Smart Water Magazine Bimonthly 20 by Smart Water Magazine

THE DISRUPTIVE WATER MAGAZINE

NOV DEC 2023

Colby Manwaring

Non-Executive Director, Envirosuite Board

ENVIROSUITE: turning data into intelligence for better environmental performance

WE SAVE WATER SO THE FUTURE IS SUSTAINABLE At ACCIONA we design innovative water treatment solutions to ensure universal water access and to guarantee that this resource is managed sustainably. We look after water as part of our commitment to the fight against the climate emergency.

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FROM THE EDITOR

URGENCY, CHALLENGES, AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN ACHIEVING GLOBAL WATER SECURITY AND SDG 6 The urgency surrounding water security, safety, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is evident as we confront the pressing challenge of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Despite aspirations, we remain far from the finish line in achieving safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for the global population. With just seven years remaining until 2030, the world must collectively work at an accelerated pace — six times faster for the drinking water target and five times faster for sanitation under SDG 6. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacked safe sanitation, and 2.2 billion lacked basic handwashing facilities. The theme for this year’s World Toilet Day, ‘Accelerating Change’, served as a call for individuals to contribute, no matter how small, to expedite progress toward universal access to safe toilets and water by 2030. However, widespread public engagement requires a foundation of education and awareness. Climate change and escalating severe weather events further jeopardize global water safety. Recognizing the intricate connections between cli-

mate change and water safety is vital, as this awareness is instrumental in fostering behaviours conducive to water safety. Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) investigated this topic further and SWM had the privilege of speaking to its leading authors about the unforeseen trends they uncovered. In this context, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference convening from 30 November to 12 December, will elevate water on the climate agenda and seek to drive forward progress and raise awareness. It will also build momentum from the UN 2023 Water Conference held in March, pushing the Water Action Agenda even further. In the last issue of Smart Water Magazine Bimonthly of 2023, we discover hand in hand with Tedagua its commitment to SDG 6 through its actions.

PUBLISHER iAgua Conocimiento, S.L. Calle López de Hoyos 190, Entlo. B. 28002. Madrid info@iagua.es

EDITORIAL STAFF Laura Fernández Zarza Blanca María Álvarez Román Olivia Tempest Prados Cristina Novo Pérez

MANAGEMENT Alejandro Maceira Rozados David Escobar Gutiérrez

ADVERTISING Javier de los Reyes

EDITOR Alejandro Maceira Rozados

While the challenges and opportunities in achieving water security are substantial, the digital transformation of the water sector emerges as a pivotal force to advance environmental sustainability and expedite progress toward SDG 6. Envirosuite, a key player in this field, champions world-leading solutions to manage the impacts of climate change. Mr Colby Manwaring, joining Envirosuite’s Board as a non-executive director, shares his vision for the company in an insightful interview, underscoring the importance of software technology in water management to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability and ensure water quality. Olivia Tempest - Editor in Chief of SWM

D @olivia_tempest - E olivia.prados

ART AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Pablo González-Cebrián Esther Martín Muñoz

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CONTENTS

NUMBER 20 - NOV/DEC 2023

INTERVIEW

FEATURE

OPINION

TOWARD REAL-TIME INTELLIGENCE

THE CLIMATE CRISIS AS A WATER CRISIS

SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS INDUSTRY

THE PRIVATE ROLE IN EUROPE’S WATER

Pg. 18 Colby Manwaring, Non-Executive Director of Envirosuite’s Board, shares his experience in the water sector and his vision for the company.

Pg. 90 Researchers from the Univ. of Southern California look at the intersection of water safety concerns, climate change, and severe weather.

Pg. 66 WEG explores sustainability policies that industrial manufacturers can adopt to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Pg. 29 Private participation in Europe’s municipal water business has matured in most countries, with competition from consolidated players.

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El mejor ejemplo de éxito de la internacionalización de las empresas del agua The best example of success in the internationalisation of water companies

+30

+100

+80

Estaciones de Tratamiento de Agua Potable (ETAP)

Plantas desaladoras

Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales (PTAR)

para 10 mill. de habitantes Drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) for 10 million inhabitants

por Ósmosis Inversa Reverse Osmosis Desalintion Plants

para 8 mill. de habitantes Watewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) for 8 million inhabitants

CONTENTS

NUMBER 20 - NOV/DEC 2023

INTERVIEW

FEATURE

IMPROVING FILTRATION TO REDUCE COST

HARNESSING WASTEWATER’S POTENTIAL

TOWARDS NEAR-ZERO LEAKAGE

MONITORING APPROACHES FOR COMPLIANCE

Pg. 38 The Llobregat Drinking Water Treatment Plant in Barcelona, managed by ATL, has tested Filtralite®, with significant economic savings.

Pg. 52 We interview Leticia Carvalho (UNEP) about the lessons we can learn from the recent report Wastewater. Turning problem to solution.

Pg. 62 Barbara Hathaway, Ovarro’s technology leader specialising in leakage solutions discusses strategies for leak detection and prevention.

Pg. 58 Badger Meter’s environmental monitoring tools enable water utilities to take action on water pollution and invest in compliance.

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CONTENTS FEATURE

INNOVATION FOR WATER SECURITY Pg. 70 Isle Utilities explores the crucial role of water security to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve water resilience. INTERVIEW

RETHINKING WATER STEWARDSHIP Pg. 96 We had the opportunity to speak with Tyler Jones, heading the U.S. water practice for WSP, on the challenges ahead for water utilities. INTERVIEW

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON THE GROUND Pg. 24 We hear from Satish Tripathi about Houston Water’s digital journey and how it has contributed to more sustainable water management. FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PPP MODEL Pg. 30 Carlos Cosín, CEO of Almar Water Solutions, delves into the barriers and threats to project development under the PPP model.

INTERVIEW

A PROMISING FUTURE FOR CIRCULARITY Pg. 42 Dr Ari Veltman, from WFI Group, discusses decentralized approaches in water and wastewater treatment systems planning and facilities.

OPINION

A CALL FOR DEMAND MANAGEMENT Pg. 100 Good governance is needed to foster water security, including water demand management to complement efforts to augment supply.

INTERVIEW

THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL TWIN Pg. 78 The EchoWater Project, by Project Controls Cubed, tested and implemented Bentley Systems’ digital solutions for a decade in a WWTP. OPINION

TANGIBLE PROGRESS ON SUSTAINABILITY Pg. 28 Business Stream is committed to helping customers and supply chain to use water efficiently to reduce costs and improve the environment.

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NUMBER 20 - NOV/DEC 2023

CONTENTS

NUMBER 20 - NOV/DEC 2023

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE KEY PLAYERS OF THE WATER SECTOR FEATURE

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS MAKING AN IMPACT Pg. 84 We hear from Bentley experts on their takeaways from the YII conference, the annual landmark event on infrastructure intelligence.

INTERVIEW

THE FUTURE OF LEAK DETECTION Pg. 74 In an exclusive interview, Marcos Barrera, COO of Aganova, shares his vision for the company as he guides its global expansion.

SPEAKERS CORNER

TOWARDS A WATER-SMART SOCIETY Pg. 112 Maria Mirachtsi discusses the power of communications and the role they play at Water Europe, champion of water innovation and research.

FEATURE

WE CANNOT TAKE WATER FOR GRANTED Pg. 106 Tedagua explores the journey that led to the inclusion of a water goal in the SDGs, and the company’s contribution to achieving SDG 6.

PERSON OF THE MONTH

SPONGE CITIES CONCEPT RECOGNISED Pg. 56 Chinese landscape architect Kongjian Yu, known for advocating the "sponge cities" approach, is the 2023 Oberlander Prize Laureate.

INTERVIEW

THE KEYS TO ZERO WASTEWATER POLLUTION Pg. 48 Gari Villa-Landa Sokolova, Senior Water Policy Advisor at EurEau, discusses the revision of the EU urban wastewater treatment directive.

#SWMB20 - MAGAZINE

APPOINT MEET THE NEW FACES IN THE MOST IN In this section we have compiled the most important appointments that have taken place recently, and entail taking up a position or role within influential entities (public, private or mixed) in the water sector.

DAVID MOON ENERGY RECOVERY APPOINTS DAVID MOON INTERIM CEO A search process to identify a permanent President and CEO, which includes internal and external candidates, is underway

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Energy Recovery announced Mr David Moon, a current member of the Energy Recovery Board of Directors, has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr Bob Mao will remain a member of the Board, and Ms Pamela Tondreau, current Lead Independent Director, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Board. A comprehensive search process to identify a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer, which includes internal and external candidates, has been underway with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Mr Moon joined Energy Recovery’s Board of Directors in July 2023 and brings with him a wealth of senior leadership experience developing and commercializing technologies with a focus in the heating and cooling industry. Mr. Moon previously served as President of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration (CCR), a division of Carrier Global Corporation. Mr Moon was President and Chief Operating Officer of Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration, a division of Lennox International, Inc., from 2006 to 2017. Heatcraft was the global OEM leader in commercial refrigeration equipment. Mr Moon joined Lennox International, Inc. in 1998 holding various management positions in the United States, Singapore, and Australia. He has also previously served as various management positions at Allied Signal, Inc., Case Corporation, and Tenneco Oil Company in the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Germany, and on the Board of Directors of American Woodmark Corporation.

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FLUENTIAL WATER SECTOR ENTITIES

JENNIFER REHDER ZWITTERCO APPOINTS JENNIFER REHDER AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Rehder brings over 30 years of operational and engineering experience as ZwitterCo continues to scale its commercial footprint and R&D

ZwitterCo, the advanced membrane technology company, appointed industry veteran Jennifer Rehder as the company's new vice president of operations. With its breakthrough zwitterionic membrane technology, ZwitterCo enables industries to reuse their previously unrecoverable wastewater. The company's membranes offer a cost-effective and reliable path for industries to achieve water security, building resilience in global manufacturing, food, and energy systems. As an expert in developing and leading world-class membrane manufacturing centres, Rehder will drive the expansion of ZwitterCo's operations function and support the company's global commercial growth. Rehder's appointment is part of ZwitterCo's continued investment in R&D and product expansion, all aimed at making water reuse practical and economical for industries and agriculture. "ZwitterCo is making critical advancements in water technology at a time when the commercial viability of industrial water treatment and reuse has never been more important," said Rehder. "Joining ZwitterCo means being part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of membrane innovation." Most recently, Rehder was vice president of manufacturing and engineering at Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co., where she led the planning and execution of manufacturing and engineering objectives. Before this, she held a pivotal role as the site and production leader at DuPont, where she led an expansive operations organization that delivered quality products globally.

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MATTHEW TRZCINSKI CDM SMITH NAMES MATTHEW TRZCINSKI DESALINATION DISCIPLINE LEADER Trzcinski's journey with CDM Smith began in 2000, and he served as a technical specialist and project manager until 2008

STEPHEN SLESSOR ROSS-SHIRE ENGINEERING (RSE) APPOINTS STEPHEN SLESSOR AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Stephen Slessor led the merger of GT water with NMCN PLC, creating the largest single contractor to the UK water sector in 2021

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CDM Smith, a privately owned engineering and construction firm, announced that Matthew Trzcinski, PE has rejoined the firm as a desalination discipline leader, based in the Tampa, Florida office. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Trzcinski brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, including water treatment, membrane technologies and desalination. Trzcinski's journey with CDM Smith began in 2000, and he served as a technical specialist and project manager until 2008. In his new capacity, Trzcinski will leverage his wide-ranging knowledge of membrane technologies. As the demand for water supply solutions intensifies due to population growth and climate change impacts, Trzcinski's expertise will play a vital role in helping clients fortify their water portfolios and achieve resilience through innovative water reuse and desalination strategies. "We are thrilled to have Matt back with CDM Smith serving as a desalination discipline leader. Matt’s expertise and reputation in the water industry aligns well with the needs of our clients as they look to strengthen their water supply portfolios,” said Susan Crawford, the director of CDM Smith's water services group. "Having worked for several consultants and equipment suppliers, I have come to appreciate CDM Smith’s professionalism and technical expertise in the water treatment industry and I'm excited to be a part of this world-class team again," Trzcinski said. Stephen Slessor will join RSE’s board as CEO in January 2024, following a 17-year career with UK Infrastructure PLC Galliford Try (GT). Stephen joined GT as a Quantity Surveyor in 2006 and worked up to Managing Director of their £500 m revenue Environment business. Amongst his accomplishments at GT, Stephen led the merger of GT water with NMCN PLC, creating the largest single contractor to the UK water sector in 2021. He is influential on a number of industry advisory boards as an active non-executive director for British Water and the Scottish Futures Trust. Stephen was also president of the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors until March 2022. Stephen joins RSE at an important junction in the company's growth ambitions, six months after announcing investment from London-based equity partners MML. Current CEO Iain MacGregor will remain an executive director at RSE and a significant shareholder in the Group. MacGregor commented on the new appointment: “We have enjoyed considerable growth in the last four years, turning a £60 m service company in Scotland to a £250 m+ technical specialist that services clients in the water sector across the UK. Demand for innovation to meet the needs of the water sector is positioning RSE for further growth. We believe that bringing Stephen’s skills, experience and energy into the business will help guide RSE with our growth plans and realise the full potential of our modular solutions across UK and International markets.”

AqueoUS Vets, a solutions provider of water treatment and delivery systems, has appointed Dr Mirka Wilderer as President and Chief Executive Officer. Rob Craw, who has led the Company since he founded it in 2015, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Craw will partner with Dr Wilderer in this next chapter of the Company to capture new growth and strategic partnership opportunities at the forefront of the water industry. Dr Wilderer is a seasoned industry executive who combines deep experience in driving corporate innovation with a passion for building sustainable wastewater solutions and making clean water ubiquitous across the world. Most recently, she served as the first female CEO of De Nora Water Technologies, a leading global provider of disinfection and filtration technologies. Prior to this, Dr Wilderer rose to become General Manager at Evoqua Water Technologies. She started her career at Siemens AG as a strategy consultant and held positions in Germany, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the United States, and South Africa. "I am honoured to join AqueoUS Vets and work alongside Rob and the Bain Capital Double Impact team to drive our company’s next phase of growth and innovation. Under Rob’s leadership, AqueoUS Vets has become a premier provider of end-to-end water treatment solutions for municipalities across the country and we share the same commitment for developing and implementing innovative water treatment solutions", said Dr Wilderer. The European Water Association (EWA) announced the successor to its longstanding Secretary General, Johannes Lohaus, who is retiring after 18 years of dedicated service to the organization. The baton will be passed to Arthur Guischet, who will officially take over as Secretary General on June 1, 2024. However, he has taken the role of Deputy Secretary General effective November 1st, to facilitate a smooth transition. Johannes Lohaus will continue to fulfil his duties until the IFAT Munich 2024, ensuring a seamless handover. Arthur Guischet currently resides in Germany with his wife and two children. He holds two master’s degrees, one in "Peacebuilding in post-conflict situations" from the Marseille-Aix en Provence University and another in "European Law" from Bordeaux University. His professional journey spans both France and various international assignments. Notably, he spent two years in South Africa as an EU Project Officer for the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development. Subsequently, Arthur Guischet moved to Germany, where he initially worked for the University of Bonn – Center for Development Research (ZEF) as an Assistant Researcher and later as a Senior Researcher, focusing on Climate Change policies and Science Diplomacy. Arthur Guischet joined the European Water Association in May 2022 as a Water Policy Officer, contributing his interpersonal skills and diverse experiences to represent EWA in various events and working groups.

DR MIRKA WILDERER AQUEOUS VETS NAMES DR MIRKA WILDERER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr Wilderer served as the first female CEO of De Nora Water Technologies, a global provider of disinfection and filtration tech

ARTHUR GUISCHET THE EUROPEAN WATER ASSOCIATION NAMES ARTHUR GUISCHET AS NEW SECRETARY GENERAL The baton will be passed from Johannes Lohaus to Arthur Guischet, who will officially take over as Secretary General in June

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SWM WEBINARS

SIEMENS WEBINAR

Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, a rapidly advancing field of computer science that focuses on creating machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, is making huge strides in the water industry.

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SIEMENS

Z Olivia Tempest The water sector is welcoming AI with open arms and discovering its tremendous potential to revolutionize the way water businesses operate and interact with customers; however, education is key, and this is why Siemens, digital experts of the water industry, organized in collaboration with Smart Water Magazine a live webinar on the 28th of September, on how to utilize AI to enhance efficiency and promote sustainability within the water and wastewater sector. In this webinar, titled Harnessing AI for optimization and sustainability in the water and wastewater industry, this application was introduced as a multi-layered solution that holds tremendous potential for water utilities to achieve their sustainability goals.

his 30-minute presentation by introducing the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reminding the attendees that it is a wide-ranging branch of computer science that holds incredible potential, but “what you need for a successful implementation is a compelling and effective AI product to actually bring value to your business”. About Siemens After briefly introducing AI, Cartwright spoke about his company Siemens, highlighting that “it is a huge, large and diverse engineering service provider”. Although many in the water industry might not know it, Siemens is “one of the largest

Siemens is one of the largest industrial software companies in the world, spending over US$11 billion acquiring different firms Currently, AI-based technologies are being utilized to optimize diverse processes within water treatment facilities. A prominent pioneer in this domain is Siemens, actively leveraging AI across design, engineering, operations, and maintenance domains. For example, AI plays a critical role in identifying asset wear or malfunctions, like those in pumps and pipelines, and in accurately detecting leaks within water networks. Furthermore, AI-driven predictive modeling aids in accelerating the transition to net zero by enhancing network efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of water infrastructure. The webinar was moderated by Cristina Novo, Technical Editor at Smart Water Magazine, who during her introductory presentation highlighted the endless possibilities Artificial Intelligence provides to water businesses, but reminded the attendees that having a clear strategy for its implementation is key to ensuring success. Cristina Novo then introduced Adam Cartwright, Industry Strategy Director – Water Industry, Siemens UK, who began

industrial software companies in the world and has spent over 11 billion dollars over the last ten years acquiring a wide range of different software companies in a wide range of aspects”. What is Artificial Intelligence? Next, Adam Cartwright dove deep into the heart of the subject of this webinar: what is AI? He said that nowadays everyone is talking about this interdisciplinary science, whether it is at home with ChatGPT or in any business, or engineers like himself asking how it can be applied to make the most of the solution. However, he warned that AI has “many layers” mimicking how a human might operate and even how it may learn. This aspect of AI is one of the differentiating aspects between this technology and machine learning, for example. He then explained what “deep learning” is, saying it is a subset of machine learning. When speaking of Artificial Intelligence, terms like supervised learning, unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning will generally come up, explained Cartwright. “Each

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ADAM CARTWRIGHT

Industry Strategy Director – Water Industry, Siemens UK

"Siemens is a huge, large and diverse engineering provider. It is also one of the largest industrial software companies in the world, with a wide range of hardware to software suite" of these are different methods that can be applied by AI technologies.” These different methods are used in the water and wastewater sector, for example, to detect leaks or for the optimization of dissolved oxygen in a wastewater treatment process. Siemens currently has around 1,400 data scientists who are working in the field of AI across all the different industries. In the water sector, Siemens offers various solutions, for example for leak detection and predicting usage, which would provide an understanding of the water demand. Cartwright then explained that the collection of data is critically important for AI and machine learning, as it is the input that will then be used to drive the algorithms that drive AI. However, he warns that in the water industry, we have to be really careful and sensitive about data privacy and have really clear demarcations between

would success look like at scale. It is important not to “just get excited about the technology”. The second lesson is to make sure the technology is reliable, user-friendly and designed to fit into your wider ecosystem. The third lesson he mentioned is making sure you can interpret the data by using the right tools, otherwise, it can all become a bit overwhelming. Live demo of SIWA LeakPlus Following Cartwright’s thorough presentation on AI and how water companies can deploy it at large scale, Holger Hanss, Business Developer of Digital Apps - Water Industry, Siemens AG, introduced Siemens’ smart applications for greater efficiency: SIWA to be precise. A family of applications developed especially for the needs of the water industry. Thanks to SIWA applications, Hanss explained that operators could optimize energy efficiency, avoid water losses, reduce contamination of water bodies and take preventive maintenance measures. He then went on to give a fascinating live demo of SIWA LeakPlus, an AI-based leakage detection for water distribution networks that not only detects leaks and bursts, but also pressure drops, asset failures, water quality problems and sensor failures. After the presentations, there was a 15-minute Q&A session in which all the attendees were able to share their ques-

What you need for a successful implementation is a compelling and effective AI product to actually bring value to your business what can be attributed to an individual and what is purely industrial data. Risk and failure costs were then discussed by Adam highlighting that usually in a consumer environment, people might do A and B testing; however, this cannot be applied to the water and wastewater sector, as caution is necessary as any actions taken could impact the people and environment you are serving. How to deploy AI at a large scale? Afterwards, the speaker highlighted some of the lessons learned by Siemens throughout the years about bringing AI technologies to deployment scale. The first thing companies must do is a pilot project, he said, comically highlighting that “the water industry has more pilots than an airline”. He mentioned that there are several barriers to overcome, such as not having enough data, the culture and how to use these technologies, and how to link the AI application to the wider OT environment. The first lesson he said was not to start off with the technology, but with the value it may bring, making sure you have a clear roadmap from pilot to scale and have an idea of what

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tions and doubts about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how plant operators can successfully implement this technology in their operations. Adam Cartwright and Holger Hanss answered questions regarding, for example, the importance of the quality of data compared to the volume of data, and the proof of value and trust issues that exist when sharing data in the water industry to solve the major environmental challenges we are facing.

