IDA Global Connections | Spring-Summer 2023

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Water is at the Center of Economic and Social Development Interview with Saroj Kumar Jha, Water Global Director, World Bank Group Spring / Summer 2023 IDA GLOBAL Bringing Certainty in an Uncertain World: Water Reuse and Alternative Water Supply Development Page 17 SWCC-DTRI's Initiatives and Research Projects to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Kingdom Page 30 Potable Reuse Research and Innovation over the last 50 years at WRF and in the US Page 36 CONNECTIONS

NET-POSITIVE LIVING THROUGH DESALINATION

www.swcc.gov.sa

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

COVER STORY: INTERVIEW WITH SAROJ KUMAR JHA, WATER GLOBAL DIRECTOR, WORLD BANK GROUP

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT:

ʞ BRINGING CERTAINTY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD: WATER REUSE AND ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT

ʞ OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN WATER SYSTEMS: A CRUCIAL STEP TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND DECARBONIZATION

FOCUS ON INNOVATION:

ʞ THE ROLE OF THE SIWTP IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

ʞ SWCC-DTRI IS WORKING ON MANY INITIATIVES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS WITHIN THE KINGDOM'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

ʞ POTABLE REUSE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS AT WRF AND IN THE U.S.

FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT

ʞ US EPA WATER REUSE PROGRAM: BUILDING CAPACITY FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY

RESEARCH CORNER

ʞ PIONEERING RESEARCH ON DESALINATION OFFERS REASON FOR HOPE

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

ʞ HOW WATER MET MONEY 300 YEARS BEFORE THE GLOBAL WATER SUMMITS

IDA NEWS

ʞ IN MEMORIAM: PROF. DAVID HASSON

ʞ IDA ANNOUNCES SIGNING MOU WITH THE CANADA OCEAN RACING BE WATER POSITIVE TEAM

ʞ 2024 INDUSTRIAL WATER REUSE CHAMPIONS AWARD

ʞ IDA PFAS SURVEY

ʞ IDA SEVILLE SUMMIT ON WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE

ʞ IDA 2024 WORLD CONGRESS

ʞ HONORING INNOVATION IN DESALINATION AND WATER REUSE: 1976 - 1991

ʞ IDA CONDUCTED TWO HIGH - LEVEL SIDE EVENTS AT THE UNGA 2023 WATER CONFERENCE

ʞ WHY WATER REUSE AND DESALINATION ARE IMPORTANT FOR WATER SECURITY

ʞ IDA - PPUAC WEBINAR “DECENTRALIZED WATER SECURITY SOLUTIONS: HOW TO SOLVE WATER SUPPLY LIMITATIONS WITH OFF-GRID SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES”

ʞ IDA / PARTNERS EVENTS

ʞ NEW IDA MEMBERS

IDA Global Connections is published quarterly. The views expressed in articles contributed to IDA Global Connections are not necessarily the views of the International Desalination Association. IDA assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or artwork.

Editorial Director Shannon McCarthy

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MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear Members and Colleagues:

Although it can indeed be stated that organizations like ours have helped many in water-stressed regions gain access to freshwater over the last ten years, it is worth noting that, despite our great efforts, and because of the rising consequences of global warming and rapid industrial and population growth, the overall challenges associated with water scarcity are still projected to worsen in the coming years.

Last March, the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York City focused on the urgent need to unite the world in establishing international mechanisms to adapt to the rising incidences of extreme and prolonged droughts and floods stressing the earth’s ecosystems. IDA participated as an UN-recognized ECOSOC organization and provided a statement on the role of non-conventional water resources in adapting to water scarcity, specifically desalination, and reuse.

As we approach the IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change that will take place on 15-18 October 2023 in the beautiful country of Spain, we

must both consider and enhance the philosophies proposed by the United Nations earlier this year and continue to promote the innovative on the ground advancements in water supply that our community has always led, fostered, and encouraged.

In this issue of the IDA Global Connections, we are honored to feature the interview with Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha, the Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice, who discusses the estimated investment of 22.6 trillion is needed by 2050 for water infrastructure to create water security for all, and how policy reform to attract private investment is critical, hence the new framework for “Scaling Finance in Water.”

Dr. Zeynep Erdal, the Director of Integrated Solutions and Capabilities at Black & Veatch, shares her company’s continuing efforts to advance water reuse technologies to expand water reliability and resilience worldwide.

Dr. Art K. Umble, a global leader in promoting sustainability of the water environment and the Director of the Stantec Institute for Water Technology & Policy, addresses the roles

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and responsibilities of water professionals in addressing climate change and, specifically, the actions that industry authorities must lead.

Eng. Tariq Al-Ghafari, Deputy Governor of Research, Innovation and Project Execution, SWCC- DTRI, updates us on the initiatives and advances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made to reduce carbon emissions and the innovative research to achieve these goals.

Ms. Julie Minton, a Research Unit Leader at The Water Research Foundation, shares the US technological innovations over the last fifty years that have paved the way for progress in wastewater recycling for societal benefits.

Dr. Sharon P. Nappier, a National Program Leader for Water Reuse in the Office of Water at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ashley S. Harper, a team member in the Water Reuse Program in the Office of Water at the US EPA, collaborate on a piece to detail the efforts of the EPA to ensure all communities have access to tools that help mitigate the impacts of climate change on water supply.

We hope you enjoy the piece by Ms. Lauren Nicole Core, a Climate and Water Writer and Filmmaker who stresses the importance of desalination in meeting the freshwater needs of water-scarce communities and the technological developments that are unlocking the capabilities to do so.

From a historical perspective, Dr. Emilio Gabrielli, an International Water Consultant, and former IDA President, details how water treatment was first introduced, not for people's health but to ensure the quality of European banknotes.

In our IDA News section, we share the interesting and impactful aspects of our exciting new activities, including announcing a recent

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team that solidifies our commitment to promoting sustainable water practices and spotlighting water positive actions across the globe. We also provide a link to complete an IDA survey on the current use of PVDF-based membranes (MF/UF) in water treatment systems so that we can better support European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) decision-making. Along with key partners, we announce a call for the 2024 Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award nominations to recognize those Fortune 1000 companies that share our commitments and principles. And we provide comprehensive details on the beginning of our 50th-anniversary celebration at the IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change, including part of the historical timeline of the last fifty years in the industry and as an association.

Finally, and sadly, we mourn the loss of Professor David Hasson, an incredible pioneer, and contributor to the development of desalination technologies in Israel and worldwide.

Over the past fifty years, we have seen significant progress in addressing water scarcity with sustainable solutions. However, as noted in our wonderfully informative essays herein, much work still needs to be done. We look forward to seeing you in Spain, continuing the robust and most critical discussions on our shared objectives, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Desalination Association and the industry.

We stand united in the understanding that the future of sustainable water development rests on our very capable shoulders. And we are proud to stand alongside our membership.

Sincerely,

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am pleased to share the Spring edition of the IDA Global Connections, emphasizing the need to further connect and collaborate to offset water scarcity through sustainable innovations in the water and wastewater sector, to create lasting impact.

According to the United Nations, in less than two years from now, in 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water stressed conditions. This is not just critical and alarming but clearly signals that the sector is not moving fast enough to bridge the increasing gap between the demand and supply of water.

The pressure on natural water resources will not ease without serious action that addresses

water scarcity both as a global challenge and as part of an interconnected ecosystem. It is also imperative to push and prioritize water security and sustainability as part of the global climate action agenda which has been gaining momentum across years of heavy lobbying by international decision makers and political heavyweights. That said, with the United Arab Emirates, being the hosting nation of COP28 this year, we are certain that water security will be a central focus during the event.

The question that we need to ask ourselves as industry leaders and key players across different sectors is; When will we stop thinking of wastewater as ‘waste’ and how can we further maximize its efficient utilization to show true value across different applications?

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It’s paramount to promote the well campaigned statements that ‘every drop counts’ and that ‘every drop matters’. It’s true, they do matter. As populations, urbanization, and per capita income increase, so does wastewater production – it is the only water source that exhibits such growth. Water, the most essential and abundant asset in wastewater, can serve as a substitute for fresh water when properly treated. The success that the Gulf countries, one of the most arid and hot regions in the world, have secured using wastewater as feedwater for district cooling and for sustainable landscaping is commendable. In Egypt, the revolutionary progressive approach to treating agriculture wastewater to use for irrigation, expanding the agricultural land, and ensuring a reliable food supply and security, is also significant. Egypt has set a new world and industry milestone and secured the world largest agriculture wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse projects.

There are many other examples of mega opportunities that were made possible by engaging the private sector, leveraging Governments ability to scale impact, and by investing in research and development as well as commercializing new technologies. The key message here is that we must collaborate further and continue trying new things without prejudice to enable large scale sustainable

impact. This, along with creating public awareness of the real value of water and the looming water scarcity statistics - I believe is the shortest- most sustainable- path to a more water positive world.

Securing water availability and accessibility is a complex challenge that we need to face head on, every day. There are no one-way fits all solutions and no shortcuts. Our world is circular and the economy, with its different sectors, reflects this circularity and this is how we need to address water scarcity. An inclusive approach that takes into consideration multiple players and factors and that respects individuality and offers customized solutions.

The IDA has been founded in 1973 under this premise and continues to engage at a larger scale with its members, including scientists, developers, off-takers, regulators, end-users, engineers, consultants, media, and researchers from governments, corporations, and academia, in more than 60 countries. I firmly believe that together we can succeed in developing a more concerted environment of collaboration and innovation – one discussion at a time.

Enjoy the read.

Sincerely,

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Water is at the Center of Economic and Social Development

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IDA Interview with Saroj Kumar Jha, Water Global Director, World Bank Group
COVER STORY
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Could you tell us about the mission and vision of the World Bank’s Global Water Practice?

World Bank Group’s “Twin Goals” call for ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity in a sustainable way; and improving water access and management plays a pivotal role in achieving these two goals. This is because water is at the center of economic and social development; it is vital to maintain health, grow food, generate energy, manage the environment, and create jobs. Water availability and management impacts whether poor girls are educated, whether cities are healthy places to live, and whether growing industries or poor villages can withstand the impacts of floods or droughts. As the world’s largest multilateral source of financing for water in developing countries, the World Bank is working closely with partners to achieve “A Water-Secure World for All,” by sustaining water resources, delivering services and building resilience. With a portfolio of water investments of almost US$30 billion and a staff of hundreds of water experts across the world, the Water GP is uniquely positioned to address these themes, developing and sharing global knowledge while amplifying the impact of lending through technical assistance on the ground.

In your opinion, what role should play the private sector to put this vision into practice?

Member countries use our technical advice and analysis to sustain development over the long term by designing or implementing better policies and development strategies and by strengthening their institutions.

According to best estimates available, we require a significant investment of US$6.7 trillion by 2030 and US$22.6 trillion by 2050 for water-related infrastructure to ensure water security. However, current investments fall short of addressing risks and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. To bridge this gap, we need to mobilize public, concessional, and private financing that aligns with sector objectives. Although there are obstacles hindering private investment, we can overcome them by expediting reforms in policies, institutions, and regulations, addressing the creditworthiness of water utilities, and designing viable projects with innovative financing mechanisms. The collective evidence suggests that the private sector has an important role to play not only in providing the muchneeded capital investment, but also in providing innovation, know-how, and expertise, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency, lowering operating

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costs, raising revenues, conserving and recovering scarce resources, and increasing resilience to climate risks, among other areas. Where seen as a public service, it is possible to enable efficiency in water delivery, with cost reflective remuneration that encourages private investments. The Water practice has recently developed a framework for “Scaling Finance in Water” to help our teams and their clients develop the enabling environment for making the water sector conductive for private sector participation.

What are the instruments that the Bank has at its disposal to support enterprises and public institutions operating in the water sector?

The Bank has a multitude of instruments at its disposal to support both the private and public sectors. This support is provided through the various institutions under the World Bank Group umbrella, with the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) supporting public institutions, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) supporting private entities, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) providing political risk insurance. The World Bank Group has used and continues to use these instruments, individually or combined, to support desalination and reuse projects globally. Some examples of supported projects are the financing of

the associated works for the Central Gaza desalination plant and the construction of a desalination plant in Kiribati, IBRD’s support to a recently approved circular economy and wastewater reuse project in Türkiye, IFC’s transaction advisory service to the Egypt desalination PPP program, IFC’s investments in ACWA Power, Metito, and Aqualia Capital, MIGA’s provision of political risk insurance for a desalination project in Ghana, and joint-support by IFC and MIGA for Aqualyng Holding AS in China.

Building capacity and strengthening institutions is just as important as closing the funding gap to achieve the Sustainable development goals set for water. Is the Bank equipped to deliver more than financial support?

