The Australian Water Association (AWA) has announced the postponement of its annual conference and exhibition, Ozwater’20, originally scheduled for May 5 to 7 in Adelaide. 

AWA is considering a range of alternative strategies for Ozwater’20 – due to be themed around ‘Thirst for Action’– including the potential for a virtual event featuring videos, webinars and podcasts.

State-based water utilities around the country are also responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

TasWater CEO Michael Brewster released a statement on March 18 assuring the community that “there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted by treated water or through the sewerage system.”

TasWater temporarily closed its three shopfronts on March 19, however, Brewster said essential works would continue. Maintenance programs, including a mains renewal scheme, would take priority during this period to ensure customers have access to reliable water and sewerage services.

TasWater also committed to several measures to support the community during the crisis, including a 100 per cent rebate for small business customers on bills sent out between April 1 and June 30, and a 12-month price freeze for TasWater customers from 1 July 2020.

In Queensland, Seqwater has restricted access to its sites and offices to essential workers only. The remainder of its workforce is working remotely. The utility also contacted suppliers to flag strict hygiene practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

SA Water General Manager of Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson told Australian Water Association’s Water Source that SA Water was working with the state government to ensure continuity of services and protect the health of staff and customers. 

According to social distancing guidelines, SA Water closed its Adelaide service centre in March and employees are working remotely where possible. Limited contact between crews working in the field has been introduced to minimise the potential impact on the SA Water workforce if one team member contracts the virus, requiring contacts to self-isolate for 14 days. 

“It is an evolving situation for everybody at the moment,” Jackson told AWA’s Water Source. “Obviously we’re not the only ones who are trying to work through this; everyone, not just nationally but on a global scale, is trying to grapple with how to maintain field and action services in these circumstances.”