The Digital Fix Flowing Through Australia’s Water System

Barwon Water and Kallipr lead a national push for predictive sewer tech to stop spills before they start

30 Oct 2025

Australia’s water utilities are moving towards predictive monitoring as part of efforts to prevent sewer spills and improve environmental protection. Barwon Water has partnered with technology company Kallipr to test radar-based sensors that detect changes in sewer levels before blockages occur.

The pilot, launched in August 2025, is part of a broader push to modernise water management through real-time data and automation. Barwon Water said the system could help save about A$600,000 annually in spill clean-up costs while reducing pollution in local waterways.

“This is about being proactive, not reactive,” said David Snadden, General Manager for Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure at Barwon Water. “Better data means fewer spills and stronger environmental protection.”

For Kallipr, a Brisbane-based Internet of Things developer, the project showcases how local innovation can improve public infrastructure. “Australian technology is setting a new global standard for smarter, cleaner infrastructure,” said Gerhard Loots, the company’s chief executive. “By connecting innovation with purpose, we are reshaping how water utilities serve their communities.”

Australia’s water sector faces growing pressure from population growth, climate change and tightening environmental regulation. Utilities are looking to digital tools that provide continuous visibility and faster responses to system faults. Analysts expect more utilities to adopt integrated sensor networks and predictive analytics as part of future upgrades.

While challenges remain around data accuracy and system integration, industry observers view the Barwon-Kallipr collaboration as an early sign of change. The initiative points to a shift in how utilities manage ageing infrastructure and protect essential water resources.

The smart water revolution, once a distant goal, is beginning to take shape through projects that link technology, efficiency and sustainability.