 6,761,045 5,130,000 5,286,064 6,604,981 2006/07 BUDGET 11,891,045 11,891,045 50,000 41,253,583 29,626,000 70,879,583 31,702,691 39,126,892 70,879,583 AGREEMENT TO DATE 390,176 CUMULATIVE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ACTUAL 50,324,086 33,696,645 84,020,731 37,860,869 45,769,686 84,020,731 0 YEAR 6 6,756,907 5,120,000 5,279,228 6,597,679 2006/07 11,876,907 11,876,907 AGREEMENT 52,188 YEAR 6 6,827,225 4,883,181 5,630,522 6,027,696 2006/07 A ctual 11,710,406 11,710,406 0 6,752,118 YEAR 5 5,120,000 5,277,107 6,595,011 2005/06 11,872,118 11,872,118 AGREEMENT
31,570 9,691,892 6,132,519 7,436,209 8,356,633 YEAR 5 2005/06 ACTUAL 15,824,411 15,824,411 0 YEAR 4 6,779,680 5,230,000 5,393,262 6,616,418 2004/05 12,009,680 12,009,680 AGREEMENT 81,169 YEAR 4 6,891,855 7,921,075 9,105,541 2004/05 ACTUAL 10,215,930 17,107,784 17,107,784 0 YEAR 3 6,888,043 5,180,000 5,401,846 6,666,197 2003/04 12,068,043 12,068,043 AGREEMENT 82,769 YEAR 3 8,149,668 6,697,359 6,993,309 7,770,950 2003/04 ACTUAL 14,847,027 14,847,027 25,000 YEAR 2 7,032,481 5,170,000 5,425,186 6,752,295 2002/03 12,202,481 12,202,481 AGREEMENT 126,131 YEAR 2 8,009,152 4,500,870 4,854,956 7,528,936 2002/03 ACTUAL 12,510,022 12,510,022 25,000 YEAR 1 7,044,354 3,806,000 4,926,062 5,899,292 2001/02 10,850,354 10,850,354 AGREEMENT 16,350 YEAR 1 7,430,219 4,590,860 5,024,799 6,979,930 2001/02 ACTUAL 12,021,079 12,021,079 GRAND TOTAL (IN KIND) GRAND TOTAL 1 (T1) TABLE from (CASH) GRAND TOTAL 2 (T3) TABLE from RESOURCES TOTAL TO CRC AVAILABLE RESOURCES APPLIED TO ACTIVITIES OF CENTRE BETWEEN HEADS EXPENDITURE OF TOTAL ALLOCATION SALARIES TOTAL (CASH AND IN - KIND) CAPITAL TOTAL (CASH AND IN - KIND) TOTAL OTHER TOTAL (CASH AND IN - KIND) ALLOCATION TOTAL Table 8.3 SUMMARY OF RESOURCES APPLIED TO ACTIVITIES 8.3 SUMMARY Table PARTICIPANTS
130 0.9 0.2 4.9 2.1 14.3 22.4 by CRC (2) Staff Funded Staff 6.1 0.0 0.5 0.1 13.3 20.0 Staff Contrib. (2) 37,547 991,379 178,309 RESOURCE USAGE 3,940,246 1,679,745 6,827,225 $ In - kind 59,919 613,507 936,583 258,492 3,014,680 4,883,181 $Cash (1) Table 8.4 ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN CATEGORIES OF ACTIVITIES PROGRAM OF RESOURCES BETWEEN CATEGORIES 8.4 ALLOCATION Table PROGRAM Research Education Commercialisation Administration Communications TOTAL including CRC Program. all sources, (1) Cash from and support staff. (2) Person years, professional 4 is unaudited. (3) Table
131 132 133 134 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ALF Alert Levels Framework HPSEC High performance size exclusion chromatography ATP Adenosine triphosphate HILIC Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography ADWG Australian Drinking Water Guidelines IWA International Water Association AOC Assimilable organic carbon LPS Lipopolysaccharides AOX Adsorbable organic halides LWA Land and Water Australia AFM Atomic force microscopy MD Membrane distillation ANN Artificial neural networks MIEX Magnetic Ion Exchange Agriculture and Resource Management Council of MF Microfiltration ARMCANZ Australia and New Zealand MFI Modified fouling index American Water Works Association Research AwwaRF MIB 2-methylisoborneol Foundation MW Molecular weight BAC Bacterial artificial chromosome MS/MS Tandem mass spectrometry BDOC Biodegradable dissolved organic carbon MSSV Microscale sealed vessel BMAA β-methylamino-L-alanine NDMA N-Nitrosodimethylamine BRP Bacterial regrowth potential Netherlands Water Treatment and Water Quality KIWA CC-PCR Cell culture-polymerase chain reaction Research Institution CDNA Communicable Diseases Network of Australia LC-MS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry CEO Chief Executive Oficer NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council CFS Cross flow sampler NOAEL No observable adverse effect level COD Chemical oxygen demand NOM Natural organic matter CRC Cooperative Research Centre NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Natural Resources Management Ministerial CSIRO NRMMC Organisation Council CYN Cylindrospermopsin OM Online monitoring DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid PAC Powdered activated carbon DOTM Direct Observation Through Membrane PSM Particle Sediment Model DSMtool Disinfection System Management Tool PDA Photo diode-array DRCT Disinfectant Residual Control Tools POU Point-of-use DAF Dissolved air floatation PCR Polymerase chain reaction DBP Disinfection by-products PAC Powdered activated carbon DOC Dissolved organic carbon PSP Paralytic shellfish poison DSS Decision support system QC/QA Quality control/quality assurance EC Enhanced coagulation Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific QHPSS Services EEM Excitation-emission Matrix SBSE Stir bar sorptive extraction EMSS Environmental Management Support System S::CAN On line organic scanning EDC Endocrine disrupting