Indeed, beyond finance, advisory services and analytics are a vital part of how the Bank contributes to development. Member countries use our technical advice and analysis to sustain development over the long term by designing or implementing better policies and development strategies and by strengthening their institutions. At the country level, these activities underpin partnership frameworks, government programs, and projects supported by Bank lending and guarantees. At the global and regional level, they contribute to public goods and inform important policy debates. For example, under the Central Gaza Desalination Program, the

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COVER STORY

World Bank is providing technical assistance to the Palestinian Water Authority to set up a bulk water supplier that will be in charge of managing all water resources in the Gaza Strip, including the Central Gaza Desalination Plant. The Water Practice also provides standalone non-reimbursable technical assistance to its country clients, like the ongoing support to the Libyan Government to revamp its desalination operations; and reimbursable advisory services to higher-income countries like those of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where we have a very strong partnership with the Government of Saudi Arabia. At the global level, also as an example, our Practice is currently developing guidelines and tools to help governments across regions improve their regulatory and institutional frameworks and enhance their appraisal capabilities to mainstream unconventional water resources in their water mix. The Bank also hosts the 2030 Water Resources group, a unique public, private, civil society partnership that convenes 1,000 partners globally, performs analysis and consultative dialogue that has a transformative impact in water and other sectors.

perceived by the different sector stakeholders are not aligned, and some understand that, while desirable for the broader society and needed to achieve sustainability, a change in the status quo may be negative for their particular interests. This makes it difficult to

National Governments and local water sector authorities are in the best position to understand the water governance needs of their citizens. However, often incentives

adopt policy reforms in sensible areas, such as those related to water allocation regimes that may be required to ensure that scarce water resources are dedicated to uses with higher social and economic returns; or tariff and subsidy reforms to be adopted so that scarce fiscal resources are used to safeguard access to water to those that are more in need. The Bank helps country clients address these and other challenges with knowledge and policy advice; and providing financial support using lending instruments that facilitate said incentive alignment, such as “Program for Results” and “Development Policy Financing”, under which disbursements are made based on results achieved, and not against inputs purchased by the different project participants.

Often political will is the missing piece that prevents the adoption of essential water policies. Where do you see political will lacking, and what can the World Bank do to help?
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The use of unconventional sources as a water augmentation and diversification strategy should come along significant efforts to improve water distribution and use efficiency and to reallocate scarce resources to activities with higher social and economic value.

Recently, the United Nations recognized explicitly non-conventional water resources as an emerging opportunity to narrow the water demand-supply gap. What is the position of the World Bank on this regard?

The impacts of climate change are primarily channeled through the water cycle. Growing populations, rising incomes, and expanding cities will converge upon a world where the demand for water rises exponentially, while supply becomes more erratic and uncertain. In this context unconventional sources, such as desalination and reuse, provide a weatherproof source of water that, when added in the right amount to the mix, can contribute to deal with uncertainty and improve the reliability of the system. However, volumes mobilized from these unconventional sources cannot be increased indefinitely without creating environmental and fiscal concerns. The use of unconventional sources as a water augmentation and diversification strategy should come along significant efforts to improve water distribution and use efficiency and to reallocate scarce resources to activities with higher social and economic value. Unconventional water sources are also more expensive to mobilize than conventional ones, and this means that mainstreaming their use requires rethinking financial policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Going deeper into IDA’s areas of focus, could you tell us more about the World Bank’s vision on desalination and wastewater reuse?

Water reclamation and reuse is essential not just as a water source augmentation and diversification strategy, but also to improve the efficiency of the system and mitigate the climate impact of water management activities. We see reuse as the center piece of the circular economy principles applied to the water sector, as opposed to the current unsustainable linear model of “take, make, consume, and waste”. The Bank has been working in establishing a common understanding of circular economy principles and resilience in the urban water sector and to support countries to implement those principles. For this, the Water Practice has developed the “Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) Framework” to guide practitioners who are incorporating the principles in policies and strategies, planning, investment prioritization, and design and operations.

The Bank has also a long history working in the desalination front, but mainly though interventions led by the IFC with a focus at the project or transaction level. However, in recent years installed desalination capacity is growing fast in countries across regions,

COVER STORY
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We plan to present officially to the public the Desalination Community of Practice and the work it is doing during the up coming Seville Water Summit, and we hope to see you all there.

transforming sectors and calling for reconsidering governance structures that were designed for conventional water sources. In response to this need, the Bank has established a Desalination Community of Practice that aims at generating, capturing and disseminating knowledge on desalination governance and economics among WBG institutions and clients, partnering with

About the Author

Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha is the Global Director for the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice (GP). In his current assignment, Mr. Jha is a core member of the GP’s senior management team, which drives the policy direction of the GP, oversees a portfolio of $24 billion in water- related investments, analytical work,multi-donor trust funds and global partnerships. Mr. Jha supports an integrated approach to water security and inclusive service delivery, accelerated climate action and food security through Bank’s Global Water Strategy, and providing policy advice and operational support in response to specific country needs.

Before this appointment, Mr. Jha was World Bank’s Regional Director of the Middle East Department, Senior Director for the Fragility, Conflict and Violence Global Practice at the

countries that are ahead of the curve in this domain and with the industry through platforms like the International Desalination Association. We plan to present officially to the public this Community of Practice and the work it is doing during the up coming Seville Water Summit, and we hope to see you all there.

World Bank Group, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia based in Almaty. In addition, Mr. Jha served as the Bank’s Global Manager for the Disaster Risk Management Practice and as Head of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), which he founded in 2006.

Mr. Jha, an Indian national, joined the World Bank in 2005 as a Senior Infrastructure Specialist in the Sustainable Development Network, after working for the Government of India (1990-2005) and United Nations agencies (1999-2004) as a senior executive in the field of public sector management, infrastructure financing, natural resources management, natural disaster prevention, and environmental sustainability.

“IDA has a proven advocacy and knowledge-sharing program for desalination and water reuse technologies. However, we want to go further and reach new stakeholders so that IDA can actively participate and advise on non-conventional water resources to ensure global water security. Here is where the World Bank can contribute as a partner of the IDA.

In 2019 we created several board advisory committees, titled the (1) IDA Multilateral Agencies and Financial Institutions, (2) Legal Frameworks, (3) Public and Private Sector Utility, and the (4) IDA Industrial Water Reuse and Desalination Advisory Committee. The aim is to share similar experiences in other markets, industries, or between countries that lead innovative initiatives showcasing success stories that can be replicated.

The engagement of these committees has brought IDA closer to new stakeholders interested in bringing added value to the market through the IDA.”

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Carlos Cosin, CEO, Almar Water, and Former IDA President 2019-2022.
November/December 2022 Drought Response, Partnerships, and Funding Sources: A Conversation With Assistant Secretary Tanya Trujillo May 2023 Tom Butler of the National Utility Contractors Association May 2022 Assistant Secretary Mike Connor: Deploying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program Jenna Covington: Future Planning at the North Texas Municipal Water District April 2021 A Tribute to Dave Luker October 2022 Andy Fecko: Representing Western Water Users on the New Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission April 2023 Paul Meeks of Worthington Products: Safety Solutions for Municipal Water Utilities April 2022 Southern Nevada Water Authority’s John Entsminger: Betting on the Future September 2021 Terry Bower: The Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Water Studies Certification Program Jerry Brown: Advancing the Sites Reservoir Project September 2022 Jim Lochhead: Capital Development, Wildfire Mitigation, and Innovation at Denver Water March 2023 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves on WRDA, WOTUS, and What’s Next for Municipal Water Dan Buhman: Building New Water Projects and Relationships in North Texas July/August 2021 How Tarrant Regional Water District Responded to the Texas Winter Storm February 2021 Charlotte Water’s McAlpine Creek Water Facility Rehabilitation July/August 2022 CEO and President Martin Dana of Hobas Pipe USA: Fiberglass Pipe that is Engineered to Endure February 2023 Mr. Gomberg Goes to Washington: How State Representative David Gomberg Helped Secure Federal Funding to Replace Dams in Newport, Oregon January 2023 Martin Adams: What’s in the Pipeline at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power June 2022 Ted Cooke of the Central Arizona Project: Dealing With Shortage and Envisioning Future Supplies General Manager Adel Hagekhalil: Planning the Future of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California May 2021 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter A. DeFazio on Federal Assistance for Wastewater Infrastructure Shannon McCarthy of the International Desalination Association: A Water Source for the Future January 2022 Joe Mouawad of Eastern Municipal Water District: Diversifying Supply for Efficiency-Minded Customers John Verduin: Bringing People and Ideas Together at Anchor QEA Micky Elisha: Building Jerusalem’s Fifth Pipeline Jim Duncan: How SRP’s Infrastructure Became a Public Relations Tool Dean Sawyer: Averting Disaster and Guaranteeing Newport’s Future Hydropower Installations Water Subcabinet Promotes Progress November/December 2019 Chris Kahn of American Water: Asset Management With Drones municipalwaterleader.com 15

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

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BRINGING CERTAINTY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD: WATER REUSE AND ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT

Building on the company’s long history of delivering award winning legacy facilities that serve the communities we live in, driving water security and resilience is our mission.

Now that the majority of U.S. water utilities are keenly aware of the importance of water supply resiliency, water reuse is taking a central role in helping public and private utilities achieve such resilience. It is also driving collaboration and innovation in other aspects of water reclamation and resource recovery. Mirroring this recognition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Water Reuse Action Plan effort has moved into its next phase: providing a national platform and roadmap for water reuse.

There are situations where reuse was perceived to be difficult to implement due to lack of clarity for how to future-proof systems against future regulatory frameworks (Black & Veatch, Water Industry Report 2021). In the face of regulatory absence or ambiguity, advanced technology solutions can be a key enabler where drivers

that create water stress and reuse opportunities intersect. These drivers include climate change and resiliency, nutrients and watershed issues, drought and supply reliability, and water quality issues across the globe.

In fact, communities have practiced reuse since the 1970s, when agencies in Florida and California began to use recycling water as a seawater intrusion barrier to protect groundwater resources. For many utilities throughout the U.S. and especially in arid regions, risk mitigation, resiliency, or water scarcity have been a primary driver for water reuse. The cyclic nature of water availability brought reuse to the forefront more recently. Extended droughts in Texas and California especially have underscored the need to extend water supplies during time of water scarcity.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT 17

Utilities also are recognizing the reduction or elimination of effluent disposal as an increasingly important reuse driver. Recent trends in used water and nutrient management have shifted the water sector’s focus toward solutions that lead to resource recovery schemes.

In other words, water demand is increasing with population in existing metropolitan areas. Communities are experiencing more demand for recycled water due to continued droughts and supply shortages. With the centralized approach, infrastructure carries “the problem away” from communities instead of keeping recovery

and distributed management of embedded resources such as nutrients, energy, and water close to the demand centers. To address these and other issues, more communities are likely to develop water master plans that incorporate One Water philosophies and more widely distributed supporting infrastructure.

Enabling Reuse and Resilience

Non-potable water reuse is commonly used as a methodical, fit-for-purpose approach to treatment today. It is already decreasing pressure on potable water supplies by fulfilling

INNOVATIVE WATER REUSE PROJECTS

BLACK & VEATCH EXPANDING WATER RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCE WORLD WIDE

1994

WATER FACTORY 21

Orange County Water District, Fountain Valley, CA

Demonstration plant was world’s first to use RO to treat wastewater to drinking water standards.

2009

BUTLER DRIVE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY

City of Peoria, AZ

Reclaimed wastewater as new water supply using MBR technology.

2010 CHANGI I NEWATER PLANT (CNP1)

Sembcorp Utilities, Singapore

One of world’s largest dualmembrane water reclamation plants. First reuse plant to use RO energy recovery technology for its size.

2010

BEENYUP GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT TRIAL (GWRT) PLANT

Perth, Western Australia 1 MGD GWRT trial plant and aquifer monitoring, demonstrating the efficacy of indirect potable reuse in Western Australia.

2014

JURONG WATER RECLAMATION PLANT (JWRP)

Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore

Treats combined industrial (30%) and municipal (70%) waste using MBRs.

1999

SCOTTSDALE WATER CAMPUS

Scottsdale, AZ

Reclaiming municipal wastewater – the first membrane-based municipal reuse plant in Arizona.

2008

BUNDAMBA ADVANCED WATER TREATMENT PLANT

South East Queensland, Australia

Part of the $1.7 billion Western Corridor Recycled Water Project.

2010

RICHMOND ADVANCED RECYCLING (RARE) PROJECT

East Bay Municipal Utility District, Richmond, CA Public-private project.

2012

EASTERN TREATMENT PLANT TERTIARY UPGRADE

Melbourne Water Corporation, Australia

Treats nearly half of Melbourne’s sewage. Upgraded to deliver Class A recycled water. Pilot, design, alternative delivery services.

Non-potable | 100 MGD | Ozonation, Media Filtration, UV Irradiation, Chlorination.

2014

SILICON VALLEY ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION CENTER

Santa Clara Water District, San Jose, CA

Regional approach to augmenting drinking water supplies.

VIEWPOINT 1994 1999 2008 2009 2010 2010 2010 2012 2014 2014
EXECUTIVE
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community needs for irrigation of urban and public grounds and spaces, agricultural use, construction, dust mitigation, industrial uses, and more. These practices can be expanded and better integrated into urban planning practices for communities that do not have immediate reuse needs but are on a trajectory to have climate change and system resilience-driven needs in the near term. The remaining challenge is to incorporate integrated water recycling and total resource management strategies, which include elements of non-potable, indirect potable, and potable reuse, into capital planning. Only then will utilities be able to respond to the

cyclic nature of the water cycle and the climate change-driven extreme events in a purposeful manner. Communities can achieve this by coupling thoughtful policy approaches with fitting technology solutions.

Several technology developments make this a particularly exciting time for reuse.

Treatment intensification. Technology solutions that can enable potable reuse – such as new membrane technologies that serve as alternatives to older technology and also intensify wastewater treatment while producing

2014

JURONG WRP CERAMIC MBR

DEMONSTRATION PLANT

Meiden, Singapore

Optimized, and interfacing the existing JWRP to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Meiden’s used water processing with new technologies.

2017

CHANGI II NEWATER PLANT (CNP2)

Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore Design consultancy services for the development of a new 50 MGD Changi II NEWATER Plant.

