A Federal Parliamentary Inquiry will begin hearings in November, on the wide ranging use and impacts of PFAS chemicals across the country. It will cover water, soil, food, environmental pollution, as well as regulatory, technical and community aspects. This is an opportunity to contribute evidence and expand the national knowledge base about PFAS chemicals. [NB Anthony had some words ‘opportunity to get more evidence and facts into the national debate on PFAS chemicals’ but I think that sounds too biased.]
The new Draft Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for PFAS levels are also due soon, putting a greater national focus on the issue.Source control remains the most effective tool to reduce the risk of exposure to PFAS chemicals.
The Voices from the Bush event and conference proceedings were held across 10 and 11 September this year and facilitated many insightful discussions and collaborations.
Earlier this month, the WSAA Wastewater Source Management Workshop held in Launceston, Tasmania, brought together professionals from the Australian and New Zealand water sector. The event facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing on critical wastewater source management issues, under themes such as current business frameworks, continuous improvement, emerging contaminants, and operational challenges.
Chaired by Caleb Furner from Sydney Water and co-chaired by Colin Hester from qldwater, the workshop saw active participation from steering group members including Lalji Bhalsod of Greater Western Water, Merle Smuts from Water Care (New Zealand), Michael Sinclair of North East Water, WSAA Network Coordinator Hadis Zare and 29 professionals representing 20 water utilities.
The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) is pleased to launch our Nature Positive Water paper, an online event that brought together over 120 participants. This launch marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts towards sustainable water management.