HOLGER HANSS

Business Developer of Digital Apps - Water Industry, Siemens AG

"Our challenge is the early leak detection in a water distribution system. Our solution offers our clients a better management decision based on the real-time network information, and thus clients can prevent collateral damages and in the end, save money and time"

BUSINESS

INTERVIEW

ENVIROSUITE

COLBY MANWARING NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIROSUITE BOARD

“Software providers must connect with industry professionals and enable them to do their jobs better” Can environmental intelligence change the world? Envirosuite believes so, as they help customers make responsible decisions with data and insights that are locally adapted. Colby Manwaring recently joined their Board to help the company achieve its goals.

Z Cristina Novo Pérez Last September Envirosuite announced that Colby Manwaring had joined their Board as a non-executive director. His career has covered all aspects of the software technology industry, being responsible for the strategic vision and commercial success of several companies. Most recently CEO of Innovyze and Vice President at Autodesk, he brings to his new role his expertise in the water and environmental software market. In this interview, he shares his experience with software technology in the water sector and his vision for Envirosuite, a company he believes has great potential to be a global market leader as it helps companies across sectors with environmental intelligence solutions.

"The topic of digital twins is a fairly natural extension of the water system simulation technology that I have worked with for over 2 decades" 18

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Please tell us about your background and experience in the water sector, and how you got involved in software technology and digital twins. While in a Master’s degree program at Brigham Young University over 25 years ago, I became enamoured with water engineering technology, specifically software, when I joined the Engineering Computer Graphic Lab (later renamed the Environmental Modelling Research Lab) as a software developer focused on computational hydrology. From there, my career has covered the full range of roles in software technology, starting my career building applications as a software developer and progressing through product management, customer success management, sales & marketing, to senior executive management roles. Most recently, I’ve served as CEO of Innovyze, the leading global provider of smart water analytics software solutions, and Vice President at Autodesk, the global leader of engineering design & make software solutions.

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INTERVIEW

Software systems that assist in infrastructure asset performance management are becoming the norm for utilities, public agencies, etc. The topic of digital twins is a fairly natural extension of the water system simulation technology that I have worked with for over two decades. A digital twin to me is comprised of three things: 1) an asset twin (digital representation of the water infrastructure assets that exist or are planned to exist); 2) a behavioural twin (a simulation of how that set of assets performs under various input conditions); 3) an operational twin (a digital representation collecting real-time data to establish situational awareness and a forward-looking simulation to provide predictive advice, a “what will happen next and what should we do next” system). Can you provide an overview of the current state of the water infrastructure software market and its significance in the broader context of water management? The water infrastructure software industry is experiencing a lot of growth and in-

"The significance of software in water management lies in its ability to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, ensure water quality" 20

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novation, driven by the increasing need for efficient and sustainable water management. Advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and data analytics are being integrated into software platforms (many of which have been around for many years, assisting water experts to manage water) to help utilities, public agencies, and private industry optimize their water distribution systems (reduce water loss, ensure proper drinking quality, and minimize cost) and optimize wastewater or stormwater systems (avoid sewer overflow, ensure proper wastewater treatment, identify odour and corrosion issues, and protect communities from floodwater). All of this is happening in an environment where water infrastructure is aging and failing, so software systems that assist in infrastructure asset performance management are rapidly becoming the norm for utilities, public agencies, etc. that need to know what condition their assets are in, what maintenance might be needed next, what failure points are likely and what dollars are needed to keep systems running optimally. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on cybersecurity in the water sector to protect critical infrastructure from potential threats. Utilities are investing in cloud-based software solutions that can safeguard their systems against cy-

berattacks and ensure the reliability of water infrastructure. In the broader context of water management, software plays a vital and ever-increasing role in water management, bringing about significant improvements in how we monitor, control, and optimize the distribution of this precious resource. A few key points that software enables: Data Collection and Analysis: water management software allows for the real-time collection and analysis of data from various sensors and sources, providing insights into water quality, consumption patterns, and infrastructure performance. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making and resource allocation. Efficiency and Sustainability: software enables utilities and organizations to optimize water distribution networks, reducing leaks, minimizing energy consumption, and enhancing overall efficiency. This contributes to sustainable water use and conservation, especially in regions with water scarcity issues. Predictive Maintenance: predictive maintenance algorithms within water management software can anticipate equipment failures, such as pumps and pipelines, reducing downtime, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring uninterrupted water supply to consumers. Response to Emergencies: during water-related emergencies like floods, software can aid in real-time monitoring and control of water infrastructure, helping authorities respond promptly to mitigate damage and ensure public safety. Regulatory Compliance: water management software assists in meeting regulatory requirements for water quality and safety. It helps in reporting and compliance with environmental standards, ensuring that water resources remain safe for consumption. The significance of software in water management lies in its ability to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, ensure

ENVIROSUITE water quality, and respond to evolving challenges in the water sector, ultimately contributing to the responsible and effective stewardship of this essential resource. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in the past decade providing technology solutions to users in the water sector? The number one lesson I’ve learned is that it is not about the software, no matter how impressive it is, it is about the water professionals, the people, who adopt the technology to provide a better outcome to their communities. There is immense pride in the water sector because of the civilization-enabling nature of the work – we all depend on water and the people who manage water every day, everywhere in the world. Sometimes the weight of that responsibility leads to slow adoption of new things (perhaps seen as risky) but more and more, the people in the water sector are stepping up and implementing sophisticated software systems that make all of our lives better. Scalability and integration are important considerations for water utilities. What factors should organizations keep in mind when selecting software solutions to meet

their specific needs and grow with their operations? When selecting software solutions for water utilities, several factors should be considered: Scalability: ensure the software can adapt to changing needs and accommodate growth in infrastructure and water demand. Data integration: choose software that can integrate with existing systems and sensors for efficient data collection and analysis.

Ease of use: user-friendly interfaces are essential for staff to quickly adapt to and utilize the software effectively. Security: prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard against potential threats to critical infrastructure. Regulatory compliance: ensure the software meets industry standards and regulatory requirements for water quality and safety. Customer support: opt for vendors offering reliable customer support and maintenance services. Future-proofing: select software that embraces emerging technologies and can adapt to industry advancements. What key learnings are you sharing with Envirosuite from your experience at Autodesk and Innovyze? Of course, I’m sharing the number one lesson I mentioned above, that software providers must connect with industry professionals and enable them to do their jobs better. There is no business without achieving that objective. I also share the concept that the democratization of software technology and data is key to maximum impact. That is something important that I learned at Autodesk – more people using software solutions is better than an elite few. Finally, water management is a worldwide necessity, but local adaptation is usually needed because the environmental regulations are different from state to state, country to country, and even city to city sometimes.

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INTERVIEW

"It is not about the software, no matter how impressive it is, it is about the water professionals, the people, who adopt the technology" 22

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So, we have to focus on areas of the world where we understand the needs. What attracted you to Envirosuite and what interested you about their technology? Envirosuite appealed to me for the same reasons I joined the Environmental Modelling Research Lab so many years

ago – I reckon that applying software technology to complex environmental problems is the best way to understand and ultimately solve those problems. EnviroSuite is a comprehensive environmental management software platform designed to help organizations effectively monitor, analyse, and optimize their environmental performance. This

ENVIROSUITE innovative software provides real-time data integration from various environmental sensors, enabling users to make informed decisions about air quality, water quality, noise, weather, and other environmental factors. EnviroSuite’s predictive modelling and analytics capabilities empower users to proactively address environmental issues, respond to incidents, and meet regulatory compliance requirements. It is widely used in industries such as wastewater treatment, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture to enhance sustainability, reduce environmental risks, and ensure the well-being of surrounding communities. I love being involved with a company that plays a crucial role in supporting organizations’ efforts to achieve their environmental and sustainability goals. By the way, I also loved the opportunity to get back to an Australian company – after working and living in Australia in the past. What is your vision for Envirosuite’s water solutions in the global market? My vision for Envirosuite’s solutions, all of them not just the water solutions, is to harness the power of environmental intelligence so industries grow sustainably and communities thrive. Data security and privacy are major concerns in the digital age. How does Envirosuite ensure the safety and integrity of the data it collects and manages for its clients? Data security in the water utility sector is of paramount importance. As utilities increasingly rely on digital systems and IoT devices for water management, the need to protect sensitive information becomes critical. Ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data is essential to prevent cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure. Robust cybersecurity measures are imperative to defend against data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential disruptions to water supply systems. As a dedicated software developer and

Democratization of software technology and data is key to maximum impact: more people using software solutions is better than an elite few provider to the industry, Envirosuite employs a highly qualified team who understand the security environment in a rapidly changing computing environment. That’s why professional-grade software is more secure than the average utility or public agency creating their own software and computing environments. In your opinion, what are the key factors that will drive the adoption and success of digital twin technology in the water sector, and how is Envirosuite positioned to lead in this regard? I believe the need for improved efficiency and sustainability pushes utilities to optimize their operations, which digital twins facilitate through data-driven insights. Additionally, regulatory compliance demands accurate monitoring, which digital twins can provide in real-time. Finally, as aging infrastructure requires maintenance and upgrades, digital twins offer cost-effective solutions by simulating scenarios and predicting maintenance needs. Envirosuite has been building and delivering digital twin solutions for many years. Looking ahead, what trends and innovations do you anticipate will shape the future of the water infrastructure software market, and how can organ-

izations prepare to leverage these advancements effectively? I think the trend toward real-time intelligence enabling optimal decision-making will continue to accelerate. Individuals are demanding more and more transparency into their personal impact on the environment. The public in general is more demanding of wise investment in environmental sustainability and is more demanding in terms of service delivery. This means that water industry professionals will need solutions that enable real-time data collection and analysis, enable optimal decision-making and decision-justification reporting, and enable granular reporting to individuals or organizations. Organizations can prepare by preparing their people to think as digital natives. Then incrementally adopting data gathering technology in water systems, applying simulation and prediction analytics, and public reporting.

"Applying software technology to complex environmental problems is the best way to understand and ultimately solve those problems"

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INTERVIEW

SATISH TRIPATHI

MANAGING ENGINEER AT CITY OF HOUSTON

“Most people still think the digital twin is software or a tool, which is a misconception’” As one of the largest cities in the United States, Houston provides drinking water to over five million residents in the city’s metropolitan area through its Public Works department. To enhance efficiency and meet this significant responsibility, the agency has embraced digitalization. Z Olivia Tempest In 2016, Houston Public Works embarked on a process to develop a digital twin to represent the city’s entire water distribution and transmission system with an ultimate goal to create a nearreal-time prescriptive platform powered by Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence. In this interview, we caught up with Satish Tripathi, Managing Engineer at City of Houston, to find out about the development of the digital twin and Houston Water’s digital roadmap and future plans. Can you tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at Houston Water? I completed my undergraduate degree in civil engineering and pursued a master’s in water resource engineering and

"The City of Houston has been a frontrunner in embracing new technologies, developing its workforce alongside technological advancements" 24

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am currently in a doctorate programme. My professional journey began with the planning and designing of hydropower projects, followed by watershed planning and modelling. I have dedicated six years to wastewater planning and modelling and have been focusing on water planning and modelling for the past four years. At Houston Public Works, I serve in Houston Water as the Managing Engineer where I lead the Water Infrastructure Planning group. The primary role of this group is to ensure the longevity of the water system by assessing its vulnerabilities, formulating both short-term and long-term strategies, crafting capital improvement plans and identifying and adopting emerging technologies. Houston Water is developing a digital twin that represents the city’s entire water distribution and transmission system. Can you tell us about its development and future steps? We're adopting a three-phased approach: 1) integrating data, 2) establishing semantic relationships between datasets, and 3) applying predictive and prescriptive analytics with machine learning artificial intelligence (ML/AI). We've piloted

these stages and are integrating them into daily operations. During this process, we have identified all data sources, catalogued them with the data wrangling process and its ultimate use and developed more than 20 interactive dashboards and applications in-house. Currently, we are working with Grundfos and Bentley for the full-phase development of the digital twin. Our goal ultimately is to have a near-real-time prescriptive platform powered by ML/AI. You recently mentioned that funding was one of the biggest issues your team faced in its efforts to manage data collection and complete the digital twin. What advice can you offer other utility managers to maximize digital twin benefits while controlling costs? The success of a digital twin hinges on high-quality, high-resolution data. The cost and effort of acquiring this data through sensors, maintenance, and real-time quality control is considerable. Data incompleteness can lead to doubts about the digital twin's efficacy and the return on investment. Most people still think the digital twin is software or a tool, which is a misconception. To

CITY OF HOUSTON understand it better, the Smart Water Network Forum (SWAN) Digital Twin readiness guide can be helpful. My advice to fellow utility managers: 1) Treat data as an essential asset and invest in its acquisition and management wisely; 2) Before committing to a comprehensive digital twin platform, identify and prioritize the most beneficial use cases; and 3) If feasible, develop in-house applications to grasp data and functional limitations better.

We're collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a data lake for our extensive datasets and Digitalization will require new skills establish secure connections and roles within utilities and their employees. How is Houston Water ensuring that its staff make the most of this transition towards digitalization? The City of Houston has been a frontrunner in embracing new technologies, emphasizing the simultaneous development of its workforce alongside technological advancements. This approach has raised digital transformation awareness among staff, particularly within Houston Water Planning, which has personnel adept in data management, application development and deployment. Our focus has been on training

employees, involving them in developing digital twins and demonstrating the practical benefits of these technologies in their daily tasks. What measures are being taken by Houston Water to address cybersecurity concerns and protect sensitive water supply data? The City of Houston enforces rigorous guidelines for digital security, prioritiz-

ing protecting sensitive data. Historically, we've utilized the City’s servers for data hosting and application development. Now, we're collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a data lake for our extensive datasets and establish secure connections with third-party software and websites. All digital procurements and data integrations are vetted by our IT department for vulnerabilities.

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INTERVIEW

Digital transformation supports sustainable water management by making it more efficient, transparent and adaptable to human needs

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I am a proponent of open data, and I firmly believe most of the data can be made public without compromising the cybersecurity concern. I believe these measures will increase transparency, support informed academic research and help identify effective solutions for our utility systems. What are the potential environmental and conservation benefits associated with the digital transformation of water utilities, and how do they contribute to sustainable water management? There are many tangible and intangible benefits of the digital transformation of water utilities, such as proactive water loss control, optimized energy and

CITY OF HOUSTON chemical uses, water quality improvement, climate resilience, effective public engagement and communication, effective regulatory monitoring and timely support during emergencies. All of these contribute to the environment and conservation. In short, digital transformation provides an effective decision support system by providing information at the time of need. It helps us better understand history, enhance current practices and make the future more visible. Hence, digital transformation supports sustainable water management by making it more efficient, transparent and adaptable to human needs and environmental protection goals.

What role does data analytics play in optimizing water distribution networks and reducing leakages during the digital transformation of water utilities? This is one of the low-hanging applications of digital twins. It leverages data analytics to provide better insights into problem areas and to identify their potential causes based on historical events and discerning patterns. For instance, reviewing historical records of pipe breaks, pressure and water quality complaints can reveal system weaknesses and predict failure scenarios. Analysing flow and water quality data can identify underused pipes, while high velocity and pressure

data indicate overstressed pipes. Monitoring pressure swings aids in assessing distribution network integrity and longevity. Additionally, early detection of unusual consumption or pressure drops can signal potential leaks, allowing for a proactive response. You were selected as a 2022-23 Fellow of Duke University’s Water Innovation Leadership Development (WILD) executive education programme. Can you tell us about the programme and your specific role? I had the privilege of participating in Duke University's WILD programme, a high-calibre initiative for up-andcoming water management leaders. I'm grateful to Duke and the programme's benefactors for this chance. For more than six months, the programme offered a rich learning setting where the coaching methodology and structure particularly struck me. The programme fosters a dynamic and reflective learning space that prompts self-evaluation and allows us to improve our leadership, coaching and mentoring abilities significantly. It also highlights the importance of cultivating equitable, inclusive and effective leadership. A key highlight was learning alongside peers facing similar challenges but with diverse approaches. My role in this programme is as a participant fellow, where I selected “Digital Twin’s Effective Implementation” as a capstone project. I received many constructive ideas and comments from my cohort and pods, greatly enhancing my daily leadership practice.

"I am a proponent of open data, and I firmly believe most of the data can be made public without compromising the cybersecurity concern" - MAGAZINE

OPINION

JO DOW CEO OF BUSINESS STREAM

THE RATIONALE FOR PRIORITISING SUSTAINABILITY The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing us other areas we implemented proactive measures to achieve our today and businesses have a vital role in generating environ- reduction, including replacing AC units with energy efficient mental efficiencies. While our motives to prioritise carbon re- versions; replacing our fleet with low-emission vehicles; launchduction activities have been driven by our colleagues’ desire to ing a climate conscious travel policy; and choosing a green tariff do the right thing, there’s no doubt that there’s an increasing from our electricity providers. expectation on businesses to be able to demonstrate environTo complement this, we also developed an educationmental credentials to current and potential customers. al awareness programme for our people, to support them in In today's eco-conscious world, customers are – rightly so making the right environmental choices; and we’ve moved to – increasingly concerned about the ecological footprint of the a more energy efficient Head Office to help us achieve further companies they engage with. They are more likely to remain environmental savings. loyal for businesses that operate sustainably. It’s not enough, As a responsible water retailer, we’re committed to helping however, to simply say the right things; businesses must our customers and supply chain to use water efficiently to redemonstrate tangible progress and ambitious commitments duce costs and deliver environmental benefits. We’ve introduced around sustainability plans, as well as look beyond direct op- initiatives including installing Automatic Meter Readers to help erations to support customers and customers track their water use and supply chain to do the same. identify leaks; providing businesses Over the past three years Over the past three years we’ve with free, water saving devices and worked hard to lower our emissions, resources; creating our online water we’ve worked hard to lower our reduce waste and support colleagues efficiency shop; and working in partemissions, reduce waste and to make good environmental choicnership with Business in the Comes. To do this effectively, we began by munity to deliver a Climate Action support colleagues to make taking the time to understand and for the business programme, providgood environmental choices calculate our carbon footprint before ing expert-led workshops and 1-to-1 setting short and long-term targets. mentoring support to small to mediThe Scottish Government set a target for the country to be net um sized businesses looking to develop carbon reduction plans. zero by 2045. However, we’ve set a far more challenging target We’ve also been engaging with our supply chain to ensure to be net zero by 2030 – 15 years ahead of the Scottish Govern- we’re partnering with responsible suppliers. We’ve set clear enment target and 20 years ahead of the UK Government target. vironmental benchmarks, added environmental questions to Having made this commitment, we set short-term goals to keep our tender documents and are in the process of establishing a us focused. In April 2021 we launched a pledge to reduce our mentoring programme to support small businesses at the start carbon footprint by 20% over a 12-month period (against our of their responsible business journeys to adopt more environ2018-19 baseline year to reflect pre-COVID levels), which we mentally friendly practices. exceeded. A second pledge to reduce emissions by a further 20% The challenge of tackling climate change, while dauntin April 2022 saw us achieve a 50% reduction by April 2023. ing, gives us as businesses a real opportunity to drive positive To achieve these targets, which have been externally verified, change, both within and beyond our operations. It requires viwe implemented measures to tackle our largest emission sourc- sion, dedication, and resilience but the rewards – both in terms es. While in some areas we focused on retaining the positive of being part of the climate solution and in driving strong cuschanges that had resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, in tomer loyalty – are significant.

