20 Years of Navigating the Water Industry as a Water Engineer

For nearly 20 years, I’ve been working as a water engineer with a focus on water and wastewater, in the wider Sydney Basin.

Looking back, I did not have much of an understanding of water and wastewater when I first started out. I came from a surveying background in northern Victoria. Water engineering in the time of the millennium drought saw my work focused on water supply, irrigation and keeping farming alive.

Coming to Sydney, the first job that I found was in the water and wastewater space. Luckily, I had some experience from amazing mentors, both from the companies I worked for as well as from Sydney Water throughout my career. I set about soaking up as much knowledge as I could, which has led me to be in the senior position I am in today.

I can understand, the water and wastewater engineering section of development is not the sexy part of engineering! We don’t build amazing visible structures, but we do supply water resource engineering solutions to make the amazing structures work.

As an underrated part of civil engineering, I forgive you if you don’t know exactly what it is that we do. Water engineering specifically focuses on water-based projects which may include water supply, drainage, water treatment, wastewater, or infrastructure development. We have competency in conventional engineering and construction methods and have knowledge of the water industry and environmental issues.

Fast forward to today

In November 2022 I attended the UDIA NSW Conference, and despite all my experience, I was still surprised to hear how development potential is being held back due to servicing issues with utilities and transport. Not to mention that water and wastewater servicing was on top of the list.

I would have to say that not due to lack of trying. Throughout my time there have been numerous attempts to increase communication between developers and authorities, and some big steps forward have been made.

These include:

·     Changes made in various processes, guidelines and standards that govern the interaction of the developer, Water Servicing Coordinator (WSC) and Sydney Water.

·     Abolishment of the DSP charges (which will likely be reinstated).

·     Extraordinary infrastructure grow thin the Sydney Basin.

·     Introduction of the Leak Tight Sewer System.

·     Water restrictions that focus on drought proofing the city.

·     Procurement guidelines and engineering competencies.

My experience with Sydney Water has been a good one, I have found them to be approachable and easy to communicate with. In addition, they have made a lot of positive changes to their delivery. I find the Sydney Water representatives are willing to help solve issues, however, the big beast that Sydney Water is, means that it takes time. As a WSC or water engineering designer you are often between a rock and a hard place as the development process is being negotiated.

Let’s not forget, there are also extraordinary challenges around at the moment, be it social, environmental, political or financial. Not to mention the pandemic and subsequent staff shortages! With all of this to consider, today's projects require the expertise of astute and innovative water engineers to overcome the growing challenges.

So, the question that remains is, how can we address some of the inefficiencies in the system?

Expanding the role of water engineers in projects

In the first instance, it would be a good idea to expand the water engineering design and WSC role for certain projects, like the process Hunter Water is undertaking. The design engineer should be able to certify basic designs providing that strict competency guidelines and verification are applied. The same should apply to the site works.

The introduction of engineering competencies is a positive step in that direction. I am an advocate of giving the engineer engaged by the developer more responsibility – again, providing that the competencies are met. This means Industry needs to be accepting of the additional responsibility and work with Sydney Water to expand the scope of the designer and WSC. I expect this will be a medium to long term change in the system.

Of course, there are already successful partnerships between Sydney Water and engineering companies for the delivery of some major infrastructure works, especially within the growth areas.

So, from a developer perspective, what is the advice that I can provide given my experience gained from working in the Sydney basin with Sydney Water? Admittedly, most of it is not rocket science but more common sense...

Improved communication at the planning stages

We hear about improving communication all the time, my point is aimed at the planning stages of a development.

Seeking feedback takes time, this time needs to be allocated to collect information on the development and set realistic time frames on proposed registration and occupation. Accurate and timely information is paramount for Sydney Water to make decisions, especially if the development is in areas with existing supply constraints.

It does not matter what stage the project is at, if time frames change in any way that should be communicated by the developer. Sydney Water has made positive changes by having accessible account managers, conducting community consultation (for example, Austral),and giving separate developer updates on the overall development status.

If in doubt, contact Sydney Water via your WSC or directly. Information flow is essential in both directions. A recent example is the change in technical requirements regarding sewer maintenance structures. While it was communicated to WSC’s, developers, the contractors and suppliers were surprised by it.

Respect the Building Plan Approvals (BPA) process and time frames

Again, collecting information is the key to establishing early on, if the stamping of plans can be done by the WSC or if the plans must go through Sydney Water.

This step is often thought of as a background process of BPA but keeping it front of mind can lead to faster approvals. I can categorically say, putting the effort in at the start will achieve a better outcome.

As a guide, Sydney Water will need to review the project if

·     any pressurised mains or any large mains over 300mm are affected,

·     there are exceptional circumstances (sewer main through basement).

This process currently takes a minimum review time of 3 to 4 months. As a developer this review time needs to be factored in as these approvals are often holding up a project. This is especially important for infrastructure works, such as road upgrades.

It is imperative to follow Sydney Water requirements in preparing the respective engineering reports, from a presentation and content point of view, to reduce review time.

The importance of geotechnical information

I remember the university days where it was explained that geo-tech is everything. At the time we all rolled our eyes, but for design and BPA works sufficient geotechnical information and clear, concise reporting are important.

Pre-existing geotechnical information should not be relied on for any works involving either existing Sydney Water assets or proposed major Sydney Water assets. Anyone doing development in mine subsidence areas will know that for any asset, separate geotechnical information needs to be provided.

One of the key issues I have come across for geotechnical investigation is that sampling, testing, and reporting needs to be done by a sufficiently qualified person, as per the Sydney Water Engineering Competency Standard. Any reporting must clearly show the author and verifier along with their experience/expertise.

The right team with the right competencies

As a developer make sure you have engaged consultants with sufficient engineering competencies. The core competencies cover civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, instrumentation and control, building services, treatment process and stormwater / WSUD engineering.

The WSC can help with the details, but it is still important to engage the right team with the right competencies from the start. I have had jobs delayed by months due to team competencies not being acceptable to Sydney Water.

Also, make sure to be clear if Independent Verification is required, this adds time and cost to a project, again the WSC can advise on this.

Ensure you have a realistic understanding upfront regarding time frames for all aspects of the water and wastewater works. “Why is this taking so long?” is one of the most frequent questions from developers.

There is a process that needs to be followed, and a good understanding of that process from the beginning will save a lot of disappointment and stress throughout the project.

Innovative water resource engineering solutions

The fact that the ‘engineering’ aspect is at the end is telling, we as engineers / WSC are here to provide an overall service and the actual engineering is only a part of it. Innovative solutions are encouraged in design and delivery.

The main point to note is that it needs to be shown to the approving authority that all risks in design, construction and operation/maintenance of the asset have been reviewed and evaluated. This is where communication comes into the fray again, it is important to work together. Make a proposal supporting it with clear and concise information and then discuss it.

Sydney Water have made that communication process easier with the introduction of the DFS (Deviation From Standard) form. Any valid proposal will be reviewed, but it must be well documented and supported – a first principle approach (welcome back uni days) helps put a clear case together.

I hope this gives you an idea of my background and how I approach the WSC role, hopefully packaged in a not too boring way. If anyone wants me to delve further into a particular topic I have covered, let me know. I am always happy to share my thoughts!

If you need any assistance with your project, or if you have any technical questions, we have a knowledgeable and experienced team hereat Orion.

If you want to have a chat, you can contact me at: f.jaehne@theoriongroup.au or 0498 493 479

‍