Our Water Connection

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 more sustainable, secure, and efficient water sector.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How an economic and policy advisory body influences major water decisions
• What “productivity” actually means when it comes to managing water
• Why pricing and cost recovery matter more than you might think
• The story (and future) of the National Water Initiative

Discover how policy shapes the water we all depend on and why it deserves a place in the national conversation.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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, Zdravka brings deep insight into the evolving role of technology in the water sector.

Together, they dive into questions like:

💧 How are water systems typically operated today?

🤖 Is AI replacing human operators or making their work smarter?

🌍 What role does AI play in climate adaptation and resource resilience?

From practical examples to big-picture thinking, this conversation unpacks the promises, challenges, and exciting developments at the intersection of AI and water.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 engagement, systems thinking, and Indigenous knowledge can drive real transformation.

Tune in to discover how shifting power to the people could be the key to solving our biggest water challenges.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung Country.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 integrated into governance.

Tune in to learn how New Zealand is reshaping its water future and what lessons it might offer the rest of the world.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country, and we acknowledge the mana whenua in NZ.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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, sustainable cities.

• We dive into Australia’s groundbreaking Aerotropolis project
• Simple ways to use water for cooling at home
• Design tips for creating climate-adapted spaces.

Whether you are interested in urban planning, sustainable living, climate change solutions, or integrated water cycle management, this episode offers valuable insights and practical ideas.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country and the land of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

¿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 años de experiencia en distribución de agua y drenaje urbano.

Hablamos sobre:

• Los factores detrás de la crisis de agua en Bogotá
• Los impactos en la población y la industria
• El papel del cambio climático frente a la infraestructura y la gobernanza
• Estrategias para mejorar la resiliencia frente a futuras sequías

Este episodio fue grabado en Kaurna Country y en el territorio de los pueblos indígenas de Colombia.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 and urban drainage.

We discuss:

• The factors behind Bogotá’s water crisis
• The impacts on residents and industries
• The role of climate change vs. infrastructure and governance
• Strategies to improve resilience in future droughts

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country and the land of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 tackling uncertainty and responsibility in water management, this episode explores the critical decisions that shape our water future.

Key topics include:

💧 Defining water risk and why it matters

🌍 Who is responsible for managing water safety

⚖️ Balancing uncertainty in risk communication

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country and Guringai Country.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 the Asia-Pacific region?

Our guest, Tom Muller, Chief Executive of WaterAid Australia, shares the inspiring story behind WaterAid’s mission, the life-changing impact of clean water, and the challenges and innovations shaping the future of WASH initiatives. We also explore powerful, community-driven solutions that are making a real difference.

💧 Want to support WaterAid’s mission? Donate today at www.wateraid.org/au/donate.

This episode is recorded in Kaurna Country and Wurundjeri and Bunurong country of the Kulin Nation.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva

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 water professional or just curious about sustainability, this episode will give you valuable insights into the future of a low-carbon water sector. Tune in and join the conversation!

This episode was recorded in Kaurna Country and Yirriganydji Country.

Send us a message!

🎧 Tune in now and stay curious about water! 🌊

#OurWaterConnection #WaterCuriosity #WaterManagement #KnowledgeSharing #WaterProfessionals #WaterLiteracy

Follow us:
👉 LinkedIn
👉 YouTube

Intro/Outro music credit to Leva