Issuu

December 2023 Issue 8

M A G A Z I N E

Addressing Water Scarcity & Ensuring Sustainability Commitment from Anglian Water

Matthew Hughes

Thirsty Wallets

Social Water Tariffs

Reducing Utility Costs

a g r ic u ltu re circ u la r e con omy e n e rgy he alth a n d s c ie n ce te chnolog y a n d in n ova tion tra n s por t wat e r a n d oce a n

St ay I nform ed . B e E mp owered

climat e globa l news.com

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

Publisher’s note s Christmas approaches and another year comes to an end, the team at H2O Global News is turning its attention to the cost of living, particularly during this festive season when families around the world feel the financial strain even more.

Publisher and Co-Founder Abby Davey abby@h2oglobalnews.com

So, what can you expect to see in our final edition of the year? We explore ways in which utilities, governments, and companies worldwide can contribute to people’s savings. Ultimately, we examine the lessons learned (or not) and how utilities can generate savings that will benefit individuals.

Editorial Team Darby Bonner darby@h2oglobalnews.com

Our front cover proudly displays one of the UK’s leading water utilities; Anglian Water’s very own Matthew Hughes. Matthew shares the key strategies they are executing to help their customers enormously reduce their expenses, which can be found on page 10.. We also have had the opporutnity to have an exclusive interview with George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne and Redruth, as he discusses the crucial issues surrounding water management. From social tariffs to reducing nutrient runoff, Eustice shares his insightful views on the sustainable future of water resources. See the full interview on page 18. Our incredible editorial team, Darby, Martyn and Natasha, all take a close and personal approch to this editions features, these can be found from page 4-9. The magazine is rounded off with technology and expert insights from people all over the globe. I want to take this opporutnity to thank everyone that has contributed to our magazine this year and we look forward to working with you in 2024! From all of us at H2O Global News, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous & healthy New Year.

Abby Davey Publisher and Co-Founder

Creative Director and Co-Founder Louise Davey louise@h2oglobalnews.com

Martyn Shuttleworth martyn@h2oglobalnews.com Natasha Posnett natasha@h2oglobalnews.com Advertising +44 (0)7817 105 258 marketing@h2oglobalnews.com

FOLLOW H2O ON @h2oglobalnews

H2O Global News delivers news from around the world covering the Drinking/ Potable Water, Hydropower and Wastewater industries incorporating technology, companies, legislation, the environment and case studies. The H2O Global News Magazine is published four times a year (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) by Blue Manta Media Limited, Buckinghamshire, England, UK. H2O Global News t/a Blue Manta Media Limited has used utmost care to ensure and maintain the accuracy, completeness and currency of information published on this site. We, however, take no responsibility for any errors or omission, though if notified of any we will endeavour to rectify such. CGN is an innovative platform that bridges the gap between industry, research and policy in a modern climate conversation. We enable our users to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our planet and strive to create an open space where collaborators from all sectors can work together for sustainable progress.

Publisher’s Note

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with Bentley’s digital twins for water

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© 2023 Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Bentley, the Bentley logo, OpenFlows, OpenFlows WaterSight, and WaterSight are either registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks of Bentley Systems, Incorporated or one of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. 3/23

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

Contents Features p.4-31 4-9

Editor Features

10-11

Anglian Water’s Commitment

12-13

Water Money Saver

14-16

Smart Washroom Tech

17-19

Nutrient Runoff and Social Water Tariffs

20-21

Smart Water Meters

23-25

AI-Generated Digital Twins

26-27

Water Saving AgTech

28-30

Cutting Cost for Water Treatment Works

Global Water Experts Insights p.32-37

4-9.

12-13.

10-11. 17-19 14-16.

23-25.

26-27.

40-43.

Technology and Innovation p.38-43 Global Events p.44

28-30.

Contents

Saving Water, Saving Money: What did Cape Town Learn from its Water Crisis? Written By | NATASHA POSNETT

ape Town made world headlines in 2018 when its water crisis reached dangerously new levels. The city had been struggling with drought for three years, and the dams, their primary source of drinking water, were at an all-time low. The city was running out of water, and the government termed it ‘Day Zero’- the day that all running water would be stopped for residents.

enforcing Day Zero. It was powerful to witness the success a city could achieve when they were put under pressure.

Cape Town had a narrow escape from being a waterless city! But the taps remained on. These events gave Capetonians a unique, first-hand experience of living in a water-scarce region and the harsh realities of how important it is to conserve water. All eyes were on Cape Town during this time to see how they would handle the water crisis.

Drinking water is a scarce resource in Cape Town. The city relies on rainwater, which is unevenly distributed, unpredictable, and decreasing in frequency due to global warming. Mix that with ineffective water governance and a growing population, and you’ve got a concerning amount of issues to contend with.

Communities, families, co-workers and friends came together to drastically change their water use. Amazingly, the residents of Cape Town reduced their water consumption by 50%, and the dams never reached the critical level that would mean

Conserving water also means using less energy and saving money: two incredibly important motives we should all focus on more. In our current economy, with the cost of living rising, everyone is looking for achievable ways to save money. Cutting down on

Editor Feature

Cape Town focused on reducing its water use but saw another beneficial change simultaneously: saving money.

Natasha Posnett Staff Writer at H2O Global News

Why Should We Save Water?

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your water bill can save you money every month, and as Cape Town residents discovered, the changes are often simple and cheap to implement.

What Can We Do to Save Water and Money? Water conservation When Cape Town was counting down the days until Day Zero, the government published ways residents could reduce their water consumption. They were simple and cheap- aimed at everyone. This was successful because people had no barriers preventing them from making the changes. They had been educated and encouraged. One of the successful initiatives was the Drop-theblock campaign. It simply encouraged people to put a plastic block in their toilet cistern to reduce the volume of water used each time the toilet was flushed. It worked by displacing approximately 2 litres of water, and a family of 4, who go to the toilet four times a day, could save up to 32 litres of water a day. The Smart Water Meter Challenge, instigated at schools across the city, was another outstanding achievement. The smart water meters worked to identify where leaks were taking place. Not only did this save vast amounts of water from being wasted, but it also had a significant money-saving impact on the schools.

Education Education was an essential aspect of Cape Town’s Day Zero approach. Once people understood the significance of what was happening and the reality it held for them, they wanted to help and be part of the change. Education allows people to feel empowered. People are much more likely to act once they see a reason to make a change.

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Water reuse Water reuse was used a lot by Capetonians during the water crisis. Everyone had a water limit to which they had to stick, and reusing water allowed residents to stay within their allocated quotas. Sprinklers and hosepipes were banned, so the focused was on using greywater to maintain gardens. Garden ResQ was one of the leading companies that helped set up reuse systems in people’s homes. It was able to take domestic wastewater from showers, baths, sinks and washing machines, filter the water of contaminants and then spray the water onto the garden.

A vision for a water-secure Cape Town Cape Town aims to be a water-sensitive city where no water is wasted, and conservation and innovative ways of dealing with water scarcity are celebrated. The people of Cape Town will never forget what almost was- the words ‘Day zero’ and fighting to keep their taps on will always be remembered. Water shortages mean lifestyle changes. Even though the crisis in Cape Town is over for now, the situation will continue to be monitored, the city will continue developing new technologies, and education will remain essential. Undoubtedly, the people of Cape Town enjoyed the added benefit of saving money while saving water. It is one of the reasons that keeps people being sensible about their water consumption and inquisitive about further reductions they can make. To withstand a changing climate and growing population, Cape Town and many other cities worldwide must be resilient to the unpredictable. Identifying opportunities for rainwater storage, treating and reusing wastewater and greywater, and investing in water efficiency is critical to improving resilience to drought, saving water and saving money.

Editor Feature

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

Is Decentralised Water Infrastructure Cost-Effective? Written By | MARTYN SHUTTLEWORTH

s technology advances, many of the long-established models used for distributing water and treating wastewater are changing. Population growth places additional demands on existing infrastructure, which often struggles to meet capacity without expensive upgrades. Adopting decentralised water systems could provide a cost-effective and practical solution for many communities.

The Problems with Centralized Water Systems In large communities, we often take centralised water supply and wastewater treatment for granted. Water is delivered by long transmission pipelines, often over very long distances, before distribution to homes and businesses. In the same way, networks of sewage pipes transport wastewater for treatment at plants before discharge into the environment. While this approach worked for decades, aging infrastructure and increased demand mean that existing systems are struggling. Upgrades and extending infrastructure are expensive investments that are often politically difficult, especially with the present negative media coverage and consumers concerned about rising water rates. As a result, in some areas, systems are poorly maintained and inefficient, but local communities don’t have the power to bring change .

Editor Feature

Building large treatment plants and new reservoirs is an expensive capital investment that can take years to come to fruition, especially when trapped in an endless Martyn Shuttleworth cycle of legal and regulatory Staff Writer at H2O Global News battles. Some plants take so long to develop that they actually become obsolete before they are even paid for. Adding to the difficulty, laying water and wastewater pipelines over long distances is often costly and impractical for many remote locations. Increasingly, we need water systems that can cope with growing cities and new developments. In response, a growing number of communities are looking towards water decentralisation as a way to overcome the shortcomings of traditional networks.

What is Water Decentralisation? As a broad definition, decentralized water treatment is the process of locating water or wastewater treatment as close to the supply and the demand as possible. Decentralised systems are already used in rural areas because many communities are too small and too isolated for service via traditional infrastructure. Decentralisation can suit urban environments perfectly well, and some new building developments include self-sufficient approaches to water. Decentralised systems can cover entire communities, but businesses,

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apartment blocks or even individual residences can implement their own onsite solutions. Whether completely isolated from the wider water system or still connected, decentralised infrastructure places responsibility under local control.