2019 GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) FINAL EXPANSION Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District, Fountain Valley, CA

2021

JEA WATER PURIFICATION TREATMENT FACILITY

Jacksonville, FL

2023

SOQUEL CREEK DESIGN – BUILD ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION FACILITY Santa Cruz, CA

2015 GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM (GWRS) INITIAL EXPANSION

Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District, Fountain Valley, CA

World’s largest advanced water purification system recharges groundwater basin and protects it from seawater intrusion.

2018

POTABLE REUSE PLAN AND SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

City of Escondido, CA

Recycled water system for food/ water nexus.

2020 JAMES RIVER SUSTAINABLE WATER INITIATIVE FOR TOMORROW (SWIFT) FACILITY

Hampton Roads Sanitation Districts, VA

2022

CAVE WEEK WASTEWATER RECLAMATION PLANT

Phoenix, AZ

2024

TUAS WATER RECLAMATION PLANT, DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGE SYSTEM (DTSS) PHASE 2

PROJECT

Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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higher-quality feed water for advanced treatment or integration of biofilm technologies as part of advanced treatment integrated with or downstream of intensified wastewater facilities can result in smaller-footprint facilities, save energy and reduce carbon emissions, and ultimately preserve and retain a valuable resource – water.

System integration and optimization. Further integration of monitoring and targeted removal of chemical compounds of concern can alleviate the risk of occurrence of peaks if any of these compounds were to be observed in a collection system or upstream of an advanced treatment facility. Enhancements in water and energy recovery are being implemented to make sure the water is made available at the lowest cost

Fit-for-purpose technology use. Traditional treatment trains with reverse osmosis (RO) are now being challenged by innovative trains that include ozone and granular activated carbon (GAC). Incorporation of desalination to expand the water portfolio is also part of this trend.

Incorporation of digital, connected solutions. Digital Water solutions and Industry 4.0 revolution that is driven by advanced sensor technologies, expanded and better use of data driven operation and controls decisions, system optimization capabilities that save water and energy, and more are bolstering trust in water systems.

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Resilience, Reuse, and Resource Management

This is truly the golden age for reuse. Advances in treatment equipment, improved monitoring and control, public and regulatory understanding for solutions, and economics are all converging to elevate reuse projects as a preferred means to enhance water resiliency.

Integrated resource management strategies also maximize water resources and resiliency. Integrated resource management looks at all water sources as a supply and available product. But it also extends beyond the One Water mindset. This adjustment in thinking

reveals opportunities to extract resources that would otherwise be wasted, enhance water quality, and lower costs through cost-sharing opportunities. A reuse facility can help solve multiple problems, including expansion of drinking water supply and the need for improved wastewater effluent quality. Similarly, planning and development of water infrastructure that effectively considers multiple resources can yield multiple economic and other benefits. Holistic approaches to water management in combination with new technology allow cost effective resource management through tailored solutions.

About the Author

Dr. Erdal is Black & Veatch’s Integrated Solutions and Capabilities Director, overseeing development of sustainable approaches through thoughtful integration of traditional approaches with system scale and data insights based solutions, such as Digital Water and One Water (Water Supply, Total Water Management & Reuse) efforts. She has worked on some of the largest infrastructure

renewal planning and implementation programs including the City of San Diego’s $3B Pure Water Program and the $1B San Mateo CleanWater Program, Singapore PUB NEWater and DTSSI/ II programs that included IPR/DPR facilities, as well as the first sustainable city – Masdar City, statewide climate and sustainability programs such as for California, Arizona.

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CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

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OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN WATER SYSTEMS: A CRUCIAL STEP TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND DECARBONIZATION

By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 10 billion. With more people, comes the need for more energy, food, and water. Yet, climate change is undeniable and the need to decouple emissions from growth is a top priority. Climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation strategies need to hand in hand, with energy and water being core elements.

Roughly 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions are related to CO2 from energy production and consumption. There is no doubt that we need to use energy and resources more efficiently to mitigate climate change. Water is one of the areas, if not THE area, where the impact of climate change becomes most tangible – everywhere in the world, even in temperate climate zones such as in Europe. Spain, for example, has suffered from a long-term drought since the end of 2022, according to the Spanish national weather service. In France, water restrictions applied to almost all French departments in 2022 and 700 municipalities had difficulties with drinking water supplies. Yet, global water use has been growing by approx. 1% per year, over the past 40 years, and may increase by 30% by 2050, as a result of population growth, industrialization, urbanization and climate change.

The energy-water nexus

Energy and water are inter-related in many ways – a phenomenon that is also known as the energy-water nexus. Water is needed to produce energy. In the US, as an example, thermoelectric power plants running predominantly on fossil fuels, accounted for 41% of total water withdrawals in 2015. On the other hand, the water sector itself also consumes energy. For example, drinking water and wastewater management were responsible for approximately 4% of global electricity consumption in 2014, often associated with indirect carbon emissions. In other words, energy is the common denominator and a top priority to act upon. Climate change mitigation strategies that aim to use energy more efficiently, reduce energy consumption and phase out fossil fuels will also directly benefit the water sector.

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Climate adaptation

Energy needs to be urgently addressed to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle climate change. But it is just as urgent to act on the increasingly tangible impact of climate change, water scarcity being a key area. According to UN Water, the global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to at least double from 933 million in 2016 to 1.7–2.4 billion people in 2050. Water scarcity will also come at a cost which could reach, by 2050, up to 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for some regions, potentially leading to migration and even conflict. Climate change adaptation strategies focusing on water as a vital sector for human beings, wildlife and nature, therefore need to go hand in hand with climate change mitigation strategies focusing on energy.

Desalination and wastewater treatment

Let’s take desalination as a tangible example for an important climate change adaptation strategy to tackle water scarcity. Already today it accounts for 1% of the world’s fresh water, securing sufficient water supplies for 4% of the total population. This trend is likely to increase in the coming decades. Desalination is highly effective, but it also has a price regarding energy.

Another example is wastewater treatment. It is estimated that industry and energy together use approximately 19% of the world’s freshwater withdrawals and that two-thirds of all water consumption is involved in corporate supply chains in seven major sectors: food, textile,

energy, industry, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and mining. Industrial wastewater treatment can provide an important solution to reduce freshwater withdrawals but it must be done in an energy efficient manner. Strategies include for example systematic excess heat recovery in water treatment processes, increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind for water treatment and distribution, adoption of energy management systems and monitoring tools to optimize energy use.

Energy efficiency in water systems: A win-win solution

Energy efficiency in water systems plays a crucial role in achieving decarbonization goals while supporting governments in adapting to consequences from climate change such as water scarcity. By optimizing energy efficiency, and integrating energy and water planning, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve valuable resources. It is crucial to involve in this important mission all stakeholders, including governments, industries, and individuals – and it is worth it: from an environmental perspective,

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but also from an economic perspective: By increasing energy efficiency, operational costs will be significantly reduced, and energy bills will be lowered. Operators of desalination and wastewater treatment plants, as well as users and consumers will directly benefit. Even utilities will do so, since less energy use means less investments into infrastructure – a crucial factor as we transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energies.

Danfoss: Leading by example:

Danfoss is a global leader in energy efficiency technologies. We provide energy-efficient solutions for a wide range of industries, including heating, cooling, refrigeration, and water management.

About the Author

Ana López is a Sr. Water specialist in Danfoss HPP with more than 17 years of experience in water project management, specialized in the desalination sector. Before Danfoss, Ana has worked with international companies as Veolia and Valoriza Agua (Sacyr), leading managing positions as business development Director for Latin America and being involved from the development to the construction and operation phase of water treatment plants. From 2011 to 2016 she has been leaving in Chile for 6 years working as General Manager for Valoriza Chile.

Decarbonization and circularity are at the heart of our ambitious Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) strategy. We have committed to Science Based Targets for our global operations to become carbon neutral by 2030 (scope 1 and scope 2) and to reduce our value chain emissions (scope 3) by 15% by 2030 (vs. 2019).

Our campus and HQ in Nordborg, Denmark, has already been carbon neutral since 2022, based on three key principles: (1) reducing energy use (2) reusing energy and (3) sourcing green energy. By applying these, we were able to reduce our energy consumption for heating by 70% and our power consumption by 43% since 2007. Such solutions are applicable and scalable in most industries and buildings and provide a concrete and actionable way forward on the journey towards decarbonization.

Within Danfoss, she has worked in business development and Global management for projects, actually she is Value chain manager, taking care of desalination growth strategy inside the company. Danfoss is a privately held company that has grown into a world leader and provides technical and engineering solutions for the desalination industry.

Ana is an environmental engineer specialized in water sector by Alcala de Henares University in Madrid.

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25

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

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THE ROLE OF THE SIWTP IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

In the decades leading up to today, the gradual, often imperceptible shifts in climatic patterns across the globe raised little concern because linking consequential impacts to human health and environment directly to those changes were generally unnoticeable to many. Clearly, this is not the case in our current decade. Without doubt, the impacts of our changing global climate are being manifest in the largest scales where “atmospheric rivers” can pound coastlines and inlands for days and weeks at a time causing widespread destruction of property and infrastructure, to the smallest of scales where

wildfires can destroy entire neighborhoods or even towns in a matter of hours.

How are water professionals to respond? What is our role? What is our responsibility? Addressing climate change in the water sector at any scale requires a 3-tiered, hierarchical approach that integrates science, technology with policy, as illustrated in the figure 1. Water industry professionals and organizations must be engaged in each tier, providing actionable leadership.

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Tier 1: Understanding the Challenge

Decades of gathering climate data from satellites, aircraft, weather balloons, marine vessels, and networks of terrestrial stationary weather stations, to support scientific research into the causes and effects of changing global climatic patterns coupled with powerful computing systems, scientists have been able to devise scenarios projecting probabilities of impacts across the globe from various levels of atmospheric temperature rise. The basis of these models has contributed greatly to our collective understanding of the influence humanity has had on climate. Critical to each scenario is the effects on water’s availability, its distribution, and its quality for human consumption and use. To date, climate models indicate sufficient water exists to support humanity’s future. Its equitable distribution, however, is not favorable, and the quality of the resource is in decline. Both realities mean that the technological challenges facing water professionals in the coming decades are unprecedented, requiring perhaps the highest level of innovative thinking our industry has ever known.

Tier 2: Adapting to the Challenge

Nature’s forces made manifest from shifting global climate patterns leaves us no choice but to adapt as quickly as possible, prioritizing our actions in accordance with the most immediate needs. We must maximize the limits of existing technology while maximizing our efforts to innovate with new. Though adaptation has mostly been reacting to climate impacts,

innovative adaptive technologies will play a huge role in building resiliency into our future. This means accelerating our efforts in applied research with pilots and demonstrations focused on reducing water consumptive demands in heavy use sectors including energy, heavy industry, agriculture, and municipal, broaden applications for reuse, increase desalination efficiencies for higher recoveries at lower energy inputs, develop beneficial resource recovery from brines, provide higher quality of treatment at lower costs, and aggressively detect and eliminate leaks in distribution systems. Academics, consultants, technology developers, venture capitalists, and regulators must all collaborate in pushing technology envelopes if we are to attain a water-balanced future.

Tier 3: Mitigating the Impacts

Achieving emissions reduction targets necessary to meet a 1.5oC maximum temperature rise by the end of this century requires massive efforts in mitigating the impacts of climate change, that is reversing the current trends. Though technology plays a crucial role by providing opportunities for the reversing actions such as carbon capture and storage and utilizing captured CO2 in goods and products for societal benefit, the real challenge facing mitigation is a social one. This means that our collective social behaviors with respect to carbon requires a major paradigm shift. This includes fully decarbonizing all aspects of our economic activities that drive our GDP, it

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means being fully circular in managing all our wastes, it means pushing water consumption limits to unprecedented levels. Accomplishing this means governments must promulgate regulatory incentives that entice permanent behavioral change and eliminate all rebound effects.

The Institute for Water Technology & Policy at Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., was launched in 2021 to dig into the challenges the water industry faces posed by climate change for the benefit of our clients and the water industry. Emphasizing technology solutions for adaptation and collaborating with the data science exploits of Tier 1, the Institute sits firmly in Tier 2, conducting applied research for clients striving for resiliency solutions to climate change

impacts, both immediate and for decades to come. However, because a sustainable future depends highly on our capacity and political will to decarbonize all aspects of our water economy, Stantec’s Institute mission also lands it square within Tier 3 activities. Here, the Stantec Institute is focused on devising strategic policy positions with our clients and the broader water industry to influence public awareness of opportunities to invest in long-term mitigation of climate change impacts, regulatory frameworks that incentivize decarbonization, and coupling legislative policy to financing mechanisms. In each of these areas, the Institute engages in strategic partnerships with academia, technology developers, management consultancies, and others, to develop the most comprehensive approaches practical.

About the Author

Dr. Umble is a global leader in promoting sustainability of the water environment. As director of the Stantec Institute for Water Technology & Policy, he is responsible for the execution and publication of applied research associated with climate change mitigation, circular economy, emerging contaminants, machine learning, and process intensification. He

is focused on accelerating the adoption of water and wastewater treatment technology through strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the water industry. His experience includes leading Stantec’s Global Wastewater Treatment Sector, active in numerous environmental projects worldwide, university teaching, and managing a publicly owned water and wastewater utility.

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REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS

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SWCC-DTRI IS WORKING ON MANY INITIATIVES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS WITHIN THE KINGDOM'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

SWCC-DTRI is working on many initiatives and research projects within the Kingdom's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the Kingdom's goals to reach carbon at neutrality. Pointing out that the Institute is currently working on implementing many projects to contribute to achieving the goals of carbon neutrality in the desalination industry.