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OPINION

CHLOÉ MEYER SENIOR RESEARCH DIRECTOR, BLUEFIELD RESEARCH

BIGGER, SMARTER, CHEAPER:

EUROPE PRIVATE WATER CONCESSIONS EVOLVE Europe is no stranger to private participation in its water sec- privatized and consolidated sector, most European countries tor. From Portugal to Romania, thousands of municipalities host hundreds, or even thousands of water and sewer network across the continent outsource water and wastewater servic- operators. A combination of challenging macroeconomic cones – especially in Southern Europe. City councils, regional ditions, lack of qualified personnel, rising operational costs and governments, and municipal boards choose experienced en- aging infrastructure encourages municipalities to band togethgineering and operations management companies to manage er to capture economies of scale and improve performance. water and sewer services through EU and nationally regulatPerpignan exemplifies the pooling of French public services, ed tender processes. boosted by the 2015 NOTRe law that instigated the transfer Several factors drive the outsourcing decision to profes- of water and sanitation management from smaller municipalsionalize asset management, reduce costs, and optimize re- ities to larger urban communities. The law, mandatory since source allocation. This outsourcing market has matured in 2020, means larger utility systems will continue to emerge in most countries, with tight competition among a consolidated the coming years. The reorganization of Italian municipaligroup of players to lure municipalities away from rivals for ties into optimized territorial areas follows this consolidation contracts or acquire smaller regional players. trend. Spain’s current Recovery Transformation and ResilAt over 60% of the population ience Plan also encourages collabserved by private concessionaires, oration across municipalities for Several factors drive France is the epicentre of Europe’s network optimization. private water concession market, Value-added technologies and the outsourcing decision giving rise to global players Veoservices are becoming integral to to professionalize asset lia, Suez and Saur. Most recently, bid selection as the water sector on 17 July 2023, the Veolia Group digitalizes to address its many opmanagement, reduce costs, and secured a major contract with erational challenges. Non-revenue optimize resource allocation Perpignan Mediterranee Metrowater (NRW) reduction with adpole (PMM) for water and sewage vanced metering and leak detecmanagement. The contract spans 12 years, across 36 commu- tion technologies forms a key part of that. PMM’s contract nities, for €650 million. requires a reduction from 20% to 12% of NRW, smart meters Then on 27 July, via its French subsidiary SEFO, Spanish for all customers, and a redesign of its information manageprivate utility Aqualia won a €22.5 million contract over Su- ment system for greater efficiency and predictability. In Spain ez and Gedia-Aqualter to provide wastewater services in 41 and Italy, recovery fund programs embed network digitalizaCentre-Val de Loire municipalities. Over the next 6 years, tion into contract tenders. SEFO will manage an additional 4 treatment plants, 561 km As all countries become increasingly sensitive to water manof networks, and 149 pumping stations. Aqualia’s French agement, these scaling up and smartening trends are a good presence thus expands beyond Île de France and Brittany, to thing. Water is interconnected with all communities and inreach 138 French municipalities in just 4 years. dustries, and our infrastructure networks are not islands but Two key trends are at play with these contracts that illus- nodes that require modernization to optimize their functiontrate how Europe concessions evolve: consolidation among ing. Europe’s move towards the synchronization of smaller municipalities, and a focus on value-added technologies and networks, with the latest digital tools, promises a more susservices as a key contract condition. Outside of the UK’s fully tainable and resilient future.

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FEATURE

REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR PPPS AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES Partnerships can accelerate water infrastructure development and the uptake of innovative technologies through knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and applied research. Almar Water Solutions examines barriers and threats to project development under the PPP model.

Z Carlos Cosin, CEO of Almar Water Solutions Today, 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries. According to the latest figures from United Nations Water in 2020, 26% of the world’s population (2 billion people) do not have access to safely managed drinking water services, and an estimated 46% (3.6 billion) lack access to safely managed sanitation. Water use has been increasing globally by roughly 1% per year over the last 40 years. It is expected to grow similarly through 2050, driven by population growth, socio-economic development, and changing consumption patterns. The message is clear. We must change course to achieve universal access to water and sanitation. Meeting the SDG water target requires a quadrupling of current efforts. SDG 6 on water and sanitation is not just one more SDG; it is a critical goal to achieve other SDGs, such as No Poverty or Zero Hunger.

Governments and businesses must work together to expand investments in clean water and sanitation that can reach everyone, everywhere 30

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However, the priorities for public money in most Governments have changed, investing in other sectors such as health, pensions, or migration, replacing the corresponding allocation funds for infrastructure. Investment in infrastructure has been gradually down from 7% to less than 3% in the previous decade (over the annual budget in developed countries). Partnerships can accelerate water infrastructure development and the uptake of innovative technologies through knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and applied research. The financial sector is highly interested in penetrating the water industry to finance the sector. Governments and businesses must work together to expand investments into clean water and sanitation systems that can reach everyone, everywhere. This includes resilient infrastructure and drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. There is a need to explore opportunities through partnerships and cooperation. Cooperation improves water governance and decision-making, stimulates innovative solutions, and leverages efficiencies. The evolution of the PPP model in the non-conventional water resources

sector, especially in desalination, is evident. This delivery method has gone from zero in 2001 to 75% of the projects developed under the PPP model today. However, it must be considered that there is a critical weighting factor since, in the Middle East (which accumulates 70-80% of the market), almost all desalination projects are developed using this model. On the other side of the spectrum are wastewater projects, which do not reach 20-30% of projects developed under the PPP model. And we are now starting to see water transport projects under this same scheme.

ALMAR WATER SOLUTIONS

The question is obvious: what is the reason why some countries develop projects under PPPs and others do not? It is confirmed that this financial model divides the risks and chooses the most appropriate players for each phase of the project, not having to put all the risks on the investor side or in the off-taker. However, we found some barriers and threats depending on the geography: J Middle East: The PPP is a very mature model in the Middle East, but recently, very aggressive rates have been reached, running the risk of this model dying of success. But the fact is that the more projects, the higher the

profitability and the less risk for investors. There are doubts about the future of the PPP model in the Middle East if the tariffs continue the trend down with meagre returns in a world with other alternatives. J India - Asia Pacific: The problem in the region is that 100% of the tariff is not guaranteed in the long term. There is a significant market risk of failing to ensure the investor’s return, thus breaking the universal principle of PPPs. J Africa: In Africa, there are no guarantees from utilities; therefore, investment and guarantees are needed at the state level. We see many projects stalled

in Africa because of this problem, with real consequences, where citizens with no water and sanitation pay 10-20 times the price for poor water quality. J Spain: This market has a particularity that can be extended to the rest of Europe and Latin America, where PPPs

The non-conventional water resources sector, especially desalination, has evolved from zero to 75% of the projects under the PPP model - MAGAZINE

FEATURE have not been implemented as a model to finance water infrastructure. In Spain, a series of regulatory problems prevent the successful tendering of this type of contract, unjustifiably limiting the possibilities for the public administration to undertake new projects necessary and in demand by citizens. These barriers are:

Carlos Cosín is a recognized leader in global water and infrastructure management. Born in Madrid, Spain, his career has been highlighted by his innovative approach and commitment to sustainable solutions in the water sector. Cosín is an agricultural engineer by training with a strong background in infrastructure projects, project finance, and water management. Before his current role at Almar Water Solutions, he held senior positions at major water companies, such as US Filter, Veolia, or Abengoa, accumulating valuable knowledge and building a reputation as a visionary in global water management. His leadership at Almar Water Solutions has focused on developing innovative solutions to complex water challenges in various world regions. Its strategic vision and leadership have led Almar Water Solutions to become a reference in the development of water projects at an international level, contributing significantly to the resolution of problems related to water scarcity and efficient resource management. Carlos Cosín, in addition to his prominent role as CEO of Almar Water Solutions, has made a significant mark on the global water community by serving as President of the International Desalination Association (IDA) from 2019 to 2022. As IDA president, Cosín contributed to driving professional committees, knowledge sharing, and best practices in desalination and water reuse technology. Carlos Cosín also serves as President of the Center for Water & Climate Adaptation at IE University. In this capacity, he has advocated for educational programs that strengthen the skills and knowledge of future water leaders and professionals, recognizing that education is critical to address current and future challenges in sustainable water management, especially in climate change.

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J Definition and consequences of the de-indexation regulation in the public procurement framework. In Spain, a 2015 law introduced an essential change in the price review regime, substantially limiting the cases in which price reviews could occur and establishing time restrictions. This law aims to link the revision to the actual costs of the activity and not to other indices or external factors, eliminating the possibility of carrying out non-predetermined or non-periodic revisions. On the other hand, there is also a linking of the term of contracts to the payback period, limiting the duration of a concession to avoid market foreclosure and restriction of competition. Although there is a justification for extending the time to allow the concessionaire to recover the investments foreseen for the execution of the concession, the current model is not free but requires a justification of this period, linking it to the investments made. J The difficulties in applying formulas for rebalancing concessions. There are only minimal chances where the economic rebalancing of the concession can happen: either the public administration modifies the works contract or introduces changes in the contracted service into the service contract; or the public administration directly determines the substantial rupture of the contract economy. Therefore, unforeseen events or extraordinary situations that may arise are not taken into account. This situation introduces a very rigid, inadequate struc-

ALMAR WATER SOLUTIONS

PPPs divide risks and choose the appropriate players for each project phase, but face barriers and threats depending on the geography

ture in a complex and uncertain world with pandemics, natural disasters, wars, and other extreme circumstances. J Absence of clauses modifying the contract due to unforeseeable circumstances. This formula generates enormous controversy about the scope of predictability and the possibility of rebalancing. J Investment recovery in case of early termination or because the asset does not work. Traditionally, concessions for works and services have entailed the recognition in favour of the concessionaire of a right to financial compensation for the investment in the event of early resolution.

But currently, a compensation regime is established that introduces a fundamental distinction between causes of resolution attributable to the public administration and not attributable to it. J Off-takers establish the maximum returns on equity/debt, which does not correspond with the risk assumed by the investors. A regulatory reform is needed to resolve the existing problems in implementing the PPP model. Water has circumstances that make PPP model use difficult in different countries. However, a proposal exists to respond to these barriers and implement public-private collaboration

mechanisms in the water sector. Other beneficial circumstances exist to implement it because public investments are now more focused on other sectors, such as health or pensions, and the financial sector is highly interested in entering the water industry. According to the United Nations, investments in infrastructure and water management must be multiplied by 14 to reach the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. The future of PPPs is straightforward as long as the risks to the financial sec-

tor are accommodated. PPPs do not only provide water services: they create jobs and opportunities for all. A sector betting on this is the industrial sector, which has become a great driver, competing with great force for water against utilities and governments.

The PPP is a very mature model in the Middle East, but recently very aggressive rates entail a risk of this model dying of success

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WATER & NEWS - BUSINESS

PALINTEST TARGETS EUROPEAN EXPANSION WITH REVOLUTIONARY KEMIO™ WATER TESTING TECH Kemio™ is Palintest’s next generation platform, providing measurement of disinfectants and heavy metals

As the European water testing sector continues its swift transformation, UK market leader Palintest is bolstering its presence in key European territories, announcing its intention to seek strategic distribution partnerships, starting with France, Germany, Spain, and the Benelux region. Palintest, a division of Halma plc, is placing its groundbreaking Kemio electrochemical testing technology at the forefront of this European expansion, alongside its established Lumiso photometric products. The Kemio range sets set new standards for simplicity and reliability, showcasing the company’s dedication to top-tier water quality. Having set benchmarks in the UK, Palintest sees the transformational technology as the key to solidifying strong distribution alliances

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in the drinking and wastewater sector across Europe. Heading up this ambitious venture, Gregory Godeau, Head Of Sales - Export & EU, remarks: "Our dedication to the protection of water and public health remains steadfast. Our notable achievements in the UK market set a precedent, and with Europe's increasing emphasis on water quality and the new Drinking Water Directive, we recognise a significant opportunity to mirror our UK success across these crucial markets. Sitting alongside our proven photometric solutions, we see Kemio, our groundbreaking new product series, as central to this endeavour." The Kemio range, encompassing Kemio Disinfection, Kemio Heavy Metals, and Kemio Multi, is designed for maximum water testing efficiency. The range

is built around Palintest's patented single-use sensor electrochemical technology, ensuring laboratory-level accuracy whether utilised in a lab or in the field, and giving reliable results regardless of the colour or turbidity of the water. Highlighting Kemio's unparalleled adaptability, Mr Godeau comments: "Whether it's swiftly testing critical disinfection parameters or assessing heavy metals content in a matter of minutes, Kemio stands alone in the marketplace. It's also the sole EPA-approved portable method for lead testing, serving as a shield against this and other harmful contaminants." With the EU’s renewed Drinking Water Directive setting a world-leading standard for water purity, Palintest's offerings become even more pertinent. The directive, now translated into national legislation, pursues a zero pollution objective, promising EU citizens unmatched water quality standards. Palintest's technology aligns perfectly with the directive's requirements, ensuring meticulous adherence to guidelines, especially with the heightened vigilance on potential contaminants like arsenic and ammonia. Palintest is fully supportive of the quest for high quality drink water, as well as the need to avoid wastewater contamination, which is why it is delivering products that both detect and combat potential water threats and is keen to collaborate with like-minded partners in the industry who share a similar vision.

UTICO, CHINESE FIRM PARTNER FOR JV TO EXTRACT INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS FROM BRINE WASTE Bromine and deeply processed hydrobromic acid will be extracted from discarded concentrated seawater from Utico’s desalination plants The UAE’s only private utility provider, Utico, and Shandong Tianyi Chemical Corporation of China are looking at partnering for a trailblazing joint venture circular economy project to extract industrial chemicals from brine, a first of its kind in the GCC in recycling waste seawater from desalination plants. In a statement at the 25th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) exhibition, a Utico statement said that the zero-breakthrough project will come up

in Ras Al Khaimah over an area of 20,000 square metres at an estimated investment of AED 160 million. “This is a pioneering project in the region’s renewable energy industry paving the way for innovation in converting brine waste from desalination plants. The project is of particular significance in the GCC, a region which is estimated to contribute a lion’s share of the world’s brine affecting the land and marine ecology adversely. We are also proud to be announcing the project during a

period of reinforced interest in sustainability and decarbonization with the UAE holding the UN climate conference, COP 28,” said Hussain Al Lawati, Group CEO, Utico. The landmark project will add and reinforce Utico’s renewables portfolio and enhance the company’s decarbonization across its operations. The project also has significant social and political importance since it is part of the channel investments under the UAE-China bilateral cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

NIJHUIS SAUR INDUSTRIES AND NX FILTRATION PARTNER TO ADDRESS WATER SCARCITY The companies unveiled a mobile hollow fibre nanofiltration unit, named the MONF, designed as a modular and plug-and-play system In a significant stride towards minimizing the water footprint of its clients, Nijhuis Saur Industries announced a partnership with NX Filtration - the global supplier of hollow fibre nanofiltration membranes. This collaboration enables the market to benefit from NX Filtration’s nanofiltration technology that effectively removes a wide range of contaminations from water in a sustainable process, through Nijhuis Saur Industries’ extensive fleet of mobile water treatment systems. This is a testament to the shared commitment of both

organizations to address the challenges of water scarcity and improve water quality to close the water loop. At Aquatech Amsterdam, Nijhuis Saur Industries and NX Filtration jointly announced their partnership and unveiled an innovative mobile hollow fibre nanofiltration unit, named the MONF. The MONF is designed as a modular and plug-and-play system that can treat waters up to 100 m3/h and can easily be transported. The unique modular Nijhuis Saur Industries system uses NX Filtra-

tion’s unique nanofiltration membranes, to remove a wide range of contaminations from water in an effective and sustainable process, substantially reducing energy and chemical usage. Nijhuis Saur Industries and NX Filtration are global leaders in their respective fields. This partnership combines Nijhuis Saur Industries’ expertise and resources in industrial and municipal water solutions, underpinned by the optimal selection of hollow fibre membrane technology from NX Filtration.

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Data driven

Digital modelling (BIM, GIS,...)

WATER TREATMENT

INTERVIEW PLANT MANAGER, LLOBREGAT DRINKING WATER TREATMENT PLANT, BARCELONA

SANTIAGO GONZALEZ AVELLANA “We are moving towards more sustainable and efficient water services” Spain’s water sector is a complex and critical industry that plays a pivotal role in the country’s development, sustainability, and economic prosperity. Filtralite®, the filter media solution from the Saint-Gobain group, can contribute to addressing the challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and increasing water demands. With its diverse geography, varying water resources, and changing climate, Spain faces numerous challenges and opportunities in managing its water resources. We will try to summarize and explore the key aspects of Spain’s water sector, the challenges it faces, and the strategies being employed to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply. Water resources are unevenly distributed throughout Spain, with the northern regions enjoying more abundant water supplies compared to the arid south and east. Managing this disparity is a fundamental challenge. The country has an extensive network of reservoirs, canals, and pipelines to distribute water to different regions. The treatment of wastewater is a critical aspect of environmental protection.

"Desalination plants in places like Almeria, where you can find the Filtralite® solution, Valencia and Catalonia have alleviated water stress" 38

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Spain has made substantial investments in wastewater treatment plants to meet European Union (EU) standards. This has not only improved water quality but also contributed to safeguarding ecosystems and public health. Due to water scarcity in certain regions, Spain has emerged as a global leader in desalination technology. Desalination plants in places like Almeria, where you can find the Filtralite® solution, Valencia and Catalonia have alleviated water stress. Desalination is not without challenges, particularly due to its energy-intensive nature, but it remains a vital solution for water-scarce areas. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in Spain, accounting for approximately 60% of the country’s total water use. The challenge lies in balancing the water needs of agriculture with those of other uses. Sustainable practices like drip irrigation have been adopted to optimize water use and improve water efficiency. Like many other regions, Spain faces the consequences of climate change. Changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures are impacting water availability. Adaptation strategies to address increased water scarcity and

droughts are becoming increasingly important. Spain’s booming tourism industry and rapid urbanization contribute to a high water demand, particularly in coastal areas. Sustainable urban planning and water management are essential to meet the needs of residents and tourists while preserving natural ecosystems. Spain has a complex legal and regulatory framework for water management. Coordinating various government levels and ensuring compliance with EU regulations can be challenging, requiring effective governance and intergovernmental collaboration. The management of water services in Spain involves both public and private entities. Balancing efficiency, affordability, and public interest can be a challenging task, and debates about privatization persist in some regions. To conclude, Spain’s water sector is a multifaceted industry, critical for the country’s development and sustainability. Efficient water management, technological innovation, and environmental protection are key priorities in addressing the challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and the ever-increasing demands of agriculture, tourism, and urbanization. Finding the right balance between public and private sector involvement, while preserving the environment and ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water, is an ongoing effort that is vital for Spain’s future. To help face all these challenges, Filtralite®, the filter media solution from the Saint-Gobain group, has been implemented in the Llobregat Drinking Water Treatment Plant in Barcelona, managed by publicly-owned water utility ATL. Filtralite® is made of expanded clay that is commonly used in water treatment

FILTRALITE®

and filtration processes. Expanded clay is a lightweight aggregate material that is produced by heating natural clay to high temperatures, causing it to expand. Filtralite®, in particular, is known for its high porosity, durability, and efficiency in water filtration applications. We are very proud of this collaboration which is why we wanted to give Santiago Gonzalez Avellana, the Plant Manager, the possibility to share what he thinks about our products and how they help him in his daily work.

Filtralite®, the filter media solution from Saint-Gobain group, has been implemented in the Llobregat DWTP in Barcelona, managed by ATL

Can you describe your career and your current role at ATL? I am an industrial engineer specializing in industrial chemistry and I have been working for 22 years in the drinking water treatment sector. I became part of the technical team of ATL in 2005 and I have been in charge of the Llobregat Drinking Water Treatment Plant since 2016.

Can you give us some facts and figures about your plant? What solutions did you have for the filtration stage before installing Filtralite®? The Llobregat Drinking Water Treatment Plant was commissioned around 1978. Currently, it has a maximum production capacity of 3.2 cubic metres per second, and two very different water treatment

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INTERVIEW

The results showed that with the Filtralite® solution, the filtration run times were increased, reducing the number of washes by 66% lines. On the one hand, we have a more conventional treatment that starts with pre-oxidation of the water with potassium permanganate (KMnO4), followed by a pH adjustment with carbon dioxide (CO2) and a coagulation-flocculation-decantation process. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is then dosed as an oxidant and the water is passed through a double filtration stage, the first with silica sand as a filter bed and the second through a 150 cm bed of activated carbon grains. Finally, much of the filtered water goes through advanced treatment, using reverse electrodialysis membranes, prior to final disinfection and re-chlorination with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) at the inlet and outlet of the storage tanks. The initial solution implemented to date for the filtration stage was the original one, that is, sand filtration. How did you learn about the Filtralite® solution and what made you decide to try this innovative filtration media?

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In 2017, and after the involvement of Filtralite® technicians with ATL’s research, development and innovation department, initial meetings were held to learn about the characteristics and properties of Filtralite® media. We then assessed the possibility of trying it at the plant, either on a pilot scale or on an industrial scale. In order to optimize the filter run and reduce washing costs, we decided to carry out the test directly on an industrial scale on one of the 12 filters of the plant. Before replacing the existing sand with Filtralite®, it was necessary to adapt the filter by increasing the discharge level of the wash water. The performance of Filtralite® was evaluated by operating the filter against a sand filter under equivalent conditions for more than 10 months. How would you describe the main features of Filtralite® and its advantages compared to your initial solution? After almost a year of testing, the results obtained showed that with the Filtralite® solution, the filtration run times were increased, reducing the number of washes by 66%. This reduction in the number of washes translates into significant economic savings for the operations: savings in the energy consumed while at the same time, the filter operating time

increases, thus increasing the treatment capacity. The reduction in the number of procedures with the equipment involved in the washing process reduces the maintenance costs of such equipment and will extend its useful life. Finally, it should be noted that throughout the test it was possible to verify that the water quality obtained using Filtralite® was similar to that provided by sand filters, both in terms of turbidity and in terms of a barrier effect.

FILTRALITE® If you had to do it all over again, would you choose Filtralite® again? Would you recommend it to your colleagues? Yes, indeed. In fact, tests are planned for other ATL production sites to evaluate the performance of this filtering material. What are the next projects for your plant? The plant’s next projects are aimed at increasing the production capacity of the plant to 4 cubic metres per second. Two more clarifiers will be built and the 12 sand filters and the 15 activated carbon filters will be remodelled. The sand filter remodelling project includes the replacement of the sand filters with Filtralite®. What are the characteristics of the current water market in Spain, and more specifically around Barcelona and Catalonia? I sincerely believe that hand in hand with innovation and technological advances we are moving towards more sustainable and efficient water services, and towards treatments that allow us to obtain higher water quality. All this focused on making the best possible use of water resources that are becoming increasingly scarce.