What are the Cost Savings? One main benefit of installing a decentralised system is that it can be very cost-effective in the long term. Setting up networks of smaller systems can avoid the large initial capital costs involved with building large plants and laying miles of expensive pipeline. Decentralisation means smaller, scalable plants that can be constructed cheaply and quickly, with a much lower risk of obsolescence. A decentralised system can easily expand as the community grows, and it is easy to implement new technologies as they emerge. With range of costeffective infrastructure, hardware, and software packages available, building customised solutions is possible. Many water treatments, including desalination plants and wastewater systems are modular and affordable, opening up the option of gradual upgrades. Some smaller plants are pre-engineered and built inside shipping containers for easy transportation with quick installation and commissioning. Another advantage is that they are resilient and easier to repair when damaged, unlike central plants that can take months to repair at huge cost. Most systems now use smart technology to support operation through a standard PC, smart apps, and the cloud, making operation and monitoring much easier. To support this, many governments and NGOs now offer training and technical assistance.

December 2023 Issue 8

Working With the Local Environment Decentralised water systems are a good option for communities wanting a system that works with their local environment. They often have lower energy requirements and can receive energy locally from renewable resources, often operating even when the wider power grid suffers an outage. Another useful advantage is that the community can better manage green space and take care of their water resources. A decentralised approach can make it easier to recycle and reuse water, separating greywater and incorporating smart irrigation. The available technology is now advanced enough to comply with regulations and treat wastewater to a level that protects water quality and public health.

Decentralized Water Systems – A Useful Alternative Decentralized water and wastewater systems can be a useful alternative for many communities, especially where centralised systems are limited by expense, technology, or geography. The systems are much quicker to deploy than centralised plants and place the responsibility for water in the hands of communities with a stake in their immediate environment. As well as supporting small communities and rural areas, decentralised water systems fit the modern ethos of smart buildings and smart cities perfectly. While centralised systems will always have a place, decentralised water systems can be cost effective and flexible. It is no surprise that they are growing in popularity.

Editor Feature

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

Thirsty Wallets: Navigating the Drought Dilemma – How Can We Quench Rising Water Utility Costs? Written By | DARBY BONNER

ccess to safe and affordable water is essential for human health and overall well-being. However, in regions already grappling with water stress, the impact of droughts compels water providers to implement strategies to limit water consumption or invest in pricier alternative sources, consequently raising costs for consumers.

When a drought occurs in the UK, we typically experience drying water reservoirs, insufficient water pressure and increased water demand. Therefore, droughts are not only a cycle that strains water utilities but also prompts government intervention and restrictions. For example, in August 2022, the EA confirmed that the Thames region, encompassing Buckinghamshire, had officially entered a state of drought. Although this did not automatically impose restrictions, water companies were expected to soon implement plans, including likely hosepipe bans, to effectively address the water shortage. In my particular region of Buckinghamshire, Thames Water is our main utility company. In August 2022, they announced that the UK had its driest period since 1885, and a hose pipe ban was implemented. Three months later Thames Water lifted the ban, which affected 15 million customers in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. In the northern part of the Buckinghamshire region (Buckingham, Winslow and the Claydons), their water utility provider (Anglian Water) did not anticipate the necessity for a ban. This is because of the investments Anglian Water has made and the support

Editor Feature

of their customers. Combined with their best leakage record in the water industry and 90% of their customers having meters, Anglian Water is able to manage drought periods. Due to a combination of climate change and the rising water demand from a growing population, water shortages in the UK are expected to occur more frequently by 2050. So, Darby Bonner Staff Writer at you may be thinking, how do H2O Global News drought periods, a time when you use less water, affect your utility bills? In droughts, water utility bills rise significantly for both the company and users. As water sources dwindle and reservoir levels drop, utilities must invest substantial resources in alternative water acquisition methods, like desalination or transporting water from distant sources. These measures, often requiring advanced technology and increased operational costs, contribute to a surge in the overall expenses borne by the utility companies. In turn, these escalating costs are transferred to end users through heightened water tariffs and bills. For consumers, the impact is twofold: not only do they face higher costs due to the increased operational expenses of the utility company, but water scarcity may also lead to restrictions, fines, or tiered pricing structures, motivating more conservative water use. Thus, the financial strain during drought periods underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and technological solutions that can alleviate the burden on both utility providers and end users alike.

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

The Future of Smart Technology & Water Meters

Smart meters provide real-time data on water usage, allowing both consumers and utilities to monitor and adjust consumption patterns. By using smart meters, households can identify and address leaks swiftly, reducing water wastage and lowering utility bills.

Swapping your hose for a watering can sprinklers can use as much water in 30 minutes as the average family of four uses in an entire day.

Take shorter showers - a one-minute reduction for a family of four = savings of up to £45 on metered water bills & £52 on energy bills annually.

Turning off the taps while brushing teeth saving an average of 6-8 L of water per minute.

Addressing leaky toilets - a leaky toilet alone wastes around 400 L of water daily. Fixing such leaks can result in savings of up to £350 per year.

Adopting the “full load” approach before running the dishwasher/washing machine not only conserves water but also reduces energy consumption, ultimately contributing to lower utility bills.

The advantages of smart meters extend beyond individual households. In agricultural settings, where water consumption is substantial, these devices can play a pivotal role in optimising irrigation processes. Farmers can receive accurate data on soil moisture levels, enabling them to irrigate precisely when and where needed. This not only conserves water but also contributes to enhanced crop yields and overall sustainability in agriculture - read more on page 22. The integration of smart meters aligns with a broader vision for a sustainable and water-efficient future and empowers individuals and communities to actively participate in water conservation efforts while simultaneously easing the burden on water utility companies.

Every Drop Matters: Practical Water-Saving Tips from the UK’s Largest Water & Wastewater Company In anticipation of the impending rise in temperatures, Thames Water is intensifying its efforts to communicate water efficiency messages to customers, by sharing essential tips to help individuals conserve water and, consequently, save money:

Thames Water also offers customers a free watersaving calculator where customers can work out how much water and energy they are currently using and receive tailored advice on how to save. Other UK Water Utility Companies Offering Advice Anglian Water: Love Every Drop Campaign Water UK: Water’s Worth Saving Campaign Waterwise: Save Water Ofwat: Water Saving Tips

Editor Feature

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

December 2023 Issue 8

nglian Water’s A Commitment to Sustainability and Customer Satisfaction Written By | DARBY BONNER & ANGLIAN WATER

ater is a vital resource that sustains life and plays a crucial role in various industries. As the demand for clean and sustainable water increases, utility companies face the challenge of meeting the needs of their customers while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. For over 20 years, collaboration has been at the centre of Anglian Water’s business model for capital delivery, and for the last 10 years, they have been fostering SME engagement in innovation with their Water Innovation Network and test bed, The Shop Window. Over the last few years there has been an increasing trend to innovating in digital and they have been working on development of digital twin models across several of their key operational processes. These models offer the opportunity to use data to help improve operations and ensure that Anglian Water can continue to serve their region for generations. An example of this is the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo), a partnership between Anglian Water, BT, UK

Anglian Water

Power Networks, and the Centre for Digital Built Britain, which is the first digital twin across energy, water, and telecoms networks.

Matthew Hughes Safe Smart System

Strategy Manager at Anglian Water has also partnered with Anglian Water Microsoft and Avanade to create the world’s first ecological digital twin of a Stiffkey chalk stream in Norfolk. This will help Anglian Water find long-term solutions to biodiversity loss and climate change. The company’s commitment to collaboration and partnership ensures that customer needs and satisfaction remain at the forefront of their operations.

A System of the Future One project embracing digital innovation, is the Safe Smart Systems Project. Led by Anglian Water and lead delivery partner Jacobs, this project is embracing smart technologies and machine learning to develop a system that could have a lasting impact on operations. Matt Hughes, Safe Smart System Strategy Manager said: “Our operational teams are busier than ever. With an increasing amount pressure on the network, it’s a

H2O GLOBAL NEWS M A G A Z I N E

challenging time for the industry and particularly our operational teams. With Safe Smart Systems, we set out on a mission to develop a fully autonomous system that would move us away from working reactively by helping us to proactively identify and resolve disruptions before they impact customers. Leveraging the technology available, we have an opportunity to improve our response time and overall customer service. Transformation of this scale cannot be achieved alone. This project is a collaborative effort and we’re working with partners across the water and technology industries, suppliers and academia. Working with such a diverse range of partners has really emphasised the importance of having an agile approach when delivering something like this.”

Using Technology to Drive Operational Efficiency “We have already seen how technological advancements have revolutionised the water industry, improving operations and service provisions. We want Safe Smart Systems to be a part of that progress and to demonstrate the transformative power technology could have in water management. We will be developing an AI Decision Engine, which processes real-time data and enables system-based operational insight. This decision engine will empower our operational teams to take informed actions and optimise our water network. We are also exploring the use of generative AI to provide additional context and support decisionmaking processes. These tools will allow our colleagues to interact with problems more naturally. By leveraging the existing technological tools available and continuously innovating, we have the opportunity to enhance operations across the business. However, technology cannot stand alone. People play a crucial role in how we operate so involving our colleagues in the development process has been key to ensuring their needs are considered and met during this project. We believe that by combining technological innovation with a peoplecentric approach, we can benefit both industry players and end-users.

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While we are still in the early phases of this project, we want Safe Smart Systems to serve as a roadmap for the industry and showcase the advantages of a systembased AI decision engine. We aim to inspire other companies to embrace technology and improve water management across the country.”

Addressing Water Scarcity & Ensuring Sustainability Water scarcity is a significant challenge faced by utility companies worldwide. Anglian Water is actively addressing this challenge by investing in infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable water usage across its region. One such project is the construction of hundreds of kilometres of pipeline, transporting water from wetter regions to the drier areas in the south and east of the company’s operational area. This ambitious infrastructure project is the largest of its kind in a generation and will ensure a continuous supply of drinking water for customers. Anglian Water is also leading the way in smart meter rollout, helping customers better understand their water usage and identify leaks. Since the installation of the first metres in 2020, the company has helped customers find and resolve over 200,000 leaks, resulting in significant savings on water bills and promotion of sustainable water usage. Anglian Water is also building two new reservoirs in the region to increase storage capacity and protect water resources for years to come. These projects are centred around prioritising resilience and sustainability and ensuring a clean water supply for future generations.

