Making Water Smarter: How Hubgrade Empowers Australia

Making Water Smarter: How Hubgrade Empowers Australia

August 2025

Water is one of the most valuable resources in Australia, yet managing it has never been more challenging. The country is facing rapid population growth, fluctuating climate patterns, and rising industrial demand pressures that require smarter, more responsive solutions. This is where smarter water management through digital tools play a vital role in ensuring that water resources are used efficiently, sustainably, and equitably across urban, agricultural, and industrial needs.

Veolia’s Hubgrade Digital Solutions offer a way forward, combining cutting-edge digital technology with real-world expertise to improve efficiency, sustainability, and reliability across municipal and industrial water systems.

What Exactly Is Hubgrade?

Hubgrade is Veolia’s digital ecosystem, designed to connect data, people, and processes in a single, intelligent platform. It merges real-time monitoring, AI, and predictive analytics guided by Veolia’s global network of water specialists to deliver continuous improvements in water management performance.

Its footprint is impressive and globally recognised:

  • Over 640 connected sites worldwide.
  • More than 4,400 active users in 30 countries.
  • Support in 10 languages, with access to 450+ experts and data scientists.

For water management in Australia, this means access to proven global best practices, adapted to local regulatory frameworks and operational realities.

About the author
Role: Digital Transformation Manager APAC, Veolia Water Technologies

Experience: 15+ years of experience across the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Construction industries.

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Three Core Pillars: Connect, Support, Improve

Hubgrade delivers its value through three interlinked services that align with the needs of both urban utilities and regional industries:

Essential (Connect)

The entry point for digital transformation, a secure, 24/7 portal offering real-time data and customised dashboards. Operators can access event alarms, automated reports, their digital library, and maintenance overviews from anywhere, enabling quicker, evidence-based decisions.

Assist (Support)

Through the Hubgrade dashboard, Veolia’s experts are able to provide real-time monitoring assistance and operational advice. For regional municipals or large industrial facilities in Australia, this means expert guidance is available without the delay or expense of physical site visits.

Performance (Improve )

This is where AI and machine learning technology deliver measurable results in water management—reducing energy consumption, optimising chemical use, and ensuring compliance with stringent water quality standards. For instance, a wastewater treatment plant in New South Wales, Australia, could boost hydraulic capacity without the need for costly infrastructure expansion.

Proven Worldwide, Relevant Locally

Globally, Hubgrade has achieved:

  • Lithuania: CO₂ emissions reduced by 2,180 tonnes annually through wastewater plant optimisation.
  • Netherlands: €10 million saved by avoiding unnecessary infrastructure investments.
  • Italy: Average of  €1.2 million saved in operational costs per year. 

For Australia, our solutions may translate into:

  • More reliable water management for both cities and regional towns.
  • Reduced environmental impact through smarter operations.
  • Better allocation of public funds with long-term savings.

This is directly in line with water conservation strategies and solutions being prioritised nationwide, especially in regions where climate variability and water scarcity are pressing challenges.

Why Australia Is Ready for Hubgrade

Several factors make digital water solutions urgent for the country:

  • Stricter regulations on discharge limits and environmental performance.
  • Rising operational costs, particularly in energy and chemical consumption.
  • Droughts and extreme weather stressing existing water infrastructure.

Hubgrade addresses these issues by providing cost control, improved resilience, and measurable environmental outcomes. For utilities and industries in Australia, this isn’t just a technology upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in sustainability and operational stability.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Some operators may question whether smart water systems are realistic for Australia. Hubgrade helps overcome these concerns:

  • Cybersecurity: Built on strict frameworks such as NIST, ensuring protection of sensitive operational data.

  • Affordability: In addition to the soft benefits that Hubgrade offers, energy and chemical optimisation deliver long-term savings that can outweigh the initial upfront investment.

  • Reliability: Gain peace of mind with stable effluent quality and reliable operations, powered by predictive analytics and real-time optimisation with fallback features.

The Path Forward for Australia's Water Future

From metropolitan utilities to regional municipals and industries, Hubgrade provides the digital backbone needed for sustainable, cost-effective water management in Australia.

As the country stands at a critical turning point balancing growth, sustainability, and cost pressures—solutions like Hubgrade will enable a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive optimisation. With smarter digital water solutions in place, Australia’s water resources will be safeguarded for decades to come.

 

Discover how Veolia’s smart wastewater management solutions can help you reduce costs, improve efficiency, and secure a cleaner future today. 

 

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A digital solution that optimizes wastewater treatment plants for municipal and industrial applications.