The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1974 to plan, construct, operate, and maintain seawater desalination plants, deliver product water to cities, and develop seawater desalination technologies. To achieve these goals, SWCC executed many water desalination projects. The Kingdom produces more than 7.7 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day. Currently, SWCC ranks as the world's largest producer of desalinated water, accounting for 11/ of the total desalinated water in the world.

SWCC aims to consolidate the natural water resource in various regions and cities of the Kingdom with severe freshwater shortages through desalination. In addition, the main

strategic goal for implementing SWCC plans is to build several desalination plants and support facilities in regions suffering from scarcity of freshwater resources based on the outcomes of technical feasibility studies.

Desalination Technologies Research Institute (DTRI)

In 1974, SWCC established Desalination Technologies Research Institute (DTRI) in the exact location of its Al Jubail Power and Desalination plants. This landmark move recognized the complex nature of the desalination industry and its exponential growth in capacity. DTRI has a unique infrastructure and facilities; DTRI is considered a center of excellence, promoting the technological development of the desalination industry worldwide. SWCC relies heavily on DTRI's activities to support its desalination and power generation facilities. DTRI's activities are designed to ensure scientific excellence in the application of R&D, develop desalination technologies, and contribute to the Kingdom's innovations in desalination technology. DTRI has consistently played a pivotal role in serving

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SWCC through its diverse R&D activities, which have greatly enhanced the sustainability of the desalination industry. DTRI has carried out numerous applied research projects to increase the cost-effectiveness of environmentally friendly desalination technologies. DTRI has also collaborated with SWCC desalination plants to optimize materials consumption and address operational problems, producing substantial financial savings.

DTRI activities contribute to the development of desalination technologies. The research efforts also include troubleshooting problems faced by desalination plants and evaluating and testing

materials and equipment. The diverse range of research activities also includes analytical services that ensure the safety of product water in terms of chemical, microbial, and physical attributes that conform to drinking water quality standards. DTRI has published over 1o- research papers presented at Journals and conferences locally and internationally, earned 11, and won several national and international awards and prizes. In addition, DTRI has been engaged in collaborative R&D programs in seawater desalination with various national, regional, and international organizations, firms, and industries.

"SWCC-DTRI" INITIATIVES TOWARD CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION

In a step towards achieving Saudi Arabia's goals for environmental sustainability and supporting the Saudi Green Initiative, SWCC-DTRI is working on various projects that can reduce carbon emissions and enhance the chances of carbon utilization. One of the projects aims to capture carbon dioxide from the combined cycle power plant in Ras Al Khair with highly efficient absorbent material and use captured carbon dioxide in the post-treatment system in the desalination plant to eliminate carbon-intensive CO1 generation system. This system is expected to capture CO1 with a cost less than o-/ of the market price of liquid CO1, which can also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of desalinated water and electricity that is used in the desalination plant. The project will start in operation in the middle of 1-1o.

Another initiative towards carbon emissions reduction is to produce high-purity vaterite type calcium carbonate by mixing desalination brine with captured carbon dioxide and Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), a by-product of the cement manufacturing process. It is considered that the production of calcium carbonate as a vaterite-type is of high value, and this is the first attempt at pilot-scale production in the world. Vaterite-type calcium carbonate can be used in various applications, including drug delivery systems and bone fillers, as well as in paper, plastic, material, food, and cosmetics industries. This initiative targets to utilize EE,--- tons of carbon dioxide annually to produce high-quality vaterite-type calcium carbonate.

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The cultivation and growth of microalgae is another potential for carbon capture and utilization in the desalination industry which can also aid in promoting alternative revenue streams through diversified capitalizing of its (microalgae's) biomass production. This project contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by packaging and storing CO1 in agal cells that utilize the natural process of photosynthesis to generate sugars, proteins, and lipids that enhance biomass production that can be used as; animal and fish feed, fertilizers, biofuels, cosmetics, food supplements and additives, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and niche chemicals.

SWCC-DTRI also revealed a project to utilize carbon dioxide from thermal desalination plants to be used in a pre-treatment system in the SWRO desalination plant. Ras Al Khair plant has a substantial amount of carbon dioxide being produced in MSF plants. Adding t" 'V.o mg/l of CO1 brings the pH of the feed water entering DAF to 7. o. The main output of this project is to reduce the use of sulfuric acid needed for the RO membranes to increase the performance of the membranes. Approximately 1E million kg of CO1 per annum could be captured and reused in this project. It will be implemented in the middle of 1-1E.

"SWCC-DTRI" INITIATIVES TOWARD GREEN HYDROGEN

In light of the ongoing technological development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in many fields and to pursue the goals of its 1-t"'- vision of becoming a global leader in research and innovation, KSA is working on the exploitation of many of its existing natural resources to convert them into products of high value and great benefit.

One of the SWCC-DTRI's important research initiatives is "the production of green hydrogen with high-efficiency technologies for exporting or reusing," as this significant initiative includes many projects as part of the Kingdom's efforts to use green hydrogen as a clean energy source to help reach the Kingdom's goals of achieving a reduction of greenhouse gasses by o-/ by the year 1-t"'- and reaching carbon neutrality

by the year 1-7-. SWCC-DTRI came up with the idea of utilizing the by-product hydrogen being wasted from the electro-chlorination system installed in many desalination plants. SWCC-DTRI is currently designing a laboratory scale system to overcome various barriers and to prove the concept of the technology, which will be targeted to complete by the end of 1-1t"'. Moreover, SWCC-DTRI also launched the "Targeting Hydrogen as an Energy Storage" initiative, which aims to develop its pilot plant to prove the concept of storing green energy and balancing the time and location of green renewable energy sources targeted by the end of 1-1E.

In addition to the aforementioned projects, SWCC-DTRI is also working on producing green

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hydrogen using specially designed wind high capacity factor wind turbines in a location with moderate wind power density. This project will

enable us to increase renewable penetration in desalination plants and diversify revenue streams by commercializing green hydrogen.

SWCC MANGROVE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Mangroves are important in carbon sequestration, are considered traps for pollutants, and act as coastal biodiversity. In terms of carbon capture, an average tree grows over a life of 1o years of one mangrove tree; a hectare of mature mangrove forest absorbs /\E- metric tons. This means that one mangrove tree removes t" '-/\kg (-.t" 'tons) of CO1 from the atmosphere over its growth life, which is 11.t" 'kg per year.

Following the launch of Vision 1-t"'- in 1-17, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken decisive steps toward a more sustainable future. Inaugurated in 1-11, the Saudi Green Initiative unites environmental protection, energy transition, and sustainability programs within the Kingdom, with the overarching aims of offsetting and reducing emissions, increasing

About the Author

Tariq Ghassan Alghaffari has two different roles at Saline Water Conversion Corporation as the President of DTRI sector and a General Manger of Local Competencies Projects in TAP sector, where he focuses on research innovation, development, engineering, procurement, and execution of projects for the desalination industry aligning with the vision and goals of 2030 through SWCC’s capabilities. During

the Kingdom's use of clean energy, and addressing climate change. SWCC afforestation initiative has Planted o million trees across SWCC plants and residential areas, reducing carbon emissions by 1 metric ton. To support this effort, DTRI initiated Plant One Million mangrove saplings in the coastal area of the eastern province of the country. The current status of initiatives: The SWCC mangrove conservation program consists of three phases as following a) Site assessment, b) Feasibility and nursery studies, and c) Plantation of One Million trees.

The DTRI started a possible way and successful rate of mega mangrove program that's achieved 1 million Mangrove through the sprouting method where get support from academic and Government agencies. The prototype and indigenous products are going to utilize here.

the Pandemic (COVID-19) through innovative solutions one of the projects achieved a world Guinness record “Lowest Energy Consumption in the world for water desalination plant 2.271 KWh per meter cubic”. Tariq holds a PMP® , certificate Harvard business school, and many other related professional certificates and a bachelor of chemical engineering from Washington State University USA

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WATER REUSE IN THE US

36

POTABLE REUSE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS AT WRF AND IN THE US

Water reuse in the US over the last 50 years

Water reuse is the practice of recycling wastewater for a beneficial purpose – whether for urban areas, agriculture, environment, industry, or drinking. This article is focused on potable reuse (purifying recycled water for the

purpose of augmenting drinking supply (Figure 1) and its tremendous progress in the US over the last 50 years. Drivers vary, often dependent on local factors, e.g., water scarcity/abundance, population growth, groundwater subsidence/

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Figure 1. The potable reuse continuum. Four scenarios for implementing indirect potable reuse (IPR) – 1 and 2 and direct potable reuse (DPR) – 3 and 4)

prevention of saltwater intrusion, nutrient discharge restrictions, and a cultural shift in ensuring a circular economy through a One Water Approach (figure 2). There are no national regulations for reuse, however the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidelines for water reuse in 1980; with updates issued in 1992, 2004, and 2012. In 2017, EPA issued a Potable Reuse Compendium providing a technical compilation of the current state of potable water reuse in the United States. With this guidance and the guardrails of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), states develop their own potable and non-potable reuse regulations. Each state has taken a different approach to reflect regional needs and drivers.

A number of states have successfully developed pathways for permitting potable reuse projects

that are protective of public health. This success is a result of proven advanced treatment technologies, guidance from EPA, and research, including that of The Water Research Foundation (WRF). There are dozens of successful potable reuse projects across the US, and several are featured in Figure 3.

TECHNICAL RESEARCH TO INFORM REGULATIONS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Research and innovation in advanced treatment technologies, robust monitoring and quality control measures, and communication on this purification process with both the public and key stakeholders has led to these successful projects and more to come. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge from decades of research and existing projects based on extensive work by federal agencies, WRF,

Figure 2. The One Water Cycle, WRF 4660, Brown & Caldwell. https://www.waterrf.org/system/files/resource/2022-09/4660.pdf
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Figure 3. A collection of potable reuse projects over the last 50 years.

utilities, and universities. Some of these seminal WRF research projects include:

-WRF 4765 Failsafe Potable Reuse at the Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility. In this 4-year study at San Diego’s 1MGD DPR demonstration facility, performance data were used in a quantitative microbial risk assessment to demonstrate that a full-scale DPR treatment train could reliably meet performance goals and produce a water that provides public health protection equivalent to, or greater than, conventional drinking water supplies. This study was co-funded by San Diego County Water Authority and paved the way for San Diego’s multi-phased Pure Water Program that will provide almost half of their water supply by 2035.

-WRF 1717 Potable Reuse Research

Compilation: Synthesis of Findings. This report summarizes key issues and findings from WRF’s $24M research portfolio of 34 projects that investigated the technical feasibility of implementing direct potable reuse projects, as well as the results of complementary research, to provide a clear understanding of the state-of-the-science on DPR and to identify unknowns that may require further research.

The report can serve as an accessible resource to communities and decision makers seeking more information on potable reuse, particularly DPR.

-WRF’s partnership with California State Water Resources Control Board (SWB). In 2018, WRF received a grant totaling $4.5M from the SWB to support non-potable and potable reuse research (leveraged to over $7M by MWD,

WRF, and other stakeholders). The first grant ($1.4M, D1705002) funds 5 projects which were recommended by the SWB Expert Panel in their report on the feasibility of developing criteria for DPR (Figure 4). The research findings are being used to develop regulations for DPR, driven by CA legislation SB 574 (2017), which established a deadline of 2023. The second grant (D1705003) uses the WRF Research Priority Program process to fund $3.1M for 20 projects on potable and non-potable reuse which are published or will be by early 2024.

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Figure 4. WRF/SWB projects to inform the development of DPR regulations in CA.

OUTREACH RESEARCH TO FOSTER COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE

While much attention is given to technical issues, other opportunities exist to support and accelerate potable reuse by addressing institutional, financial, and social barriers. It is important to continue to establish trust with communities, engage the public on the value of water, and educate communities about the water cycle. WRF has created a number of tools and videos to support utilities in developing communications and engagement programs, which are essential to the success of potable reuse projects. Some of these WRF research projects include:

1. WRF 1658 Downstream – Context, Understanding, Acceptance: Effect of Prior Knowledge of Unplanned Potable Reuse on the Acceptance of Planned Potable Reuse. This project evaluates whether people are more likely to accept drinking water reuse when they understand the full context of the water cycle: all water is used and reused. It showed that focus group participants considered direct

potable reuse (Scenario 4) to produce the safest drinking water as compared to other options (see Figure 5).

2. WRF 1697 Guidelines for Engineered Storage for Direct Potable Reuse. This report details how to determine the size of engineered storage buffer (ESB) through the use of advanced monitoring technologies and an evaluation of the treatment benefits of a range of processes. It also examines public perception of indirect potable reuse (IPR), DPR, and the environmental buffer, using a novel animation and a targeted web-based survey. Finding the balance between response time, monitoring, and treatment is at the core of the research project. An associated video ‘The Ways of Water’ provides an illustration of how recycling speeds up Mother Nature.

3. WRF 4540 Model Public Communication Plan for Advancing Direct Potable Reuse Acceptance. This project established a framework for engaging communities through strategic messaging and includes two communication plans at the state and

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Figure 5. Four potable reuse scenarios illustrated to focus group participants.

community level to achieve direct potable reuse acceptance.

4. WRF 4979 Potable Reuse Demonstration Design&CommunicationToolbox.This project identified the most effective strategies for integrating public education and engagement elements at demonstration facilities for potable reuse, and developed outreach materials that present science and research on potable reuse. The final suite of deliverables can be used by any water utility that wants to make the case that water reuse is safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective.

