INDUSTRIAL WATER
Closing the gap through reclamation and reuse Not only is South Africa a waterscare country, but it is in the grip of a water shortage crisis. Just two years ago, this was illustrated by Cape Town facing the imminent threat of four million taps running dry. By Joyce Moganedi
D
uring 2019, more than 70% of the country’s total water supply was earmarked for business – mining, industrial use, power generation and agriculture – leaving less than 30% for consumption by a population of more than 60 million people. Water levels are reaching tipping points across the nation as rapid urbanisation sees increasing numbers of people gravitating to cities, which also results in increased industrial activity. According to the World Bank, industry in South Africa will require 50% to 70% more water, and energy production will use 85% more of the country’s water supply. More effective industrial water and wastewater reuse is therefore of major importance if South Africa is to plug the gap between growing demand and dwindling supply of one of the planet’s most precious resources.
Smart thinking
Producing more water to satisfy demand is one piece of the puzzle. Equally important is the efficient use of existing water supplies by the industrial sector
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in South Africa. Automated and digital technologies can help water treatment plants optimise every drop – reducing, reusing and recycling water, while simultaneously recovering resources and replenishing water ecosystems. In doing so, companies stand to gain in their own operations, by boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and ensuring compliance with legislation aimed at monitoring the discharge of effluents into the environment. Globally, 80% of wastewater is unprocessed; protecting groundwater from chemical agents and other pollutants that damage ecosystems and the quality of drinking water is a priority. Overseeing this process is the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) – the overarching regulatory body charged with protecting South Africa’s water resources and ensuring they are allocated in a sustainable manner. Industries such as mining and power generation recognise the importance of water reuse as a way of running sustainable businesses and effectively maintaining production levels.
With South Africa seen as key to the entire continent’s industrial growth, this good-news story can be rolled out across Africa, to the ultimate benefit of economies and wider society.
Tap into digital innovation
ABB is determined to be part of this revolution and help alleviate the water crisis in South Africa. Our portfolio of automation, control, and digital and electrical solutions enables the smarter reuse of wastewater, helping operators to optimise performance and reduce energy consumption. Increasingly, water utilities in South Africa and worldwide are looking to integrate their operations – wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants, pumping stations – in a centralised control centre using a single Scada system, enabling them to better manage assets and guarantee security of supply. ABB solutions are specifically designed to facilitate this transition. For example, the ABB Ability open industrial internet technology platform, encompassing both the Symphony Plus and 800xA distributed control (DCS) and