Anglian Water

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December 2023 Issue 8

How Water Money Saver is Tackling Egypt’s Water Problems Written By | MARTYN SHUTTLEWORTH

amah Abdullah is a computer engineer from Egypt with a passion for tackling climate-related issues, especially water shortages. As the founder and CEO of social start up company, Water Money Saver, she is helping Egyptians conserve water.

Samah explains why water scarcity is such an issue in her country and shows how technical solutions and educational content can save water and money. Her mission is to help individuals and businesses follow sustainable water practices.

Egypt’s Water Problem As an arid country, Egypt suffers from water scarcity, with 98% of its water sourced from the Nile. As a result, Egyptians have half the global water level of 1,000

Egypt’s Water Problem

cubic metres per capita per year. The country bridges this gap by reusing 21 billion cubic metres annually and indirectly importing over 34 billion cubic metres of water as food.

Samah Abdullah, Founder and CEO of Water Money Saver

The threat of climate change means the country needs to preserve water, but lack of understanding and low prices do not help. Samah noted: “Our main challenge is the culture that abuses water usage. In Egypt, we think water is always there as we have the Nile. Also, the average cost of a cubic meter of water is extremely cheap for a country 50% under the UN’s water poverty level. People perceive water as a cheap resource, decreasing the demand for sustainable water practice.” “Saving water in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use is a must. In Water Money Saver, we

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December 2023 Issue 8

specialize in the domestic sector. Egypt has a population of over 100 million, but the Egyptian citizen wastes, on average, more than 60% of his/her consumption.”

equipment, and WMS helps implement the solutions. The service provides data by tracking and analysing water consumption, measuring water and money saved as well as CO2 emissions avoided.

This wasted water and the cost to people, society, and the economy inspired Samah to set up Water Money Saver.

Importantly, Samah believes strongly in education, so WMS promotes sustainable water-saving practices with an online learning hub and interactive offline sessions. Samah sees WMS as “Just like a doctor who diagnoses the case, prescribes the medicine and tracks the results, but in our case, we are not only the doctor, we are the pharmacy that delivers the medicine.”

A Moment of Inspiration As with many startups, WMS began as a moment of insight born from an experience that stuck in Samah’s memory: “It all started in January 2019, when I was just 19 years old and a computer engineering student. While traveling to another city in Egypt, I saw families in a poor village filling their containers from a dirty lake. I wished I could do something and began to research. Just in Egypt, more than 260 billion litres of drinkable water are wasted monthly, yet millions can’t access clean water.” Samah researched what prevented people saving water and uncovered three common problems: • No awareness or accessibility to water saving tools or practices • Need expert involvement because the solution is too technical • People don’t know how to evaluate their water usage. With this insight, she decided to take action: “We decided to learn more about water and tackle this problem. We founded Water Money Saver and, in 2022, we officially kicked off after several trials and market exploration with help from the Safir program and support from the European Union, French Institute and the AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie).”

How Does Water Money Saver work? Water Money Saver provides accessible tools and solutions to help Egyptians save water. Using an automated expert, WMS diagnoses present water usage and customizes a water-saving package, providing continued support to the customer.

An app helps users access the water-saving marketplace and packages, and they can also receive the water tracking analysis, access support services, and engage with the water education content. “Our awareness sessions and workshops are delivered by a set of interactive activities to understand the ‘why,’ know the ‘how,’ and decide and act upon the ‘what.’” Overall, WMS promotes sustainable living through efficient water usage, conserving water resources, reducing CO2 emissions, and helping Egyptians save money. As the start-up grows, Samah is thinking further afield.

Saving Water Worldwide With Water Money Saver, Samah intends to extend beyond Egypt while continuing to develop the technology: “We aim to launch our Water Money Saver app and expand our services to reach a larger audience by seeking partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other organizations. We plan to continue developing our current products and services and provide affordable, sustainable water solutions for households around the world. Access to safe drinking water should not be a privilege but a right for every human being.” The single moment that inspired Samah to set up Water Money Saver created a lasting vision to help Egyptians and others around the globe by encouraging “sustainability, conservation, awareness, efficiency, and cost savings through responsible water usage and innovative solutions. We want to create a meaningful global impact by safeguarding and preserving our most vital resource, ‘water.’”

A decision-making tool helps individuals and businesses find efficient, personalised water-saving

Egypt’s Water Problem

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December 2023 Issue 8

How VERTECO’s Oasis of Innovation is Revolutionising the Middle East & Beyond with Smart Water Solutions Written By | DARBY BONNER

ERTECO based in Dubai, UAE, helps businesses improve their environmental impact through a range of innovative Smart washroom technologies, Smart water management and water-saving solutions. Part of the WhiffAway Group, a UK company founded in 1992, VERTECO has had presence in Dubai since 2010. The Middle East is one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. Yet it has one of the highest per capita water consumption globally, and, according to a recent report by the World Bank, by the end of this decade, the amount of water available per capita annually will fall below the absolute water scarcity threshold. The report concludes that water management and institutional reforms are essential in easing water stress in the region – which is where VERTECO comes in. VERTECO offers their customers in the Middle East a full range of water conservation products which address their water-saving needs. Since 2010, thanks to VERTECO’s market-defining innovation, research, and disruptive technology, they have grown to become the region’s leading provider of smart water

Smart Washroom Tech

management, water conservation solutions, and IoT Smart washroom David King, solutions. Today, VERTECO is Managing Director of VERTECO helping some of the region’s most iconic destinations and major companies reduce water usage and achieve their sustainability targets.

How is VERTECO a Leading WaterSaving Solutions Company? The first step in any water-saving activity is to audit water consumption and efficiency. You can’t manage what you can’t measure – so VERTECO’s auditing experts work closely with their customers to find out exactly how, when and where they are using water, and crucially, where they are wasting it. Despite water being such a precious and costly commodity in the Middle East, most businesses are unaware of how much they are using. VERTECO’s aim is to change the mindset around water-saving – by understanding the way they use water, companies can change their approach to water use, helping them to switch to more efficient products and processes, and decreasing their dependency on our rapidly depleting precious resource.

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Once a full survey and consultation of a property’s water consumption is complete, which includes reviewing water bills, investigating discrepancies and considering the quality and type of water being used, VERTECO provides an overview of usage across all water outlets. VERTECO’s support with recommendations on how to lower water consumption and waste and recommend a range of cost-effective water-saving products and solutions, help save on operational costs, as well as support their water conservation goals. Suggestions may range from the installation of retro-fit water-saving devices, and smart water monitoring and management systems, to the use of IoT technology and sensors, which allow companies to accurately measure, monitor, and control their water distribution and usage. VERTECO also provide an estimate of the savings they can expect to achieve from each recommendation. Therefore, VERTECO’s customers can then make an informed choice on the most effective water-saving solutions and initiatives, tailored uniquely to their needs.

VERTECO’s Technology is Helping Customers Track and Analyse their Water Consumption in Real-Time VERTECO offers a range of smart water management solutions, also known as Intelligent Water Management solutions, which are essentially smart metering devices that allow VERTECO’s customers to keep an eye on their water consumption – across all areas of their property – whenever they want, wherever they are. The system consists of sensors and meters which collect data on water flow, and use the Internet of Things (IoT), to communicate in real-time. VERTECO’s bespoke app collects real-time data and provides an up-to-the-minute analysis of usage and water performance reports whenever needed. The system also detects leaks alerting the customer instantly, so they can take immediate action.

VERTECO’s IoT Smart Technology Platform Enables Customers to Monitor Washroom Usage and Water Resources Effectively! VERTECO’s sensor-driven technology allows customers to monitor just about every parameter possible within the washroom, including water use, air quality, consumables, cleanliness, washroom usage, user satisfaction and even the management of

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cleaning resources. Their Smart washrooms consist of customisable technology that seamlessly integrates IoT environmental and operational sensors with digital restroom mapping to provide intuitive user dashboards and alarms for real-time decision-making. With the integration of VERTECO’s smart washroom technologies, building owners and companies can accurately measure, monitor, and control their water distribution and usage, which in turn improves efficiencies, saves money, and reduces their environmental footprint.

VERTECO’s Water-Saving Technology and Resource Conservation The importance of sustainability come above everything else, and VERTECO’s water-saving solutions allow businesses to save water in the simplest, most cost-effective way possible. In addition to watersaving, VERTECO’s products improve operational efficiencies and are designed to maintain ideal flow rates to ensure optimal user satisfaction. Most of VERTECO’s products are easy-to-install retrofit solutions which have been proven to successfully reduce water consumption without diminishing users’ comfort levels. In many cases, the payback period is measured in weeks rather than years – their customers are essentially saving money by saving water.

VERTECO’s Award-Winning Waterless Urinal System Significantly Reduces Water Usage Within the average commercial space, urinal flushing is the single biggest consumer of water, with a standard flushing urinal wasting an average of 157,000 litres of potable water per urinal, every year. Yet regionally, despite the water scarcity crisis, there were no other water-saving solutions available on the market that could overcome common urinal problems, without increased cost and maintenance requirements, including the need for significant fabric changes. VERTECO’s retrofit Waterless Urinal System transforms urinals from a commodity that excessively wastes water, to one that is completely waterless. The product offers a measurable contribution to environmental sustainability as well as offering their customers Continued on page 16

Smart Washroom Tech

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embedded energy/carbon savings, as there is no need to pump the water in to flush the urinals. Traditionally, water is flushed below the bowl, with a strainer catching debris, which leads to odours and the formation of lime-scale. This acts as a breeding ground for bad bacteria which necessitates more aggressive cleaning with harsher, environmentally damaging products. Their waterless system eradicates all of the issues associated with a traditional flush urinal and offers a cleaner and more hygienic solution through the use of a patented seal and cartridge. The seal acts as a barrier that allows urine to flow down – but stops odours coming up. By eliminating water use in urinals and the resulting lime-scale, the product reduces the risk of blockages, overflow, costly repairs and by removing those washroom odours we are all familiar with, boosts overall user experience. In addition, implementation of the system is quick, cost-effective, and straightforward – the retrofit system can be added to new builds with minimal cost, with no need to plumb in cold feeds to urinals, leading to an estimated 30% saving on project costs.

