Seqwater

??Happy International Women’s Day! ?? Today, we celebrate the incredible women working across our 24/7 operations to ensure our communities have safe, reliable water during this weather event ?? While we were fully focused on monitoring the evolving situation yesterday, we didn’t want to miss the chance to celebrate their dedication, expertise, and hard work - often behind the scenes - keeping our communications and operations running smoothly. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the vital role you play in delivering this essential service??

?? Inside our Flood Operations Centre ?? While severe weather unfolds, our expert engineers are working around the clock—monitoring conditions, analysing data, and making critical operational decisions for the safe management of South East Queensland’s dams. Our team follows strict protocols and works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency agencies to support a coordinated response. Their expertise and commitment are key to managing water security and public safety during extreme weather events. We want to give a heartfelt thank you to our Flood Operations team who’ve stepped away from their families to do this important work, and all the emergency responders working through TC Alfred to keep people safe.

Our teams are working around the clock to prepare as Cyclone Alfred approaches. Here’s how we’re preparing today: ? All 32 water treatment plants across South East Queensland are operational, continuing to supply safe drinking water. ? We’ve filled up all of our treated water storage—holding more than double the usual amount in case we need it. ? The Gold Coast Desalination Plant is on standby, ready to produce water if needed. ? We’ve stocked up our Water Treatment Plants with the supplies needed to treat any dirty water that may flow into the system with heavy rain. ? Our teams are now stationed on-site 24/7, ready to respond. ? We’ve secured all loose equipment ahead of strong winds. ? Backup generators are in place to keep operations running. We’ll keep monitoring the situation closely. Stay safe everyone, and look out for each other.

Reliable water security for South East Queensland’s growing southern regions is a priority—and today's industry briefing for the proposed Wyaralong Water Treatment Plant highlighted the critical work underway in our Capital Projects. With more than 67,000 people expected to call the Scenic Rim region home by 2046, this pivotal project will help secure a long-term water supply for Beaudesert and the surrounding communities. The proposed project will: ??Provide a new bulk water source to support Beaudesert and South Logan’s growing communities ??Reduce reliance on the Southern Regional Water Pipeline and strengthen SEQ Water Grid’s resilience ??Support local economic growth and create jobs during construction and operation We had great conversations with professionals across the industry today about the progress of this project, and further site investigations will help us deliver the best solution for the region’s long-term water needs.

Tony, one of our team members, had a moment of reflection while on-site at the East Bank Raw Water Pump Station, where we’re currently working on important upgrades. "I was doing my everyday inspections around the East Bank Raw Water Pump Station and stopped to put in my ear protection and saw the plaques on the wall. It’s very humbling to see how long this building has been here and trying to imagine the amount of people that have given so much to keep water supplied to the public. It puts into perspective what we have to live up to and support our current team of operators doing the same as the team 100 years ago. “ A century later, the work continues. ???? This project will upgrade existing motors, invest in critical spares, improve flood resilience for the heritage-listed pump station, and upgrade electrical infrastructure to connect to the new substation—ensuring this historic site continues its legacy.

Providing South East Queensland with a secure, sustainable water future is a challenge we take seriously. With the region’s population projected to exceed 6 million in the next 30 years, demand for water will only continue to rise. So, how can we balance water security, liveability, and healthy environments while navigating challenges like climate change, population growth, and urban development? Part of the approach involves diversifying our water sources to build resilience. Currently, the SEQ Water Grid connects dams, desalination, purified recycled water, and over 600km of pipelines—giving South East Queensland a degree of flexibility to move water as needed. But as climate patterns shift and the population grows, it’s crucial to find the right balance between planning infrastructure that strengthens water security, keeping costs manageable, and minimising environmental impact. We are committed to delivering a sustainable and resilient future for South East Queensland, working with our industry peers. Recently, our Executive General Manager Will Harpham spoke at the Queensland Water Summit and participated in a thought-provoking panel, where he and other leaders provided insights about shared challenges and opportunities in protecting and managing our water resources and planning for the future. With government, industry, and the community working alongside us, we can continue to explore solutions and share insights to ensure long-term water security.

This week, we welcomed 13 new graduates and trainees to our 2025 Next Generation Program, a two-year initiative designed to kickstart careers in the water industry! Six graduates will be mentored across our science, engineering and finance disciplines, while seven trainees will develop their skills and knowledge in drinking water treatment leading to a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification. Our new graduates and trainees will receive hands-on experience working alongside Seqwater experts to deliver clean, safe drinking water to more than 3.8 million South East Queenslanders. We look forward to teaching the next generation of water professionals so we can continue to serve the community and deliver water for life. ??

Ever wondered what it’s like inside an advanced recycled water treatment plant? ?? Recently, we opened our doors to students from the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how wastewater is treated at our Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant. These future STEM leaders experienced firsthand how science and technology are applied in real-world settings, discovering the innovative processes to ensure the delivery of clean, reliable water. They explored the plant, learned about the cutting-edge technology behind water treatment, and heard directly from the people who make it all happen. We’re always excited to share our work and connect with the next generation of innovators. Our water educators also run tours for students in Years 7–12, offering curious minds a chance to see how we manage this essential resource.

Meet Dr. Deb, one of Seqwater’s Senior Research Scientists. Deb leads research projects focused on drinking water treatment and her work helps ensure that our water meets the highest standards. Her journey into science wasn’t a straight path—after school, she found herself in a job she didn’t love. But a snorkelling trip sparked her curiosity, leading her to pursue a degree in science. After shifting her focus to Marine Studies, she dove headfirst into volunteering, gaining hands-on experience that eventually led her to where she is today. From studying diatoms—tiny algae that can reveal ancient water quality—to deploying ocean sensors that track brine dispersion from our desalination plant, Deb’s work helps advance our understanding of water in ways most people never consider. But what keeps her excited about science? The fact that there’s always more to learn. For women and girls considering a career in STEM, Deb has some advice: ?? Be curious, resilient, and persistent—experiments don’t always go to plan, but setbacks create opportunities to learn. ?? Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Science needs diverse minds and fresh perspectives. ?? Find what excites you and follow that rabbit hole—you never know where it might lead. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we want to take a moment to celebrate all the women shaping the future of STEM.