Did you encounter any unexpected results, positive or not, during the industrial test performed? Yes, we did. We were able to verify that with the Filtralite® solution, it was possible to work with higher filtration velocities than with conventional sand, even exceeding 15 m/h while maintaining part of the increase in the filtration runs. Do you know how much energy you are saving thanks to the Filtralite®

solution? What is the estimated return on your investment? Could you give us a more detailed calculation? In the filter where Filtralite® is installed, we estimate that we are saving about 60% of energy compared to using sand. In addition, by having longer filtration runs, the reduction in the number of washes resulted in a savings of 65% of washing water. Taking these and other aspects into account, we have calculated a return on investment of approximately 2.3 years.

Spain’s national government has promised a water resources action plan worth 12 billion euros. How will this plan affect you? What do you consider to be the main areas of development? I believe that the main areas to be developed are the increase in desalination capacity, the use of reclaimed water and the upgrading of existing treatment plants, as well as heavy investments in the digitalisation of the different processes.

"Taking into account savings in energy, washing water and other aspects, we have calculated a ROI of approximately 2.3 years" - MAGAZINE

INTERVIEW With cutting-edge technologies for the water and wastewater treatment sector, Water From Innovation (WFI) Group helps customers meet environmental and regulatory compliance requirements at the same time as they improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. To learn more about the benefits and opportunities of decentralized approaches to wastewater treatment, we spoke to Dr Ari Veltman, Chief Business Officer at WFI Group. In this interview he discusses the role of decentralized solutions in water ecosystem planning: how they contribute to sourcing water for non-potable purposes to move towards a circular economy model. Please tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at WFI Group. My background took me over various roles, geographies and industries. As an economist, I started my path in the Financial Advisor to the Chief of Staff unit, planning and managing budgets. After completing my M.Sc. in business, I moved to Japan to complete a Ph.D. in Tokyo Institute of Technology. This was followed by business development work, and then 8 years in international offices of Google (Ireland, Japan, Singapore), leading various business teams. In the last few years before joining WFI Group, I was helping technology-based startups and companies in various fields as a business mentor. As the Chief Business Officer in WFI Group, my responsibilities include the overall business strategy and business activities. WFI Group comprises of several technology business units, including biological

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CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER - WFI GROUP

DR ARI VELTMAN “The role of decentralized systems is expected to increase significantly, in line with the global need to think strategically about sourcing water” Decentralized options for water and wastewater treatment are increasingly being contemplated as solutions to drought and water pollution, with a promising future in the circular economy. Z Cristina Novo Pérez wastewater treatment, inorganic pollutant removal from water, and high recovery RO. We’d like to discuss the role of decentralized systems. Maybe we should start with a definition of what is meant by decentralized systems, specifically for wastewater collection and treatment? There is a wide range of what can be considered “decentralized”. To consider what is “decentralized”, a good starting point is to consider what is a “centralized” approach. A centralized system-design approach suggests making an effort to consolidate water and wastewater treatment in one place. It includes centralized system-planning as well as centralizing the facilities and execution. This will usually be taken at a national level, a state or county level, and can also include a metropolitan district. With a decentralized approach, some or all of the treatment facilities and execution will be spread and done at local points – closer to the source (be it water or wastewater), to be used (or dispersed) locally. There are of course cases where the strategic planning is national or centralized, and as part of the planning, some of the treatment facilities will be decentralized.

The approach and technology will depend on the specific needs and strategic decisions for each such location. This can apply to smaller or rural communities, to specific neighbourhoods, to detached facilities such as resorts, RV camps, remote malls, or oil & gas facilities, and can be also considered at the individual building or household level. The scope and role of decentralized systems depends on a holistic approach, taking into account circular economy opportunities, economic, operational and strategic considerations (such as water economy resilience). Can you comment on the role of decentralized approaches in the water industry, and specifically for wastewater treatment? Planned and leveraged correctly, decentralized solutions can be a crucial component in planning for circular economy through reuse, as well as provide a significant strengthening to water resilience at both the local and the national levels. The role of decentralized systems is expected to increase significantly, in line with the global need to think strategically

WFI GROUP When there is an opportunity to utilize treated wastewater locally, the economic benefits of treating the wastewater locally can be huge and turn what was traditionally a huge economic burden to a strategic asset, possibly even an economic net-positive opportunity, when taking into account the value of water. Transporting wastewater for hundreds of miles to be treated and then sending them hundreds of miles back to be used makes little sense in this respect. We are talking here mainly about non-potable decentralized use cases, mainly for irrigation and agriculture, possibly some industrial applications as well, but this is mainly a question of the available technology at this point, and local potable decentralized reuse may also become relevant in the near future. about sourcing water. We (society) need to learn how to maximize and optimize strategically water sources and usages. An obvious example is the use of local wells for sourcing water for either potable or non-potable use. Think of an extreme centralized approach in which one sends the water from a local well hundreds of miles to be treated for use, then have the treated water transported hundreds of miles back to be used. This is theoretically possible, but the cost of building and maintaining such a system will be huge and unproportional to the possibility of building a small facility to conduct the treatment locally. Consider that a centralized source of water exists and is distributed to various communities. Even in such a case, when looking into considerations of resilience, a locally treated separate source can provide water security and backup, and an ability to operate independently whenever the central distribution system or source may be compromised. Now let’s look at wastewater. We have to first recognize that “wastewater” is an important source of water. Society might need to go through some adaptation of thinking,

Planned and leveraged correctly, decentralized solutions can be a crucial component in planning for circular economy through reuse but when treated properly, wastewater can be a huge source for the overall water economy, both at a national level, and locally. In Israel, about 90% of the municipal wastewater is being reclaimed and reused. This is actualized both in central wastewater treatment plants, and through local facilities designed to provide the irrigation for nearby agriculture or parks. If we look at the considerations we discussed earlier, for the extreme example of treating remote wells centrally, these considerations of course apply to the case of reused wastewater as well.

What are some of the possible concerns around a decentralized system approach, and how do you address those? The potential benefits, and indeed the need to treat wastewater locally are clear. There are a number of possible concerns when considering a decentralized solution, both for the local community itself, and for the central planner or regulator. The good news is that there have been significant advances and innovation in this space, and there is a new generation of technologies to address these concerns.

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INTERVIEW

The economic benefits of treating the wastewater locally can be huge and turn what was traditionally a huge economic burden to a strategic asset The concerns mainly revolve around the question of possible improper operations, maintenance and general negligence which can lead to non-compliance of the resulting effluent, and ultimately risks to public health. A known challenge for smaller communities is to find highly trained and experienced operational staff, as well as a difficulty to economically justify a meaningful full-time workforce dedicated to operating water or wastewater treatment facilities. It is typical in small communities to have operational staff responsible for a wide range of duties for the communities, taking care of a wastewater treatment facility can be one of which. For such a small community – the benefit of a local independent resource and economic benefits can be offset by the concern of not being able to operate sophisticated systems in an ongoing stable manner. For the regulator, there is of course a concern related to the above, that due to gener-

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al negligence, lack of abilities or lack of funding, improper treatment will lead to deterioration of a system and the possible usage of non-compliant effluent. Alternatively, very simple solutions exist and have been deployed historically, but they are not suitable for the modern expectations from treated effluent, for reuse purposes or otherwise. Such solutions can include septic tanks or lagoons. All of these concerns are legitimate concerns, and have been a barrier for the implementation of more advanced decentralized solutions for some time. The available technologies play a big part in these decisions, and as mentioned – technology that addresses these concerns already exists. In order to address the concerns mentioned above, what we need is a solution that provides the high-quality effluent that can be reused for irrigation and agriculture in a stable reliant way, and can be operated with minimal operational overhead, without the need for a sophisticated operational team. Solutions exist today that minimise the need for operational attention, allow for remote monitoring and adjustments, include only basic equipment, and are highly cost-effective. This, while providing great consistent results. As an example, I’ll give a short explanation of the TAYA technology for biological wastewater

Yiftah WWTP, Israel

treatment, developed by Triple-T, which was designed to address these issues. The TAYA patented design is very simple, based on a divided basin filled with biomass attached to gravel media. The wastewater moves between these two chambers. The concept is similar to a filland-drain mechanism, but the specific design and algorithm result in accurate sludge control (that only needs to be removed after several years of operation) and effective removal of Nitrogen (Ammonium as well as total Nitrogen values). It only requires minimal operational attention 1 or 2 times a week, the only electro-mechanical equipment are two simple pumps, and the operational costs are very low. Everything is also connected to a remote monitoring and control system.

WFI GROUP This solution allows a small community to generate high quality effluent from its wastewater locally, without being concerned with sophisticated operational needs and with minimal supervision time on a day-to-day basis, and has been already approved by a number of regulatory bodies, including in the United States. Another option for any system is to consider contracting external support – contracting a company to provide the ongoing operations of the facility (whether for a simple-to-operate system such as the TAYA, or something more complicated). This should be taken into consideration in the planning phase, so that costing of the service provider can be built into the OPEX planning.

Visiting the R&D labs of ToxSorb

What are some barriers preventing more widespread use of these systems, and what are your expectations for the future? Key barriers are those that concern adaptation of new technologies. There are a lot of existing dispositions about what “decentralized systems” can do and what they are, there is lack of familiarity with new available technologies, and of course there can be lack of trust and a general preference to continue with what is familiar – even when this means higher cost or unhealthy/ non-compliant effluent. These issues are even more prominent for smaller communities, that do not have the ability to employ dedicated staff or actively stay up to date with new available technologies and will also be more difficult for technology providers to reach out to and educate.

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INTERVIEW

There is lack of familiarity and trust on new available technologies, and to top that, there is of course the financial barrier To top that, there is of course the financial barrier. Even if a technology makes sense economically, even if over a 10-year period there is a net economic benefit, the immediate funds required for financing the project might not be available. My expectations are that along with efforts made by providers of innovative technology, we will see the regulator and central authorities take an increasingly active role in identifying new relevant technologies and streamlining the efforts to validate and adopt them as relevant. Having a process to pilot and approve a new technology is helpful, but not enough. While the purpose and logic of this is clear, this creates de facto another barrier, another hassle, time and cost that can deter both communities and technology providers from proceeding, while these technologies are required to solve concerns identified by the regulator or the central planning organization.

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A more active role can mean a proactive identification of candidate innovations, and a sponsored process to pilot these technologies in advance, then proactively matching them to relevant communities. Such processes can also help with cutting a lot of red tape and funding. There are numerous paths to fund infrastructure projects, so funds generally exist, but we know that the path to match those funds with the projects in need is not always an easy one. With the proactive involvement suggested above, some of these funds can be directed to the processes of identifying, piloting and approving new technologies as well as easing significantly the process of approving financing support to projects that were proactively identified by these organizations. Could you share some real-world examples of successful projects or applications where decentralized systems have proven to be particularly effective in addressing wastewater treatment challenges? I’ll mention a couple of examples of projects where the effectiveness of such systems is a real game changer. The Yiftah Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) serves several small communities and military outposts, all situated on a small plateau in northern Israel. Their waste-

water used to be treated locally in septic tanks and then moved into a nearby lagoon with the assistance of gravity. Even though the lagoon was located near several crops requiring water, the quality of the previously treated wastewater was too low to make it suitable for irrigation. To achieve higher-quality effluent without incurring a significant increase in operational costs, the existing facilities were leveraged as a primary treatment, adding highly efficient secondary treatment based on the TAYA aerobic-anoxic technology. The facility treats about 210 thousand gallons (800 cubic metres) daily. Additional sustainability and significant cost savings were achieved, as the rock extracted locally from the mountain was directly used by the TAYA as the biomass carrier Yiftah WWTP, Israel.

WFI GROUP for the biological treatment process. Currently, the effluent is used to irrigate the nearby orchards and vineyards. Han-Hashayarot is a detached eco-tourism lodging and camping site in the Negev desert on the ancient Nabatean “perfume road”. They required a sustainable yet affordable solution without any odour, noise, or visual impacts or the need for highly skilled or dedicated personnel. The TAYA technology was implemented to allow an odour-less solution for treating their wastewater locally. With minimal electro-mechanical equipment, this solution creates no interruptive noise, and merges well into the overall landscape. The local TAYA-based plant in Han-Hashayarot requires minimal attention from their

general operations staff, and very little electricity, without any need to deal with sludge. The facility treats 16,000 gallons (60 cubic meters) daily. The effluent from the TAYA is used to irrigate a nearby Bedouin olive plantation, and the facility itself is used by Han-Hashayarot to showcase sustainable circular-economy solutions. Can you expand a bit on the role of decentralized considerations at the national planning level by the regulator? When planning the overall water economy and resilience for the future, one has to consider all possible resources and usages and optimize across them. For one thing, not all water resources are equal. Potable water is, by definition, a more

limited (and costly to obtain) resource than non-potable water. One planning consideration then, is to maximize matching potable water sources to potable use. To this point, when you look at decentralized wastewater treatment that can provide a source for non-potable water suitable for irrigation, it will make sense to use that locally for those purposes instead of using potable water resources. To provide some more sense for this kind of wider thinking, I can give an example of how national thinking and planning is translated into incentivization of a decentralized private solution. This example is different from the wastewater examples already given, providing another angle of the national/decentralized symbiosis. It involves a private entity, the central governmental body and the technology provider. “Green Village” is an educational youth village in the centre of Israel. Local supply of drinking water is easily available in this location. The Green Village has a well on its premises connected to a regional aquifer, and has an incentive to achieve water independence and save costs. The aquifer underneath happens to be polluted with Nitrate, Perchlorate and EDB. The national water authority has an interest to treat this pollution and limit the spread of the pollutant. The national water authority in this case defined an incentive-scheme in the form of available per-pollutant quantity-based compensation. ToxSorb (a research-based company specializing in solutions for inorganic water treatment) was chosen to provide a combined solution based on adsorbent technology and desalination (RO). The facility treats 70,000 gallons (265 cubic metres) daily. The benefit of this project nationally, is the containment of a pollutant source of an important aquifer, upstream. The Green Village gains resilience and independence, while turning what is normally the cost for providing drinking water into a source of income.

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EUREAU

GARI VILLA-LANDA SOKOLOVA

SENIOR WATER POLICY ADVISOR AT EUREAU

“The Commission proposal for the UWWTD (recast) addresses energy neutrality, not climate neutrality” On October 16th, the European Council agreed on a proposal to revise the urban wastewater treatment directive, a key element of the EU's zero-pollution action plan. The update aims to broaden the directive's scope and align it with the European Green Deal, building on the success of the current directive in reducing water pollution over the last three decades. Smart Water Magazine had the chance to speak with Gari Villa-Landa Sokolova, Senior Water Policy Advisor at EurEau, the European Federation of National Associations of Water Services, to get their perspective on the “general approach”. Can you tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at EurEau? I’ve been working in the water sector for more than 15 years, in different areas. Since October 2022, I am the Senior Water Policy Advisor at EurEau (European Federation of National Associations of Water Services), dealing with mainly circular economy issues, including the Urban Waste Water Treatment and Sewage Sludge Directives; energy in the water sector and climate change, as well as sustainable financing (mainly Taxonomy), and other topics. Previously, for almost 8 years, I was Head of International Affairs at AEAS (Spanish Association of Water Supply and Sanitation). As part of this, I was a member of the Steering Committee of the

OECD Water Governance Initiative; of the ISO/TC 224 WG 14 working group on the corporate governance of water services; and the AEAS representative at the IWA General Assembly. I was also co-Chair of the EurEau Committee on Legal and Economic Affairs. I have been involved in several water-related legislative processes (Drinking Water Directive and Water Reuse Regulation) and currently in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. The European Council recently reached an agreement on a proposal to review the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. What is EurEau’s reaction to this? After the European Parliament (EP) having approved its Position on the UWWTD (recast) on the 5th of October and the Council having adopted its General Approach on the 16th of October, these two texts, together with the Commission’s Proposal for the UWWTD (recast), will be discussed during the trilogue among the three institutions to reach the final text of the future Directive. Having said this, I will highlight EurEau’s reaction to both the EP and Council texts. EurEau welcomes the Council’s General Approach on the UWWTD

Z Olivia Tempest G González-Cebrián

(recast) adopted last 16th of October as well as the European Parliament’s Position adopted on the 5th of October, and recognises and appreciates the work on the file, given both texts include amendments that will facilitate the implementation of a paramount piece of legislation that will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient wastewater sector. In particular, we celebrate the extension of the deadlines adopted by the Council. Nevertheless, we would have liked to see a broad control at source approach, a key strategy for an effective protection of water resources. Regarding the European Parliament’s Position, we are especially glad to see the amendments introduced to the individual systems, realising the very local character of these systems; to the discharges of non-domestic wastewater, acknowledging the need for a further control at the source of these discharges to protect collecting systems and urban wastewater treatment plants; the introduction of a new provision addressing the impact of the Weser Ruling on UWWTPs, as well as the amendments to the article on energy neutrality, which I will develop later. However, we regret the amendments watering down the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), as well as those setting more stringent requirements for

"EurEau would have liked to see a broad control at source approach, a key strategy for an effective protection of water resources"

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INTERVIEW tertiary and quaternary treatment and the shortening of the deadlines for quaternary treatment. In relation to the Council’s General Approach, we appreciate the text in Article 9 on EPR and we are glad to see certain recognition of the sectors’ reality regarding energy neutrality. While welcoming the new provisions related to water reuse and those addressing the impact of the Weser Ruling on UWWTPs, as well as those further extending the deadlines for smaller UWWTPs and agglomerations, we regret the deletion of the possibility of using equivalent treatment to secondary treatment as a way of prioritising investments while ensuring health and environmental protection. Besides, we lament not seeing further control at source in relation to discharges of non-domestic wastewater and risk assessment and management, as well as a lack of consideration of the very local-based approach individual systems require. We look forward to the trilogues, hoping for a final text that allows water operators across Europe to tackle remaining pollution sources, to better align with the SGDs and the European Green Deal, enhance the governance of the wastewater sector and facilitate access to sanitation. The revised directive calls for the implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to cover the costs of quaternary treatment. Could you explain what an EPR scheme is? And in your opinion, will it be a successful means to realise the Polluter Pays Principle in the water sector? The Commission’s Proposal included for the first time in water-related legislation the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR is one of the tools to implement the Polluter Pays Principle, one of the key principles underlying the European Union’s environmental policy. EPR sets the framework for producers of polluting substances to cover the costs related to the impact of these substances on the

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EPR is one of the tools to implement the Polluter Pays Principle, a key principle underlying the European Union’s environmental policy

EUREAU environment and human health, but EPR should ultimately incentivise a change in how such substances are produced, leading to less polluting substances. In this regard, we especially appreciate the amendments in the Council’s General Approach, calling for the full implementation of an EPR scheme to cover the costs of quaternary treatment, and setting a deadline (3 years after the entry into force of the Directive) to have all measures in place that will allow to implement EPR, as a means to realise the Polluter Pays Principle in the water sector. However, we find the changes included in Recital 13, stating that Member States should have the possibility to

impose additional requirements to the EPR schemes, too ambiguous, as it is not clear if this means extending the list of sectors to be covered by the EPR or adding other financing means to cover the treatment of micro-pollutants. Unfortunately, the European Parliament watered down the ambition of EPR and the implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle by including a co-financing model for the costs of quaternary treatment for the removal of micro-pollutants, which will lead to an increase in the water tariffs. Water services (including drinking and wastewater) are essential and critical services, as well as a human right, and their affordability must be ensured. EurEau fully understands the concerns of Member States regarding the implementation of EPR schemes to cover the costs of quaternary treatment. Thus, we call for the development of EU guidelines and framework requirements for the implementation of such schemes. Member States have recognised the potential of the urban wastewater treatment sector to significantly cut GHG emissions and aid the EU in reaching climate neutrality. In what ways does the directive address this goal? The Commission proposal for the UWWTD (recast) addresses energy neutrality, not climate neutrality. And it addresses it in a way that doesn’t acknowledge the reality of the water sector, where energy neutrality with only on-site urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWTP) renewable energy production is extremely challenging for many of the UWWTPs. Achieving energy neutrality in the sector should be based on an assessment of the technical and economic viability of the different measures to be implemented considering local conditions, including climatic and geographic, and it should contribute to, not hamper, the achievement of the Green Deal objectives on climate neutrality and to the goals of the REPowerEU Plan.

We are glad to see the recognition (at least to a certain extent) of the sectors’ reality regarding energy neutrality in the Council’s General Approach and, in particular, in Parliament’s Position, where not only the on and off-site production of renewable energy by UWWTPs is considered but also how the sector contributes to the production of renewable energy, even if used outside the wastewater facilities. Both texts include the possibility of purchasing energy from external sources, setting a maximum amount, which in the case of the Parliament position is also conditional on the energy audits. However, we regret the last-minute modification in the Council’s General Approach where the purchase of energy from external sources has been extended from renewable energy to any kind of energy. Could the directive lead to an increase in water tariffs for water consumers across Europe? Considering the extension of the scope to agglomerations of at least 1.000 p.e. (instead of 2.000 p.e. as in the current Directive 91/271), the new tertiary and quaternary treatment requirements, the increased monitoring frequencies and the energy targets, amongst others, tariff increases seem unavoidable (even according to the Commission’s Impact Assessment, in which we consider the cost increase to be somehow underestimated ), even more so if the EPR schemes do not fully cover the costs related to the treatment of micropollutants, unless Member States find other sources of finance.