NEXT STEPS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Potable reuse has been practiced safely for decades and will continue to utilize new treatment technologies and available monitoring techniques. WRF pushes for innovation and research in sustainable treatment and operations that ensure public health protection while considering cost, environment, energy, and social factors. There are several ongoing/new research efforts in the water reuse space:

·In 2022, WRF was awarded over $3M from EPA on Unlocking the Nationwide Potential of Water

Reuse (WRF 5197). This comprehensive project involves dozens of partners and over 30 utilities. This project takes an integrated research approach, focusing on the establishment of technical and social legitimacy through a concerted focus on community acceptance, risk assessment, robust technical design, monitoring, and implementation of water reuse. With the use of a rigorous fit-for-purpose approach, we will show decision-makers and community leaders where opportunities exist for various types of water reuse and how reuse can address environmental and social needs in their communities.

·In late summer 2023, WRF will release a RFP on Approaches to Build Strong Partnerships and Solidify Successful Interagency Reuse Projects (WRF 5250). The purpose of this project is to support multi-agency reuse projects by identifying Characteristics of successful projects/partnerships; Funding mechanisms and financing structures; Regulatory approaches/streamlining; Example legal agreements (i.e., contracts, MOUs, JPAs); Negotiation guidance specific to project types/ collaboration scenarios; The costs and benefits of increased collaboration.

·In late summer 2023, WRF will release another RFP on Regionalized and Integrated Solutions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwrYFJEJSQ0 FOCUS ON INNOVATION 41
Figure 6. Clips from The Ways of Water

for Brine Management and Recovery (WRF 5256). The purpose of this project is to identify and evaluate regional and/or integrated brine management solutions, including consideration of treatment, brine lines, recovery of marketable products, and volume minimization. If implemented, these solutions will accelerate membrane-based treatment projects through reduced brine disposal costs, which are often prohibitive for project implementation.

·Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern to the water sector and the public, and the water reuse community is on high alert. WRF recently released WRF 5124 PFAS One Water Risk Communication Messaging for Water Sector Professionals, which includes communications materials water systems can use as they interact with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. Another project, WRF 5082 Investigation of Alternative Management Strategies to Prevent PFAS from Entering Drinking Water Supplies and Wastewater, will use a system-level approach to provide utilities with practical, implementable, and cost-effective guidance on PFAS source evaluation and mitigation. By assessing wastewater, surface water, and groundwater systems, this project will compile information on where utilities are likely to find PFAS in their source waters; recommendations for sampling to understand the sources, severity, and potential impact of PFAS sources; and guidance on feasible and cost-effective source mitigation

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solutions for preventing PFAS from entering or passing between water systems.

Research has been instrumental in advancing potable reuse in the US to its current state. The water sector would benefit from additional research to address issues related to monitoring, water quality, and innovation for better, faster, cheaper treatment technologies. As communities consider alternative water sources, it will also be critical to take a holistic approach in understanding the technical, social, and institutional factors which can assist in accelerating this adoption of potable water reuse.

ABOUT WRF

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF was formed in 2018 through the integration of three research collaboratives focused on research to support varied segments of the water sector— water reuse, wastewater and stormwater, and drinking water. Now a One Water organization, WRF delivers the research and innovation programming the sector needs to address the most pressing water issues holistically.

About the Author

Julie Minton serves as a Research Unit Leader at The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and manages an incredible team of research staff. Julie has been at the Foundation for 14 years, working in different capacities including Director of Strategic Initiatives, Director of Research, and

Project Management. Julie is currently the Project Director for the $4.5M grant from the California State Water Board and supports the $4M EPA grant on Unlocking the Nationwide Potential of Water Reuse.

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FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT

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US EPA WATER REUSE PROGRAM: BUILDING CAPACITY FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY

Communities around the United States are feeling the impacts of climate related water challenges, which can manifest as too much or too little water. At the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we work to ensure all communities, including those that are small and historically underserved, have tools to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. While water conservation and efficiency are often effective, in some arid regions they aren’t enough - communities must take more drastic measures such as water reuse to supplement water supplies, which may include reclaiming municipally treated wastewater for both potable and non-potable applications. Other, typically wetter, communities are turning to water reuse to combat water quality challenges that are exacerbated by climate change, such as excessive nutrients in streams, collapsing aquifers, saltwater intrusion, and combined sewer overflows.

In 2020, EPA created the Water Reuse Program (WR Program) to expand the technical, financial, and institutional capacity of states and communities interested in water reuse when

they need an alternative water supply or to protect existing supplies. To build this capacity, our program serves three core functions:

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1. Implement the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), which has over 135 participating organizations and 63 actions, that have created 100+ open-source resources.

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2. Integrate water reuse into EPA programs, including stormwater, permitting, and pretreatment.

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3. Lead the Federal Interagency Working Group for Water Reuse, a group of 15 agencies coordinating water reuse efforts across the federal government.

Since the inception of the WRAP, we have been engaging the water sector to identify the biggest barriers to water reuse projects facing states and communities. Based on this feedback, we focus our impacts in four key areas: 1) supporting states in the development of water reuse policies and regulations; 2) infrastructure investments; 3) research and innovation; and 4) improving public perception of water reuse and communications.

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1. STATE POLICY AND REGULATORY SUPPORT

In the US, states have primary authority to develop water reuse regulations for different sources of water and end-use applications (potable and non-potable); there are no federal reuse regulations. Yet many states lack the capacity, resources, or ability to conduct risk assessments for new regulations or permits, despite the co-benefits of adopting water reuse. To help support states, the WR Program, with partners, developed the Regulation and End-Use Specifications Explorer (REUSExplorer), a tool that summarizes the technical basis of all state regulations or guidelines for a variety of water reuse applications. Additionally, the WR Program serves as a convenor of state associations and regulators, providing regular fora to discuss reuse implementation issues.

Finally, we continue to develop topical resources to support states, such as the recently released Water Recycling for Climate Resilience Through Enhanced Aquifer Recharge ad Aquifer Storage and Recovery and stormwater infographics.

2. INFRASTRUCTURE

Historic droughts in the western US, especially those affecting the Colorado River basin, have alerted the Biden-Harris Administration to the urgency of planning for water security. This administration has prioritized drought contingency planning and supported major investments in water reuse infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL has boosted EPA's ability to fund water infrastructure projects, with over $50 billion in funding flowing through the State Revolving Funds. Across the government, we are looking at ways to better highlight water reuse eligibilities

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STATES WITH POTABLE WATER REUSE REGULATIONS OR GUIDELINES

in existing funding programs, especially to allow small or underserved communities to gain access to reuse infrastructure. For example, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is leveraging their hazard mitigation funding programs and providing direct technical assistance at the state and local level for drought mitigation, stormwater capture and use, and other resiliency projects.

The government is also helping the private sector evaluate and adopt climate mitigation tools. For example, we are looking to better understand if tax incentives could support future private infrastructure investments in water reuse; and GHD, a WRAP partner, is identifying opportunities to implement water reuse within the beverage industry.

3. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The water sector continues to identify health and environmental issues that can benefit from additional research, such as for pathogens and chemicals of emerging concern. Additionally, innovation is needed to reduce costs and energy requirements associated with various advanced treatment processes and to increase the adoption of smaller modular systems for decentralized reuse – for onsite and agriculture. Since 2020, the EPA has invested more than $14 million for research and $3 million to support innovation among small businesses. Additionally, our partners at DOE have invested $110 million to support the advancement of treatment technologies of alternative water sources under the National Alliance of Water Innovation Hub.

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4. COMMUNICATIONS

Public perception is a leading barrier for many reuse projects and improving our ability to communicate the safety of reuse is a key priority for EPA and WRAP partners. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control are collaborating to develop a website for the public and companion materials for medical professionals, a trusted source of information. Recently, we helped support the Santa Clara County Medical Association, in collaboration with Valley Water, develop a suite of articles by and for medical professionals on water reuse. Finally, EPA supported WateReuse Association in the development of a communications library consisting of ready-to-use outreach materials and examples of materials used by other utilities.

About the Authors

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, we want to ensure communities have reliable, long-term access to clean water; to make that a reality we are investing heavily in reuse research, resources, and tools that support state regulation development, infrastructure investments, research, and access to plain language communications. We invite you to check out our website to see the resources developed by the WR Program and WRAP partners to advance the accessibility of water reuse practices.

To receive monthly updates and engage with new reuse resources, email: waterreuse@epa. gov

Dr. Sharon Nappier is the National Program Leader for Water Reuse in the Office of Water at the US EPA. She specializes in environmental health microbiology and quantitative microbial risk assessment and is currently leading the implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). Sharon holds a PhD from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Environmental Health Engineering.

Ashley Harper is a team member in the Water Reuse Program in the Office of Water at the US EPA, where she works to improve federal communications on water reuse and supports several actions in the National Water Reuse Action Plan. Ashley holds an MPH in Environmental Public Health from The George Washington University.

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RESEARCH CORNER

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PIONEERING RESEARCH ON DESALINATION OFFERS REASON FOR HOPE

The world is united by the quest for energy-efficient, affordable, and sustainable supplies of freshwater. From the Middle East and North Africa to Latin America and the Caribbean, water stress, scarcity, and insecurity are significant points of concern. Potential approaches to addressing the large-scale and multilateral challenges facing water security and sustainability are—and must be—varied, ambitious, and innovative.

Desalination is in the limelight, as it holds the potential to meet the freshwater needs of communities, nations, and industries for a water-secure future. The United States Department of Energy's (DOE) National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) is driving the research and development of a new suite of desalination and water treatment technologies. These technologies will enable 90% of our current non-traditional water sources to achieve pipe parity – when the levelized cost for treating and reusing nontraditional water sources, such as wastewater, are equal to the cost of today’s marginal water supplies.

“When most people hear the word desalination, they think of producing fresh water from seawater,” said Peter Fiske, executive director of NAWI. “We think that desalination should be thought of more broadly as a critical tool in a climate resilience toolbox – enabling a wide range of salty and impaired waters to be treated and reused, potentially over and over again.”

Founded in 2019, NAWI is a five-year, 110 million USD program headquartered at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and supported by the DOE in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources, the California State Water Resources Control Board, and numerous industry and academic partners. With over 430 partners, 1400 members, and more

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NAWI is on the leading edge of technological developments that are unlocking new capabilities for distributed desalination and localized reuse.

than 50 projects, NAWI is on the leading edge of technological developments that are unlocking new capabilities for distributed desalination and localized reuse.

will allow desalination and advanced water technology to achieve pipe parity and adoption in the San Joaquin Valley and other important agricultural regions of the United States.

The rest of this article highlights three NAWI-supported projects. These research initiatives are helping to develop a circular water economy by supporting water reuse and valorizing constituents we currently consider to be waste. The first project is about the reuse of agricultural wastewater, the second concerns small-scale and decentralized water treatment, and the third looks into membrane fouling.

BRINGING ADVANCED DESALINATION TO AGRICULTURE RUNOFF

Managing salinity is a complex undertaking in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Salt management is complicated by the presence of selenium, arsenic, and uranium in drainage water. Water in deep underground aquifers is highly saline, and pesticides and nitrates from livestock farming are major sources of water pollution.

One NAWI-supported project employs a multidisciplinary approach that considers tradeoffs among alternatives and spatial differences in land use across the region. The researchers involved are analyzing irrigation drainage water management strategies, including policy measures and available and emerging desalination technology applications. The researchers are also identifying performance enhancements and policy strategies that

The project is already raising awareness among water managers about the potential for desalination to solve problems related to agricultural runoff management, and could make the San Joaquin Valley the first location in the country where next-generation desalination is applied to agriculture at scale.

SCALING DOWN DESALINATION PRE-TREATMENT

Desalination systems are delicate, and highly vulnerable to fouling and scaling. As such, water must be pretreated before desalination begins. It is filtered to remove particulate matter such as microorganisms and suspended solids, and treated with coagulants, chlorination, antiscalants, oxidant scavengers, and other chemical additives. Current pretreatment equipment typically involves multiple separate processing steps.

One research endeavor is working on downsizing those processes. The proposed solution is an integrated, modular pretreatment system that combines both electrocoagulation and electrooxidation with antifouling membrane separation. The novel element is combining these components into a singular, modular, and electrified unit. If the project is successful, it will reduce capital costs and operation and maintenance costs for desalinating brackish water.

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USING MODELING TO PREDICT REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) MEMBRANE FOULING

he third project spotlight takes aim at two of the major cost drivers for desalination. RO is the most widely used desalination technology globally, but the membranes it relies on are—as noted above—susceptible to fouling via scaling or blockage by microscopic particulates.

In actual practice, tiny details of system design, choice of commercial membrane product, unexpected variability in feed water chemistry, and other factors make it very difficult to predict when scaling will occur. As a result, facilities invest huge amounts of money in pre-treatment and operate very conservatively

to avoid scaling (e.g., frequent cleaning), driving up maintenance costs.

One research initiative is using advanced simulation to help solve the problem. The goal is to model the fluid dynamics and chemical composition of feed water passing through the membrane with extreme accuracy, allowing for the creation of predictive fouling models. If the project succeeds, it will help RO facilities operate with greater precision and control and make it easier to design more effective, less fouling-prone RO membranes.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

These are far from the only innovations currently playing out at the cutting edge of desalination

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and water supply research. The three innovative projects discussed in this article exemplify the ingenuity and dedication of the NAWI community. There are many ways to become involved with NAWI, from applying for Alliance membership to volunteering to advise a project team as a Project Support Group member. By striving to improve water availability, quality, and affordability, these projects offer hope for a world where clean, potable water is accessible

to all. With continued support and collaboration, these innovations will undoubtedly play a vital role in safeguarding our planet's most precious resource, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

The views expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.