VERTECO’s Sustainable Success in the Middle East’s Commercial Landscape and Award-Winning Recognition

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In the Middle East, VERTECO’s waterless urinal has helped many clients achieve their sustainability targets, and it can be found in commercial spaces across the region, including Dubai’s record-breaking malls and Dubai airport, the world’s busiest airport by international traveller traffic. VERTECO is also extremely proud of the waterless system which represents a truly disruptive application of water management technology and has won numerous awards for its innovative design and sustainable credentials, including the ‘Winner of Innovation in Technology & Systems’ title at the prestigious Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) awards. Concluding the awards season on a high, VERTECO has won the ‘Green Building Product of the Year – Water Management’ title at the 2023 MENA Green Build Awards. Organised by the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), VERTECO has proudly been a member since 2023.

Smart Washroom Tech

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Nutrient Runoff and Social Water Tariffs: An Interview with George Eustice MP Interviewed By | MARTYN SHUTTLEWORTH

We were fortunate enough to talk to George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne and Redruth. In this interview, he kindly shared his views on all things water, from establishing social tariffs to limiting nutrient runoff from agriculture. He also discusses the UK’s approach to finding the balance between developers and water companies when tackling wastewater from new housing developments.

Continued on page 18 Reducing Emissions

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Would you mind introducing yourself and telling us something about your background? I was a Minister in Defra George Eustice, for almost nine years Member of Parliament for including almost three years as Camborne and Redruth the Secretary of State. I have been an MP for almost fourteen years and prior to that I was Press Secretary to David Cameron when he was Leader of the Opposition. In my role as Secretary of State I introduced the Environment Act which created new targets for the environment including on water quality and water demand management and powers to help improve resource efficiency. I also put in place the measures to address the problem of storm overflows through a £56 billion programme of investment and introduced the new Sustainable Farming Incentive which, among other things will reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture.

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which the Government has signalled it intends to progress.

What policies has the government implemented to improve water quality? In my time as Secretary of State I introduced a large package of measures to improve water quality. Firstly in 2020 I changed the Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat to guide their approach to the 2024 Pricing Round negotiations. This placed primary focus on reducing the number of storm overflows and their impact for the first time ever. We strengthened this further with new requirements under the Environment Act and new targets to reduce the impact of storm overflows. We also increased the monitoring and surveillance of combined storm overflows. In 2016, fewer than 1000 of the 15,000 overflows were actually monitored. Now, all 15,000 are fully monitored so that the Environment Agency has a much clearer picture of what is going on.

You have always been passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to water. Could you tell us about your work with social water tariffs? Because I was an MP representing a seat in Cornwall, I was very keen to address the very high costs of water bills in the South West. The challenge stemmed from the fact that the South West is responsible for a large proportion of England’s coastline and the cost of improving water quality and bathing waters in particular fell disproportionately on the South West Water area. As a result, the South West had the highest water bills in the country which was unfair. I designed the original idea of a collective national social tariff in 2011 before entering government. The idea was that there would be a levy collected from all water companies with the funds directed back out to customers based on a deviation of regional water bills from a national mean average. It would have assisted areas that had unfairly high water bills. Originally the government decided to create a £40 million fund to support an annual rebate of £50 to water bill payers in the South West but we always understood that, at some stage, a more sustainable solution would be to have a national social tariff in its place. The Consumer Council for Water were asked to look at this issue while I was a Minister at Defra and recommended a national social tariff along the lines of my original proposal a decade earlier

Social Water Tarrifs

Acting on new evidence from this increased monitoring, the Environment Agency started to strengthen its enforcement activity. We also discovered that, in some cases, partially treated water was being discharged from sewage treatment works so a further round of enforcement action was taken in that regard too. Although everyone accepts that there were some historic failings on enforcement and monitoring that has now been addressed so the enforcement issue has been resolved. Finally, on agriculture, we introduced the Sustainable Farming Incentive which paid farmers to adopt practices such as green cover crops during the winter to reduce run off, we dramatically increased the grants available to improve slurry infrastructure on farms, we introduced new provisions to limit the spreading of slurry on the land when it is waterlogged and we doubled the budget on catchment sensitive farming to support farmers and landowners to adopt practices across the whole water catchment area to improve water quality. All of these policies are being deployed

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and are working but it will take time for the full benefits to become apparent.

to introduce such measures in the Levelling Up Bill, they were roundly rejected by the House of Lords.

Nutrient runoff is a growing problem in the UK. Why is it such an issue?

The right approach is to tackle the inadequacies of the Habitats Regulations in the round, not leave them sitting there as a broken-down body of law but then create special carve outs for favoured industries. I took a power in the Environment Act to enable the Government to modernise the way the Habitat Regulations work by making them operate to specific site improvement plans for protected sites rather than reliant on ambiguous and open-ended processes which are a legacy of the EU era. This should be the approach now.

The issue is not a new one but the legal position changed with the so-called Dutch Nitrogen case in the EU. That held that, under the Habitats Regulations, where a project needed planning permission a developer must show that the impact of an individual development was neutral in terms of its impact on nutrient pollution. In reality, the impact of individual new developments is a relatively minor contributor to overall nutrient pollution but the EU Habitats Directive is a very poorly drafted body of law that works in a dysfunctional way. The solution is to have a set of policies to address nutrient pollution both in sewage treatment works and on agricultural land (which we now have in place) and then reform the Habitats Regulations so that they function correctly in future which is still something the government needs to address.

You are looking to improve urban street drainage. What are the benefits of doing this? Many of the problems that we have with storm overflows stems from the fact that the foul water sewage system and street drainage are on shared infrastructure so when you have flash rainfall, which is becoming more frequent, all of the water from storm drains in town centres ends up at the sewage treatment works and overwhelms it. Since the 1960’s Building Regulations required separate drainage systems for street drains but, sadly, all too often those separate drainage systems still ended up being connected into the foul water sewer thus defeating the object. What we need is to finally make it mandatory for developers to invest in sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) and also try to identify where misconnections to the foul water sewer were made to take the pressure of water treatment works. Tackling this problem is the most cost-effective way to reduce the reliance on storm overflows.

The government may be introducing a bill on nutrient pollution, especially for developers. What would this involve?

The policy may include Section 106 (S106) or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments for water infrastructure and drainage. What are these and how will the system work? The real problem with the current system is that developers assume they have a right to connect to the sewage network and all of the costs and liability for delivering that infrastructure falls on water companies through the Pricing Review process. This has not proved sufficient because successive governments have wanted to build more houses but also keep water bills down and have therefore not allowed water companies to invest in the infrastructure they needed. A better approach would be to create a planning gain for water companies so that they receive either a connection fee for new homes or a payment via a Section 106 arrangement or CIL payment. Alternatively, such payments could be retained by Local Authorities so that they could really invest in improving street drainage and keeping it away from sewage treatment works. A hybrid funding model funded partly through water bills and partly through planning gain would be far better than what we have now.

The Government has decided not to introduce a Bill to create a special carve out for developers and housing from the requirements of the Habitat Regulations. It was not the right approach and when they attempted

Social Water Tarrifs

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Smart Water Meters: Stop Your Money From Going Down The Drain! Written By | NATASHA POSNETT

mart Water Meters are emerging as a successful solution to promote responsible water usage for residential homes. This technology can empower people with the information they need to improve at-home water efficiency and save money.

Have you ever wondered how much water you use? Are you ready to take control of your water consumption? Smart Water Meters can be the answer to these questions…

Technology That Makes a Difference SmarterHomes provides Smart Water Meters to residential homes across India, enabling homeowners to measure, monitor and manage their water consumption with precision. Their core device, the WaterOn, provides a detailed insight into consumption patterns, identifies leaks and encourages conscious water usage. SmarterHomes water meters have been shown to cut at-home water costs by up to 35%. SmarterHomes COO, Jitender Thirwani, spoke about their Smart Water Meters: “At SmarterHomes, we firmly believe that access to technology enabling precise measurement and monitoring of water consumption is pivotal for saving water and money. Peter Drucker’s famous adage, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” holds immense significance in the context of water conservation.”

Smart Water Meters

The technology behind the Smart Water Meters is the Internet of Things (IoT), a technology that enables devices equipped with sensors to communicate over the Internet. Fitting IoT-enabled meters into residential homes provides a multitude of benefits, as Thirwani explained: “Our solutions extend beyond mere measurement. They encompass comprehensive water management to monitor and manage water systems effectively. This includes Jitender Thirwani, COO of SmarterHomes identifying inefficiencies, intelligent leak detection and minimising water loss, automating processes, enabling predictive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance and conservation. Integrating technology with education and incentivisation is instrumental in instigating a collective movement towards water conservation—one where every drop counts towards a sustainable future.”

