eFlash #432
Date: 01-May-2020
Information for Water Industry Managers and Practitioners in the Queensland Water Industry
Weekly Update – 1 May
Our fourth online “essentials” networking event happened yesterday with 70 attendees at its peak.
(a) Water Source Australia is developing a low-cost, small-scale point of supply water treatment solution for the delivery of drinking water to remote communities. The technology is designed to be operated remotely via the internet of things (IoT) using a 4G data connection, and to require no day-to-day chemical use and minimal maintenance. Using analytics on data collected, machine learning algorithms are being trained to optimise the operation and maintenance of the units. At the present time WSA is undertaking worldwide trials to challenge their systems with poor source water quality and provide opportunities to expand the capability of the machine learning algorithms, which includes a forthcoming trial on high temperature GAB source water in Charleville, QLD. Martine describes the technology in detail and its applications in her presentation.
(b) Townsville City Council in conjunction with James Cook University is engaged in two PhD research programs centred on the Cleveland Bay Purification Plant (CBPP) and its environment. Laura Kuskopf is examining the contaminants that are released by the CBPP. Laura analysed 259 CECs, of which a handful have been found in the discharge in concentrations that exceeded the predicted no effect concentration values (a relatively conservative measure of ecotoxicity). Next steps are to develop a target list of those CECs most likely to cause an effect in the receiving environment.
Kezia Drane is examining the ecological impact of antibiotic resistance sourced from the CBPP. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a result of the presence of antibiotic resultant genes in a cell, but these genes can be inherited, or transmitted directly from other bacteria (including different species) via the transfer of plasmids. Plasmids are gene fragments that can be small enough to pass through UF membranes to the environment. The research will examine the distribution of antibiotic resistance in sea turtles and their food sources.
Powerpoint slides and recordings of the webinars are available here.
The next event will be on Thursday 7 May at 10am with the following speakers:
Ramraj Kulkarni - Unitywater
“Floating Treatment Wetlands: A Nature-based Solution for a Small Rural Community at Kenilworth”
Originally included as part of the program for our small communities solutions event in Goondiwindi, Ramraj will present on a successful low-tech upgrade of the Kenilworth STP – floating wetlands combined with a solar power array. The project was recognised with a Project Innovation Award at the Australian Water Association’s Queensland awards ceremony in September 2019.
James Goode – Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA)
“WSAA Asbestos Water Pipes Best Practice Guidelines”
Asbestos Cement water pipes were used prolifically throughout one of the major growth phases of the Australian Water industry and as many installations now reach the end of their useful lives, all water utilities are faced with management questions, exacerbated by the high cost of removal and safe disposal. Facilitated by Stephen Martin from Townsville City Council, James will provide an overview of the newly released Best Practice Guidelines.
Register for this event here.
2nd Hand Treatment Equipment
Two members have identifies surplus plant that they would like to see go to a good home with a Queensland water service provider. If you would like further information and photos for either of these items or the contact details within each council please contact rfearon@qldwater.com.au.
1. Memcor Ultra-filtration membrane filters
The City of Gold Coast has Memcor Ultra-Filtration (UF) equipment that is no longer needed as part the Pimpama recycled water treatment train. The low pressure membranes are installed in two parallel skids each capable of producing 4.5ML/day but designed to be upgraded to twice this capacity. The membranes were installed in 2009 so membrane fibres will need replacement but the rest of the equipment including a stand-alone PLC can be reused.
2. In-channel UV3000 PTP
Mackay has an in-channel ultra violet treatment disinfection system was first installed in 2017. The unit is no longer needed, is relatively new and in good condition. It is suitable for a medium sized plant.
Best wishes for a relaxing long weekend.
Dave Cameron