"We are glad to see the recognition (to a certain extent) of the sectors’ reality regarding energy neutrality in the General Approach"

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INTERVIEW

LETICIA CARVALHO

HEAD OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER BRANCH AT UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

"In the future, circularity, recovery of nutrients and energy from wastewater will be crucial" Z Cristina Novo Pérez Wastewater treatment comes with challenges and opportunities. While untreated and inadequately treated wastewater threatens water bodies, its potential as a resource is yet to be realized. Earlier this year the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal published the report Wastewater. Turning problem to solution, calling on governments and businesses to treat wastewater as a circular economy opportunity, instead of a problem. We asked Leticia Carvalho, Head of Marine and Freshwater Branch at UNEP, about the findings of the analysis and the work of the Global Wastewater Initiative, a multistakeholder platform for which UNEP provides secretariat services. Please tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at UNEP. I am the Head of the Marine and Freshwater Branch of the United Nations

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Environment Programme. I am an international civil servant, Brazilian, oceanographer and policymaker, with more than 20 years of experience in environmental governance, sustainable development and multilateral negotiations. During my time at UNEP, I led the history-making plastic pollution policymaking, as well as mainstreamed ocean and freshwater ecosystem-based management into the relevant global and regional MEAs and governance arrangements, as well as spearheading ocean literacy and advocacy across UNEP and its Member States. In my previous life, I led several multilateral agreements as lead negotiator and chairperson, including Law of the Sea, Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdic-

tion, Regional Seas MEAs, International Maritime Organization Conventions, the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions on Chemicals and Waste Management. I was co-chair of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (2016-2018) and president of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean in the same period. My practice lies squarely within the inter-agency negotiation, based on science-policy interface, related to the environment and health, climate, maritime

UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME safety, and pollution, from source-to-sea, and along the life cycle of the production and consumption of harmful substances and products. Before UNEP, I held several positions at the Ministry of Environment of Brazil, including Director of Environmental Quality at Industry, responsible for chemicals and waste management and air quality regulations and industry engagement; and Deputy Director of Chemicals Safety. I also served as Special Adviser of the Government of Federal District - a singular mixed jurisdiction of state and city duties. My love for the ocean knows no bounds. As a young oceanographer, I spent more time at sea than many of the naval officers while mapping the continental shelf of Brazil to establish and define its exclusive economic zone from Uruguay to the Amazon. I braved many storms as the research vessel surveyed the fish populations, chemistry, and geology of depths up to 3,000 meters, which prepared me to take on any challenge!

The GWWI has worked to change the paradigm of how wastewater is commonly seen, from simple waste to a valuable and rich resource The UN Global Wastewater Initiative (GWWI) has been in place for a decade now. What is your assessment of the GWWI’s work over the past ten years? The GWWI has worked to change the paradigm of how wastewater is commonly seen, from simple waste to a valuable

Gravel Filtration for Wastewater at CCBRT Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. © Avantika Singh, UNEP.

and rich resource. This Initiative, for which UNEP provides secretariat services, now has over 100 members, and has implemented numerous projects for sustainable wastewater management on the ground in all corners of the world from Tanzania to Georgia, from the Caribbean to Morocco and Malaysia. The Initiative has also made inroads in terms of capacity-building and awareness-raising, elevating the profile of wastewater higher on the international agenda. Overall, I believe the GWWI has helped make progress, but the reality is that in 2022 only 58 per cent of all wastewater flows generated by households were safely treated before being released into the environment. Therefore, much more action, funding and commitments are needed for sustainable wastewater management to be a reality everywhere and for everyone. UNEP recently released the report Wastewater. Turning problem to solution. How did the idea of this report emerge? Back in 2010, UNEP and GRID-Arendal launched a report called Sick Water: The Central Role of Wastewater Management in Sustainable Development - A Rapid Response Assessment. It was a report aimed at highlighting the crucial role that

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INTERVIEW

The opportunities for wastewater are many: there is five times more energy contained in wastewater than is needed to treat it environmentally sound wastewater management plays in sustainable development. More than ten years later, with the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) having come to an end in 2015, and as we enter the last 6 years to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we wanted to take stock of the progress made when it comes to wastewater management. The report looks at: progress made; what factors are preventing us from reaching better wastewater management; and case studies that shine a light on examples that are working. This is why we thought that such a publication is crucial now while we work hard to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. It also speaks to the crucial role that wastewater plays in areas such as climate change adaptation and sustainable nutrient management.

"In many cases, sustainable wastewater management means decentralizing away from conventional and expensive treatment systems" 54

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What findings would you highlight from the report? Despite some good news and progress when it comes to wastewater management and sanitation provision, there is still much more to do to meet the targets under SDG 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation for All”. The report highlights that today, almost half of the wastewater produced daily around the world enters rivers, lakes, and seas without treatment or adequate treatment. Unfortunately, only a small percentage, about 11 per cent, is reused. If we want to make a difference in the way water and wastewater are managed, we need to radically change these trends starting by reducing the volume of wastewater produced, preventing, and reducing contamination, and efficiently treating wastewater to capture the resources that can be safely reused. I think the opportunities for wastewater are many: for example, the nutrients recovered from wastewater are important fertilizers and soil improvers for crops. And there is five times more energy contained in wastewater than is needed to treat it. This energy can produce enough electricity for around half a billion people per year! This is why sustainable wastewater management is also an exciting climate solution. Who’d ever think you could say wastewater is exciting!

The infrastructure required for wastewater collection and treatment can be expensive, yet there is a range of lower-cost nature-based solutions which may be suitable in some contexts. Should there be more emphasis on alternate solutions where appropriate? Absolutely. In many cases, to effectively protect freshwater and marine ecosystems through sustainable wastewater management means decentralizing away from conventional, and expensive systems by using alternative, low-cost solutions, and technologies. These are, for example, constructed wetlands, and smaller, community-based treatment plants, or smart sanitation systems that use little energy to collect and treat wastewater. Nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands, vertical flow treatment wetlands, green walls, willow systems, and others are

UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME less expensive, more agile to install and maintain, and less energy-intensive. They can do marvels where funds are short, or where there is a need for an effective solution tailored to the local needs. Wastewater reuse is gaining traction across the world driven largely by water scarcity. What barriers remain, and how can they be overcome? A shortage of financial resources often hinders the possibility of making progress when it comes to adequate, safe, wastewater treatment. In many instances, especially with conventional wastewater treatment systems, the costs to maintain them and upgrade them are high. Another barrier is the uptake of wastewater reuse. Reusing wastewater is a reality in only a few places around the world. However, as you said, in a world where the

demand for water is higher and higher, and where climate change impacts more than ever the availability of water, there is a need for governments and citizens to embrace wastewater reuse. Another barrier remains the lack of knowledge and adequate awareness that wastewater can be safe water. We are resistant to the idea of eating fruits or vegetables produced with safely treated wastewater, but when done right, we shouldn’t be. Finally, most of us forget about wastewater after we flush the toilet; out of sight is out of mind and this cannot be the case. These are among the barriers that we have identified and discussed more in detail in the publication. The report presents case studies from across the world. Could you highlight one of them that particularly impressed you?

Wastewater Sedimentation Ponds at UN Complex Nairobi. Credit: Riccardo Zennaro, UNEP.

I really enjoyed reading the two case studies related to beer produced with recycled water and urine-derived fertilizer. In the first case, the National Water Agency of Singapore collaborated with a private beverage company to produce and bring to the market a beer made from 100 per cent recycled water. In the second case, on the Swedish island of Gotland, a local university and a private company joined forces to recover urine and convert it into natural fertilizers to irrigate barley fields. These are ambitious yet tangible projects that show the power and potential of wastewater. Imagine, with the combination of technology, funding, and policies, we could get these kinds of amazing results and resources everywhere! Looking forward, what are the longterm goals and priorities for the UN Global Wastewater Initiative, and what impact do you hope to achieve in the coming years? I think the future is clear: reuse of unconventional water resources such as wastewater and others will be paramount and can help achieve water security. Circularity, and recovery of nutrients and energy from wastewater will be crucial. And, for that to happen, there is an enormous amount of work to be done by all stakeholders. The GWWI will continue to lead this change together with its great partners, and welcome new players of course, including from the private sector, investors, researchers, innovators, and many more that we expect will join us in this important journey.

"In the future, reuse of unconventional water resources such as wastewater and others will be paramount and can help achieve water security"

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PERSON OF THE MONTH

KONGJIAN YU CHAMPION OF THE “SPONGE CITIES” CONCEPT, 2023 OBERLANDER PRIZE LAUREATE

Photo ©Barrett Doherty courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation.

Kongjian Yu, the Chinese landscape architect renowned for advocating the "sponge cities" approach to address climate change accelerated urban flooding, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize by The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), a non-profit based in Washington, DC. Yu's groundbreaking concept tackles urban flooding by employing large-scale nature-based infrastructure, such as constructed wetlands, parks and permeable pavements, acting as sponges to absorb and store rainfall, instead of relying solely on traditional “grey infrastructure”. China adopted the “sponge cities” concept as a national policy in 2013. Yu has spent his career transforming and stewarding the natural and cultural environ-

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ment, gaining international recognition and influencing decision makers around the world. He founded and leads the Graduate School of Landscape Architecture and the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at Peking University. He is also founder and principal designer at the landscape architecture firm Turenscape. To date Yu and his firm have some 600 built projects in more than 200 cities, principally in China, but also in France, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and the U.S. The 2023 Oberlander Prize recognises the quality of his design and his tireless advocacy for the leadership role that the profession can and must take in addressing the global challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.

DIGITAL

FEATURE

Water companies have faced both harsh criticism and monetary fines over operational decisions that have resulted in pollution events. In 2022, one utility received a record fine of £90 million. Publication of bad performance by these water companies only further erodes public trust. There is some understanding that major infrastructure problems can only be solved with significant capital investment, but there is still a general undercurrent and feeling that most companies could do better. In response to rising levels of both pollution and public criticism, the UK

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2023 has been another year where conversations about the quality of UK waterways have been high in household and workplace conversations and mainstream media.

Z Garry Tabor, Director of Smart Water Solutions, Badger Meter government introduced the Environment Act 2021 (EA21), which became law in November 2021. Within EA21, Part 5 Section 82 requires accountability from each wastewater company in England for the implementation of large-scale wa'ter quality monitoring programs for effluent discharge. Each application requires a different approach, so agile tools will be the

best investment efforts toward compliance. For example, pressure drops and spikes may be a functional indicator of a problem at a pump station or sewer rising main, so pressure monitoring is important. However, pressure tells us nothing about water quality, which is necessary for sampling outfalls into lakes and streams. In 2017, Syrinix, now a Badger Meter brand, began working with prominent UK utility Anglian Water to develop a high-resolution pressure monitoring application to detect breaks on singular rising mains (pressurized sewage transport pipes). When a break occurs on a rising main, raw sewage directly escapes the

BADGER METER Graph A shows the rising main in a normal operating state showing the delivery pressure and static head within acceptable limits.

pipeline, meaning rapid detection and mitigation are essential to minimise any environmental impact. The pressure sensors, deployed at pump stations are set to collect data at 128 samples/second and summarise to give a minimum, mean, and maximum pressure for each minute. The summary pressure data is sent to a cloud analysis platform for viewing (and managing data and devices). By analysing this one-minute summary data stream, an automated algorithm extracts the minutes spent in specified pressure “zones”, categorized as: Low static head Normal static head High static head Low delivery pressure Normal delivery pressure High delivery pressure A break alert is triggered when the rising main delivery pressure falls below 80% of what is deemed to be the normal operating level over a specified period, with a drop in delivery pressure, often coupled with a drop in static head, indicative of a break. This alert goes straight to the utility operational control centre, giving time for a response to be planned and prior-

Graph B shows a break on the rising main, showing the delivery pressure and static head below acceptable limits.

itised. With this data, technicians can walk the main and quickly identify the burst location to minimise seepage, im-

Each application requires a different approach, so agile tools will be the best investment toward compliance with environmental monitoring

proving operational costs and efficiency and curtailing environmental impacts. Currently, more than 1,000 Syrinix pressure sensors are placed for this purpose across six UK utilities, with additional benefit gained from performance monitoring which identifies asset failures and other fault conditions such as poorly performing pumps and passing non-return valves. With the integration of utility SCADA data to compare and verify the pressure findings, data can confidently feed operational planning and repair plans, giving the utility real value. Badger Meter also looks to solve the second part of EA21 legislation: measurement of river water quality.

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FEATURE

Badger Meter is well-placed to offer solutions to utilities looking for an experienced partner to deliver a flexible and modular approach Two field-proven and regulator-compliant packaged solutions designed specifically for measuring water quality in rivers are now available, utilising 25 years of trusted s::can sensor technology. These flexible solutions measure for the

five monitoring parameters required in the act (temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and ammonia), backed up by a suite of offerings to ensure that utilities can continue to remain compliant should these boundaries change.

RIVER MONITORING AND BOD MEASUREMENT. Why measure BOD in rivers when assessing pollution events? Z Tom Lendrem, Solutions Architect, Badger Meter This legislation specifies five key water quality parameters to be measured: pH, turbidity, ammonia, dissolved oxygen and temperature. However, the number of parameters to be measured may increase as regulations change. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measurement is widely used to assess wastewater treatment works’ efficacy. As a measurement in environmental monitoring of rivers, it is not only useful as an assessment of the

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water quality (as defined in the Water Framework Directive) but also for identifying point sources of pollution. It is a key parameter in understanding the impact of wastewater discharge on the receiving water body: where BOD is above typical levels, point sources of pollution should be identified and investigated. Understanding BOD measurement BOD refers to the amount of

With successful global monitoring projects on famous waterways such as The Ganges in India and the Danube in Germany, Badger Meter is well-placed to offer solutions to utilities looking for an experienced partner with the ability to deliver a flexible and modular approach to meet all legislative requirements. Bringing everything together with IoT technology and data analytics At Badger Meter, our goal is to unite all individual data silos into one smart water solution, (sewer, CSO pressure management with environmental and river water quality) which will enable water companies to view and manage every aspect of EA21. Need to think more about environmental monitoring? Think no further. For more examples https://www.badgermeter.com/en-gb/markets/environmental-monitoring/?bu=municipal

oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter present in water. This process is crucial for maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. However, high BOD levels are indicative of the degradation of organic substances by bacteria, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies. BOD measurement quantifies this oxygen demand, providing crucial insight into the extent of pollution and its potential impact on aquatic life. The traditional method of measuring BOD involves sample collection and an incubation period in a controlled environment for five days (BOD5). Using DO measurement over this period measures the amount of

oxygen required by microorganisms to break down the organic material in water and therefore correlates to the number of microorganisms in the water. BOD measurement is a crucial parameter in the pursuit of environmental preservation. Online surrogate measurements of BOD are available and have been used extensively in pollution monitoring of surface water bodies across the globe with a high degree of success. Measuring BOD with online surrogate measurements of organics would overcome some of the issues with the traditional BOD5 test: J It is instantaneous. J Not reliant on sampling conditions or the challenges of storage and transport.

BADGER METER

s::can, a Badger Meter brand, has been pioneering the use of online BOD measurement using UV-Vis spectroscopy for 25 years

J As reflective of BOD changes as the BOD5 test (considering that the BOD5 test is carried out in standardised conditions that do not necessarily reflect the conditions that are found in the actual water body from which the sample was taken) Online BOD measurement using UV-Vis spectroscopy s::can, a Badger Meter brand, has been pioneering the use of online BOD measurement using UV-Vis spectroscopy for 25 years and s::can online BOD measurement can be found across the globe in surface water monitoring, as well as right through wastewater treatment processes. Absorbance at certain wavelengths within the UV re-

gion can be directly correlated to BOD. Spectral sensors that measure across the UV and visible spectrum enable accurate measurement, even in flashy rivers with variable turbidity. The benefits of online BOD measurement for EA21 compliance One of the key aspects of EA21 is the environmental protection of UK rivers to prevent pollution. Online BOD measurement aligns seamlessly with these objectives by serving as a direct indicator of pollution levels in water bodies. The Act’s provisions to control and mitigate pollution sources can be enhanced by incorporating online BOD data, enabling regulators and

utilities to identify pollution trends and devise remediation strategies. For wastewater compliance monitoring, it is more typical to produce a site-specific calibration for BOD ensuring accurate readings for each site — however, for river water monitoring this may not be necessary. Using online BOD measurements as a trending parameter demonstrates when a pollution event has occurred and will be more likely to show the effect the pollution event has had on the water body, in comparison to the likes of pH and turbidity. With pollution events that cause elevated levels of BOD, the effect on dissolved oxygen levels may not be large in the short term, but the pol-

lution still exists. Online BOD measurement is the best measurement to make when seeking to identify potential sources of pollution that may have long-term effects on water quality in UK rivers. Conclusion BOD measurement is a crucial parameter in the pursuit of environmental preservation. By quantifying the oxygen demand required to break down organic matter, online BOD measurement offers insights into pollution levels and facilitates early detection of pollution incidents. By recognising the indispensable role of online BOD measurement, prevention activities are strengthened, and all industry stakeholders benefit from this additional data.

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INTERVIEW TECHNOLOGY LEADER FOR LEAKAGE SOLUTIONS AT OVARRO

BARBARA HATHAWAY Z Olivia Tempest

“The consequences of not reducing leakage as demand grows are too high a price to pay” In 2020, two companies, Servelec Technologies and Primayer, united under one brand and one name – Ovarro, and water was placed at the core of the company’s business strategy. Among Ovarro’s ample portfolio of solutions, its water leak detection equipment stands out. With population growth and the effects of climate change increasing yearly and water scarcity becoming a serious threat, reducing water waste is becoming crucial. An effective way of doing so is by employing reliable leak detection systems. To learn about the next generation of leakage reduction technologies and Ovarro’s tech strategy and roadmap for leakage solutions, we spoke with Barbara Hathaway. With over thirty-years’ experience in the engineering and technology sector, she was appointed Ovarro’s new technology leader specialising in leakage solutions earlier this year.

"It is not economical to replace every water pipe, so we need to embrace tech to guide us in how best to use the available money wisely" 62

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Can you tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at Ovarro? I studied as an electrical engineer and on graduation started work as a software engineer at a company called Biwater Spectrascan – a manufacturer of instrumentation for the water industry. After five years I was head-hunted for a software engineer role in a new start-up company, Primayer. During the 23 years I worked for Primayer I progressed to being the technical director overseeing areas including software development and after-sales support activities. In 2019, Primayer was purchased by Servelec Technologies and, following a rebrand, Ovarro was born. Within Ovarro, I became the VP of Engineering, heading up the global engineering teams. The years 2020 and 2021 were difficult times with a global pandemic and ensuing supply chain crisis. This had a big impact on the engineering team, with everyone working incredibly hard to redesign products to essentially stand still. At the end of 2022, as the workload stabilized, I was able to step back and refocus on the new role of technology

leader (leakage solutions). This gives me the responsibility of planning the longterm technology roadmap strategy for the leakage solutions part of the business. What are the primary causes of water leakage in water networks? An uncomfortable truth is that lack of investment is a big cause of water leaks. Throughout the world, the water network infrastructure is aging. It is not economical to replace every single water pipe to ensure it doesn’t leak, so we need to embrace technology and allow it to guide us in how best to use the available money wisely. How does climate change exacerbate the problem of water leakage in water utilities? Of course, aging infrastructure is not the only reason for leaking pipes. Changes in temperature – specifically freeze-thaw events and ground-shifting, will cause pipes to move, potentially leading to extra stresses and bursts. With the effects of climate change worldwide, we are seeing more frequent

OVARRO drought and flood events, which will affect and weaken infrastructure. Looking at these climate events in more detail, the demand on the system will vary – for example, using more water for irrigation in a dry period – putting more pressure on the delivery system and making the consequences of losing water through leaking pipes more unacceptable for customers.

With the effects of climate change, we are seeing more frequent drought and flood events, which will affect What strategies does Ovarro recommend for achieving near-zero leakage and weaken infrastructure in water networks by 2050? If we are to achieve such an ambitious goal, water utilities need to continue to invest in innovation, support new ideas and share findings. Key to this is collaboration with their supply chain – give us your problems and then work with us to give you solutions which are tailored to your needs. Ovarro’s new as-a-service platform LeakNavigator is a tangible example of how closer working with suppliers can bring more efficient outcomes. The endto-end leakage detection service takes

complete ownership of the upfront logger deployment planning and day-today data analysis, directly alerting technicians to points of interest. Having the entire analytics process managed by a supplier frees up skilled leakage technicians to target their time on pinpointing leaks with a very high likelihood of success. Another example was the develop-

ment of the Enigma3hyQ leak logger, in partnership with Anglian Water, to help solve the challenge of detecting leaks in plastic pipes. I would encourage all water companies to talk to their technology providers about what their outcomes should be and their strategies for getting there. Working collaboratively with suppliers will help

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INTERVIEW move towards those outcomes in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Our leading Enigma3hyQ loggers use immersed acoustic hydrophone sensors that listen to sound waves inside the pipe to pinpoint leaks

Could you elaborate on the potential environmental and economic benefits of achieving near-zero water leakage in global water networks? Water is a precious commodity – globally 30% of the treated water put into pipes is lost as leakage. Treating and pumping this water is a waste of precious resources, both environmental and economic. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for water will continue to rise, making it more precious. I think we should switch this statement around and understand that the consequences of not reducing leakage as demand grows are too high a price to pay. Otherwise, we really will move into the disaster of water scarcity.