Saving Water and Cutting Costs SmarterHomes’ primary focus is transforming residential water management with technology that facilitates monitoring and behaviour modification. Their Smart Water Metering solutions allow residents to cut their costs and act as a catalyst for positive change. “By providing real-time data analytics and insights to homeowners, we’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in behaviour. Armed with detailed consumption data, homeowners become more conscious of their water usage patterns. This newfound awareness leads to tangible behavioural changes, resulting in an average

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reduction of 35% in water consumption within our user base.” The Smart Water Meter allows homeowners to do more than monitor their usage. It actively assists in leak detection and prevention, enabling residents to take action quickly. Acting rapidly prevents significant water wastage and mitigates damages from occurring, both of which save money. Additionally, SmarterHomes’ implementation of a fair usage policy based on actual water consumption has been instrumental in reducing water costs for residential homes. Like the electricity sector, their billing system charges homeowners based on usage, not a flat rate. This promotes responsible water consumption and ensures that individuals pay for precisely what they use, creating a sense of accountability.

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A Holistic Solution To successfully reduce your at-home water costs, it is vital to feel educated and empowered on the matter. SmarterHomes has adopted a holistic approach to water conservation and provides comprehensive solutions tailored to individual needs. “Our commitment lies in delivering cutting-edge technology and offering a service model that ensures sustainable operations. Our emphasis on community engagement and education is very important to us. We strive to create awareness about water conservation, engaging residents to become active participants in the preservation of this vital resource.”

Working Towards a Sustainable Future

“By aligning payments with usage, our approach encourages fair and equitable water distribution within residential communities. It benefits conscientious users and prompts others to adopt more efficient water practices to control costs. This transformative model has resulted in substantial savings for homeowners, translating into reduced overall water bills.”

We should all take steps to ensure we preserve the water we have left and safeguard supplies for future generations. Saving water is important for the health of our planet, but saving money is important for us in our current cost of living crisis. Smart Water Meters are an excellent tool to achieve better water efficiency in residential homes, and your wallet will thank you for the cost savings!

By coupling technology with fair billing practices, SmarterHomes is driving a sustainable approach towards water management, benefiting both the environment and homeowners’ finances.

Thirwani concluded:

Having the correct tools available to make informed decisions is essential and helps drive a shift towards responsible water consumption in residential communities.

“We are on a journey to educate and inspire people to view water differently—encouraging a paradigm shift towards sustainable and smarter water usage. Our goal is to foster a community that embraces a more mindful approach to water, thereby creating a lasting impact on individual habits, collective conservation efforts and cutting costs.”

Smart Water Meters

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ivappsTech.com

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December 2023 Issue 8

How Samp Reduces Utility Costs with AI-Generated SAMP Digital Twins Written By | MARTYN SHUTTLEWORTH

he economic problems of the past few years have seen people struggle to pay bills, which leaves water utilities in a quandary. They face pressure to improve aging systems without passing costs to consumers, creating the need for new approaches and technology. Increasingly, utilities are turning to Artificial Intelligence as the answer. French tech company, Samp has developed a patented artificial intelligence solution to help utilities accelerate their digital twin programmes and optimise operations, maintenance, and asset management. In this article, Laurent Bourgouin, CEO and co-founder of Samp tells us how Samp’s AI-generated workspace can help utilities save money and speed up the transition of existing facilities.

Doing Less with More: The Eternal Demand

Laurent Bourgouin,

CEO and co-founder of While the economic difficulties Samp of the past few years pushed costcutting to the top of the political agenda, water and wastewater utilities have faced calls for much longer. Over the past few decades, regulators demanded high reliability and upgrades to aging infrastructure, forcing utilities to work more efficiently.

However, the cost-of-living crisis since the pandemic means that consumers cannot afford rising bills. News items about water leaks and sewage discharges create negative publicity and regulators impose heavy fines to Continued on page 24

Artificial Intelligence

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show they are taking action. Water utilities have to invest even more resources in their infrastructure and maintenance, but cannot raise rates for customers. When forced to do more with less, using Artificial Intelligence to create virtual models of a plant or network can streamline maintenance and improvements, increasing efficiency while driving down costs.

Aging Assets and Finding an Alternative As Laurent points out, industrial facilities in the water sector operate aging infrastructure and lack up-todate technical documentation and data. This creates losses across the entire industry, from poor asset management, lack of predictive maintenance, and what he calls a ‘technical debt.’ The traditional approaches to solving these problems usually involve expensive upgrades to infrastructure and increasing the frequency of inspections. Taking advantage of advances in computer technology, many utilities are turning to software to improve asset management and operations. This is an area that Samp is seeking to bridge. “Samp aims at becoming the missing link of the industry between asset management and operational excellence, which often live in their own silos.” Samp’s solution uses AI to create a 3D virtual replica of an industrial site, known as a ‘Digital Twin.’ This helps utilities upgrade technical data and documentation, helping them streamline processes and reduce costs.

Samp’s Digital Twin Approach One of the problems faced by many water and wastewater plants is incomplete technical documentation and a lack of accurate engineering reports. Engineers and workers find it difficult to locate assets and often end up working on unfamiliar equipment, which significantly increases expenditure through inefficiency. Now, Artificial Intelligence and 3D modelling provide new opportunities to lower costs across the value chain. Samp’s technology provides a digital twin of industrial facilities to speed up processes and provide the information anyone operating or maintaining the system needs. The virtual model uses AI to combine detailed recent 3D scans of plants with technical documentation and engineering diagrams. The scan

Artificial Intelligence

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provides a thorough geometric view of the plant while the diagrams provide detailed data about the systems. Using these inputs, the AI system processes the information and, after a few days, creates a streaming workspace with a twin model. This brings together 3D and system views alongside a list of assets. Using the digital twin, engineers and field workers can retrieve accurate, field-checked data, speeding up work processes and reducing the number of mistakes. Importantly, the digital twin benefits multiple users and streamlines workflows significantly. Site workers familiar with the plant facilities can use the 3D view to access detailed engineering diagrams quickly. Engineers using diagrams can view the 3D context of a site, especially for locations they do not know. Finally, subcontractors with little knowledge of the site or engineering diagrams can use a search function to identify the equipment in a work order. Samp points out that: “This secured workspace can then be connected to the industrial operator’s legacy IT system to provide an intuitive and efficient way to access data from multiple systems, simplifying and accelerating their digital twin initiative.”

How a Digital Twin Helps Utilities Reduce Costs The visual workspace simplifies working processes on existing assets by helping teams retrieve field-checked data and collaborate at all levels. This lowers risk for workers, provides trust and contractual transparency, and transforms assets by reducing the environmental impact and cost of failure. Using systems like Samp can help utilities cut costs significantly without any decline in service: “We cut the time for engineering revalidation and equipment isolation by 3x and shorten engineering studies for modernisation projects by 30%. For systems startup we divide preparation time by two, halve claims resolution time, and divide time for training and certification and site travel time by two.” Digitalisation can also help with contract amendments by reducing budget slippage. Other areas include lowering the time needed for preparing work orders and for maintenance and inspections. Across the value chain, this adds up to significant savings. In addition, teams can work virtually before accessing the field, improving safety and optimising maintenance and refurbishment while reducing errors.

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With this technology, the water industry can ensure that information about their assets is accurate and accessible. “We believe that Samp can be used by a number of sectors within the water industry, including water and wastewater plants and networks, industrial water utilities, and hydropower plants.”

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“By connecting geospatial and system knowledge, Samp can help accelerate the urgent transformation of water-related infrastructure towards a better resilience and lower environmental footprint.”

One company Samp recently worked with is SUEZ, which was looking for ways to develop resilient infrastructure.

Case Study: Samp Collaborate with SUEZ Like many water utilities, SUEZ faces an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This can damage infrastructure and disrupt service and operations, leading to expensive emergency maintenance and the risk of fines from regulators. Accordingly, the utility wanted a decisionmaking tool that improves the ability to adapt and build resilient systems that shrug off adverse weather. In 2020, SUEZ began a collaboration with Samp, involving an initial pilot study conducted across a number of its drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. Working with Samp, SUEZ used the digital workspace and twin to optimize maintenance procedures and target refurbishment efforts. By reducing the risk of failed components and improving workflow, asset management improved and led to significant savings across the board. Working with Samp, SUEZ created the digital twins for its sites, linking its asset inventories and technical drawings with the 3D scans. The digital twins evolved in response to changes in the field and allowed field teams and engineers to access reliable data efficiently. Importantly, the model allowed virtual work to take place before actions in the field, improving safety. Samp’s system optimized maintenance and upgrading, reducing the risk of equipment failure and extending the life of assets. Now, with a new agreement, Samp and SUEZ will extend the use of the technology to other water and wastewater plants across France and potentially other markets. For Samp, the collaboration with SUEZ is part of their drive to help the water industry transform and become much more efficient, perhaps finally solving the problem of doing less with more.

Artificial Intelligence

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IRRIOT’s Revolutionary Water-Saving Tech Transforming Agriculture Worldwide Written By | DARBY BONNER

n the face of surging global demand for food, water scarcity, and climate change challenges, the call for better management of Earth’s resources echoes louder than ever. Soil, light, temperature, humidity – all essential for food and animal feed production. While technology replicates light, temperature, and humidity in greenhouses, there’s no substitute for the irreplaceable: irrigation water. It’s the unsung hero, a vital public utility in agriculture, wielding unmatched influence in sustaining crops and ensuring global food security.

IRRIOT (Irrigation Internet of Things) is at the forefront of wireless smart irrigation systems, on a mission to change the traditional way farmers water their fields. Smart irrigation plays a crucial role in saving water utilities through efficient water management practices.

Water Saving AgTech

While the company’s sweet spot lies in Smart Irrigation and IoT connectivity, IRRIOT’s vision extends far beyond the horizon of innovation.

