case study

Singapore:

‘New’ Water and Desalination: Singapore faces challenges with limited freshwater resources, and it has implemented innovative solutions such as ‘New’Water (reclaimed water) and desalination. Stainless steel is often used in the construction of equipment for water treatment processes, contributing to the reliability and efficiency of these technologies.

Water Recycling: Singapore places a strong emphasis on water recycling and reuse. Stainless steel, with its corrosion resistance and durability, is suitable for use in the construction of pipes and tanks in water recycling systems, helping maintain water quality and minimising the need for frequent replacements.

PUB’s Active Management: The Public Utilities Board (PUB) in Singapore actively manages water resources, including monitoring and reducing water losses in the distribution network. The use of durable materials like stainless steel in infrastructure contributes to minimising leaks and losses.

Both Tokyo and Singapore have adopted a combination of technological innovation, infrastructure development, public awareness, and policy measures to ensure sustainable water supplies and efficient water use. The selection of materials like stainless steel contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of their water systems.

South Africa:

In South Africa, the issue of water conservation will remain critical as we enter the future of climate change. The graph on the right shows how effective stainless steel can be in curbing losses of drinking water in distribution systems according to Worldstainless.

The Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape adopted a similar approach to the conservation of drinking water two decades ago. The municipality brought down water losses through leakages from more than 35% to around 10% by strategically using stainless steel for key applications above and below street level.

Conclusion:

In summary, both stainless steel and plastics have their advantages and disadvantages in sustainable water applications. Stainless steel is more durable and recyclable, with a longer life cycle, but it may have a higher initial cost. Plastics, while initially cost-effective, pose environmental challenges and have limitations in terms of recyclability and durability. The choice between the two materials should be based on the specific requirements of the water application and broader sustainability goals. However, this choice sometimes call for tough decisions. Bad material choices today can add to the financial and environmental burden of tomorrow.