About the Author

Lauren Nicole Core holds over 10 years of experience in human and environmental development across multiple sectors. She has lived, worked, and gained operational experience in countries including Türkiye, Brazil, India, Sweden, and Viet Nam. She’s worked with multiple United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Volunteers - Sudan, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; foreign, national, and local governments, such as the City of Los Angeles and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; nonprofits such as EarthWatch, World Wildlife Fund, and Gaia Amazonas; academic institutions and think tanks such as the Semel

Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles; and businesses such as REV – Sustainability Solutions for Business. She is also a film producer, writer, and director of live and animated short features, such as What is Farmer-led Irrigation? Unlocking Livelihood, Food, and Water Security. Lauren has delivered lectures, served as an expert panelist, and presented at conferences and institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Environment and Development from King’s College London, the University of London, where she graduated with High Honors, and a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Science and Creative Writing from the University of California, Berkeley.

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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

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HOW WATER MET MONEY 300 YEARS BEFORE GLOBAL WATER SUMMITS

Christopher Gasson has made it clear that Global Water Summits, like the one just recently concluded in Berlin, are where Water meets Money. However, this is not a modern phenomenon: Water first met Money nearly 300 years ago, in England. Let me tell you how.

Banknotes made with paper stopped having legal circulation in the UK at the end of September 2022. It seems a significant date for England in historical terms because, even if many countries had already abandoned paper banknotes for some years, the practice had been uninterrupted in England since the late 1600s. No matter how relevant this date may or may not be for the history of banknotes, it seems improbable that it could have anything to do with the history of water, but indeed it has.

When in 1989 the water utility serving London and much of its surrounding area, Thames Water (TW), was privatized together with the other water companies of the UK, on its very first day as a private company TW bought the PWT Group of companies (PWT), which at the time was probably the largest water technologist worldwide, even larger than French Degremont and the like. The PWT names derived from Portals Water Treatment, which was the original name when it belonged to the Portals, a Huguenot family who had escaped France.

In particular, mainly through PCI Membranes/ Stella Meta in the UK, Permutit-Boby in Australia and L*A Water Treatment in the US, PWT was a world leader in early specialised applications of desalination such as low-pressure RO applications for municipal use, industrial reuse and zero-discharge applications, military and emergency relief applications, juice and milk derivatives concentration.

UK colleagues that the BoE had first become directly interested in water treatment when, in the 1700s, it realised that the strength and durability of bank notes made with paper which was supplied by the Portals company, depended on the good quality and purity of the water used in the production process.

Obviously, the deal had been prepared in great secrecy during the period leading up to privatization, so that it could be swiftly implemented on the day that privatization occurred. The objective was for Thames Water, the largest UK utility, to get an immediate

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I was then told by some

international footprint and one of a size that would allow it to compete for international contracts and acquisitions with the French giants such as Lyonnaise des Eaux and Compagnie General des Eaux.

At that time I was General Manager of PWT subsidiary Permutit-Boby in Sydney. I was hugely surprised to get to the office on the morning after the privatization of the UK utilities and discover that PWT as such no longer existed and we now had a different owner. The surprising thing is that at the time of its purchase by TW, PWT’s largest shareholder was the Bank of England (BoE), a fact that had puzzled me when I joined Permutit (later merged with William Boby of Melbourne and renamed Permutit-Boby), because I could not understand where the BoE’s interest in the water business had come from. I was then told by some UK colleagues that the BoE had first become directly interested in water treatment when, in the 1700s, it realised that the strength and durability of bank notes made with paper which was supplied by the Portals company, depended on the good quality and purity of the water used in the production process.

Portals was under strong pressure from the BoE to produce durable, strong paper for its banknotes, and so, after discovering that the resilience of the paper depended on the purity of the water used, Portals developed and introduced the basic water treatment processes still known today, such as water clarification by sedimentation and low velocity sand filtration. This was happening at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire (which is also where PCI Membranes, more than two hundred years later, started manufacturing its tubular RO membranes) and

the purification of water to produce the paper for its banknotes was so crucial and strategic to the BoE that it became a shareholder of Portals and eventually its major one.

This can be easily verified by an internet search: out of curiosity I entered“Laverstoke Mill” in Google and the first piece of information which appeared was this:

Laverstoke Mill is a large, multi-phase paper mill near Whitchurch, north Hampshire. It operated as a paper mill between 1719 and 1963, when Laverstoke was the principal mill of the Portal family, who from 1724 held the sole contract for the manufacture of Bank of Englandbanknotepaper…Thesignificanceof LaverstokeMillliesinthearchitecturalinterest of the buildings and its historical association with the Bank of England. It was one of the largest and foremost hand-made paper mills in Britain.

The treatment processes for purifying water for the paper industry were used at Laverstoke Mill for many years before anybody realised that they could also be useful in improving drinking water. One of the main events leading to the expansion of Portal’s purifying technology and its application to human water-consumption and wellbeing occurred in the following century, when the so-called Great Stink in Central London occurred during July and August 1858, because the hot weather exacerbated the smell of untreated human waste and industrial effluent that was present on the banks of the river Thames.

When the necessity to purify water expanded in the XIX and XX centuries in England and

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elsewhere, Portals (hence indirectly the Bank of England) was the company with the strongest established know-how and expertise on the treatment of water. Portals started to expand and quickly developed its water business, becoming a world leader, known as the PWT Group of companies. Sadly for many of us, soon after the purchase TW started dismembering PWT and created the basic feed for much of US Filter feeding frenzy and the ephemeral existence of this company. In some cases it led to the loss of groups of uniquely highly specialised people, who would have played a key role in the expansion of desalination, for instance Los Angeles based LA W*T in municipal applications in the US.

It can be noted that the fact that the separate companies of the Group traded and promoted themselves with their individual names and specialization prevented PWT from being

About the Author

Emilio Gabbrielli has a degree in Chemical Engineering (1972) and a Post-Degree Certificate (1973) from the Bologna University, Italy.

He has 45 years’ experience in water at global level. His main areas of expertise are water desalination and reuse as well as water utilities. Between 2003 and 2008 he was the CEO of the Global Water Partnership (GWP), the IGO which promotes sustainable management of water resources.

clearly recognised as one of the most diversified and complete water technologist worldwide at the time. This was not the case for the main competitors of PWT, for instance French Degremont, which de facto already promoted its name as a one-stop specialised shop.

In conclusion, basic water treatment as we know it, was introduced, at least in the West, by Portals in England in the 1700s, originally not for the health and comfort of its people, but to ensure the strength of banknotes. Hence, in my view, September 30th 2022, when the paper banknotes issued by the BoE ceased to be legal tender, was not only a milestone in the history of paper money but also for the history of water treatment and how PWT, which consisted of so many important tradenames in water, “invented” the basic water treatment processes, which later became the standard treatment for potable water still widely used today.

He has served the IDA as a director for several terms and as President for the 2015-2017 term. He is a member of the IDA Honorary Council and VP of the IDA Foundation. He is an Honorary Global Ambassador of the Australian Water Association (AWA).

Emilio is currently operating as an independent consultant and is also a partner of Greening the Islands.

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IN MEMORIAM: PROF. DAVID HASSON

We express our deepest sorrow for the death of Professor David Hasson.

Prof. Hasson has made an outstanding contribution to the desalination

development in Israel and worldwide. As a researcher at the Chemical Engineering Faculty at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology he pioneered research activities

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in desalination and carried out widespread projects in various aspects of desalination and water treatment technologies. He also founded Israel Desalination Society (IDS). In addition to his professional achievements, Prof. Hasson had a truly inspirational personality.

Prof. Hasson was a legendary teacher and a mentor for generations of engineers, who today stand in the front of the desalination industry in Israel. He continued his academic work, teaching until the age of 90, and researching & writing until the age of 94.

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IDA ANNOUNCES SIGNING MOU WITH THE CANADA OCEAN RACING BE WATER POSITIVE TEAM

The International Desalination Association (IDA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team. Their mission is to be the first Canadian team to complete the Vendée Globe, and to sail under a new purpose, committed to building awareness of what water positivity truly means through key partnerships, raising awareness, and promoting Be Water Positive.

The agreement between the IDA and the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team solidifies their shared commitment to promoting sustainable water practices. Through this collaboration, the team will leverage the expertise and resources of the IDA to further its mission of promoting water positivity. By forging alliances with key organizations in the water reuse and desalination space and supporting the UN Water Action Decade, the team aims to educate and engage the public on the importance of responsible water usage.

Skipper Scott Shawyer had the following on the team's new name and purpose. "Through my experiences on the oceans, I have come to think a great deal about water. Despite its apparent abundance, clean freshwater is a scarce and invaluable resource needed to sustain human life. As Canadians, we are privileged to have vast freshwater resources that we sometimes take for granted. As Be Water Positive, we recognize the urgent need for responsible water management. Embracing this new purpose allows us to shed light on global water scarcity and inspire positive change. Together with

our key partners, we can make a significant impact by promoting a message of water positivity.”

Water positivity refers to the practice of contributing more to freshwater resources than is consumed. It encompasses various approaches, including reducing water consumption “footprint,” reusing water resources, and producing more freshwater through sustainable desalination.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Be Water Positive IMOCA team. The team will cross the oceans with a profound purpose, spotlighting and educating people on the need for water sustainability solutions and protecting our oceans, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation for All, and Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action. With over 2 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water today and an expected increase in water demand

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of more than 50% by 2050, coupled with the need to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change on freshwater resources, the IDA is thrilled to support the team in their Sustainability Education Program about desalination and water reuse systems to create a water-positive world, complementing our commitment to the IDA Be Water Positive program,” stated Shannon McCarthy, IDA, Executive Director.

ABOUT CANADA OCEAN RACING BE WATER POSITIVE TEAM

Be Water Positive is the newly launched team name and purpose of Canada Ocean Racing. Their mission is to be the first Canadian team to complete the Vendée Globe while promoting water positivity and raising awareness about the importance of responsible water usage. The team aims to build a world-class North American offshore sailing team and actively supports the UN Water Action Decade to mobilize action for improved water management.

ABOUT CANADA OCEAN RACING

Canada Ocean Racing, founded by Scott Shawyer, is a Canadian Offshore Sailing Team competing in the IMOCA Globe Series, including the infamous Vendée Globe race. Scott Shawyer will compete in the Vendée Globe in 2028, aiming to become the first Canadian to finish this solo, non-stop, race around the world.

Canada Ocean Racing now renamed Be Water Positive, will build and lead a world-class offshore sailing venture, and in doing so, inspire the next generation while creating a solid foundation for the continued development of the sport across the nation.

ABOUT THE VENDÉE GLOBE

The Vendée Globe is widely regarded as the toughest sporting challenge on the planet, one which sees the world’s most accomplished solo sailors push their minds and bodies to the limits onboard 18 meter (60 foot) long state-of-the-art carbon fibre vessels, purpose-built to withstand the savageries of the world’s oceans. A true showcase of design, technology, and on-water aptitude, the round-the- world endeavour has only ever been won by a French sailor. vendeeglobe.org/en

ABOUT SCOTT SHAWYER:

Scott Shawyer is the Skipper and President of Canada Ocean Racing, a new world-class offshore sailing venture. Scott was President and CEO of JMP Solutions for the past 25 years, an industrial technology company that provides engineering services and turnkey solutions and is credited for the significant growth of the company with 15 business units located in Canada and the United States. A lifelong sailor, adventurer, and athlete, Scott has trekked to the North Pole raising over five hundred thousand dollars for various charities and as an accomplished downhill ski racer, is a member of the Canadian master's Alpine Team.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION (IDA)

The International Desalination Association, established in 1973, is the point of connection for the global desalination and water reuse community. A non-profit association, IDA serves members in more than 60 countries and reaches an additional 15 affiliate member organizations, both regional and national. Its membership comprises scientists, developers, off-takers, regulators, end-users, engineers, consultants, media, and researchers from governments, corporations, and academia. As an NGO with recognized consultative status by the United Nations ECOSOC and a member of the UN-Water Special Framework for Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) hosted by the UN FAO Land and Water Division, the IDA promotes solutions to water scarcity. idadesal.org

For the latest news and information about the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive Team, follow them at:

www.canadaoceanracing.com

Facebook: @CanadaOceanRacing

Instagram: @Canada_Ocean_Racing

Twitter: @Canada_Ocean

LinkedIn: Canada Ocean Racing

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2024 INDUSTRIAL WATER REUSE CHAMPIONS AWARD

Submissions Due:

September 15, 2023

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APPLY NOW

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 INDUSTRIAL WATER REUSE CHAMPIONS AWARD

The WateReuse Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Veolia, University of Pennsylvania Water Center, and International Desalination Association are pleased to invite nominations for the 2024 Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award. The award recognizes top Fortune 1000 companies that incorporate the best-in-class water recycling and reuse programs to improve water stewardship and achieve their water management goals. The inaugural set of awards was presented at the 2023 WateReuse Symposium.

The Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award program was developed as part of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), a multi-stakeholder effort lead by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to advance the science, policy, research, and communications supporting water reuse and recycling.

Water recycling, or water reuse, is the sustainable treatment and use of water multiple times within our communities. Water can be captured from our homes and businesses, as well as from rain and saltwater, and can be cleaned with modern technologies for purposes including industrial cooling, environmental restoration, irrigation, and drinking. Learn more about industrial water reuse here.

your nomination here!
Submit
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MARKET INTELLIGENCE AS A SERVICE

GWI WaterData places 40+ full time analysts at your disposal giving you access to the richest, most accurate and timely market intelligence platform for the global water sector.

