How Hubgrade Wastewater Plant Performance can Enhance Municipal Water Service Delivery to Communities in Australia

Building Climate Resilience

For Australian municipalities, climate variability is one of the clearest challenges. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm sewer and stormwater systems, causing overflows and environmental damage. Traditional fixes like larger tanks or new facilities are expensive and time-consuming.

By contrast, HWP enables predictive modelling and real-time optimisation. In Denmark’s Frederiksberg municipality, for instance, a digitally controlled stormwater tunnel with 3,800 m³ of storage handles one-in-ten-year rain events, reducing local flood risk while protecting the community. This is a strong example of how to improve water management without the heavy capital burden.

Safeguarding Public Spaces

Australians place immense value on safe, accessible public spaces — from beaches to rivers and local pools. Yet heavy rainfall and sewer overflows can compromise water quality, affecting both public health and the reputation of local authorities.

HWP enables municipalities to optimise operations using real-time data and artificial intelligence, helping to reduce overflows and support environmental compliance. Copenhagen provides a strong example: through smart basin infrastructure combined with digital optimisation tools, its once-polluted harbour has been transformed into swimmable waters. For Australian municipalities, similar outcomes are within reach by pairing robust engineering solutions with AI-driven smart water management systems that protect recreational areas and community wellbeing.

Extending the Life of Ageing Assets

With HWP’s predictive analytics and optimisation capabilities, operators can do more with less. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, municipalities can act before failures occur, which could reduce repair costs, prevent service interruptions, and extend infrastructure lifespans. This proactive approach shifts asset management from costly replacements to smart preservation, powered by digital solutions.

Meeting Sustainability and Cost Goals

Sustainability is no longer optional, it is central to municipal water management. Municipalities are under pressure to reduce emissions, energy use, and conserve resources, all while staying within budget.

HWP helps align these goals. By continuously optimising processes, it reduces chemical and energy consumption. European utilities have already reported double-digit energy savings during storm events through digital optimisation. For Australian municipalities, the opportunity is clear: embrace digital solutions to unlock both environmental and financial benefits.

Lessons from Belmont

A strong local example can be found at the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Plant in New South Wales. Facing the need to handle higher flows, the plant could have pursued a traditional expansion. Instead, digital optimisation was introduced.

The results were significant.Hydraulic capacity increased, overall energy use dropped by 18%, and compliance was strengthened—all without major capital investment. Most importantly, the municipal avoided around AUD 8 million in new infrastructure costs. This case highlights how embracing digital solutions allow municipalities to modernise smarter, while delivering financial and environmental gains.

Looking Ahead

The demands on Australian municipalities will only intensify with climate change, population growth, and rising community expectations. Yet with tools like HWP, municipalities can transition from reactive, infrastructure-heavy approaches to smart, data-driven operations.

Ultimately, it’s not just about wastewater plants, it’s about healthier communities, safer public spaces, and a more sustainable future.

Stay ahead of the curve: explore Hubgrade Wastewater Plant Performance and discover how digital intelligence can help your municipality build resilience while cutting costs.