Severe weather events, fueled by climate change, are placing unprecedented stress on water infrastructure worldwide. From floods and cyclones to prolonged droughts, these events disrupt water supply systems, jeopardise water quality, and can damage pipeline and associated assets. For water utilities and councils, acting swiftly and strategically to address these impacts is no longer optional—it is imperative.
This article delves into the critical steps needed to mitigate the effects of severe weather on water infrastructure, highlighting key strategies such as mobilising specialised teams, ensuring water quality, and investing in redundancy. Additionally, we examine a compelling case study from the Douglas Shire Council, where Detection Services successfully responded to the challenges posed by Cyclone Jasper.
The Urgency of Swift Action
Severe weather can cause widespread damage to water networks, including broken pipelines, contamination of water sources, and disruption of service. The ripple effects extend beyond infrastructure, threatening public health, economic stability, and community resilience. Engineers and asset planners must prioritise rapid responses and proactive measures to minimise long-term impacts.
Key Strategies for Mitigating Weather-Related Challenges
1. Mobilising Teams for Leak Detection and Pipeline Condition Assessment
Damage to pipelines, often exacerbated by shifting soil, water pressure surges, and flood debris, is a common consequence of severe weather. Immediate mobilisation of expert teams is critical. These teams can conduct:
- Acoustic Surveys: Advanced technologies pinpoint leaks with precision.
- Pipeline Condition Assessments: Insights from these assessments help prioritise repairs and reinforce vulnerable areas.
Detection Services exemplifies this approach. In 2024, after severe storms hit Bunbury in Western Australia and Port Douglas for the Douglas Shire Council in QLD, our teams were deployed to assess and prioritise repairs following extensive damage. This agility underscores the importance of pre-established emergency protocols and a skilled workforce.
2. Water Quality Assurance
Severe weather often leads to contamination or disinfection issues in water supplies due to flooding or infrastructure damage. Deploying real-time water quality monitoring systems ensures threats are detected immediately. Rapid response protocols, including temporary filtration systems and community advisories, safeguard public health.
3. Investing in Redundancy and Alternative Supply Options
Infrastructure redundancy – such as backup pipelines, reservoirs, and alternative water sources – is essential to maintaining service continuity during disruptions. By diversifying water sources, utilities can reduce reliance on single systems vulnerable to weather-induced failures.
Damage to pipelines, often exacerbated by shifting soil, water pressure surges, and flood debris, is a common consequence of severe weather. Immediate mobilisation of expert teams is critical.
Case Study: Douglas Shire Council’s Resilient Response
The aftermath of Cyclone Jasper in 2024 serves as a testament to the complexities of managing water infrastructure during severe weather events. Port Douglas faced widespread flooding, which compromised over 350 kilometers of pipelines and threatened water security.
The Challenge
The cyclone caused extensive leaks and system losses, putting immense pressure on the region’s water supply. With access to critical assets hindered by flooding, the council required swift action to stabilise the situation.
The Solution
Douglas Shire Council engaged Detection Services, a leader in leak detection and pipeline assessment. Within days, six experienced technicians and two water loss engineers from Australia and New Zealand were deployed. The team conducted acoustic surveys of 320 km of mains reticulation and 35 km of trunk mains, identifying 181 leaks with a combined estimated loss of 974.67 liters per minute—equivalent to over 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually.
Key measures included:
- Advanced Technology: Acoustic sensors and AI-driven analysis identified leaks with unparalleled accuracy.
- Dynamic Project Management: A NRW Project Manager analysed water consumption data to guide field operations and forecast savings.
- Collaborative Approach: Real-time data sharing enabled the council to act swiftly on leak reports.
Despite challenges like extreme weather and heat risks, the coordinated efforts minimized further losses and restored stability to the water network.
The Outcome
The swift response delivered measurable results:
- Significant reductions in water loss.
- Enhanced understanding of infrastructure vulnerabilities.
- Strengthened collaboration between Detection Services and the council.
This case study underscores the importance of preparation, expertise, and technology in mitigating the impacts of severe weather on water systems.
Lessons for Utilities and Councils
The Douglas Shire Council’s experience provides valuable insights for asset planners and engineers:
- Proactive Planning: Develop and maintain emergency response protocols to enable swift mobilisation.
- Invest in Technology: Real-time monitoring tools and AI-enhanced analysis improve accuracy and response times.
- Collaborate: Transparent communication between contractors and councils ensures timely action and maximised outcomes.
Building Resilience in a Changing Climate
As severe weather events become more frequent and intense, water utilities and councils must prioritise resilience. Detection Services’ rapid response to crises in Douglas Shire and Bunbury illustrates the power of expertise and technology in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Engineers and asset planners have a pivotal role to play in building future-proof systems. By investing in advanced solutions, mobilising expert teams, and fostering collaboration, they can ensure water infrastructure withstands the challenges of a changing climate—protecting communities and vital resources for generations to come.
