Home > About Us > What’s New> Independent review of United Water’s R&D program

What’s New

< back to What’s New

Independent review of United Water’s R&D program

09/09/2009

Following an agreement between United Water and SA Water, independent experts were recently engaged to conduct a joint review into the effectiveness and value of United Water’s R&D program.

The independent review found that United Water’s record in delivering against its R&D commitments under the contract with the South Australian Government and SA Water has been very positive, and confirms that United Water’s research team in Adelaide has contributed significantly to the development of South Australia as leader in water research and technology.

Key findings* of the review included:

• United Water’s operational research has contributed to improving efficiency and driving down the cost of operating Adelaide’s water system.
• United Water has collaborated effectively with SA Water, universities and other research organisations to deliver 213 research projects since 1996.
• United Water’s research efforts have provided solutions in the key areas of water quality, water reuse, networks performance and treatment efficiency.
• The knowledge gained from United Water’s R&D projects has resulted in better water quality in the Adelaide metropolitan area beyond what might have been possible if United Water had only focused on the operational commitments in the contract.

United Water’s Research and Development Manager, Dr Stephanie Rinck-Pfeiffer, said a combination of local and global expertise underpinned the success of the program.

"We have established a significant research presence in Adelaide, with our team representing one of the key international research nodes of our parent company, Veolia Water.

"Projects are coordinated here and shared through our international research network, ensuring United Water has access to the latest knowledge and technologies to provide the best solutions for the unique challenges we face in the local water industry."

BACKGROUND

Under the terms of its contract with SA Water, United Water established an R&D node in Adelaide that functions as the primary vehicle for any research undertaken in Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region by United Water and its parent company, Veolia Water.

The R&D node is comprised of a core United Water research facility, which includes a group of researchers, and project management, technology transfer, and communication facilities. The R&D work is undertaken at operational sites, pilot plants, universities and in partnership with other State or Federal research organisations.

For further details, please follow this link:

http://www.unitedwater.com.au/index.php?PID=15

*Source: United Water R&D Review, August 2009, by Greenice Pty Ltd : R&D and Sustainabilty Consultants