How do advancements in sensor technologies play a crucial role in addressing the challenge of water leakage in water networks? Thanks to the development of remote acoustic loggers which can be permanently fitted underground, leakage data can be gathered through fixed network systems. These systems enable water company control rooms to remotely monitor networks continuously. Our leading Enigma3hyQ loggers use immersed acoustic hydrophone sensors that listen to sound waves inside the pipe to pinpoint leaks. A UK-patented mathematical correlation technique is fundamental to the operation of Enigma3hyQ. The fixed devices return data to our cloud platform to be analysed by utility leakage teams. Described by a customer as a “game-changer”, the system has been found to be three times more efficient than traditional detection techniques have been. The sensors are also effective in finding leaks over long distances and inside plastic pipes. Of course, this technology is advancing all the time. The updated Enigma3-BB

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OVARRO allows the device to be installed directly into an operational meter box chamber. LeakNavigator, launched in 2022, was the UK’s first fully managed, fixed network leakage service, comprising loggers, cutting-edge software and Ovarro’s inhouse leakage expertise. How does Ovarro's approach and technology in addressing water leakage and related challenges distinguish itself from other companies operating within the same sector? Ovarro has an engineering background. Over the last 40 years, we have been taking customer problems and providing solutions. We have been manufacturing market-leading leakage detection equipment for the last 25 years and recognise that customers are now more willing to work collaboratively with suppliers.

We want to provide solutions for our customers rather than simply products that they buy. I hope our customers feel that Ovarro is fully supportive through the whole lifecycle of any solution they purchase from us, rather than simply being the supplier of equipment. Ovarro’s aim is to “connect big data to make a big difference”. By looking at the bigger picture, I feel that we are able to achieve this aim.

and categorised. A total of 5.78 megalitres of water per day has been saved in the areas served by LeakNavigator. Updates on our Atrium analytics platform allow filtering out of spurious noises, such as electrical interference and PRV noise, when analysing for leaks. There are other AI/machine learning techniques being investigated for improving results from products which are already installed and sending data.

Could you tell us about some of Ovarro’s latest projects that highlight successful implementations of innovative technologies for leak detection and prevention? Thames Water selected LeakNavigator to deliver a three-year leakage reduction contract. The sensors provide a daily callin with leak data, and just 20 weeks into the project, 788 leaks had been raised

"Ovarro’s aim is to 'connect big data to make a big difference'. By looking at the bigger picture, I feel that we are able to achieve this aim"

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FEATURE

Since the early 1960s, WEG has created an organizational culture aligned with governance practices and social and environmental responsibilities. In today’s age, sustainability is a crucial issue that cuts across all industry sectors. Companies that manufacture electrical and electronic solutions, such as WEG, are no exception. Industrial manufacturers are key in energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors, from manufacturing to construction. But what sustainability policies can be implemented in such companies, and how do they contribute to sustainable development? J I. Integrating sustainability into business strategy The industry is recognizing the importance of sustainability in its business strategies. This involves incorporating sustainable practices at all product life cycle stages, from design and manufacturing to delivery and after-sales service. J II. Energy efficiency and emissions reduction One of the main ways companies contribute to sustainability is by improving energy efficiency with products that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In WEG’s case, this is achieved through enhancing the performance and efficiency of products and solutions that are part of the production process of industries and their energy sources. Substations, battery storage systems, solar energy and wind turbines,

Manufacturers of electrical and electronic solutions such as WEG are key for energy efficiency and reducing emissions in various sectors 66

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generators, and reliable automation hardware or motors, among others, are playing a pivotal role in this situation. For instance, in all rotatory equipment installed in all kinds of industries, WEG supports high-efficiency electric motors that consume less energy and generate less heat, and variable speed drives that allow the speed of the motors to be adjusted as required, saving energy in applications requiring variable rates or adopting automatic regulation processes when optimizing production. In both of these products, the improvement in efficiency and performance of auxiliary systems, lowering heat losses, is a must for reducing emissions.

awareness raising. They provide information on how their products can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and offer training on the efficient use of products and services. In the water sector, this concerns how the public and critical stakeholders view rational water use, worries about leakage, water quality and pollution, as well as policies dealing with water demands, water tariffs, the proper use of water, and how meagre the cost of the water is compared with other raw materials. Furthermore, we have to continue to lower energy consumption in all scenarios, as water and energy are linked environmental concerns.

J III. Compliance with regulations and standards: Companies that manufacture electrical and electronic equipment must comply with several regulations and standards related to energy efficiency and sustainability. But not only that; regulations and standards push the state of the art and technologies to go beyond the actual values to standardize more efficient components. Market leaders go even further, and their products perform better than regulations require.

Sustainability at WEG Since the early 1960s, WEG has created an organizational culture aligned with governance practices and social and environmental responsibilities, which are pervasive in its policies and processes. As sustainability has evolved over the last decade, we have sought to understand better how WEG can contribute, whether by reducing the impact of our operations, in our relationship with our stakeholders, or by developing solutions aligned with the low carbon economy and minimal environmental impact. To this end, WEG created an ESG governance structure: Board of Directors and General Management: provides strategic guidelines and approves ESG-related investments and actions. Sustainability Council: promotes and mandates strategic ESG issues. Sustainability Committee: discusses, requests, and approves ESG actions and investments. The committee comprises a multidisciplinary team, including representatives from the five business units,

J IV. Research and development: Innovation is critical to advancing sustainability in the industry. Companies invest in research and development to create more advanced and efficient technologies. This includes exploring new renewable energy solutions and improving manufacturing processes. J V. Education and awareness-raising: Companies are also playing an important role in sustainability education and

WEG

external representatives, and representatives from the company’s strategic areas. From this structure, sustainability programmes have been implemented in various aspects such as environmental, social and governance: J Environmental actions In the context of GHG emissions and climate change, in 2022, WEG took an essential step by creating the WEG Carbon Neutral Programme. The programme aims to mobilize efforts to achieve the GHG emissions targets for the entire WEG group. The medium and long-term goals are to reduce 52% of its operational emissions by 2030 and reach the Net Zero goal by 2050, with 2021 as the base year. In addition, the

programme structures guidelines, actions, and responsibilities, formalizing its commitment to its stakeholders in the face of the challenges of combating global warming and climate change. In the programme’s first year, WEG achieved a 15% reduction in operations emissions. Sustainable products and solutions: WEG manufactures products aligned with a low-carbon, low-impact economy, with solutions that support our customers in their decarbonization efforts and energy transition. We also work around circular design, extending the recyclability, dematerialization, and durability of materials, products, and packaging. This is the case of the WEG W51 HD range of motors recently launched on the market, which can deliver more

power using less raw material and resources, offering a better weight/power ratio and improved efficiency levels. This has been obtained through the thermal improvement of the assembly, as they are manufactured with more compact and robust casings, thus generating more productivity and occupying less physical space.

In the water sector, we have to continue to lower energy consumption in all scenarios, as water and energy are linked concerns

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FEATURE

WEG’s medium and long-term goals are to reduce 52% of its operational emissions by 2030 and reach the Net Zero goal by 2050 These achievements are not consequences but project requirements reinforcing the WEG Group’s commitment to sustainability. In this way, even before receiving the final product, the customer contributes to reducing CO2 emission rates, as it consumes fewer natural resources and auxiliary materials for its production. Sustainable packaging and biodiversity preservation: more than 12,000 hectares

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of green areas, of which 50% are reforestation areas for packaging production, 23% are natural forests, 20% are nature reserves, and 7% are permanent preservation areas. J Social actions At WEG, we are very much focused on the appreciation and development of our employees. In 2022, 3,714,984 hours of

training were carried out, with an average of 98 hours per employee and an investment of USD 14 million. There was also a substantial improvement in injury and lost time indicators, and programmes aimed at continuous process improvement were implemented. Supplier development, selection, and evaluation are based on human rights, labour relations, and environmental and financial health criteria. Regarding relations with local communities, 271 projects were supported in 2022, with education being the area with the highest number of projects and investments. Finally, corporate policies and guidelines are implemented in the social area, and the WEG Leadership Academy provides training with diversity modules. J Governance actions WEG has established good corporate governance practices, being a member of the Novo Mercado (B3) and creating a solid corporate risk management system. WEG also maintains the WEG ethics channel, managed by an independent and impartial company, where reports related to vio-

WEG lations of WEG’s policies and code of ethics can be made anonymously 24 hours a day. Anti-corruption policies, practices, and training are also in place. The innovation rate is 50.7%, focusing on electric mobility, renewable energies, digital solutions, technological materials, energy, and industrial efficiency. WEG already has 109 research/testing laboratories worldwide and 450 international patents (pending and granted). In 2022, USD 132 million, 59.4% of turnover, was from products launched in the last five years. As a reaffirmation of its commitment to Sustainable Development, WEG is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and works continuously to align its strategy and operations with the ten universal principles of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. This commitment also reaffirms WEG’s alignment with the SDGs. WEG, water and sustainability WEG’s water business line must catch up with all these sustainability policies.

We have increased energy efficiency in the water treatment plants where WEG has supplied motors through IE3 and IE4 motors and up to IE5. However, it is worth noting that the R&D department has already developed engines with efficiency levels equivalent to IE8 and even IE9. The more efficient they are, the lower the consumption and, consequently, the more GHG emissions reduction. There is a significant increase in energy efficiency in large plants such as desalination plants in the Middle East or large pumping systems, where the equipment is getting bigger and bigger. WEG’s high-voltage motors achieve the highest efficiency standards on the market, and the frequency inverters improve their internal cooling designs to lower the thermal load of the electrical rooms. In this way, we help, among other parameters, desalination plants to reduce electricity consumption to below 3 kWh/m3. For example, in a 600 MLD desalination plant, by improving the efficiency of high voltage motors by 0.5%, we save around 4 GW/year, representing more

Even before receiving the final product, the customer contributes to reducing emissions, as production consumes fewer natural resources than one thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent. In other big desalination SWRO plants, just by optimizing the variable frequency drives’ efficiency, clients can save 8 GW/year. These examples represent the impact of GHG savings that the design and higher efficiencies have in the sustainability report. With WEG’s high-efficiency solutions, we can achieve up to 70% energy savings, reducing water consumption and plant downtime costs by adding a better flow control system. At WEG, we are very proud to be able to contribute to our customers’ energy savings and clean energy with increasingly efficient and sustainable products.

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FEATURE

WATER SECURITY: A SHARED UNDERSTANDING TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH INNOVATION Explore water security’s pivotal role to achieving the sustainable development goals, tackle climate challenges, and embrace innovative solutions, including AI integration.

Z Blanca Antizar, Director of Consultancy (Europe, Africa and Latin America) at Isle Utilities Water intricately weaves through our economic fabric, sustaining livelihoods across diverse sectors — agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, industry, recycling, building, and transport. Over three-quarters of jobs hinge on water. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the nexus between water security and sustainable development becomes increasingly evident. In fact, ensuring water security is vital for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving a more resilient water world. “Clarity on the definition of water security is paramount, addressing confusion amidst related terms like water resilience and water neutrality or even water stewardship”, says Blanca Antizar, Director of Consultancy at Isle Utilities and Visiting Professor in Environmental Security and Resilience at the University College London. Blanca has a special interest in water security and during the last few years has collaborated with Jan Hofman, Professor of Water Science and Engineering and chair of the Water Innovation and Re-

Water security is essential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving a more resilient water world 70

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search Centre at the University of Bath on the improved understanding of water security by sectorisation of the urban area and decentralisation of water infrastructure. This collaboration underscores the need for a shared understanding of water security to drive SDGs attainment. A definition for water security It therefore becomes imperative to explore various definitions to establish a mutual understanding. Briefly, water resilience is in general understood as the capacity of water systems, communities, or ecosystems to withstand, adapt to, and recover from disturbances, such as extreme weather events, droughts, or other challenges, while maintaining their essential functions. The concept encompasses the ability to bounce back from shocks and stresses and maintain sustainable water management practices. Water neutrality often refers to achieving a balance between water use and water availability, where the amount of water used or consumed is offset by measures that contribute to water conservation or restoration. This concept of water neutrality aims to ensure that water-related activities have a minimal impact on the overall water resources. Besides, the most widely accepted definition of water stewardship is provided by the Water Stewardship Initiative, a collaborative effort involving various organizations: “Water stewardship is the use of water that is socially equitable, environ-

mentally sustainable, and economically beneficial, achieved through a stakeholder-inclusive process that involves site and catchment-based actions”. This definition emphasizes the importance of social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic benefit in the use of water. It also underscores the collaborative and stakeholder-inclusive nature of water stewardship, highlighting the need for actions at both specific sites and catchment levels. In a broad sense, water security generally refers to the reliable availability of an

ISLE UTILITIES

acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risks. It involves ensuring access to clean water for various uses, managing water resources sustainably, and addressing challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate-related impacts. The United Nations defines water security as “the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being,

and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against waterborne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability”. This is the definition suggested to be adopted by the Water Europe Waster Security working group lead by Jan Hofman and Blanca Antizar. Unveiling the global impact of water security In the realm of water operations, the surge of urbanisation and rapid popula-

tion growth across continents intensify challenges to water security. Demand for water, be it for supply, agriculture,

Climate change is exacerbating water security challenges by intensifying droughts and changing precipitation patterns

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FEATURE

New approaches to assess water security are needed to identify what are the most appropriate and sustainable innovative solutions or industry, is set to intensify. A quarter of the global population faces extreme water stress, with over 80% of resources drained for agriculture, industries, and municipalities. These challenges vary globally, requiring targeted strategies. Urban expansion and industrial activities compound issues, heightened pollution, health risks, and the degradation of water resources. For water operators, understanding these intricacies is vital, demanding a proactive approach. Water-related challenges extend globally, jeopardising economic stability and agriculture. Nearly 45% of the world’s GDP and 40% of grain production face threats to global food security. By 2050, four billion people will navigate severely water-stressed areas, with escalating challenges posing financial risks. Water-associated risks’ financial impact is estimated to be five times greater than mitigating expenses.

Artificial intelligence could play a pivotal role to address water security and enable truly innovative approaches to the water sector 72

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Climate change exacerbates challenges, intensifying droughts and altering precipitation patterns, manifesting as water-related disasters. As water system stewards, understanding these dynamics is crucial for resilience. Water security stands as a core asset for our societal well-being, interconnecting with sectors relying on water. For water operators, translating this understanding into actionable insights requires developing frameworks — indispensable tools for assessing and managing water security strategically. New approaches to assess water security Diverse interpretations and the complex nature of the water security concept hinder the establishment of a standardised evaluation method. Various methodologies have emerged, translating water security into frameworks for assessment and improvement. A recent study conducted as part of the WISE Centre for Doctoral Training, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Grant No. EP/L016214/1) and written by Juliana Marcal, a PhD candidate at the University of Bath, Jan Hofman and Blanca Antizar, delves into the global landscape of water security offering insights into its definition, scales of application and prevalent methodologies.

Water security assessment, a dynamic and proactive process in water management, serves as a crucial step to understand the current situation, identify challenges, prioritise and address problems, and inform planning. It involves different scales of assessment, ranging from the global and national levels to river basins, regional contexts, cityscapes, communities, and households. Considering the time-dependent nature of water security, innovation in monitoring, modelling, and trend analysis tools becomes paramount for future planning. Disciplines and perspectives also guide water security assessment, with engineering studies emphasizing flood protection and water supply, environmental studies focusing on quantity, quality and hydrological variability, and development studies examining national scales. Despite differing opinions on indicator categories and dimensions due to the complexity of water security, a survey completed by Juliana Marcal identified approximately 115 indicators, grouped into four by the UN definition of water security: (i) drinking water and human wellbeing; (ii) ecosystems; (iii) water-related hazards and climate change; (iv) economic activities and development. Data availability is crucial for indicator choice, needing up-to-date, accurate and reliable data collection and monitoring processes. Innovation is key in harnessing the power of this data, transforming traditional storage and access methods. Accessible and cutting-edge assessment frameworks empower governments and decision-makers, becoming instruments for informed action. In the era of water security, innovation stands as the key enabler, unlocking doors to a sustainable, resilient, and responsive water future. Information emerges as the cornerstone, seamlessly weaving together water dynamics, environmental factors, social considerations, and economic impacts. Innovation becomes the catalyst, pro-

ISLE UTILITIES

pelling information beyond static data points to dynamic tools that can shape and drive action. In the nexus of water and innovation, information evolves into a dynamic force, steering policies, shaping strategies, and propelling us toward a water-secure future. Role of innovation in water security: what next? In water security innovation is essential, addressing complex challenges through various key aspects: efficient resource management (e.g., smart technologies and sensor networks); improved infrastructure (e.g., green infrastructure and decentralised systems); water treatment and purification (e.g., advanced treatment methods and reuse and recycling); data analytics (e.g., big data analytics and decision support systems); climate

resilience (e.g., climate-responsive solutions); community engagement (e.g., social innovation); policy and governance (e.g., innovative policy approaches); education and awareness (e.g., technological education); financial innovation (e.g., investment models); cross-sector collaboration (e.g., interdisciplinary innovation). Artificial intelligence (AI) developments offer a transformative potential in water management, evident in areas like early warning systems, optimizing water distribution, water quality monitoring, precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, flood prediction, leak detection, community engagement, cross-domain integration, and climate resilience. Blanca Antizar emphasises AI’s role in providing timely, data-driven insights for a resilient water future.

Isle collaborates globally to unearth the latest and most disruptive innovations, supporting over 200 water utilities and industrial end users, driving innovation through strategic implementation and cost-effective adoption of emerging technologies. To learn more about Isle’s flagship programs (i.e., Water Innovation Living Lab, Technology Approval Group, Trial Reservoir) and tailored consultancy services, please visit www.isleutilities.com

Coordinated action and multistakeholder collaboration across sectors is imperative to address the water sector’s challenges

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INTERVIEW

AGANOVA

MARCOS BARRERA COO OF AGANOVA

“The next decade will be the decade of optimization and efficiency” Aganova’s technologies to detect and analyse leaks in water networks are key to minimizing non-revenue water. Marcos Barrera joined the company this year as Chief Operating Officer to be part of the company’s global expansion.

Z Blanca María Álvarez Román A water engineer and industrial engineer, Marcos Barrera began his career two decades ago in water infrastructure construction internationally, as well as in water network leak detection services. Since then, he has participated in the development of desalination and urban supply projects with Abengoa; through its North American subsidiary, he worked on the company’s largest hydraulic project. He adds to this background his successful experience as a start-up managing director. In this interview, he shares his vision as COO of Aganova and discusses the company’s new developments. Eight months ago you assumed the position of COO of Aganova. What does this step represent in your career? What attracted you to Aganova to decide to join its executive team? It is a personal and professional challenge that I was eager to assume. Aganova is a company in full development, with an enormous value proposition. The moment is an ideal one, due to the huge relevance of water loss reduction in a water-stressed world and the impetus given to the company by the joint investment of Emerald and Cimbria Capital shortly before I joined.

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How do you expect your presence in this new position to advance and optimize the company’s activity? I am delighted to bring with me experience and knowledge, but business is a team effort. My role is to collaborate with the rest of the management and guide the team on this journey, commercial and technical, increasing customer value, creating the right environment and facilitating everyone’s growth while expanding the business. Our mission is clear: to bring to the market affordable solutions that through their periodic use achieve a reduction in drinking water losses globally.

Your arrival comes after the investments of Emerald and Cimbria Capital, which have marked the beginning of this global expansion phase. In what context do you think these moves took place? They are two funds with a remarkable track record of investing in water technology companies; they know this market perfectly. The supply of quality water is one of the challenges facing humanity in the coming years; pollution, population growth and climate change are increasing the pressure on existing resources. It is time to focus on efficiency and technological advances that will enable us to adapt to and overcome these challenges. The next decade will be the decade of optimization and efficiency. Aganova’s technology brings digital innovation and tools for direct inspections in the field, from the inside of the pipelines in service, providing a mixed approach, more adapted to the reality of the infrastructure. We can thus offer a quick diagnosis that also allows a quick repair of leaks. We locate the leaks and

Our mission is clear: to bring to the market affordable solutions that through periodic use reduce drinking water losses globally

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INTERVIEW

Aganova’s technology brings digital innovation and tools for direct inspections in the field, from the inside of the pipelines in service classify them by severity, and the client can repair them efficiently in record time, optimizing the civil works to what is strictly necessary, minimizing inconvenience to neighbours, water waste, energy expenditure and the resulting CO2 emissions. Continuous use of this solution also provides a reliable diagnosis of the condition of the network. What do you consider to be the most significant changes in Aganova’s new structure and to what extent do you think they can benefit the new business development? Expansion requires greater specialization and new areas have been created. We are able to cover issues such as stable commercial coverage in almost any country, or the creation of subsidiary companies. Another novelty is the adaptation of the structure to the commercialization of technology and service contracts on a subscription and pay-per-use basis. We can now deliver the Nautilus® inspection equipment for arterial water

"We have adapted our structure to the commercialization of technology and service contracts on a subscription and pay-per-use basis" 76

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mains or primary feeders and train a partner’s or customer’s field staff in several weeks, executing real projects together. Once their technicians are certified, they continue with the field inspections and we analyse the data and issue the reports. We also continue to offer the complete services implemented by Aganova, but this formula allows us to accelerate our expansion. What are the technological strengths of Aganova that have contributed to this synergy? The combination of digitalization and physical inspection devices allows for the remote management of many simultaneous projects executed anywhere, facilitating collaboration with partners and customers. None of this would be possible without the more than 3,000 kilometres of inspected pipelines, the comprehensive development of hardware and software or the artificial intelligence algorithms. Our new Nautilus® sensors, for example, allow us to provide information beyond the detection of leaks in a single inspection of several kilometres. We can now know the pressure at each point of the inspected pipeline or record unexpected velocity changes to investigate section constrictions or obstructions in critical pipelines in service. The Jábega® wired solution, with acoustic and visual CCTV inspection,

also for in-service pipelines, can investigate up to 600 metres per inspection and helps us to clarify what is really happening at those points, which is critical to plan the actions that need to be taken to solve the problem. Finally, what regions of the world are you focusing on for this new phase? What do you consider to be the most suitable markets for implementing your technological solutions in water infrastructure analysis?

