Our Water Connection

This episode of Our Water Connection features a powerful conversation with Professor Phil Duncan about what true partnership with First Nations communities in water management can look like. Together, we explore why traditional engagement approaches often fall short, how cultural science and Western science can work side by side, and what it takes to move from consultation to genuine co-design. Ph...

This special episode of Our Water Connection is part of Podcasthon , a global movement where podcasters spotlight organisations working to make the world better. To mark the occasion, we’re exploring the work of Engineers Without Borders Australia , an organisation that shows engineering is not just about technical solutions, but about people, partnerships, and long-term impact. We are joined by J...

What’s keeping the water industry up at night? And how can young professionals help bring water into focus this National Water Week? In this Season Two Finale, we bring together three generations of AWA Young Water Professionals of the Year: Chelsea Hayward (2023), Sam Skinner (2024), and Jess Bohorquez (2025) our host, for a special conversation on the challenges, opportunities, and impact of YWP...

What keeps the water industry up at night?  How can young water professionals shape the future of our sector?  And how do we make sure everyone (not just those of us in the industry) truly values water? Tune in NEXT WEEK for the Season Two Finale Episode with: ✨ Chelsea Hayward (2023 YWP of the Year), process engineer at Jacobs and global volunteer currently based in Cambodia. ✨ Sam Skinner (202...

What does real innovation look like in the water sector, and what’s holding it back? In this special 40th episode of Our Water Connection , we celebrate a unique milestone with a cross-podcast connection! Our host, Jess Bohorquez, was recently invited to be the guest on Episode 40 of Executive Exchange , an Isle Utilities podcast and to mark the occasion, we have invited their host, Dr. Piers Clar...

How do we protect our drinking water from one of the smallest but most stubborn threats? In this episode of Our Water Connection, Dr Yulia Shutova shares her expertise on Cryptosporidium — a microscopic parasite that has challenged water utilities worldwide. With her background in water treatment and advanced monitoring, Yulia unpacks how the industry tackles this pathogen and keeps our water safe...

Can we redesign the way cities use water, not just to save it, but to reuse it, regenerate it, and make our communities more liveable? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we explore how Integrated Water Management (IWM) is changing the way we plan and build our cities. We speak with Celeste Morgan, Arup’s IWM Lead for Australasia and 2025 Australian Water Professional of the Year, about what...

How does wastewater become a resource for farms, parks, and industry? And who makes it happen? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we shine a spotlight on water operators, the unsung heroes who, in this case, turn wastewater into a valuable resource for parks, farms, and industries. We are joined by Ben Evans, Lead Operator at South East Water and 2025 WIOA Victorian Operator of the Year. Wi...

What is really happening with South Australia’s coastal algal bloom, and why does it matter? Since March 2025, a toxic bloom of Karenia mikimotoi has spread along over 150 km of South Australia’s coastline, killing hundreds of species and upending local fisheries, tourism, and marine ecosystems.  In this episode, ecologist Faith Coleman helps us understand how this bloom came to be: its causes, it...

What does it mean to build a career that crosses countries, communities, and causes all related to water? In this special episode of Our Water Connection , we sit down with Daniel Lambert AM, a leading voice in water innovation, sustainability, and inclusive partnerships. Dan shares how a career in water has taken him to work on projects in over 25 countries, from utilities to humanitarian efforts...

What does the Productivity Commission have to do with water and why does it matter for our future? In this episode of Our Water Connection, we sit down with Commissioner Joanne (Jo) Chong to unpack the Productivity Commission's role in shaping Australia’s water policy. From the economics behind water pricing to the future of national reform, we explore how productivity thinking can support a...

Can artificial intelligence really help us solve pressing water challenges like scarcity, climate extremes, and operational inefficiencies? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we are joined by Zdravka Doquang , Global Innovation Officer at SUEZ. We explore how AI is reshaping the future of water operations. With over 30 years of experience across research, innovation, and technical support,...