Alex Palin, Co-Founder & CEO of IRRIOT

What Percentage Reduction Can Users Expect When Implementing IRRIOT’s Irrigation Automation Platform Compared to Traditional Automation Methods? Agriculture, the backbone of food production, heavily relies on utilities such as water and energy to cultivate and nurture crops, and often farms and their wasteful irrigation systems are major contributors to water scarcity around the globe. Agriculture accounts for 70% of the total freshwater usage worldwide and the

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majority is wasteful use. Smart precision irrigation is essential globally, with numerous participants already operating in this market. Nevertheless, the predominant cost factors for such projects, namely cables and challenging installations (such as digging trenches in the ground), hinder the widespread adoption of the technology. Consequently, there continues to be significant water wastage worldwide. This inspired IRRIOT’s initial idea to develop a wireless IoT irrigation solution suitable for farms of all shapes and sizes. IRRIOT’s technology enables growers to achieve water savings of up to 70% and increase crop yields by 30%, depending on the chosen irrigation method, whether it be sprinkler or drip irrigation. Learn more.

How IRRIOT’s Remote Wireless Valve & Smart Sensors Are Reducing Water Use IRRIOT supports a very broad variety of sensors that growers may require, depending on the crops, soil type, geographical area, climate, etc. The data from these sensors aim to achieve the highest possible precision to save the very last drop of water and prevent unnecessary watering, whilst providing the perfect soil condition for growing particular crops. The IRRIOT platform enables effective irrigation in areas where it was previously challenging or impractical. Serving as an innovative irrigation solution, IRRIOT aims to achieve optimal soil conditions by intelligently regulating the water supply to the designated zones. The irrigation system operates by controlling electrically operated valves through the central computer, known as the Irrigation Controller. What sets the IRRIOT Wireless Irrigation Controller apart from traditional controllers is its utilisation of wireless two-way communication with valves and sensors. In practical terms, this means that IRRIOT introduces wireless valves that can be strategically placed at remote locations, spanning distances of 1-5 kilometers from the Irrigation Controller. The comprehensive solution comprises various components, including the Wireless Irrigation Controller, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and CloudBased Control and Monitoring. IRRIOT’s solutions are 2-3 times cheaper and 10 times faster to install than most of the wire-based solutions available on the market today. Depending on the area

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and local labour costs, IRRIOT technology is usually paid off during the first season! “The agricultural sector is rapidly changing and growers get excited when we present them all the savings that could be achieved without human interaction”. - Alex When comparing IRRIOT’s RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) to the power consumption costs linked solely to valve control, their energy consumption is nonexistent (ZERO). The RTU is a maintenance-free, solarpowered, field unit, that operates the magnetic valves independently, designed for outdoor use with multiple mounting options. The RTU can also sample and relay the reading of one sensor, analog soil moisture sensor, or any switch-type sensor. By running automation systems at night when electricity is cheaper and water pressure is higher, coupled with shorter durations due to lower evaporation rates, substantial power savings are achieved. However, the ultimate solution is to use sensor data as a trigger to automatically adjust the irrigation schedule. “We can establish upper thresholds for the system to deactivate specific valve(s) upon reaching predetermined values. Plus, full automation enables the system to initiate irrigation when values fall below the specified threshold, such as in the case of low soil moisture.” “When sensors are not in place, we have a feature called “seasonal adjustment”, where users can slide a switch to adjust the watering time such as +10, +20, or +30%.” - Alex This is useful in areas where the weather becomes hotter and drier, or vice versa, adjustments can be made without the need to recalculate the entire irrigation program every time there is a change in the climate. Impressively, all that can be made from anywhere in the world using IRRIOT’s Cloud App, allowing real-time adjustments based on changing conditions, preventing water waste. In conclusion, IRRIOT’s irrigation water-saving technology emerges as a beacon of hope in the face of escalating global challenges in agriculture. IRRIOT’s wireless IoT irrigation solutions not only enhance crop yields but also contribute significantly to reducing the staggering 70% of freshwater used in agriculture. Learn more here: www.irriot.com

Water Saving AgTech

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Envirosuite: Helping Cut Costs for Water Treatment Works Written By | NATASHA POSNETT

Utilities face new challenges as water and economic stresses worsen globally. The rising pressures to keep water use low and their end costs down leave water utilities looking for innovative ways to save and adapt to what the future has in store. Envirosuite is a company working to help utilities, specifically their water, desalination and industrial treatment works, meet their cost-saving goals. Their digital technology can be used to transform the operations of water treatment plants, optimise operational outcomes and reduce end costs. They also use environmental intelligence to accelerate a sustainable future between water utilities, people and the environment.

Helping Cut Costs

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Challenging Times There is a vital need to reduce and save in our current economic and environmental climate. The cost-of-living crisis leaves everyone, including the big water utilities, looking for ways to cut their costs. With shrinking budgets and challenging targets, many utilities seek ways to reduce operational costs.

modelling and AI/machine learning to improve the performance of water and desalination treatment plants and helps operators monitor and predict plant performance in real-time. Recommendations can then be calculated, allowing the utility to focus on the most beneficial parts of its operations, delivering the most significant savings to the plant. Jide Fadero, Water Lead for EMEA at Envirosuite

Today’s technology and data-driven world adds another dimension to the issue. People’s expectations around water services- their performance and cost transparency- continue to increase. They expect competitive prices and sustainable operations. Technology is also providing the world with hope. We are living through an exciting time where innovation is leading the way in the world of water issues. Science is evolving quickly, and people are equally as quick to test these new solutions. Times may be challenging, but new ways are always being invented to help with cost-cutting measures.

Digital Twin Technology is There to Help Water treatment works are critical in ensuring a safe, potable water supply to the community. They face significant pressure to keep their end costs as low as possible due to budget constraints, political pressure, and the public demand for affordable water services. I spoke to Envirosuite Water Lead for EMEA, Jide Fadero, to find out more: “Some of the most significant challenges water treatment plants face are infrastructure ageing and upgrades, energy costs, regulatory compliance, technological advances, climate change, chemical costs, labour costs and operational efficiency. Addressing these pressures requires a multi-faceted approach, including proactive maintenance, investing in technology, and sometimes seeking alternative sources of funding or partnerships.” Envirosuite’s digital twin software, the Plant Designer and Plant Optimiser, have been developed to help water utilities address the main challenges facing the water industry. The Plant Optimiser is a predictive water treatment optimisation software. It combines deterministic

“We deploy our advanced digital twin technology on water treatment plants by creating an accurate digital version of the treatment plant, and with a combination of deterministic modelling and AI/ machine learning, the digital twin optimises the operation of the plant with the aim of reducing operational costs- e.g., chemical, energy and labour costs.” Envirosuite has successfully installed its technology in Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and across Pacific Asia.

Hong Kong: The Vertical City Hong Kong is an iconic city with a skyline of skyscrapers, traffic-laden highways, contrasting luscious mountains and sandy beaches. Then, there are the less glamorous parts of the city, with its political and economic struggles and water scarcity issues. As one of the most densely populated places on the planet, Hong Kong has an above-average demand for fresh water and a projected decline in supply. The megacity exports a large portion of its fresh water from the Dongjiang River in Southern China, but this will not be a sustainable, long-term option. In the eighties, Hong Kong residents faced water shortages and rationing due to diminishing water sources. Today, Hong Kong generally provides safe, readily available, accessible and cheap water compared to similar cities. Hong Kong has kept its water prices very low, but this will soon need to change to reflect the level of water scarcity in the region. There will be a knock-on effect for water treatment plans, with much higher water tariffs to pay. Hong Kong has done a good job covering potential water issues, and everything seems in good form publicly. However, the situation may continue to worsen, and Hong Kong could begin to feel greater water pressure in the coming years. Continued on page 30

Helping Cut Costs

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Hong Kong Tai Po Water Works: The Outcomes

Envirosuite has allowed the water treatment works to save between $200,000 to $400,000 per year.

The Tai Po water treatment works are in the North of Hong Kong. The plant uses advanced water treatment technology, including biofiltration and ozonation techniques, to treat raw water. The water is finally pumped into a reservoir before being distributed to the central and western districts of Hong Kong.

What’s Next?

The Water Supply Department (WSD) had a few key issues they wanted Envirosuite to address at the Tai Po water treatment plant: optimise operation, maintain compliance with water quality objectives, minimise chemical and power consumption and enable proactive and preventive maintenance. Jide Fadero gave a basic rundown of how they used their technology and the cost savings they achieved: “We implemented a unique solution by using our Plant Optimiser to accurately improve the treatment plant’s pre-treatment operation and solve the important issues. Our software created an accurate digital twin of the plant to drive operational improvements and deliver daily automated advice for optimal plant settings. The Plant Optimiser’s recommendations have ensured high-quality drinking water for the whole community alongside its cost savings.” “Over five months, our software was able to consistently identify chemical cost savings in its pre-treatment operations, and a 23% reduction in coagulant costs was achieved. The savings provided a payback of less than one year, offering a good return on investment.”

December 2023 Issue 8

Helping Cut Costs

Water pressure will continue to rise, and the need for utilities to cut costs will be critical. Hong Kong has seen the benefits of implementing solutions at its water treatment works, which is now reflected in its desire to expand Envirosuite’s technology. “Due to the project’s success at Tai Po, we have been asked by the Water Supply Department to expand our digital software across the rest of Tai Po treatment plant and use it on Hong Kong’s first-ever desalination plant (TKO).” Water treatment plants are an integral part of our economy. They must find the best ways to adapt and cut costs to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. Water is part of our everyday lives. It will always be a necessity that we must manage, but how people perceive it and use it will change over time. People are becoming more educated about how to reduce their water usage and its high costs. Technology will remain a key supporting factor to achieve the greatest outcomes. Jide Fadero summed it up perfectly:

“You have to be knowledge seekers, ask questions and keep exploring to be the best at digital technology!”

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December 2023 Issue 8

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Global Water Experts Insights Join us in this edition as we explore the crucial role of water technology in tackling the impact of climate change. Gain valuable insights as we delve into the pressing issues surrounding these topics.