AGANOVA The market has interpreted the use of this in-line technology in different ways, depending on the location, urban growth rates, budgetary resources, or even the cost of water collection. The Persian Gulf countries, for example, have adopted this solution as a 2-in1 strategy, i.e. they do annual inspections of their arterial water mains with Nautilus® and at the same time as they repair the leaks detected, they check the conservation status of the networks and plan upgrade or replacement actions. It results

in great efficiency and considerable savings of time and water. The cost of one of these inspection campaigns and the cost of repairing any leaks found pays off in less than a year in these places. In Europe, however, with a few exceptions, the solution is still seen as a reactive rather than a preventive maintenance tool, being tendered as part of operation and maintenance contracts rather than as systematic and independent network audit projects. Obviously, the technology is also useful in re-

active maintenance, but this does not take advantage of the full potential of the solution, which is greatest when long lengths are analysed, with an unmatched cost per kilometre. In Europe, there are cities where half of the water lost in a water system is lost in the arterial water mains, which usually do not represent more than 10% of the total network length. It seems that it would be a good way to save water to inspect that 10% of the length, now that technology has made it accessible to all.

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INTERVIEW Last October, Project Controls Cubed (PC3) won the Bentley Systems 2023 Going Digital Award in the Water and Wastewater category for the EchoWater Project, in Sacramento, California. Recently completed, this infrastructure upgrade consisted of 22 individual projects to produce about 135 million gallons per day of tertiary-treated water that can be reused for agriculture. Planning and managing the design of these simultaneous components in an active wastewater treatment facility presented significant challenges. In this interview, Jeff Campbell and Serelle Corn, both at PC3, discuss how the use of a digital twin enabled managing the complexity of this landmark project. Please tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at Project Controls Cubed. Project Controls Cubed (PC3) specializes in 5D Planning, 5D Scheduling, Cost Control, and VDC. PC3 is a woman minority owned business and is located in California, United States. PC3's objective is to provide the best possible situational awareness during the full program life cycle including planning, design, construction, commissioning, and closeout. Can you tell us about the EchoWater Project? In Sacramento, California, the EchoWater Project began in 2010 when the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board issued new treatment requirements to the Regional Sanitation District (Regional San) wastewater discharge permit issued to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Board took that action to improve water quality and help alleviate ecological problems in the Delta. The wastewater discharge permit would require the final effluent water leaving the treatment plant to be clean, reusable water, to benefit California’s Central Valley Agriculture. Agriculture in the Central Valley plays a

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JEFF CAMPBELL & SERELLE CORN DIRECTOR OF SCHEDULING AT PROJECT CONTROLS CUBED

PRESIDENT AT PROJECT CONTROLS CUBED

“The EchoWater Project truly is the legacy project for the modern day iTwin’”

PROJECT CONROLS CUBED The EchoWater Project, by Project Controls Cubed, tested and implemented Bentley Systems’ digital solutions for a decade to upgrade the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. vital role in the state’s economy and food supply chain. It provides employment opportunities for thousands of people and contributes significantly to both the national and international markets. “The Delta is the largest estuary in the state – its water supplies benefit most of California’s regions and economies – but its resources are strained. We know we must modernize, diversify, and secure a more sustainable water supply system to meet the state’s needs,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia. The Delta makes up about half the total river flow in the state, supplying water to more than 1 million Jeff Campbell and Serelle Corn present the EchoWater Project at the 2023 YII Conference organized by Bentley Systems.

acres of farmland and drinking water for 25 million people. Regional San provides wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal services for 1.6 million people throughout the Sacramento region. It is the largest discharger to an inland water body west of the Mississippi River. Regional San tested many possible treatment strategies to meet the new permit requirements. Once a specific strategy was selected, engineering designs were completed, and construction began. The massive upgrade consisted of 22 individual projects that together used 41,350 tons of steel and more than 225,000 cubic yards of concrete. The centerpiece of the upgrade was the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Project — the heart of the new treatment process. BNR is a sprawling complex, roughly equivalent in size to 18 football fields and is responsible for removing 99 per cent of ammonia and 89 per cent of nitrogen. To complete the upgrade to tertiary treatment, the plant also now has a granular media filtration system that removes smaller particles and a larger number of bacteria and viruses from the effluent compared to secondary treatment. Additional liquid chlorine disinfection inactivates any bacteria and viruses that may remain after filtration. The EchoWater Project had a budget of $2.1 billion, and Regional San estimated spending over $1 billion in construction contracts for new treatment facilities to meet the permit requirements by May 2023. The cost of the program would cause the ratepayers rates to triple from the rates in 2011. One of the top priorities was to control the cost and minimize the impact on the ratepayers. Regional San selected Brown & Caldwell and HDR Joint Venture for the Program Management Organization (PMO) to oversee the planning, de-

sign, construction, commissioning, and closeout. Brown & Caldwell and HDR contracted with Project Controls Cubed (PC3) to manage the program planning, scheduling, and cost control. PC3, a woman minority owned small business, specializes in providing comprehensive project controls services, including cost management, planning, scheduling, risk analysis, and performance monitoring. To maintain control and reduce costs, Regional San’s Program Manager, Vick Kyotani, and the PMO chose to provide overarching program planning and scheduling and cost control. Planning and managing the design and construction of 22 projects, many occurring simultaneously, on an active wastewater treatment complex was challenging. Project Controls Cubed recommended the use of the Synchro platform in 2014 to federate the existing facilities, all existing underground operational process piping and utilities, new underground process connections and new above-ground process treatment facilities. Why do you think it won this year’s Bentley Systems’ YII Going Digital Award in the Water & Wastewater category? For decades projects relied on Gantt charts, excel spreadsheets and histograms to plan construction and control costs. Projects became more and more complex with no change to the tools used to manage continually sophisticated projects.

"The EchoWater Project federated all the design models, schedule activities and cost into a digital twin used for over a decade"

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INTERVIEW Results were plagued with cost overruns and delayed completion. The EchoWater Project changed all that, it was the first project of its time to visualize every aspect of thae project. The EchoWater Project federated all the design models (at every phase of design), all the scheduled activities and all the costs into one digital twin which was used during every phase of the project for over a decade. The federated EchoWater Project allowed stakeholders to visually plan, rehearse and control cost, schedule, risk and created unprecedented situational awareness which translated into proactive instead of reactive decision-making. The EchoWater Project results were minimal disruption to the operational facility, on-time completion and $400 million under budget. How long has your company been using Bentley’s software in water infrastructure projects, and what characteristics of their tools do you find most interesting? PC3 has been using Bentley’s software in water infrastructure since 2012. What we find the most interesting about their tools is the iTwin because it federates all types of 3D models into a single digital construction tool that so far no one has used to its full potential, due to its sophistication and power. The project lasted 10 years; how did the digital twin of the project evolve in that time? The EchoWater Project in 2014 was a digital twin using Synchro Workgroup Project (SWP) deployed in the cloud using DOS commands on an Amazon Elastic Server. It was the very first version of the digital twin available and it federated 3 to 4 Designers 3D models, construction schedules and one Contractors’ construction schedule at that time. The SWP had no shared geocoordinates, no plugins, and no user fields. All versions of the SWP, the evolution of every 3d plat-

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form plugin, geocoordinates, user fields, automatching, synchronization to and from Primavera P6 and more were all implemented for the first time and tested to their maximum capacity on the EchoWater Project. Eventually, every Designers 3D models including the entire existing above and underground plant and utilities, every Designers construction schedules and Contractors construction schedules, and all construction equipment were federated into one sophisticated digital twin. This evolution gave birth to the iTwin that integrates practically everything into one federated digital twin that we know today. The EchoWater Project truly is the legacy project for the modern day iTwin. Through a decade of evolution, the EchoWater digital twin was never corrupted, and never failed. The most astonishing part of it all was the client, Regional Sanitation, drove the evolution of the digital twin. The client came up with all the greatest innovations that we see in the modern day iTwins. Now that the construction of the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility is complete, what are your expectations in terms of the use of digital tools during operations? Regional Sanitation recently renamed the facility the “EchoWater Resource Recov-

ery Facility” which is how we will refer to it now. Reliability and asset management, the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility has requested each facility’s entire construction sequence, including commissioning and shutdowns and cutovers,

PROJECT CONROLS CUBED to be digitally cataloged using the digital twin. The EchoWater operations staff will use the digital catalog to monitor equipment life cycles and warranties. They will rehearse the replacement of the major equipment including new shutdowns and cutovers by reviewing how the facility was originally cutover and commissioned. In addition, the $400 million in savings went on to fund the Harvest Water Project which will add to the already massive EchoWater digital twin with new pipelines and facilities. What would be some valuable aspects of this project that you would like to incorporate into future projects undertaken by your company? Most importantly is that it works! It worked in 2014 and it worked even better every year after that. The cost savings gained from the digital twin make the cost of Bentleys Digital Construction

Digital delivery connects stakeholders regardless of their physical location: situational awareness is readily available in the cloud Platform minuscule. With the ever-increasing complexity of projects in modern day, it’s almost impossible to succeed without the use of Bentley’s 5D iTwin, therefore clients and Program Management Organizations should require the

use of Bentley’s Digital Construction Platform just like it was required on the EchoWater Project. Can you comment on the benefits of digital delivery to support environmental and sustainability goals? Digital delivery connects stakeholders no matter where their physical location might be. Situational Awareness is readily available in the cloud and does not require a daily commute to and from the actual construction site. Using the iTwin to digitally rehearse shutdowns and cutovers prevents mistakes that can cause environmental hazards. Digital Twins reduce costs just like it did on the EchoWater Project, allowing an entirely new program to be funded at no additional cost. The Harvest Water Project is the largest recycling water project in the history of California. At no additional cost to the ratepayers, it will raise the water table by thirty-five feet over the next fifteen years. The Central Valley Agriculture Industry will have a brand-new water source that will reduce cost and increase harvest production and significantly reduce the use of groundwater. In the end, the great people of Northern and Central California will have two new environmental restoration and sustainability facilities for the price of one.

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OPINION

IVÁN IGLESIAS BAENA CEO & CSO OF SENSACTIVE TECHNOLOGY

WATER BIOSENSE, REAL TIME MONITORING OF AGENTS OF INTEREST IN WATER Sensactive Technology is a Spanish biotech company that has Wastewater is a crucial source of information, and the quality developed Water Biosense, an innovative patented product of drinking water in general is essential to prevent up to 80% for continuous, remote, real-time, in situ and programmable of outbreaks of infection in the population. Monitoring mimonitoring of agents of interest in water. It was developed crobiological agents can lead to a significant reduction in the during the COVID pandemic, as a solution to meet the need number of infections. to monitor virus levels in wastewater. Science and technology are very important in developing During the pandemic, the need arose to develop a solu- solutions such as Water Biosense, that allow real-time water tion for coronavirus monitoring in wastewater that would quality monitoring to prevent water-borne infectious disnot involve the use of diagnostic resources and could provide eases and to have the information needed to protect natural real-time data. After laboratory and proof-of-concept testing resources. Furthermore, technological solutions that complein a real-world environment, we validated our disruptive and ment water quality analyses required by regulations in prounique technology, Water Biosense. grammes for the promotion of water reclamation and reuse The solution is based on hydraulic components, electron- are crucial to achieving sustainability objectives. ics, IoT communication, software and biosensorics, with We currently have a mainly national market, with equipment technology that confers sensitiviinstalled in hospitals, as well as in ty and specificity, and the ability food and agriculture industries and Real-time water quality to detect quantitatively biological water management utilities. Interagents of interest. nationally, there are many open monitoring allows prevention Water Biosense is marketed for opportunities. We are focused on of water-borne diseases the monitoring of bacteria such covering commercial needs and as E. coli or Legionella in treatscaling equipment production at and having information to ed, stored or recreational water. the European level, with the obprotect natural resources Sensactive is committed to the jective of meeting our exponential research and development of apgrowth objectives. plications of this technology, such as epidemiological surveilThe next steps will be the growth and expansion of the comlance in water for public health of microbiological, infectious pany, with a unique service and solution at the international agents and biomarkers. level. Our technology and excellence provide solutions of Water monitoring has enormous value for early decision great social and environmental impact, contributing to job making in relation to health or environmental issues. In a creation, public health and the improvement of water resourcwide market comprising multiple sectors, it has a very high es management and quality. potential at the international level as a disruptive technology Sensactive Technology is a company committed to and to safeguard the quality and sustainability of water resources, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, innovation and is a crucial element for the reclamation of wastewater. and science: an innovative company providing value solutions Water Biosense allows early detection and monitoring of in the industry, applying sensorics and artificial intelligence. both microbiological agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, proto- Technological solutions that facilitate the safety and quality of zoa, etc.) and other protein agents (biomarkers), and even water, without the need for manual sampling, transport to the contaminants of interest in water, such as drugs (antibiotics, laboratory and analysis with late results, are essential for social etc.), pesticides, or other agents of interest. progress, and we make them accessible anywhere on the planet.

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We preserve the quality and integrity of data from the meter to the measurement data management system, maximizing its operational value.

A proven solution in one of the most demanding scenarios on the planet, Abu Dhabi. Their extensive infrastructure with 1,200,000 meters is already benefiting from our devices and intelligent solutions for the digitalization of water and energy, providing connectivity to more than 60 meter models from leading manufacturers and supporting up to 7 different protocols.

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FEATURE Water permeates everything As we approach the end of 2023, we might have the same feeling as when this year started: water is gaining relevance in everyone’s minds. Last March the UN 2023 Water Conference emphasized that water is a crosscutting theme, key to climate resilience and a more sustainable and inclusive world. As the year advanced, we have witnessed water-related extreme events wreak havoc across the globe, reminding us of the nexus between water and climate. Last month we had the opportunity to attend the Year in Infrastructure Conference and Going Digital Awards 2023 in Singapore, and we did so with our water industry lens, always excited to be at a forum that recognizes innovation and excellence in the broader infrastructure industry, as it offers the opportunity to learn about trends and get that global perspective that is vital to address the complex challenges of our time such as climate change, urbanization, and sustainable infrastructure development. With this in mind, we tapped into the knowledge and insights of experts from Bentley Systems to get their takeaways from this year’s event. We spoke with Gregg Herrin, Vice President of Water Infrastructure, and Neda Simeonova, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Water Infrastructure, both at Bentley Systems. They confirmed what we had observed: Water and Wastewater may be one of the twelve categories represented at the awards, but every year water-related projects can also be found in other categories, be it structural engineering where a project

The annual YII event enables interaction between digital tool users that leads to inspiration, not only for Bentley, but for each other 84

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INFRASTRUCTURE INTELLIGENCE, WATER, AND SUSTAINABILITY MEET AT THE YEAR IN INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE Last October the 2023 Year in Infrastructure conference, organised by Bentley Systems, was held in Singapore. Smart Water Magazine had the opportunity to interview Bentley experts on their takeaways from this annual landmark event on infrastructure intelligence.

Z Cristina Novo Pérez is building a new wastewater treatment plant, or enterprise engineering, where a digital platform is used to develop a component library for phosphorous removal schemes from wastewater. The YII and Going Digital Awards finalist projects are truly outstanding in their contribution to digital advancements in infrastructure, but not only that, it’s inspiring to see “the real-world impact people are having with Bentley’s tools”, as Gregg noted. And in the case of water, that impact can be really life-changing. As Neda said, “it’s such a great opportunity to see first-hand how solutions are making an impact, and not just to the utilities, the cities and people who manage these projects, but also to the actual people who are at the end getting water to their homes, having wastewater services.” The annual YII event enables interaction between users that leads to inspiration, not only for Bentley, but for each other, in terms of overcoming challenges, securing funding, engaging with stakeholders, etc. Zeroing in on the water industry, we wanted to know about the specifics of

software adoption as compared with other sectors. Something that is common to public utilities, is that they tend to be more conservative when it comes to implementing changes compared to a private sector company, mitigating risks whenever possible. However, Gregg’s view is that some of that is going to change. “When we talk about the water industry, two of the biggest problems are ageing infrastructure and ageing professionals.” As professionals retire and are replaced by a new generation, and digital natives advance into leadership positions, the adoption of digital technology is likely to accelerate. “There’s a new generation of engineers who are coming in, they’re tech-savvy and they want solutions that are easy and can help them to make better, faster decisions”, agrees Neda. On top of that, while the tendency to be risk averse when dealing with a human need like water is understandable, there is also a huge risk in doing nothing to address the challenges the water industry faces, points out Gregg, and more utilities are realizing that.

BENTLEY SYSTEMS

We were also wondering if there are any trends in terms of use cases in the water sector, and it depends on the geography to a certain extent. In regions of the world that are still developing, a lot of the use cases revolve around securing water access, so they involve new designs and construction. On the other hand, in more developed countries, the use cases tend to be about how to make existing systems more efficient. Systems are optimized to increase reliability and water efficiency, reduce water losses, and also in terms of energy usage, to reduce costs, and to lower the carbon footprint. But there is a common thread, notes Neda: “As climate changes, cities and infrastructure around the world are increasing dealing with too much water in some areas, or not enough water in others. By adopting intelligent digital solutions, the water sector can minimize risk and address some of these pressing issues.” If we had to choose this year’s buzzword, AI would definitely be a candidate. Looking at water infrastructure, we asked for comments on the role of AI in accel-

erating infrastructure intelligence. Gregg referred to it as “one tool of many”: by itself it will not solve all the world’s problems, but can have a copilot role, digesting more information than a human can, spotting patterns and making recommendations, saving time. He emphasized that you will still need a human to evaluate those different possibilities. Looking ahead at the possibility of extreme events, he noted that, while AI is great at things it can learn from, “when you look at the future and things that have never happened before, you will need additional scenario management tools to help evaluate what could happen if you hit extreme cases.” This year there has been a significant number of project submissions: they stand out not only concerning the technology and how they use it, but also in terms of embracing sustainability principles, and achieving a societal return. Concerning water projects, Neda remarked: “It’s really hard to choose which projects are best, because they are all very meaningful”, adding “even some of the smaller projects made significant chang-

es, for example, to respectfully accommodate indigenous communities in developing countries”. And Gregg agreed: “The challenges, like securing water access, have remained the same, but there’s definitely more sensitivity in terms of the social impact of a project, and the sustainability aspect of it too”. The ins and outs of specific technologies To learn a little bit more about the specifics of some of Bentley’s technologies, we spoke with Robert Mankowski, who leads Bentley Systems’ Engineering Applications product division, and Benoit Fredericque, Senior Director of Product Management of iTwin Capture. Robert

More utilities are realizing that there is a huge risk in doing nothing to address the challenges the water industry faces

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FEATURE

This year’s projects stand out not only concerning their use of technology, but also in terms of social impact and sustainability aspects reflected on the essence of the annual conference: “going digital”, an intentional term because there isn’t a starting condition and an ending condition: you are continuously going digital, and at the YII conference every year we see new advances, projects that are improving quality of life for all of us. During the conference keynotes, Chief Product Officer Mike Campbell announced the addition of iTwin capabilities in Bentley Open Applications, for modelling and simulation, starting with MicroStation, to introduce the benefits of digital twins in the design phase. Robert commented on this: “We’re leveraging the existing applications and adding new capabilities based on iTwin”. The idea is to create new value through the use of digital twin technology. “By using that digital twin, they can more easily share information with other designers, and other disciplines that are working on the project to discuss design options and other critical project decisions”, he added. We asked Benoit about the significance of reality modelling for the digitalisation of infrastructure. Reality modelling captures real-world conditions, to improve design, construction and operations. With real-world digital context, it is possible to address infra-

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structure challenges and make more informed decisions. “And when you have existing assets or infrastructure that you need to operate or maintain, for which you lack information, then surveying, reality capture, and reality modelling, are relevant and helpful”. Bringing this technology to the water sector, the use cases are quite diverse. Coming back to the widespread problem of ageing water infrastructure assets, reality monitoring and surveying come into play to monitor the condition of such assets, such as dams. Also, technologies like ground penetrating radar are key for subsurface utility assets. Another major trend in mapping and surveying is the use of drones to acquire data. Inspections of infrastructure are a major share of the professional use cases of drones. Finally, technology conversations have a way of ending up mentioning AI: “We have a bigger opportunity forward than what we believed just a few years ago” commented Benoit, adding “The more we do with AI, the more we realize how impactful it can be”. Bentley’s approach is to enable their users to do AI without taking ownership of their data. Robert agreed: “Our users’ data is their data – always. I think the opportunities are just increasing in how we can apply this technology together with our

deep engineering knowledge, our analytical models, our numerical analysis, bringing it all together”. He emphasised that AI will not be replacing engineers or architects: “It’s about enhancing their ability to get work done quickly and allow them to focus on the creative side of engineering, not on the mundane, repetitive type of tasks.” Building a sustainability culture We closed the circle by talking with Rodrigo Fernandes, director of ES(D)G (Empowering Sustainable Development Goals), leading Bentley Systems’ sustainability business strategy and initiatives. Rodrigo reviews the projects in all twelve categories and one of his first comments about this year takes us right to the beginning of this discussion: there are ma-

BENTLEY SYSTEMS ny projects related to water: “I feel this is a necessity and a natural evolution, given the fact that water is becoming more and more relevant in the world.” On the other hand, taking a broad perspective of trends in infrastructure this year, he highlights AI, which is becoming a natural part of discussions. And finally, of course, there is a stronger focus on sustainability. He believes that “the fact that we are feeling more the effects of climate change are putting this on the radar”; after talking about it for many years, sustainability is finally becoming mainstream. It has been two years since Rodrigo took on his current role at Bentley Systems, and we wanted to know his view of this time. “In many cases, our users surprise us with their creativity and the work-

flows they build with our solutions”, he remarks, adding that seeing “what users are doing with our technology is really the most rewarding aspect”. From his role, he highlights the importance of bridging the gap between users’ ambitions and needs in terms of sustainability and Bentley’s product development teams: “We can adjust and improve to meet those needs, and vice versa, new developments from our product teams can be pilot tested by users.” As an example of this, he mentions embodied carbon assessment to quantify the emissions associated with the construction of infrastructure. In addition, the newly created position of Chief Sustainability Officer at Bentley will bring “focus, resources and alignment for sustainability”, as a natural evolution of the company, says Rodrigo.

