When to Act: A Practical Decision-Support Framework for Regional Water Restrictions
| Wednesday, September 9, 2026 |
| 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM |
| McBerns Papers Room - Newcastle Racecourse |
Overview
Atom Consulting - Charlotte Boyd, Chemical Engineer
Details
Running out of water is an immediate risk for many regional communities, and metropolitan restriction models do not always translate to remote systems. This session presents Parkes Shire Council’s B-Section case study, covering a long, partly inaccessible network supplying six towns across three utilities. By combining hydraulic modelling with operators’ local knowledge, the project established practical restriction triggers based on demand, reservoir alarms, pump run times, forecasts, local activity, resourcing and neighbouring utilities. Applied during summer 2025–2026, the framework helped manage peak demand and maintain supply. Attendees will learn how grounded collaboration can strengthen regional water resilience and operational preparedness.
Speaker
Charlotte Boyd
Chemical Engineer
Atom Consulting
When to Act: A Practical Decision-Support Framework for Regional Water Restrictions
3:50 PM - 4:10 PMBiography
Charlotte’s career began at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant, where she gained firsthand experience of the challenges facing regional water utilities. Now a Water Engineer at Atom Consulting, she works closely with utilities across regional Australia, providing strategic and operational support for water supply and sewerage services. Charlotte focuses on delivering practical, resilient solutions tailored to the unique needs of local communities.
