Intelligent Water Networks (IWN)

Such an exciting and important initiative for the Victorian Water Sector - a process to drive sustainable, transformative innovation - tapping into the global experience of private sector partners. Thank you Karen Clode and Isle Utilities for partnering with us on this adventure.

IWN is partnering with Isle Utilities to deliver an exciting new initiative for the Victorian Water Industry. In-Stream, Victoria’s Water Industry Innovation Festival, is a 12-month cycle of co-creation and collaboration between the public, private and research sectors to actively generate real, fit-for-purpose solutions to the opportunities and challenges facing the Victorian water industry. We sent out an Expression of Interest (EOI) for organisations interested in being part of In-Stream and lead a challenge stream. If you are keen to learn more, please message us and we will send you the EOI document and an invite to the EOI briefing on 7 March at 12 PM or you can register here: https://lnkd.in/gUyjSR7G

🌊 Episode 2 of "The Ripple Effect" Is Here! 🎙 We’re back with the second episode of The Ripple Effect, IWN’s Circular Economy podcast! This series dives deep into the water industry’s role in championing sustainable practices and innovation. 💡 Episode 2: A Scandinavian Etude In this episode, Kerryn Lester-Smith and Ian Bail explore Ian’s insights from his 20 years in the water sector and most recent experiences seeing the innovative technology being utilised in Scandinavia 🎧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gEQW2JXw Once again, we’d like to extend our gratitude to the Circular Economy Leadership Team— Michael Thomas (Program Manager) Kerryn Lester-Smith (Deputy Program Manager) and, Deepak Surendhra Mallya (Deputy Stream Lead)—whose hard work, creativity, and dedication have made this podcast possible. Their leadership continues to pave the way for impactful conversations and a stronger circular economy focus within the water sector. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas. Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton

🌟 Announcing the Winners of the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce the funding recipients for the 2024 Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge, recognising innovative solutions that are paving the way for a sustainable water future. 🏆 Winner - South East Water & RMIT University  For their world-first off-grid, solar-driven technology to co-produce green hydrogen and oxidant, this solution harnesses renewable energy to reduce emissions and support a low-carbon economy. Installed on a floating modular platform, it integrates with existing water corporation infrastructure, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Funding will optimize durability, reliability, and efficiency, enhancing its climate impact.   🎉 Runners-Up  1st - Gippsland Water & Custom Fluids   For their nanobubble oxygenation project, which can significantly improve the efficacy of aerobic wastewater treatment substantially reducing the energy requirement of the process with the potential to reduce greenhouse gases such as Nitrous Oxide formed during current aeration processes. 2nd - North East Water & Goulburn-Murray Water For their Nutrient Sponge Booms for Algae Control project, using biochar, generated from the pyrolysis of biosolids, to absorb nutrients from stored recycled water to help mitigate algal blooms—an increasingly significant challenge in a changing climate. The resulting nutrient rich biochar has the potential to be used as a fertiliser in agricultural applications.    A massive congratulations to these teams for their groundbreaking work! We’d also like to acknowledge and celebrate all the entrants this year. Your innovative ideas and commitment to tackling the water industry’s challenges are what drive progress. Stay tuned as we continue to support these projects and share their journey toward adoption within the sector. Harriet Shing, Li Gao, Simon Robertson, Holly Bay-Roberts, Dr. Lisa Ehrenfried, Katelyn Hamilton, Leon Stackpole, Adrian Harper, Suzanne McConchie, James Moverley, Emma McKinnon, Victor Perton, Jill Fagan, Hayley Vinden, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine

🌊 Introducing "The Ripple Effect" – IWN's Inaugural Circular Economy Podcast! 🎙 The water industry has a critical role to play in driving sustainability, and we're excited to launch The Ripple Effect, a podcast exploring how the water industry can lead the charge toward sustainable, innovative practices while generating non-regulated revenue opportunities. 💡 Episode 1: Kayaking and Tea Pots Join Kerryn Lester-Smith, Deepak Surendhra Mallya, Michael Thomas and Jason Cotton as they delve into why IWN has a Circular Economy Program and what its key areas of focus are in 2025. You’ll hear about the groundbreaking trials we are currently running, the current Circular Economy activities in the water industry and discover how you can get involved in the Circular Economy Program. 🎧 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gpxUX-xe This podcast is the result of incredible teamwork and leadership from our Circular Economy Program. A special thank you to Michael Thomas (Program Manager), Kerryn Lester-Smith (Deputy Program Manager) and, Deepak Surendhra Mallya (Deputy Stream Lead) for their dedication and hard work behind the scenes. From shaping the vision to curating meaningful discussions, their efforts have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. We hope this series sparks new ideas and collaborations within our industry and beyond. Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 The submissions for the 2024 Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge have been reviewed by our judging panel and we’re thrilled to announce that 7 submissions have made the finals this year! 🎉 Congratulations to: Nutrient Sponge Booms for Algae Control Using Biochar in Water Supply Systems – North East Water Nanobubble Oxygenation - Gippsland Water Co-production of green hydrogen and oxidant from direct solar radiation – South East Water Sustainable Water Infrastructure - Footprint Transformation (SWIFT) Business models – Yarra Valley Water Sewer Heat Recovery and Heat Study – Barwon Water Enhanced climate resilience through hemp production using recycled water – Central Highlands Water Maximising the Potential of Biogas – Barwon Water A huge thank you to everyone who put a submission in this year! 🙌 It’s inspiring to see such diverse ideas addressing our climate challenges head-on and the creativity and passion shown by water utilities across Victoria. We are excited to hear from all the entrants at the final pitch event on November 15th. Stay tuned for registration details for the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge Award Ceremony on December 5th. You won’t want to miss it! Harriet Shing, Li Gao, Simon Robertson, Holly Bay-Roberts, Dr. Lisa Ehrenfried, Katelyn Hamilton, Leon Stackpole, Adrian Harper, Suzanne McConchie, James Moverley, Emma McKinnon, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton

🚰 Submissions are Now Closed! 🌿 Thank you to the many water corporations who submitted an entry for the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge! 🙌 We’re thrilled to have received a diverse range of innovative projects from water utilities across Victoria. We definitely don’t envy the judges—it’s going to be a tough decision with so many fantastic projects to evaluate! 💡 Stay tuned as we announce the shortlist on 25 October 2024. Keep an eye out for the results! Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton

🌟 What an Incredible Hackathon! 🌟 Friday two weeks ago, IWN hosted its inaugural hackathon with the problem statement: How do we care for the environment with data and analytics? Teams worked with trial data from the innovative IonQ eco-detection technology to develop data products that care for our environment. We are thrilled to announce the winners, who transformed waterways data into actionable insights. 💧📊 🎉 IWN Hackathon Winners! 🏆 🥇 1st Place: Water You Waiting For? (Melbourne Water) Developed a platform for high school students to learn about water quality using Python, Power BI, and GIS. 🥈 2nd Place: Water Wizards (Yarra Valley Water) Created a catchment data tool for farmers to make informed decisions on river water use. 🥉 3rd Place: Barwon of a Kind (Barwon Water) Designed H2Overview, a Plotly dashboard for catchment and water quality experts. 😂 Pun-tastic Award: Poo Killas (Gippsland Water) Awarded for their clever and humorous team name, inspired by a local animal in their region, which gave us all a good laugh! Honorable Mention: Watershed Inquisition (Coliban Water) Recognized for their brilliant idea of creating a children's book using catchment data. We congratulate all participants for their hard work, collaboration, and creativity. Their ideas have the potential to create real change in how we manage and protect our waterways. 🌍💡 A massive thank you to All the participants The Judges (Arash Zamyadi, Mikel Duke, Felicity Roddick & Shathie Nkoni) Melbourne Water for the Venue All the organisers (special thanks to Peter Prevos & Kerryn Hyde) and supporters for your passion and dedication. Stay tuned for updates on next steps and how these innovative ideas will continue to evolve. 🚀 Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton & Eco Detection

🚨 1 WEEK TO GO! 🚨 The Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge are looking for projects that will positively impact the sector’s climate resilience by reducing the effects of climate change or finding new ways to adapt and respond. This year’s prize pool is $255,000. 💡 Submissions are open until 6 October 2024! Visit https://lnkd.in/gmqbARDM to submit your entry or learn more. If you have any questions or need further support, contact your water corporation’s designated IWN Champion or email us at: climateinnovationchallenge@iwn.org.au 📧 Learn more and get involved at: https://lnkd.in/gmqbARDM 💡 To make a submission, click here: https://lnkd.in/gn_ivWAh Melbourne Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Greater Western Water, Barwon Water, East Gippsland Water, North East Water, Central Highlands Water, Wannon Water, GWMWater, Coliban Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Gippsland Water, Lower Murray Water , South Gippsland Water, Westernport Water, Southern Rural Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, VicWater, Inside Water Magazine, Victor Perton

Great to see one of last year's winners of the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge being featured in Inside Water today. The 2024 Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge is now open for submissions with a prize pool of $255,000 as a result of the increased funding from Harriet Shing. Submissions led by Victorian Water Corps to improve climate resilience through reducing the effects of climate change or finding new ways and opportunities to respond to these impacts, will be accepted until 6th October 2024 at: https://lnkd.in/gXdFJPDq. Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, VicWater, Barwon Water, Coliban Water, Central Highlands Water, East Gippsland Water, Gippsland Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Goulburn-Murray Water, Victor Perton, GWMWater, Greater Western Water, Lower Murray Water , Melbourne Water, North East Water, South East Water, Southern Rural Water, Gippsland Water, South Gippsland Water, Wannon Water, Westernport Water, Yarra Valley Water, #climateinnovation, #collaborativetransformation https://lnkd.in/gXwkFddU