Goal 6:
Clean Water and Sanitation
Preventing Water System Pollution
The University has robust processes in place to prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including measures to address pollution caused by accidents and incidents. All waste management practices are aligned with the University's Environmental Sustainability Policy and comply with the NSW Environment Protection Authority regulations.
Key safeguards include:
- On-site sewage tanks are equipped with fault and high-level alarms to alert staff before any potential overflow, helping to prevent environmental contamination.
- Spill response protocols are in place: University cleaning and grounds contractors have access to spill kits via Security Services. In the event of a spill, Hazmat services are engaged promptly to contain and mitigate environmental impacts.
- Laboratory safety is governed by strict health and safety requirements. The Chemical Management Procedure outlines the use of spill kits, and the PC2 Laboratory Safety Manual provides detailed guidance on managing chemical spills effectively.
As part of the University's 2024 environmental focus, there has been an increased emphasis on proactive risk management and pollution prevention. This includes enhanced staff training, updated spill response procedures, and improved monitoring systems to ensure rapid detection and response to any incidents that could impact water quality.
Water management research and education
The University of Newcastle Water Research Roadmap was created in consultation with industry and government stakeholders to guide research into water management for regional communities.
The University has also set up Research Groups and Centres that foster industry and community engagement to increase education, and support environmentally sustainable outcomes for water management. These include:
- The Centre for Water, Climate and Land
- The Water Resources Engineering Research Group
- The Centre for Water Security and Environmental Sustainability
- The Environmental Water Science Research Group
These Research Groups and Centres investigate water quality impacts on drinking water catchments, new domestic rainwater harvesting systems, grey-water re-use, urban storm-water runoff control, and constructed wetlands for waste-water treatment. The University also offers Advanced water science and resource management on modern management of water supply resources.
The University offers undergraduate training, PhD Masters supervision, professional development, evidence-based knowledge, enabling technologies and management tools to optimise water resources for environmental, social and economic benefit. The University also conducts research that has significant implications for water security.
University research collaboration initiatives
Drones to predict where water pipes are at risk of bursting
With leaking and burst water pipes costing water authorities and consumers time and money, as well as wasting a precious resource, researchers at the University of Newcastle are developing drone technology to help predict which areas, and even which specific pipes, are at risk of water loss.
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University of Newcastle announces the best “hack” for water security
The New Futures Hackathon for Water Security saw seven teams learn from water security experts from Hunter Water, City of Newcastle, Hunter H2O, and the University of Newcastle before embarking on a 10 hour “hack” to evolve their ideas into a viable, technological solution.
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Antarctic ice cores reveal Australian drought risk worse than thought
Antarctic ice core records have shown that eastern Australia’s drought risk is greater than thought.
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Hydro Harvester is making a splash to solve global water shortage
In what could be a game-changer for solving the world’s water shortage problem, an atmospheric water generator (AWG) developed at the University of Newcastle is one step closer to commercialisation.
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International recognition for University’s green initiatives
The University of Newcastle has been awarded three of the eight 2020 Australasian ‘Green Gown Awards’ in the categories of Climate Action, Benefiting Society and Student Engagement.
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University of Newcastle joins HEAL network to tackle health impacts of climate change
Australians will be better protected against the health impacts of climate change, thanks to the Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) network, with partners from across Australia, including the University of Newcastle, and $10 million in Federal Government funding.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.