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Optimism and Innovation: A Game-Changing Water Treatment Breakthrough
A Commentary by Victor Perton
In June 2023, Water Corporation commissioned the world’s first benign full-scale Continuous Electrochlorination (CEC) aesthetics removal water treatment plant in Horrocks, Western Australia. This groundbreaking project is transforming remote water treatment by eliminating hazardous chemicals and delivering cleaner, safer drinking water.
The innovation has been globally recognised, winning the Most Innovative Utility in Water Management Award at the International Desalination and Reuse Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi. It also received two Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Awards and the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) at the 2023 Australian Water Awards – WA Branch.
A Collaborative, Optimistic and Joyful Achievement
The success of the CEC technology is the result of nearly a decade of research and collaboration between industry and academia. Led by Water Corporation’s Principal Water Treatment Engineer, Luke Zappia, the project brought together scientists, engineers, and operators from Curtin University (WA), Poitiers University (France), and Tübingen University (Germany). Key contributions also came from Hydro-dis and Water Corporation’s Mid-West Region operations team, who helped develop and implement the technology in real-world conditions.
Luke is an optimist and proud of the technology. He told me, "I'm optimistic about the application of electrochemical technologies in regional settings/contexts. Australia is leading the way developing electrochemical treatments for aesthetics (including arsenic and uranium) oxidation, disinfection, NO3-denitrification."
"The team’s perseverance was incredible. We worked late nights, had round-table discussions and eventually had those lightbulb moments that solved the problems. I’ll never forget the joy of those breakthrough moments. It was an incredible effort,” Luke Zappia said.
How the Technology Works
Traditional water treatment relies on chlorine gas or liquid hypochlorite, which poses safety risks and logistical challenges. The CEC system uses an electrochemical process to generate disinfectant from naturally occurring chloride ions in water. This removes iron, manganese, and dissolved salts without chemical additives, making it safer and more efficient.
Why is This Innovation Significant?
- Safer Operations: Eliminates hazardous chemicals, improving worker and community safety.
- Better Water Quality: Removing iron and manganese enhances taste, clarity, and odour.
- Lower Costs & Maintenance: Reduces operational costs by up to 60% with self-cleaning technology.
- Ideal for Remote Areas: It runs on solar power and battery systems and is perfect for off-grid communities.
- Environmentally Friendly: Cuts chemical transport and waste, reducing the carbon footprint.
A New Standard for Water Treatment
The Horrocks CEC project demonstrates that optimism drives innovation. This project has pioneered a safer, more efficient, and scalable solution by rethinking traditional methods. The next challenge is to expand this breakthrough globally, bringing sustainable water treatment to more communities worldwide.
Further Reading and Press Releases
- Australian Water Association (AWA): “Game-Changing Water Treatment Innovation Tackles Remote Challenges” (Read Here)
- Water Corporation Announcement: “Celebrating the World’s First Benign Full-Scale CEC Aesthetics Removal Water Treatment Plant” (Read Here)
- Create Digital Article: “The Many Benefits of Continuous Electrochlorination for Water Treatment” (Read Here)
Questions to Consider
- How can the CEC technology be scaled to other regions, particularly those facing water scarcity?
- What role does optimism play in fostering collaboration between scientists, engineers, and industry leaders?
- How can innovative water treatment solutions contribute to global sustainability and climate resilience?
- What are the biggest barriers to adopting this technology worldwide, and how can they be overcome?
This project exemplifies how optimistic leadership and collaborative innovation can lead to transformative solutions in essential services like water management. The future of water treatment is here—and it’s powered by optimism and cutting-edge technology.
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