How can empowered communities shape the future of water management, and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we explore the vital role of communities in building climate-resilient, sustainable water systems. We are joined by Professor Briony Rogers, CEO of Fire to Flourish and Director of MSDI Water at Monash University, to unpack how genuine community engag...

How is Aotearoa New Zealand transforming its water sector—and what can we learn from it? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we dive into the ambitious water reforms happening in New Zealand. We are joined by Gillian Blythe, Chief Executive of Water New Zealand, to unpack how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater are managed, what’s driving reform, and how Māori water rights are being i...

How can water help cool cities, fight climate change, and improve urban livability? In this episode of Our Water Connection , water expert Greg Ingleton from Sydney Water explores the powerful role of water in urban climate resilience. Learn how smart water management, recycled water systems, and green infrastructure can reduce urban heat, improve community health, and create more livable, sustain...

¿Qué pasa cuando una ciudad rodeada de montañas, alimentada por ríos y conocida por sus lluvias comienza a quedarse sin agua? En este episodio de Our Water Connection, centramos la conversación en Colombia (mi país natal) para explorar los desafíos actuales que enfrenta Bogotá en torno al agua. Me acompaña el Profesor Juan Saldarriaga, un referente en sistemas hidráulicos urbanos con más de 25 año...

What happens when a city surrounded by mountains, fed by rivers, and known for rain suddenly starts running out of water? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we turn our focus to Colombia - my home country - to explore Bogotá’s current water challenges. Joining me is Professor Juan Saldarriaga, a leading expert in urban hydraulic systems with over 25 years of experience in water distribution...

Can We Ever Make Water 100% Safe? In this episode of Our Water Connection, we dive into the world of water risk with The Water Risk Doctor herself, Dr. Annette Davison. With over 35 years of expertise in water safety, governance, and risk management, Annette shares invaluable insights on how we recognize, assess, and communicate water-related risks.  From understanding what risk really means to ta...

What if the key to transforming lives was as simple as access to clean water? In this special edition of Our Water Connection, we join the global Podcasthon initiative - uniting thousands of podcasters to raise awareness for important causes. And what better organization to spotlight than WaterAid Australia , a leader in providing sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions across...

What does Net Zero really mean for the water sector, and how can we get there? In this episode, we dive into the journey toward Net Zero with Kate Smith, a leading decarbonization and climate resilience expert from Aurecon. We break down Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, explore the biggest challenges water utilities face, and highlight innovative technologies making a difference. Whether you're a...

How do we design cities that work in harmony with water, rather than against it? In this episode of Our Water Connection , we explore Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with Mellissa Bradley, Senior Asset Planner at SA Water and the Program Director of Water Sensitive SA.  With over 30 years of experience in stormwater and wastewater reuse, Mellissa is at the forefront of developing integrated wa...

How does Australia contribute to solving water challenges beyond its borders? In this episode of Our Water Connection, we sit down with Michael Wilson, CEO of eWater Group, to explore Australia’s role in global water security.  With over 25 years of experience in international development, water resource management, and governance, Michael shares how Australian expertise is shaping water access, e...

What Can We Learn From Remote Communities About Water Resilience? Welcome to the Season Two premiere of Our Water Connection! We’re kicking off 2025 with an inspiring conversation featuring Catherine Vero, the inaugural recipient of the AWA Chris Davis AM Fellowship. With over 25 years of experience in the water industry, Catherine has dedicated her career to addressing the unique challenges of de...

What does working in the water industry look like? Welcome to Season One Finale released on 2024 National Water Week. This week is all about encouraging individuals, communities, schools and organisations to be inspired to promote the importance of water. In today’s episode, we’re shifting gears a bit. Instead of diving deep into a specific topic, we’ll focus on the people behind the water sector—...

How do we educate the community on the value of water? Listen to our conversation with Chris Philpot, CEO of the Water Conservancy, the ‘not for profit’ advisory hub for education, facilitation and adoption of a more efficient approach to water use in Australia. We talk all things water literacy, research, amazing campaigns and the future of communication with the community. 👉🏽 Sign up for Water...