We use innovative solutions to refine water capture and use, along with the management of engineered systems and technologies. Our research combines cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches to improve water management, infrastructure sustainability, as well as building resilience to climate and environmental challenges.
Our research focus spans a range of areas including optimal design and operation of water infrastructure, porous earth technologies for aquifer assets, water supply catchment modelling and stormwater harvesting.
Emerging smart water technology is paving the way for more sustainable water management. In collaboration with Australian water utilities and other research institutions, we are developing tools that transform data into meaningful information which enables proactive asset management.
We collaborate with the plumbing industry to better understand the characteristics of water demand and the behaviour of plumbing systems. Our research focuses on optimising the design and operation of premise plumbing systems with consideration of the water-energy nexus.
We collaborate with the plumbing industry to better understand the characteristics of water demand and the behaviour of plumbing systems. Our research focuses on optimising the design and operation of premise plumbing systems with consideration of the water-energy nexus.
Implementing water sharing plans in a sustainable way requires the use of modelling tools for the assessment of key freshwater ecosystems, a task that is constantly evolving due to climate change. We make use of modelling approaches to explore a diverse range of potential scenarios and ensure the resilience of the environment.
Study a research degree or PhD to discover practical solutions for social, environmental and technological challenges, creating greener a sustainable future for all people.
Our innovation on water resources and asset management contributes to not only the sustainable development but also the very existence of our society.
Dr James Gong
Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering
Led by a team of experts from Deakin’s School of Engineering, our researchers are dedicated to finding new ways to improve water management across the nation.
Professor Wendy Timms is a professor at the Deakin School of Engineering. She has almost 30 years of professional experience in water and waste issues in both agriculture and mining. She has experience in consulting engineering, government, research and education as a hydrogeologist and environmental engineer.
Associate Professor Lloyd Chua is an associate professor the at Deakin’s School of Engineering. He has decades of experience in areas research including civil engineering, hydrology, physical geography, environmental geoscience and environmental engineering.
Associate Professor Nick Milne has 18 years of experience in water and wastewater management issues, with a particular focus towards desalination and the circular economy. He has run a number of applied projects at the lab and pilot scale for water utilities and industrial sites.
Dr James Gong is a senior lecturer of Water Engineering and the coordinator of the Infrastructure and Environment research theme at the School of Engineering. He is passionate about sustainable water asset management and specialised in smart water and wastewater network design and data analysis.
Dr Steven Sandi Rojas is a lecturer in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His main interest is the study of interactions between water and the environment. His research focuses on the development of eco-hydrologic and eco-geomorphic models to inform decision-making and assess water resources management plans.
We work across a diverse range of projects related to urban water management, infrastructure efficiency and sustainable water usage.
Recent monitoring in water distribution networks have shown that pressure perturbations are more dramatic than expected. This project aims to calm networks using smart sensors and identifying strategies to mitigate harmful pressure variations and improve system performance, yielding economic and environmental benefits for the water industry.
This project studies water usage patterns and the behaviour of premise plumbing systems in Australian buildings. Results found that the peak flow rates were significantly lower than those predicted by the Australian plumbing standard, highlighting the need for updated plumbing standards. The project aims to improve the design of premise plumbing systems by aligning pipe sizing and equipment selection with more accurately estimated water usage patterns.
We partner with industry and research organisations to drive innovative engineering solutions aimed at improving water management and infrastructure. We collaborate with water utilities organisations in Australia, research institutions and the plumbing industry and regulators, among other key groups.
We also have several funded projects with industry partners with a focus on projects ranging from leak detection and pipe condition assessment to groundwater management and water quality risk evaluation. Some of our partners include:
Get in touch for more info about our research, including working or studying with us.
