Goal 6:
Clean Water and Sanitation
Promoting Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community
In 2024, the University of Newcastle actively promoted conscious water usage on campus, including through innovative research projects like the Hydro Harvester. We continue our collaborations into 2025 and beyond.
Developed by the Centre for Innovative Energy Technologies (CINET), the Hydro Harvester addresses drinking water shortages in drought-affected communities by producing potable water from atmospheric moisture.
To further engage the community, CINET created an interactive map showcasing historical rainfall and humidity data (2000–2021), along with simulations of water production, energy consumption, and electricity costs at 526 locations across Australia. This tool not only supports research but also encourages informed water usage decisions.
The Hydro Harvester initiative complements the University’s on-campus efforts, including water re-use systems, smart irrigation, and real-time water monitoring, reinforcing a culture of water consciousness across research, infrastructure, and education.
Curious to see how the Hydro Harvester could perform in a location near you? The research team has developed an interactive map that allows you to visualise historical rainfall and humidity data from 2000-2021. Additionally, you can explore the potential water production, energy consumption, and electricity cost of the Hydro Harvester at 526 locations around Australia.
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.