Validate the current size and growth rate of your market

Market Dynamics

Assess the competitive and technological landscape of your market

Market Metrics
OVERVIEW FORECASTS WATER AND WASTEWATER INDICATORS TARIFFS EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR STRUCTURE & REGULATIONS FUNDING & PROCUREMENT INDUSTRIES COMPANIES Saudi Arabia’s status as one of the world’s largest markets for water infrastructure has remained unchanged by the impact of the pandemic, although key programmes have been slowed down to some extent... Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the use of private finance to meet the capital cost of new infrastructure projects has seen a wave of huge PPP projects rolled out, covering seawater desalination, wastewater treatment... THE GREENFIELD PROJECT MARKET UPDATED TARGETS FOR 2030 MUNICIPAL PRIVATISATION DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON PP PRICING UTILITY SERVICES FOR NON-MUNICIPAL Argentina’s lithium project pipeline Preliminary economicState indicators and water opportunities in India Urumqi Chengdu Beijing Chongqing Hong Kong Shanghai Mitsubishi Heavy Suez Incineration (incl. co-incineration in power plants) Drying Sludge technology in China Top market opportunities performance score Population (millions, 2011) % manufacturing in state GDP Piped water connectivity (march 2019) to light-engineering, pharma, consumer goods and state-owned power industries. 72,627 *Scores from national government think tank NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CMWI) **Annual survey conducted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), ranking Indian states based on Madya Pradesh Utility Refining & petrochemicals Utility Pulp & pape Powe generation Upstr oil & ga Mining Micr Pharmaceuticals Other Consumer goods Food & beverage INDUSTRIES Pipes Pumps Ion exchang Oil-water separation Flotation Valves Aeration Sludge drying Aerobic biologica Sludge thickening/ dewatering Activated carbo Anaerobic biologica Sludge stabilisation Screens Thermal desalination Advanced oxidation Ozone UV Non-membrane filtratio Chlorine A obi digestion MF/UF RO/NF Evaporators and crystaliser Elect hemica separation Fluid handling equipment Disinfection/ oxidation Biological treatment Physical/chemica treatment Dissolved solids removal Sludge management Coagulants/ flocculants Biocides pH cont Scale inhibitor Corrosion inhibitor Other Water networks Produced water treatmen Wastewater treatment Wastewater networks Water resources Seawater & brackish water desalination Ultrapure water treatment Drinking/process water treatment Data management/ analysis Contro systems and SCADA GIS & mapping Data networks Laboratory equipment and services Water quality Physica parameter sensors Customer meter D I G I T A L CHEMICALTYPE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY TYPE Sludge management COUNTRIES & REGIONS By bringing GWI’s market forecasts and proprietary databases together with regular analyst commentary and direct access to third-party datasets, GWI WaterData will revolutionise the way you conduct strategic research and take big decisions. Download our product brochure www. gwiwaterdata .com sales @globalwaterintel.com @ waterintel @ globalwaterintelligence Global Water Intelligence (GWI) Market Access Identify potential customers, partners and routes to opportunity Who rely on the platform as the backbone of their strategy planning for three key business functions: Join a Diverse Range of Water Sector Professionals and Executives tre 11 Industrial Verticals 1,200+ industrial end users 568 cities from 186 countries in the tariff survey 22,000+ US industrial facilities 57,000+ water & wastewater treatment plants with technology breakdown

IDA PFAS SURVEY

The IDA is conducting a survey to provide ECHA information on the current use of PVDF-based membranes (MF/UF) in water treatment systems. The survey pertains to water treatment systems in the European Community: EU countries.

The IDA strongly encourages end-users/ operators to complete the survey to support ECHA decision-making.

ECHA (European Chemicals Agency, an agency of the EU that implements the regulation of chemicals to protect health and the environment) is currently soliciting public consultation on the restriction of around 10 000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

The end date of the public consultation phase is September 25th, 2023.

The IDA survey results will be compiled and submitted to ECHA and will publish the results.

The IDA survey must be completed and submitted before July 31, 2023.

The IDA PFAS survey can be located here https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/IDA_ECHA_PFAS_ Survey

More detailed information about the restriction proposal of PFAS in the EU can be located at https://www.echa.europa.eu.

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IDA SEVILLE

said, “Today, 40 percent of the world’s people are affected by water scarcity; 80 percent of wastewater is discharged untreated into the environment, and

more than 90 percent of disasters are water-related." Climate change adaptation demands a roadmap equal to mitigation efforts. In the same way that energy plays a crucial role in mitigation, water is vital to adaptation.

15-18 October 2023 | Seville, Spain Register Now!
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SUMMIT ON
wcc.idadesal.org

15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

Coinciding with the 50th-anniversary celebration of the International Desalination Association, the IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change will take place on 15-18 October 2023 in the spectacular setting of Seville, Spain.

The IDA Seville Summit will focus on adaptation to climate change and address

Critical Discussions

synergies between mitigation and adaptation, integrating unconventional water resources to ensure long-term water security, decarbonizing the water sector, the need for environmental stewardship, integrated water resource management, and solutions to food security, industry, and municipal water needs.

How can we contribute to building a roadmap for climate change adaptation with a water resource management transition?

How to unlock institutional, technological, and financial lock-ins for meaningful progress toward diversifying water supply sources?

If adaptation and circularity are rational behaviors, do they not happen spontaneously? Why are successful examples hard to scale up?

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15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

SPONSORS

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor

Innovation Sponsor

A Welcome Reception Sponsor

Cocktail Reception at Las Setas Monument Sponsor

IDA 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Sponsors

Hacienda Program Sponsors

Technical Session Sponsors

Thematic Session Sponsors

Coffee Break Sponsors

Supporting Partners

Supporting Affiliates

Media Partners

يﻮﻧﺎﺜﻟا رﺎﻌﺸﻟا
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15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

TECHNICAL PROGRAM

The IDA Seville Summit on Water and Climate Change will bring together leading researchers, technologists, and developers from the desalination and reuse community to discuss cutting-edge technologies and solutions to address the impact of climate change and consumption habits on natural water resources.

The technical and thematic program has two main topics with different related sub-topics:

LOCATIONS

ALFONSO XIII HOTEL

Commissioned by the King of Spain to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition, Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, remains an iconic cultural landmark, centrally located in the historic quarter of Santa Cruz, next to Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral. The hotel’s distinguished architecture and Moorish detailing have been enriched, showcasing native Andalusian design and heritage to a new generation of travelers. The hotel's elegant décor, from the lobby to the inner courtyard, reflects Sevillian style. This ambiance also pervades our outdoor swimming pool and gardens, which entice guests to relax and refresh under the warm Andalusian sun.

• Unconventional Water Resource Solutions to Tackle Water Scarcity

• Going Green or Blue to Ensure a Circular Water Economy and Reach Net Zero Water Production

Discover the confirmed speakers “to date” for Seville Summit here

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15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

LAS SETAS MONUMENT

The Encarnacion Square Market is the first known food market in Seville. It was built on an old medieval Augustinian convent called “Convento de la Encarnacion,” giving its name to the Plaza.

On December 19, 2010, a modern and renovated Mercado de la Encarnacion reopened its doors. Three months later, the Plaza Mayor and the Antiquarium were opened. As a final culmination, on 6 May 2011, Setas de Sevilla was inaugurated entirely with the opening of the Footbridges and Viewing Platform: in total, 250 meters of overpasses available to Sevillians and tourists to enjoy Seville, its culture, its history, and its environment from a surprising new point of view.

The initial project was called Metropol Parasol, but very soon, the citizens of Seville affectionately renamed it Las Setas, a name that is due to the shape of the unique structure, and that is how Las Setas de Sevilla came into being.

Sunday, 15 October 2023

guarantee its security. The Alcazar comprises various palaces and gardens designed in different historical periods, protected by a wall.

THE ROYAL ALCÁZAR PALACE

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Real Alcazar of Seville is the oldest palace in use in Europe. Its origins date back to the 11th century when the Muslim authorities built a fortress in a strategic area of Seville to

Thus, the architecture of the Alcazar of Seville offers significant stylistic variety, bringing together elements of Muslim, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque art, as well as some of the best examples of the Mudejar style, a product of the mixture of Islamic and Christian cultures.

Monday, 16 October 2023

A Welcome Reception Sponsor

Cocktail Reception at Las Setas Monument Sponsor
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15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

LAS DUEÑAS PALACE

Las Dueñas Palace is an example of the characteristic noble architecture of Seville. This palace boasts over 1,400 artistic pieces.

Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, Palacio de Las Dueñas takes its name from the disappeared monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas, located on the adjoining site and demolished in 1868. It was initially the palace house of the Pineda family, lords of Casa Bermeja, who were one of the royal lineages of Seville.

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

HACIENDA LA SOLEDAD

The Hacienda la Soledad houses in its interior over 400 years of history as an old hamlet dedicated olive grove farming, one of the first Baroque constructions in Seville. Initially, this estate was conceived as a commercial business center for olives, groves, oil, wool, and black and white soap for the Archbishopric of Seville (including Cádiz) in charge of the Espinosa banking family.

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Hacienda Program Sponsors IDA 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Sponsors
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AND USE

Sacyr Water is a water treatment company fully owned by the Spanish Sacyr Group. It belongs to Sacyr Concessions, head of the PPP activities in the Group.

Sacyr Water is well known as large contractor in desalination, with many successes in this field since 1995, and more than 2.2 million m³/day (in 100 units) designed and built and more than 1 million m3/day in operation, with different contract modalities (EPC, BOT, BOO, O&M, Alliance, etc.), with the focus on PPPs.

Sacyr Water has also built and operate many large size wastewater treatment plants including plants with tertiary processes or technologies such as MBR systems UV disinfection, filtration, MF, UF, advanced oxidation and desalination

The management of municipal water cycles is another big activity with more than 9 million inhabitants supplied in different countries, including the recent acquisition of 3 concessionary companies in Chile; Sacyr Agua Chacabuco, Sacyr Agua Lampa and Sacyr Agua Santiago as well as Sacyr Agua Utilities with private contracts in Colina District and Sacyr Agua Norte in Antofagasta.

In the international market, Sacyr Water has had important successes in different countries like Algeria, Spain, Tunisia, Chile, Israel, Oman and Australia, with offices all over the world.

sacyr.com

WE TAKE CARE OF WATER FOR A BETTER PLANET

Our goal in ACCIONA is to lead the transition towards a low-carbon economy, bringing technical excellence and innovation to all of our projects to design a better planet. We are committed to contributing to the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate.

At ACCIONA we are championing a different way of doing business that promotes the welfare of society and the planet, going beyond economic interests. We invest in sustainable projects that make the world a better place, by making a positive contribution to society and to the planet, providing sustainable solutions to the most urgent issues such as global warming and water scarcity.

Water is one of the natural resources most affected by the current rate of use and deterioration of resources. A shortage will soon become a global problem on a global scale. We always act under sustainable development criteria, from a perspective of good use, conservation and renewal of water to meet the current needs of our society, without compromising those of future generations.

Our recent milestones includes the SWRO Plant of Jubail 3B , the SWRO Plant of Shuqhaiq3 and the Al Khobar I and 2 in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The SWRO of Jebel Ali in UAE, Los Merinos WWTP in Ecuador or the Collahuasi SWRO in Chile.

acciona.com

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WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

EXPERIENCIE RELIABILITY

At Aquatech, we prioritize the vital role of water in climate impact, making it a core focus of our mission. We tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint.

As a leading global provider of water technology and services, we help the world’s most recognized companies in achieving their sustainability and operational goals through the implementation of innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, and minimal and zero liquid discharge (ZLD).

Our work supporting industries such as hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture & storage, and critical minerals for EV battery production serves as a catalyst for the industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water’s role in climate adaptation.

Learn more at www.aquatech.com

MATERIAL CHANGES OUR LIVES

aquatech.com

Materials Change our Lives - Toray’s Innovative Membrane Technology TORAY is leading the way to a sustainable future with our innovative membrane technologies that produce clean water and recover valuable resources.

As a supplier of a comprehensive range of membrane products for all market segments, TORAY Membrane has and provides expertise in the use of high-quality membrane components in water treatment by reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), microfiltration (MF) and membrane bioreactors (MBR). In addition, Toray has expertise in performance-assuring operating chemicals for membrane processes such as the ROPUR- RPI® antiscalants.

toray.com
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SPECIALIZES IN WATER AND WASTE WATER TREATMENT

A Saudi Arabia-based desalination, water, and wastewater engineering procurement and construction (EPC) specialist, since 1990, Wetico focused on delivering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable projects in its domestic market, but now widening its gaze to the MENA region more broadly, strategically scaling-up its footprint for mega-scale Water, Wastewater, and Desalination Projects.

With Wetico now planning to further broaden its horizons to new markets in MENA. Its international success reflects the changing tides in the desalination market, where new building programmes outside the GCC offer new opportunities for specialists in the world’s largest desalination markets to bring their experience to the rest of the world as competitive international players.

THE WATER CYCLE IS OUR REASON FOR BEING

wetico.com

Positioned as one of the companies with the largest number of plants in terms of concessions, GS Inima is a world benchmark in the water sector. It acts in all phases of the projects in which it participates: Design, Technology, Construction, Financing, Operation and Maintenance, whether using seawater and brackish water or industrial and urban wastewater.

Leader in desalination by reverse osmosis, GS Inima is among the world’s most important desalination companies and is a pioneer with the world’s first desalination plant built in 1968.