Expert Insights

December 2023 Issue 8

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December 2023 Issue 8

Francesco Giuseppe Ladisa Flowserve Global Product Leader – Digital Water

How can water utility companies effectively implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality and reliability of water services for end users? Optimizing operations and maintenance is fundamental: Implementing predictive maintenance practices, using energy-efficient equipment, and streamlining processes can reduce operational costs and minimize equipment downtime. This is one of the most important points as the issues our customers have most often faced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are a reduction of manpower along with battling the rising costs of electricity. Because of these challenges, remotely monitoring assets to maintain the highest efficiency while reducing downtime is fundamental to business success. Equipment failure can lead to a multitude of problems, including contamination and health risks. Equipment failure can also result in costly downtime and repairs, fines, and negative publicity for an operator. Thanks to digitization, it’s never been easier to achieve operational efficiency, productivity, reliability, and sustainability in the water management industry while meeting energy transition and ESG goals.

By monitoring equipment and predicting behaviors with digital internet of things (IoT) technologies like RedRaven, Flowserve is equipped with the tools and insights to optimize flow control equipment performance for our customers, allowing them to safely and efficiently operate. In desalination plants, for example, where pumps represent 90% of the total electricity consumption, adopting a solution like RedRaven is crucial.

can analyze vast amounts of data to predict leaks, optimize pumping schedules, and identify potential malfunctions, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency. But the AI is Data dependence: AI systems are heavily reliant on data to learn and make predictions. The quality and quantity of data available can significantly impact the performance of AI models, so the AI should be always implemented by smart sensors and algorithms based on decades of experience of designing, upgrading the asset or the systems.

In the context of water utilities, how do you see advancements in data analytics and smart technologies contributing to both cost savings and improved service delivery for consumers? Advancements in data analytics and smart technologies are revolutionizing water utilities by enabling smarter decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing service delivery for consumers. Data-driven insights from AI and machine learning can identify leaks early, predict equipment failures, and forecast water demand, allowing utilities to proactively address issues and optimize operations. Smart sensors and IoT networks provide real-time data on water flow, pressure, and quality, enabling leak detection, anomaly identification, and proactive maintenance. These advancements lead to cost savings by reducing water loss, optimizing pumping schedules, extending equipment lifespans, and minimizing downtime. Improved service delivery is achieved through reduced outages, faster response times to issues, and personalized water usage insights that empower consumers to manage their consumption effectively.

In my opinion the biggest potential is represented by Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI Expert Insights

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December 2023 Issue 8

Gary Wong AVEVA Global Industry Principal – Infrastructure and Water

From your perspective, what innovative technologies or strategies hold the most promise for reducing operational costs in water utilities, and how can these be seamlessly integrated into existing systems? The key to reducing operational costs and meeting strategic objectives, whether that’s sustainability metrics or improved resiliency, is having the right data infrastructure in place. Essentially a neutral, agnostic digital backbone to unify and manage industrial information. A good data management solution will work with the systems already in place and enable water utilities to collect and store data from any location and source – whether that’s edge, on-prem, or cloud – and rapidly extract the actionable insights needed to improve operational efficiency. For example, Riverside, a water utility in California, implemented AVEVA PI System, a flexible, out-of-thebox solution that provides real-time data collection, analysis, and visualization. This enabled Riverside to automate reporting, optimize processes, and identify savings opportunities. As a result, Riverside achieved a return on investment of more than $1.3M a year through operations optimization and freed up staff from the daily grind of reporting.

In the context of water utilities, how do you see advancements in data analytics and smart technologies contributing to both cost savings and improved service delivery for consumers? Once you have an effective data infrastructure in place for both people and systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics are the natural evolution. Industrial AI enables water utilities to better detect current performance issues and predict future ones, thereby minimizing risk of failure of critical assets and ensuring continuous service delivery. Take Acciona for instance, their use of predictive analytics has optimized energy consumption of their high-

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pressure pump and resulted in a 4.6% reduction in energy usage and increased production capacity by 16 m3/h. The City of Salem uses cloud-based data management to predict future algae blooms and ensure drinking water safety. And at TasWater, automation, standardization and systematization has improved proactive breach detection from <10% to 100%, helping it to comply with drinking water regulations.

Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the growth of water utilities, and how can these organisations prepare for future challenges while maintaining cost-efficient operations? Increasing complexity, continued focus on sustainability and resiliency, and staffing shortages will mean water utilities must systematize data. This means digital twins remain a critical factor. However, the key is to unite all the twins across the design, build, operate and optimize lifecycle so there is one digital thread. Having access to trusted data – for people and systems – is imperative, particularly as we move to this hybrid world. With information at the edge, on-premises and in the cloud, utilities will have to manage data siloes regardless of the location of the physical data. Delta River is overcoming this challenge with an advanced 3D model of their new water utility. After commissioning, this same digital twin will be used for all O&M activity making access to actionable information faster and more reliable. With seamless handover across the end-to-end lifecycle, Delta River is revolutionizing the dynamics of team collaboration and efficiency.

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December 2023 Issue 8

Dr. Hassan Aboelnga TH Köln University of Applied Sciences Researcher and International Expert in Water Security and Sustainable Development

How can water utility companies effectively implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality and reliability of water services for end users? In the world of water utilities, cost savings doesn’t have to mean compromising quality—quite the opposite. One key focus is reducing non-revenue water (NRW), which includes losses through leaks, theft, or inaccurate metering. Additionally, promoting water conservation among end users through educational programs and incentives can contribute to cost savings.

From your perspective, what innovative technologies or strategies hold the most promise for reducing operational costs in water utilities, and how can these be seamlessly integrated into existing systems? The digital transformation of the water sector holds immense potential for reducing operational costs through innovative technologies. Smart metering systems, IoT, and advanced analytics enhance realtime monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. This transformation not only promises substantial cost savings but also positions water utilities for enhanced resilience and sustainability in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What role do regulatory frameworks play in shaping the cost-saving initiatives of water utility companies, and what changes or improvements would you recommend for more efficient cost management? It plays role in setting standards, pricing structures, and guidelines for operations. Clear and flexible regulations can encourage innovation and efficiency. To improve cost management, I recommend fostering regulatory environments that incentive investments in modern technologies, support

sustainable practices, and streamline approval processes for infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, periodic reviews and adjustments to regulations can ensure they remain adaptable to evolving industry needs, promoting a more responsive and efficient water utility sector.

As water utility infrastructure ages, what strategies do you recommend for addressing maintenance and replacement needs while minimising financial burdens on both utility companies and end users? In navigating the challenges posed by ageing water utility infrastructure, the key is to adopt “SMART” solutions. Implementing Systematic Asset Management ensures a comprehensive plan for maintenance and replacement. Utilizing modern technologies enables real-time monitoring, minimizing downtime, and costs. Affordability Programs, including flexible payment options and subsidies, alleviate financial burdens on end users. Seeking regulatory support for frameworks incentivizing proactive upgrades is crucial, while fostering team collaboration with stakeholders optimizes efficiency and resource-sharing. This holistic approach not only addresses maintenance needs effectively but also minimizes financial strains on both utility companies and end users.

Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the growth of water utilities, and how can these organisations prepare for future challenges while maintaining cost-efficient operations? In the future, water utilities will likely see increased digitization, a focus on sustainability, and a need for climate resilience. To prepare, organizations should invest in advanced technologies, promote water conservation, and build climate-resilient infrastructure.

Expert Insights

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December 2023 Issue 8

Ken Sansone SL Environmental Law Group PC Water Supplies in Contamination Lawsuits

How can water utility companies effectively implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality and reliability of water services for end users? New pressures on utilities to improve water quality are emerging as more becomes known about the health impacts of contaminants of concern, such as PFAS. In light of new proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this year, once the MCLs are finalized water systems affected by PFAS contamination will likely have to implement expensive systems to remove PFAS from their drinking water. More and more water utilities have been using product liability law and litigation as a key cost recovery strategy to help shift the clean-up costs from their ratepayers to the manufacturers responsible for the PFAS contamination.

In your experience, what successful case studies or best practices have you observed in global water utilities that have effectively managed to reduce costs while enhancing service quality for customers? A great example are water utilities and municipalities that use litigation as a cost recovery strategy, by holding polluters accountable for the water contamination clean-up costs. While water utilities are not responsible for the contamination, they typically find themselves having to carry the costly burden of clean-up. Rather than passing on the costs to their customers, more and more utilities are pursuing litigation to recover contamination response costs, from purchasing replacement water from alternative sources to building and operating treatment plants. A number of case studies of how water utilities across the country are shifting costs from ratepayers to polluters can be found here.

Are there specific policy or regulatory changes you believe could positively impact the

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Expert Insights

economic aspects of water utilities, promoting cost savings for both the companies and consumers? Generally, increased regulation often leads to increased costs for utilities. Regulation such as the proposed national Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS are often no different, and are expected to lead to increased costs for utilities, as those affected by contamination above the levels will be mandated to implement treatment. However, for utilities that are looking to try and hold the polluters accountable through litigation, regulation such as the proposed PFAS MCLs can play an important role in cost recovery efforts, as they were in both the DuPont and 3M PFAS settlements. A few months after the proposed MCLs were announced, the ongoing multi-district litigation between PFAS manufacturers and water suppliers seeking to hold them accountable for the clean-up costs saw notable settlements from both 3M and DuPont. The settlements included regulatory bumps for contamination above the proposed MCLs, allowing cost savings for both the utilities and their ratepayers, who would have otherwise had to shoulder the cost of the contamination clean-up.

In the context of global water scarcity concerns, how can water utilities balance the need for infrastructure expansion to meet growing demand with the imperative to control costs and ensure affordability for all users? As the question suggests, the availability of water is no longer predictable or reliable in many parts of the world, a problem that is adding to utilities’ water quality challenges. While technological innovation is making great strides toward addressing water scarcity (such as water reuse systems), the technology is expensive and out of reach for most utilities without drastically increasing rates for customers. By using funds procured through litigation to recover contaminant cleanup costs, utilities can proactively choose mitigation systems that remove pollutants while also reducing their reliance on surface and groundwater.