chemicals/compounds Size exclusion chromotography uv organic carbon ERE Environmental Research Event SEC-UV-OCD detector ELISA Enzyme-linked immunoassay SDI Slit density index EPA Environmental Protection Agency SME Small to medium enterprise FESEM Field emission scanning electron microscopy SPE Solid phase extraction FD Fluorescence detection STX Saxitoxin FIA Flow Injection Analysis TOC Total organic carbon FICA Flow Injection Chemiluminescence Analysis THM Trihalomethanes FTIR Fourier transform infra red THMFP Trihalomethane formation potential GAC Granular activated carbon UKWIR United Kingdom Water Industry Research Ltd GC-MS Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry UDS Unspecified DNA synthesis GIS Geographical Information Systems WHO World Health Organization GWRC Global Water Research Coalition WQ Water Quality HAA Haloacetic acids WSAA Water Services Association of Australia HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point WTP Water Treatment Plant HEA Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithms WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant HPIC High performance ion exchange
135 Mission To assist the Australian water industry produce high quality drinking water at an affordable price.
Vision By 2010, the Australian water industry will have achieved a high level of community confidence in the safety and We Received Other quality of the country’s water supply systems. Research 10% Cash from Grant undertaken by the Centre will have laid a solid foundation 20% for evidence based investment decisions for water infrastructure, as well as providing innovative solutions for achieving enhanced aesthetic water quality that meets community needs.
Objectives In-Kind from Cash from • Undertaking a high quality, targeted research program Participants Participants 16% that seeks to provide the knowledge and innovative 54% solutions required to meet national and water industry objectives for drinking water quality in the major urban 2006 - 2007 centres and in regional Australia, including small rural and Indigenous communities. • Building on the success of the existing cooperative We Expended Communication & activity between the Parties to incorporate evidence- Commercialisation Administration based guidelines into the Australian drinking water 5% 10% regulatory system. • Involving a high proportion of the water industry end- users in the development, conduct and utilisation of 2005 - 2006 the research and other activities of the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. Education Research • Enhancing the strategic international alliances to ensure 20% 65% that CRC for Water Quality and Treatment activities are well founded on the best experience and knowledge already available, and to provide, where appropriate, the benefit of Australian experience and opinion in the formulation of international water quality management strategies and guidelines. We Received $M • Providing high quality, well trained and informed Cash From Grant 2.50 professionals as future leaders in the industry through an extensive postgraduate student program. Cash From Participants 2.03 • Effectively communicating the outcomes of the CRC In-Kind From Participants 6.83 for Water Quality and Treatment research activity to Other Income 1.27 the industry and the community. Total 12.62 To assist the Australian We Expended $M water industry produce Research 7.57 Education 2.29
Administration 1.19 high quality drinking water Communication & Commercialisation 0.53 Total 11.59 at an affordable price. The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment is an unincorporated joint venture between:
ACTEW Corporation Australian Water Quality Centre Australian Water Services Pty Ltd Brisbane City Council 2006 - 2007 Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc Annual Report City West Water Limited CSIRO Curtin University of Technology Department of Human Services Victoria Griffith University Melbourne Water Corporation Monash University Orica Australia Pty Ltd Power and Water Corporation Queensland Health Pathology & Scientific Services RMIT University South Australian Water Corporation South East Water Ltd Sydney Catchment Authority Sydney Water Corporation
The University of Adelaide CRC for Water Quality and Treatment
The University of New South Wales Private Mail Bag 3 The University of Queensland Salisbury United Water International Pty Ltd SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5108 University of South Australia Tel: (08) 8259 0351 University of Technology, Sydney Water Corporation Fax: (08) 8259 0228 Water Services Association of Australia E-mail: [email protected]
Yarra Valley Water Ltd Web: www.waterquality.crc.org.au 2006 - 2007 Annual Report To assist the Australian water industry produce high quality drinking water at an affordable price.