GS Inima relies on geographic diversification and cultural business integration, within a framework of social and environmental responsibility. We are a leading company maintaining a strong position in the water treatment industry worldwide with more than 200 completed water projects in 10 countries on 4 continents.

inima.com/en
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INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Water is undeniably essential to our lives. Which is why it’s critical that we create a sustainable future for it. At Stantec, we approach every project we undertake—whether at the local, regional, or watershed level—thoughtfully and execute it with excellence. We partner with our clients to design solutions that address their communities’ unique needs throughout the water infrastructure lifecycle.

Our One Water focus covers the management of fresh water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater as a collective resource. This can mean a lot of things, depending on where you are and your needs. Our approach is different if you’re in a water-rich area with a deteriorating ecosystem or an arid environment where water is precious and sustaining reasonable growth with traditional strategies is the challenge. But our goal never changes— enabling thriving economies and industries, community vitality, and healthy ecosystems.

We lead the industry with our innovative approach, balancing technological innovation with environmental, regulatory, and economic needs. We deliver award-winning, integrated design and engineering with every solution— getting water to where it’s needed, at the best value for our clients and their communities.

DRIVING THE TRANSITION TO A CLEANER, GREENER FUTURE

stantec.com

ACWA Power (TADAWUL:2082) is a developer, investor, and operator of power generation, desalinated water, and green hydrogen production plants. Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ACWA Power employs over 4,000 people and is currently present in 12 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. ACWA Power’s portfolio comprises 77 projects in operation, advanced development, or construction with an investment value of SAR 293 billion (USD 78.2 billion), and the capacity to generate 50.4 GW of power and manage 6.8 million m3/day of desalinated water per day, delivered on a bulk basis to address the needs of state utilities and industries on long term, off-taker contracts under utility services outsourcing and Public-Private-Partnership models.

acwapower.com

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IDA 2024 World Congress

The countdown is on for the IDA 2024 World Congress in the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi, December 8 to 12, 2024, hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.E. Awaidha Murshid Al Marrar, Chairman of the DOE Abu Dhabi.

The IDA World Congress brings together the brightest minds in the water reuse, desalination, and renewable energy sectors to offset water scarcity, attracting leaders, senior officials, corporations, private and public sector utilities, leading research centers, and academia from across the globe.

Abu Dhabi’s bid to host the IDA World Congress

2024 included high-level commitments from the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi and various government entities in the Emirate. These include the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, MASDAR, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Office, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, the Abu

Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, and the National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC). The entities came together to prepare the Abu Dhabi bid, which the IDA Board selected in a tight competition with sixteen other global cities.

We expect to deliver a breathtaking program, and to this end, IDA will announce the call for abstracts in September 2023. We will also begin exhibition sales and open sponsorship opportunities in September. The IDA World Congress has become the global standard for networking and sharing research knowledge about new technologies in desalination and reuse, aimed to combat current and future water scarcity, which every country faces.

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HONORING INNOVATION IN DESALINATION AND WATER REUSE: 1976 - 1991

DuPont commercializes 8-inch B-10 seawater element

1976

California's Water Factory 21 injects reclaimed effluent using RO into coastal barrier to prevent saltwater intrusion

FRP vessels introduced by Fluid Systems

1977

1976

Mexico City, MexicoIDEA Conference

Oklahoma City, OKConference (NWSIA/WSIA)

1977

San Diego, CaliforniaNWSIA Conference

Cadotte receives '344' patent for first fully aromatic thin film composite (FT-30) membrane and assigns to FilmTec

1978

12,000 m3/d Jeddah SWRO commissioned using spiral wound polyamide membrane by Fluid Systems

1979

1978

Sarasota, Florida USANWSIA Conference

1979 Nice, FranceIDEA Conference

New Orleans, LAConference (NWSIA)

The timeline is obviously not complete, it is shortened overview to give a sense of the development of desalination by referring to the two technologies which have dominated the market and show how IDA has accompanied this development.

Advances in treatment technology and increased regulatory support led to the widespread adoption of water reuse for a variety of applications including groundwater recharge, industrial processes, and even potable reuse in some regions

1980's - 1990's

1980

San Francisco, CaliforniaNWSIA Conference

1981 Washington, D.C., USAWSIA Conference

Honolulu, HawaiiWSIA Conference

Al Jubail Phase 2 (KSA) installs 40 MSF units producing 1,137,467 m3/d, the largest dual purpose plant in the world

1983

1982 Manama, BahrainIDEA Conference

Evening at the Lido in Paris late 1982 where the various committees of IDEA, NWSIA, and the Working Party for Fresh Water from the Sea met

HONORING INNOVATION IN DESALINATION AND WATER REUSE: 1976 - 1991

Dow Chemical acquires FilmTec

IDE installs first dual-purpose MED demo plant, an 18,000 m3/d MED coupled to a 50 MW turbine, in Ashdod, Israel

1984

American Membrane Technology Association (AMTA) becomes Regional IDA Affiliate and Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA) becomes an IDA affiliate

Water Supply Improvement Association (WSIA) and the International Desalination and Environmental Association (IDEA) name changed to IDA

IDA World Congress, Bermuda, President of the Board and Chairperson of the World Congress, H.E. Isam Jam Joon

1985

1983

Florence, ItalyWSIA/IDEA Conference

Orlando, Florida USAWSIA Conference, First Scholarship Award Granted

First IDA World Congress on “Desalination and Water Reuse" Florence, Italy.

President of IDA Board and Chairperson of the World Congress, Mr. Floyd Meller

1987

IDA World Congress, “Desalination and Water Reuse" Cannes, France, (the Working Party for Fresh Water from the Sea was Co-organizer)

President of the IDA Board and Chairperson of the World Congress, Dr. James Birkett

84

56,800 m3/d Jeddah SWRO commissioned using cellulose triacetate hollow fiber membranes by Toyobo

1988

CPA (composite polyamide) membrane patented by Hydranautics

1989

1989

IDA World Congress, “Desalination and Water Reuse" Kuwait City, Kuwait, (the Working Party for Fresh Water from the Sea was Coorganizer)

President of the IDA Board and Chairperson of the World Congress, Dr. Adel Bushnak

1990 World Congress; Water the Challenge of the 90s Washington, D.C., USA

Indian Desalination Association (InDA) becomes IDA Affiliate

85

IDA CONDUCTED TWO HIGH - LEVEL SIDE EVENTS AT THE UNGA 2023 WATER CONFERENCE

INCORPORATING NONCONVENTIONAL WATER RESOURCES INTO INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Representatives from Spain, Egypt, Chile, the United States of America, and France participated in a moderated panel discussion on stepping up the role of non-conventional

Discussion Moderator

resources as key assets for achieving water security and including research, capacity building, and implementation initiatives.

• Mr. Carlos Cosin, CEO, Almar Water, former IDA President

Panelists included:

• Mr. Hugo Moran, Secretary of State for the Environment, Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Spain

• Prof. Rasha Elkholy, Chair of the National Water Research Center, Egypt

• H.E. Jessica Lopez, Minister of Public Works, Republic of Chile

• Mr. Gustavo Saltiel, Water and Sanitation Lead, World Bank Group, Global Water Practice, USA

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• Mr. Eric Tardieu, Vice-President of the World Water Council, France

• Mrs. Barbara Pompili, Chair of the Water Governance Initiative, OECD, France

The event was co-organized by the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and the International Desalination Association.

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WHY WATER REUSE AND DESALINATION ARE IMPORTANT FOR WATER SECURITY

This side event featured private and public sector speakers highlighting the critical role of water reuse and desalination solutions in building water security. Marty Durbin, Senior Vice

President, Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, also announced the launch of a Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award.

88

Moderator:

• Shannon McCarthy, Executive Director, International Desalination Association

• Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President, Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Distinguished speakers included:

• Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)

• Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO, Veolia

• Hon. Usha Rao Monari, UNDP

Expert Panelists:

• Carlos Cosin, Board Member, IDA, CEO, Almar Water Solutions

• Jon Freedman, Board Member, IDA and WateReuse Association, Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs and Policy, Veolia

• Fady Juez, President, IDA, Managing Director, Metito

• Imad Makhzoumi, Board Member, IDA, CEO, Enoia

• Sharon Nappier, National Water Reuse Leader, Environmental Protection Agency

• Patricia Sinicropi, Executive Director, Water Reuse Association

• Gavin Van Tonder, Board Member, IDA, Executive Director, NEOM Water

The event also included contributions from one of the inaugural Industrial Water Reuse Champions Award winners, PepsiCo, who presented their experience and projects.

Collaborative partners included Veolia, the WateReuse Association, the Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

89

VIEW THE IDA - PPUAC WEBINAR

Last 30 May 2023 at 4 pm CET, international water experts shared insights on off-grid sustainable solutions to overcome water supply limitations and ensure water security for all.

The International Desalination Association (IDA) presented the IDA Public–Private Utilities Special Advisory Committee Webinar, with special remarks from Mr. Khaled Al-Qureshi,

View the IDA - PPUAC Webinar here.

CEO of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, and IDA PPUAC Committee Chairman.

The speakers addressed how to solve water supply limitations via off-grid sustainable solutions to assure water security for the future, the importance of innovative technology to handle natural disasters, and the need to capitalize on global experiences and risk mitigation efforts.

“DECENTRALIZED WATER SECURITY SOLUTIONS: HOW TO SOLVE WATER SUPPLY LIMITATIONS WITH OFF-GRID SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES”
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IDA/PARTNER EVENTS

IDA SEVILLE SUMMIT ON WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE

15-18 October 2023

Seville, Spain

BIENNIAL ALADYR CONGRESS CHILE

14-16 November 2023

Santiago de Chile, Chile

2024 AMTA MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

4-7 March 2024

West Palm Beach, FL, USA

2024 WATEREUSE SYMPOSIUM

10 - 12 March, 2024

Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, USA

CARIBDA BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

9 – 12 July 2024

Nassau, Bahamas

IDA 2024 World Congress

8-12 December 2024

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Check IDA and Our Affiliates Events Here
92

IDA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

MEMLINE

Our company name is Zhejiang Beeasy Mechanics Stock Co., Ltd. MemLine® is our trademark.

MemLine®, a trustable trademark of flexible couplings and pipe fittings since 2003, has been working for pipe solutions of water treatment systems from the start.

Having experienced for years in water treatment industry, MemLine's engineering team and technical experts know well about the piping systems, especially the RO systems of sea water desalination. Besides the supplies of materials, the team is qualified to help customers with solutions and supports to their projects.

The whole series of MemLine couplings cover the pressure grades 300psi, 450psi, 600psi, 1200psi, and 1500psi, with optional raw materials including SS304, SS316, duplex, super duplex, and composite plastic, which are applicable to kinds of systems and enable customers to choose the proper products according to different needs. The products are widely used in nearly 100 large seawater desalination plants in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Asia and other regions.

Memline® not only has a strong product research and development team, but also includes professionals with piping engineering design experience in the seawater desalination systems. We provide our customers the better solutions in project design. MemLine®, a reliable choice for you!

93 memline.com
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IDA Global Connections offers companies an outstanding opportunity to show their support for the IDA and advanced water treatment industry that we serve, while reaching approximately 10,000 industry professionals around the world.

IDA offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities. For details, please visit www.idadesal.org or contact sponsorships@idadesal.org.

DE THE MEDIA KIT HERE! 95
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IDA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

1min
pages 93-95

VIEW THE IDA - PPUAC WEBINAR

0
pages 90-91

WHY WATER REUSE AND DESALINATION ARE IMPORTANT FOR WATER SECURITY

0
pages 88-89

HONORING INNOVATION IN DESALINATION AND WATER REUSE: 1976 - 1991

1min
pages 84-87

IDA 2024 World Congress

1min
page 81

DRIVING THE TRANSITION TO A CLEANER, GREENER FUTURE

0
pages 79-80

IDA SEVILLE SUMMIT ON WATER & CLIMATE CHANGE

2min
pages 70-73

IDA PFAS SURVEY

0
page 69

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 INDUSTRIAL WATER REUSE CHAMPIONS AWARD

0
pages 67-68

IDA ANNOUNCES SIGNING MOU WITH THE CANADA OCEAN RACING BE WATER POSITIVE TEAM

3min
pages 64-65

IN MEMORIAM: PROF. DAVID HASSON

0
pages 62-63

HOW WATER MET MONEY 300 YEARS BEFORE GLOBAL WATER SUMMITS

5min
pages 57-61

USING MODELING TO PREDICT REVERSE OSMOSIS (RO) MEMBRANE FOULING

2min
pages 53-55

PIONEERING RESEARCH ON DESALINATION OFFERS REASON FOR HOPE

2min
pages 51-52

US EPA WATER REUSE PROGRAM: BUILDING CAPACITY FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY

3min
pages 45-48

OUTREACH RESEARCH TO FOSTER COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE

4min
pages 40-43

POTABLE REUSE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS AT WRF AND IN THE US

2min
pages 37-39

"SWCC-DTRI" INITIATIVES TOWARD GREEN HYDROGEN

2min
pages 33-35

"SWCC-DTRI" INITIATIVES TOWARD CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION

1min
pages 32-33

SWCC-DTRI IS WORKING ON MANY INITIATIVES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS WITHIN THE KINGDOM'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

2min
pages 31-32

THE ROLE OF THE SIWTP IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

3min
pages 27-29

OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN WATER SYSTEMS: A CRUCIAL STEP TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND DECARBONIZATION

4min
pages 23-25

INNOVATIVE WATER REUSE PROJECTS

4min
pages 18-21

BRINGING CERTAINTY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD: WATER REUSE AND ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT

1min
pages 17-18

Water is at the Center of Economic and Social Development

8min
pages 8-15

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

2min
pages 6-7

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

3min
pages 4-5
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