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December 2023 Issue 8

Tacoma Zach, P. Eng. MentorAPM CEO

How can water utility companies effectively implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality and reliability of water services for end users? Setting priorities for applying painfully limited resources against competing urgencies is a huge challenge for utilities. An ISO55000-conforming criticality analysis will identify all areas that put the level of service and all stakeholder values at risk. This will target the bulk of the resources typically to the top 35% of the assets that deserve the most attention, such as condition assessment and monitoring, and concentrated significant maintenance. By avoiding a ‘shot gun’ approach to maintenance, this analysis will eliminate needless activities and resource expenditures which typically saves 20% of the budget, provides more stable operations, and results in improved water quality and reduced NOVs.

In your experience, what successful case studies or best practices have you observed in global water utilities that have effectively managed to reduce costs while enhancing service quality for customers? Through a criticality analysis, a Midwest utility identified a 20% saving to their maintenance budgets, and a redirection of 20% of tasks from busywork to a sharp focus on critical assets with meaningful Preventive Maintenance strategies.

Are there specific policy or regulatory changes you believe could positively impact the economic aspects of water utilities, promoting cost savings for both the companies and consumers? Eliminate procurement mandates for lowest capital cost and replace with a focus on lowest Total Cost of Ownership over specified periods of time and insist on some performance guarantees. We need to lengthen our horizons and place a sharp focus on maximum value over the life of our assets. Assets that are cheaper to acquire can be very expensive to maintain over time.

A utility can usually find significant operational and maintenance savings through a Functional System Level Criticality Analysis. This type of analysis only takes weeks to accurately assess the entire asset portfolio and identify risk, which enables utilities to target resources appropriately for condition assessments, condition monitoring, and applying new technologies. Using asset failure modes to guide the condition assessment focus as well as the ongoing condition monitoring is the most accurate way of understanding impacts on the asset performance and its life cycle. This will lead to the optimal degree of maintenance engagement and cost for maximum return on asset maintenance investment. Typically, this approach has saved from 10 to 20% of the maintenance budget.

Expert Insights

Technology and Innovation

Breaking the glass ceiling on water technology 38

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December 2023 Issue 8

APT Water Website URL: www.aptwater.com Product Name: HiPOx High Performance Advanced Oxidation System Product Details: HiPOx helps water utilities destroy today’s most challenging emerging contaminants at a fraction of the cost and energy use… and it does so without producing residual waste. From 1,4-Dioxane destruction to PFAS reduction, HiPOx tackles the most difficult water in the most efficient way and costs utilities nothing up front.

Energy Recovery, Inc. Website URL: www.energyrecovery.com Product Name: PX Q400 Pressure Exchanger Product Details: The PX Q400 pressure exchanger from Energy Recovery achieves up to 98% efficiency, delivering significant energy and cost savings. Easy to install and maintain—and our quietest PX yet at 77 dB—the PX Q400 offers the lowest lifecycle cost of any energy recovery device for seawater reverse osmosis desalination.

Enki Marine Website URL: www.enkimarine.co.uk Product Name: Decarbonisation Strategy Product Details: Decarbonising a fleet is no one-size-fits-all task. Shipowners grapple with retrofitting expenses, exploring technologies, and adhering to stringent regulations while balancing freight prices and service speed. Our mission is to prepare your fleet to navigate the decarbonisation challenges by developing a decarbonisation strategy so you are confident about your future.

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Flume Water Website URL: www.flumewater.com Product Name: Flume Smart Home Monitor Product Details: Flume Water Monitors strap around residential meters, capturing precise water use data at 5-second intervals without interfering with meter performance. Flume goes beyond simple consumption readings, offering 24/7 instant leak detection and detailed breakdowns of indoor vs. outdoor usage. Flume users reduce their water use by 15% on average.

InfoTiles Website URL: www.infotiles.no Product Name: InfoTiles Product Details: The InfoTiles AI software uses innovative algorithms to streamline water utility data processing, uncovering missing data points, improving data quality, and enhancing network connectivity to optimise water resource management. InfoTiles promises cost-effective, precise, management of integral assets, unlocking untapped potential for OPEX and CAPEX savings through real-time data-driven decision-making.

IOSight Website URL: www.iosight.com Product Name: iGreen Product Details: iGreen, IOSight’s core solution suite is a data management software for the water industry. Installed at over 100 sites globally, it collects data from multiple sources, stores it in an SQL DB, and provides dashboarding and reporting environments, algorithmbased applications involving AI/ML, and an event management module.

Technology & Innovation

December 2023 Issue 8

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December 2023 Issue 8

N-Drip Website URL: www.ndrip.com Product Name: N-Drip gravity-powered micro-irrigation solution Product Details: N-Drip’s revolutionary, gravity-powered micro-irrigation solution saves water, reduces fertilizer use and carbon emissions, and increases yield potential. The cost-effective system requires no external energy and provides only the amount of water and fertilizer that the crop needs.

OceanWell Website URL www.oceanwellwater.com Product Name: OceanWell Water Farms Product Details: OceanWell is developing modular sub-sea technology that uses hydrostatic ocean pressure to naturally power the reverse osmosis process. The technology produces freshwater while vastly improving energy efficiency with no onshore plant and no brine outfall. This approach eliminates the burdens of high energy, ecological impact, and a large onshore plant.

Olpas Website URL: www.olpas.tech Product Name: Olpas Sludge Concentration Product Details: Olpas sensors provide a revolutionary online sludge concentration measurement for the sludge-dewatering process, based on an innovative ultrasound measurement technology. The TSS/Dry Solids measurement sets a new standard with easy inline installation (a transducer as small as a pen), exceptional (bio)fouling resistance, and lower cost compared to traditional microwave-based sensors.

Technology & Innovation

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Oxyle Website URL: www.oxyle.ch Product Name: Oxyle Catalyst Technology Product Details: Oxyle’s ground-breaking catalyst technology offers removal and real-time monitoring of a wide range of micropollutants, including PFAS. Unlike filtration or adsorption methods that merely transfer pollutants, Oxyle eradicates them completely. With an extended cleaning lifespan, fully circular operation, and minimal energy consumption, it’s the market’s most economical and scalable treatment.

SENTRY Water Technologies Website URL: www.sentrywatertech.com Product Name: SENTRY Sensors Product Details: SENTRY bio-electrochemical sensors go where no sensor has gone before helping wastewater treatment-related utilities save over $75,000 a year while also reducing energy and improving environmental outcomes. They offer the only way treatment plants can directly monitor what’s coming into their plants AND their ability to treat it… 24/7.

Solabs Nanotechnology Website URL: www.ethz.ch Product Name: First durable anti-fog solution Product Details: Solabs is a transparent coating which selectively absorbs invisible solar near-infrared radiation, heats up and thereby prevents fogging. It is fabricated with industrialized tools, easily scalable and requires no chemicals. Solabs is 10,000 times thinner than a human hair and can be integrated beneath existing coatings, rendering it completely durable.

Technology & Innovation

December 2023 Issue 8

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December 2023 Issue 8

ZwitterCo Website URL: www.zwitterco.com Product Name: Brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) membranes Product Details: ZwitterCo’s new brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) membranes are the world’s first organic fouling-immune brackish water membranes that reduce cleaning frequency by up to 90%, resulting in lower operational costs while delivering reliable BWRO performance. The BWRO elements are currently exclusively available to participants of ZwitterCo’s BWRO Early Access Program.

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Issue 9 will delve into the digital revolution of the water industry, highlighting the transformative changes taking place. Navigating water supply management in the digital era can be a challenging task for organisations. We invite you to submit a form showcasing your solution that has the power to revolutionise an organisation's water management.

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December 2023 Issue 8

Global events BRITISH WATER Micropollutants Conference Date: 8 February Location: Leeds, UK th

Following the success of the British Water Micropollutants Conferences in 2022 & 2023, the third Micropollutants Conference will expand the discussion on challenges posed by micropollutants to the water industry.

Oceanology International 2024 Date: 12th - 14th March Location: London, UK Oceanology International is a three-day event for the global ocean technology community. Visitors can expect to see over 500 global suppliers and can attend free conference sessions and live water demonstrations.

World Water-Tech Innovation Summit

9th IWA Water Resource Recovery Modelling Seminar

Date: 20th - 21st February Location: London, UK

Date: 6th - 10th April Location: University Of Notre Dame, USA

A two-day event where 400+ water utilities, regulators, engineering firms, technology giants, start-ups, and investors explore how to build energy efficiency and climate resiliency. Now in its 13th year, the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit in London has become the annual meeting place and catalyst for innovation. for US water utilities, engineering firms, technology pioneers, regulators and investors.

WRRmod 2024 is the 9th IWA Water Resource Recovery Modelling Seminar of the biennial modelling seminar series. The WRRmod conference connects academics, engineering experts, and scientists specializing in modelling wastewater treatment processes.free conference sessions and live water demonstrations.

WEX Global Date: 4th - 6th March Location: Madrid, Spain WEX Global is a three-day event which brings together the sector’s leading experts to discuss water sustainability.

Global Smart Water Metering & Intelligent Data Utilisation Congress Date: 6th - 7th March Location: London, UK

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The Global Smart Water Metering & Intelligent Data Utilisation Congress is a two-day event designed to help water utilities develop faster and more efficient management systems, reflecting the true value of water and supply delivery targets. FOLLOW H2O ON @h2oglobalnews

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According to the consultants, around $5 trillion in investment might be necessary to achieve aviation’s ambitious aim of carbon neutrality by 2050.

December 2023 Issue 8

The rest of us live in 2023. Our Fund III is backing early-stage companies with technology innovations that help industry and society adapt to water-risks in our new climate reality. Learn more about our Fund III: mazarineventures.com/fund-3

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