Australian tech set to elevate water quality in remote areas, spur job growth

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(L-R) Charmaine Phillips, AMGC; Mandie Lammens, Eco Detection; Jefferson Harcourt, Eco Detection; Jens Goennemann, AMGC. Image supplied.

A consortium of innovative Australian companies is set to revolutionise water monitoring and filtration systems in a push to address the pressing issue of water quality in remote Australian communities.

Spearheaded by Think Water Darwin, in collaboration with Eco Detection and Terracorp Industries, this project aims to bring cutting-edge technology to the forefront of ensuring safe drinking water for residents of the Northern Territory (NT).

In a media release, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) revealed that the cornerstone of this initiative is an integrated monitoring and filtration system designed to continuously monitor bore water quality in real-time.

Leveraging advanced techniques such as “capillary zone electrophoresis,” the system promises to provide unparalleled insights into water quality, allowing for proactive intervention to maintain safe drinking standards.

The significance of this project extends beyond technological innovation as it aims to create skilled local jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

With support from the Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), administered by the AMGC, this project represents a strategic investment in the future of the NT.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler emphasised the importance of such initiatives in driving economic development and community well-being.

“The Territory Labor Government is attracting new innovative projects which get the Territory working and develop our communities – this is exactly what Think Water accomplishes,” she noted.

Adam Stockwell, managing director of Think Water Darwin, highlighted the fundamental importance of clean drinking water and expressed optimism about the project’s potential to improve the lives of thousands of Australians.

He stressed, “In partnership with Eco Detect and Terracorp, we aim to take the guess work out of water quality to improve the lives of thousands of Australians and potentially more abroad via an always on monitoring solution.”

Charmaine Phillips, Northern Territory director of AMGC, underscored the transformative impact of automation in water quality testing, emphasising the benefits of proactive monitoring in remote communities.

She highlighted the role of this project in not only ensuring safe drinking water but also in creating high-skilled manufacturing jobs in the NT.

Meanwhile, Jefferson Harcourt, founder and CEO of Eco Detection, expressed excitement about the project’s potential to make a tangible difference in remote communities.

He remarked, “We will test every last drop and make this data available to the local community and the Department of Health. It’s an enormous issue – there are over 400 remote communities across the nation that don’t have access to safe drinking water right now.”