Chris Bradshaw, who takes on the new role, will bring together Bentley’s sustainability and education initiatives, with the objective of empowering Bentley’s users to achieve the sustainable development goals, while ensuring the next generation of engineers has the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. There is a huge carbon footprint linked to infrastructure, “which means there’s a huge responsibility for the sectors, for the infrastructure sectors, to decarbonize and to become more efficient”, notes Rodrigo. Investments around sustainable infrastructure are on the rise, in the industry and in the world. Decarbonization efforts and efforts to build net zero infrastructure are advancing. On the other hand, there is a focus on resilience and adaptation: “Global spending will also increase a lot in terms of adapting infrastructure”, particularly in the water sector: “There are studies saying that more than 50% of the global spending around adapting infrastructure for climate resilience is on water infrastructure”, noted Rodrigo. Aligned with these trends, it is not surprising that “many of the projects this year were directly linked to water conservation and climate resilience”. The core sustainability challenges for Bentley are clean energy transition, healthy cities and communities, land and water resources, climate action and resilience. Water is a big part of those challenges, which are all connected. So we expect to continue to see water taking on a more prominent role, because water is everyone’s business and, as Rodrigo put it in words “climate change is water change”.

“Going digital” is an ongoing process, and at the YII conference every year we see new advances, projects that are improving quality of life

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WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

SNOWY SCHEME, WORLD CLASS CIVIL ENGINEERING

Colin Henein, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Snowy Scheme is a hydropower and irrigation complex in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia, providing power to major coastal cities and water for inland agricultural areas. It diverts water from the Snowy River into the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Since 2016 the Snowy Scheme has been part of Australia’s National Heritage List. It includes 16 major dams and eight power stations, 80 km of aqueducts and 145 km of interconnected tunnels, constructed between 1949 and 1974. More than 100,000 people helped build the scheme in those 25 years for $800 million. With a total generating capacity is 4,100 MW and the average production is 4,500 GWh of renewable electricity each year, it helped transform Australia's economy from agriculture to heavy industry.

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The Tumut 3 Power Station in the photo is the biggest power station in the Snowy Scheme and the first major pumped-hydro plant in Australia, connecting the Talbingo Reservoir and Jounama Pondage. Upgraded in 2012, it can generate 1,800 MW at maximum output. Work is currently ongoing to expand the Snowy Scheme with Snowy 2.0, a pumped-hydro project announced in 2017. The biggest energy storage project being built in Australia, it is expected to play a key role in Australia’s energy transition. Snowy 2.0 will provide an additional 2,200 MW of generating capacity and approximately 350,000 MWh of large-scale storage. Controversial due to delays, cost blowouts, and environmental impacts, the current revised total cost is expected to reach $12 billion, with commercial operations commencing in 2028.

WATER SECURITY

INTERVIEW The global challenge of securing access to safe drinking water is urgent. Presently, approximately two billion people lack access to this essential resource, and projections indicate that by 2050, this figure will surge to five billion.

Z Olivia Tempest Faced with this situation, the United Nations ensured that global water safety become a priority in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals; however, we are witnessing how the escalating challenges of climate change and severe weather events are further jeopardizing this vital resource. Nevertheless, the relationship between climate change and water safety is not always obvious for the worldwide population. This is why researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) decided to investigate the intersection of water safety concerns, climate change, and severe weather, uncovering a surprising trend. In this interview, we had a chance to speak with the leading authors of the research: Wändi Bruine de Bruin, Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychology and Behavioral Science at USC, Josh Inwald, social psychology PhD student at USC and Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, to discover their main findings and discuss the latest developments in water security. Please tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at the University of Southern California. Wändi Bruine de Bruin: I am a Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychol-

"The science has shown that global climate change is largely driven by humancaused emissions of fossil fuel production and combustion" 90

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Wändi Bruine de Bruin

ogy and Behavioral Science at the University of Southern California (USC) and director of the USC Behavioral Science and Well-Being Policy initiative. I have a PhD in Behavioral Decision Research and Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and an MSc and BSc in Psychology from the Free University in Amsterdam. My research aims to understand and inform how people make decisions about their personal health and environmental impacts. I am the lead investigator of a project in which we’re analysing public perceptions of risk around the world, using the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, which has been conducted in 142 countries. Josh Inwald, Marc Yaggi, Joe Arvai and I recently published a paper on Environmental Science & Technology in which we analysed public perceptions of water safety, extreme weather

and climate change around the world. The paper was led by Josh. Josh Inwald: I am a third-year social psychology PhD student at USC, studying under Wändi Bruine de Bruin and Joe Árvai. My research focuses on applying the tools of behavioral science and social psychology to deduce policy-relevant insights on topics relating to climate change, sustainability and human well-being. Projects to date include work on risk perceptions of severe weather and climate change, connections between those risks and global water safety, the impact of political polarization on Americans’ support for pro-climate policies, and psychological interventions to reduce hiring discrimination. Prior to USC, I worked in multiple industries including strategy consulting, marketing and education. I completed my undergrad-

USC

WÄNDI BRUINE DE BRUIN PROVOST PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC POLICY, PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (USC)

JOSH INWALD SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY PHD STUDENT AT USC

MARC YAGGI CEO OF WATERKEEPER ALLIANCE

“We must confront the existential crisis of climate change by recognizing it as a water crisis” uate coursework at Northwestern University, with degrees in psychology (advisor: Galen Bodenhausen), statistics and social policy. Marc Yaggi: I am Chief Executive Officer of Waterkeeper Alliance, a global movement of community-based advocates united for clean, healthy, and abundant water for all people and the planet. I have dedicated my entire career to environmental advocacy and have been instrumental in expanding the Waterkeeper movement around the world for nearly 20 years. I have a deep, personal passion for clean water and provide organizational leadership by developing strategic partnerships and promoting the Waterkeeper model of citizen-based advocacy and action. Before joining Waterkeeper Alliance, I was a Senior Attorney and Watershed Program Director for Riverkeeper, Inc., where I worked to protect the 2,000-square mile watershed that serves as New York City’s drinking water supply. Prior to that, I served as a Staff Attorney with the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C.

How does climate change exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, and what implications does this have for water security on a global scale? Marc Yaggi: The science has shown that global climate change is largely driven by human-caused emissions of fossil fuel production and combustion as well as other impacts of human activity, such as deforestation and methane emissions from livestock farming, rice paddies, and hydropower reservoirs. We’re witnessing severe and worsening impacts to human populations and natural systems, which are primarily experienced through water events such as droughts, superstorms, floods, storm surges, changes to snowpack and ice pack, disruption of marine and freshwater ecosystems, ocean acidification, sea level rise, coastal erosion and inundation of aquifers and other valued natural systems. As temperatures rise, extreme heat waves increase, intense storm systems gain fuel from warmer ocean water, and accelerated evaporation has a dual effect of severe drought in some locations and more frequent precipitation

in others. It’s an unbalanced cycle that has dire, and often tragic consequences. On a global scale, we must confront the existential crisis of climate change by recognizing it as a water crisis as well as a threat multiplier that implicates famine, public health, political conflict, economic growth, and more. In order to implement an aggressive timeline to shift our unrelenting dependence on fossil fuels, Waterkeeper Alliance advocates for phasing out offshore drilling and bringing an end to all new fossil fuel expansion projects. To have any hope of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, it is imperative to keep fossil fuels in the ground and to pursue achievable policies and pathways to decarbonize our energy systems. Do-

"Waterkeeper Alliance advocates for phasing out offshore drilling and bringing an end to all new fossil fuel expansion projects"

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INTERVIEW

Josh Inwald

ing so will aid us in limiting the impacts of climate change and safeguarding the health of our oceans, marine wildlife, and coastal communities. Josh Inwald: Climate change has already and will continue to impact severe weather events around the world. Climate change has already been linked to changing rainfall patterns, increased severity and length of droughts, and more intense tropical storms and flooding. The threats climate change poses to water security and safety are manifold. Most directly, more intense droughts and changing rainfall patterns complicate

long-term water planning and infrastructure efforts, most acutely in regions that are already faced with water challenges (e.g. the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South Asia). Increased frequency of floods and tropical storms will in turn increase instances of disaster-caused water crises. Second-order effects of climate change will also negatively impact water security, for example in the realms of waterborne illness (many pathogens become more contagious in warmer water), increased migration (stressing water infrastructure in cities around the world) and geopolitical conflict over scarce water resources (which is forecasted to intensify in coming decades).

"Second-order effects of climate change will negatively impact water security in the realms of waterborne illness and geopolitical conflict"

How does climate change contribute to the salinization of freshwater sources, and what are the potential consequences in terms of water security and quality? Marc Yaggi: Climate change contributes to the salinization of freshwater in a myriad of ways. As we currently are

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seeing in Louisiana, extensive drought conditions in the Mississippi River basin have led to saltwater flowing up from the Gulf of Mexico, threatening water supplies up to New Orleans and beyond. Further, rising sea levels can lead to seawater incursions into drinking water aquifers. Additionally, over-pumping coastal aquifers exacerbates the risk of saltwater intrusion. Given its higher density, salt water flows under fresh water and can compromise drinking water supplies. Saltwater intrusion in drinking water systems can cause a briny taste, corrode plumbing, and cause other water treatment infrastructure impacts. In terms of public health, higher salinity in drinking water can lead to kidney problems and other health issues. Ultimately, too much salinity in a water supply can make a water supply undrinkable and unsafe. Salinization of freshwater also harms aquatic life and negatively impacts plants and food production.

USC How does climate change influence the increase of waterborne diseases, and what measures can be taken to mitigate these impacts on water quality and public health? Marc Yaggi: According to the United Nations, around two billion people do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, while approximately 3.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation services. Before COVID, it was widely understood that over half the hospital beds in the world are filled with people suffering from waterborne diseases. In developed nations, where many of these diseases had been all but eliminated through advances in water treatment, we are seeing resurgences due to the impacts of climate change. Increased precipitation, droughts, and drastic temperature variations have all been linked to an uptick in waterborne diseases. Pathogens are spread by floodwaters and overflows, while increased water temperatures provide the right environment for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to flourish. This sad fact can be expected to continue and grow, as the convergence of climate change, pollution, and overuse are stressing global water supplies, jeopardizing human health, and increasing competition for precious water resources – with rationing and intense battles to control supplies. Humanity has the ingenuity and ability to solve these crises. Key measures that need to happen include an aggressive timeline to shift our dependence away from fossil fuels and bring an end to new and expanded fossil fuel sources; commitments to a low-carbon future and adoption of holistic environmental strategies to build resilience in local watersheds and communities; justice, equity, and better health outcomes for climate-vulnerable, low-income communities, communities of colour, and indigenous communities who bear the brunt of climate change impacts; accountability for those who pollute our waterways; and a highly engaged citizenry that recognizes its power and

Saltwater intrusion in drinking water systems causes a briny taste, corrode plumbing, and other water treatment infrastructure impacts

obligation to clean water for current generations and to ensure we aren’t bequeathing future generations with contaminated rivers, dying oceans, dirty air, denuded forests, and sterile fields. Josh Inwald: Changes in climate are expected to intensify the impact of waterborne illnesses. Floods and violent storms can easily damage water infrastructure and often lead to cross-contamination of drinking water pipelines with sewage systems. Droughts force people to turn to less reliable water sources, which may be more prone to contamination or tested for safety less frequently than proven sources. Many waterborne pathogens also become more dangerous and multiply faster in hotter conditions, resulting in greater risk of illnesses such as cholera and typhoid. Mitigation measures to help individuals and governments prepare for threats to water security are varied, though local conditions and behavioral dynamics must be understood in order to prescribe the most effective solutions. These include building more robust water infrastructure (e.g. pipelines, backup generators), disaster preparedness plans, natural disaster warning systems, and greater education and access to water quality testing and treatment chemicals.

What parts of the world face the most challenging future regarding water security? Marc Yaggi: According to the World Resources Institute, the most water-stressed regions are the Middle East and North Africa, where 83% of the population is exposed to extremely high water stress, while South Asia follows closely behind with 74%. As global water demand is expected to grow 20%25% by 2050, it will only intensify the threat to water security, particularly in water-stressed regions and developing countries that struggle with widespread poverty and ineffective governments. Josh Inwald: Beyond MENA and South Asia, the World Meteorological Organization in 2021 also identified regions in Central Asia, Northeast China, sub-Saharan Africa (especially the Sahel

"Before COVID, it was widely understood that over half the hospital beds in the world are filled with people suffering from waterborne diseases"

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INTERVIEW region), and areas on the west coasts of North America and South America as “global water stress hotspots”. What would you highlight from the Public Concern about Water Safety, Weather and Climate: Insights from the World Risk Poll? Josh Inwald: Our main finding is that, around the world, people are more likely to report being concerned about their water safety if they are also concerned about severe weather events. By comparison, the relationship between their concerns about water safety and their concerns about severe weather is stronger than the relationship between their concerns about water safety and their concerns about climate change. In other words, it seems that people’s concerns about water safety are more likely to be informed by their concerns about severe weather than by their concerns about climate change. And this finding holds around the world and for every continent. Wändi Bruine de Bruin: This finding suggests that it’s easier for people to see how severe weather affects their water safety than to see how climate change affects their water safety. After all, severe weather is much more concrete and directly observable than climate change. So, this finding suggests that communications about water safety will be more compelling to most people if they talk about how the increasing frequency of severe weather is threatening our water safety. And if we additionally want to highlight the threat of climate change

"People are more likely to report being concerned about their water safety if they are also concerned about severe weather events" 94

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Marc Yaggi

to our water safety, we might need to explain that a bit more. How can effective communication and education bridge the gap in public perception regarding the direct connection between climate change and its influence on water safety? Josh Inwald: Our analysis demonstrates that people are more likely to associate water safety with severe weather, than they are to connect water safety with climate change. Based on this, when speaking about water safety, communicators would likely be more persuasive if they discuss threats to water safety as stemming directly from droughts, floods

and storms, instead of as caused by the slow-moving, abstract threat of climate change. Climate change can still be mentioned as a driver of water stress, but by focusing on the threats posed by tangible, directly experienced weather events, it will be more persuasive to a global audience, especially if that audience is less educated on the scientific aspects of climate change. Wändi Bruine de Bruin: Another suggestion I have is to make sure that these communications are understandable. Communications about climate change are often needlessly complex and use climate jargon like “mitigation” and “adaptation.” For a recent study pub-

USC lished in the journal Climatic Change, we interviewed people in the United States and found that even those who said they were concerned about climate change thought that communications about climate change were talking over their heads. And that can be really off-putting, undermine trust, and lead to miscommunications. For this study, IPCC authors selected key terms they used in their climate change communication, including “mitigation” and “adaptation.” We found that each term caused some confusion. For example, some of our participants interpreted “mitigation” as “resolving a conflict” – thus confusing it with “mediation.” And some said that “adaptation” meant “turning a book into a movie.” So, they struggled to interpret these words in the context of climate change. To make these key terms easier to understand, some of our interviewees suggested using everyday wording. Why not explain “mitigation” as “actions we can take to stop climate change from getting worse” and “adaptation” as “actions we can take to protect ourselves against the climate change that is already happening.” What strategies can be employed to encourage behaviours that enhance water safety in the face of climate-related challenges? Josh Inwald: For individuals, people facing water stress would benefit from education on water quality testing, how to prepare safe drinking water during natural disasters, and greater accessibility of water safety technologies such as water sanitization chemicals, filtration devices, clean water storage units, and rainwater collectors. It is important to stress the importance of highly localized education – water safety solutions in one region may not apply to people everywhere, therefore strategies must be tailored to account for differences in household culture (e.g. who is responsible for sourcing

People’s concerns about water safety are more likely to be informed by their concerns about severe weather than by climate change

clean water?), geological conditions, political context, and the like. At the local government level, better disaster preparedness can help mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters. Better early-warning systems can give people more time to prepare safe water or evacuate from dangerous areas. More investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure is also sorely needed. Can you share more about how Waterkeeper has led community-driven data collection and what insights have been gained from that approach that could assist with mitigating climate change realities? Marc Yaggi: The water sector is in an interesting place where, at the same time, there is both a plethora of water data and not nearly enough water data. Here in the United States, a majority of our waterways are not monitored or assessed by the government. At the same time, pollution from manufacturing, industry, mining, energy production, human waste and industrial meat production, along with climate change impacts, are destroying the water we need to live. As a result, it is imperative for citizen scientists to jump into the breach

and secure this data which is critical for identifying and solving pollution problems. At Waterkeeper Alliance, we believe that citizens and our Waterkeeper groups are uniquely positioned to provide the highest-quality data collection and monitoring to inform, engage, and equip communities to protect themselves and their waterways. For example, in 2022, Waterkeeper Alliance worked with Waterkeeper groups and their community supporters to test 114 waterways in 34 states and the District of Columbia for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Through that citizen-led monitoring study, we learned that 83% of the waterways tested positive for at least one type of PFAS. This study gave community groups the information to educate the public, identify pollution sources, and advocate for solutions.

"We must stress the importance of highly localized education – water safety solutions in one region may not apply to people everywhere"

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INTERVIEW

In the future of water, the patterns we are used to no longer apply. WSP helps organizations and communities deal with too little, too much, or too polluted water and realize their water objectives.

Z Cristina Novo Pérez One of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms, WSP supports governments, utilities and companies with water management strategies that take into account climate, society and technology trends. In this interview we hear from Tyler Jones, who heads the U.S. water practice for WSP, on the challenges ahead for water utilities and how innovation in practices and technologies can contribute to water security and climate resilience. Can you tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at WSP? Today I lead the National Water Business for WSP in the U.S., which is one of the world’s largest engineering, environment and professional services consultancies. I

"Going forward, localized retreatment of greywater must also be seen as critical because it reduces the per capita water demand" 96

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am responsible for growing the practice, developing a national One Water strategy, and leading a team of more than 700 people in project delivery and client engagement. Prior to my leadership role with WSP, I served as region manager for the Central Gulf Coast. My 28-plus years of professional consulting experience has included infrastructure design and construction management, program management, disaster recovery and environmental remediation. I am a graduate of Temple University with a master’s degree in geochemistry and Millsaps College with a bachelor’s degree in environmental geology. As climate impacts the water cycle some areas suffer from too little or too much water. Can you comment on water management trends and innovation that can help create “Goldilocks zones” to prepare for a more water-secure future? Yes, there are a few aspects to the challenge that we should think about here. We need to go big in our thinking about ways to create “Goldilocks zones.” With a likely increase in extreme climate events, where we can expect wetter wet periods

and dryer dry periods, we need to take advantage of the seesaw through larger-capacity storage of water received during those high-precipitation times. Of course, storage has its limitations if supply is low. Authorities in locations facing low supplies may need to look to expanding alternatives such as seawater or brackish groundwater desalination, or wastewater reuse. Converting wastewater into water that can be used for other purposes is a process called “beneficial water reuse”. Today we typically treat industrial wastewater and find a beneficial downstream use for it elsewhere, such as growing crops. Going forward, localized retreatment of greywater must also be seen as critical because it reduces the per capita water demand for the community where it is applied and also avoids additional pumping costs for water transportation to a treatment plant and unnecessary upgrades of installed networks. In addition, localized retreatment of greywater minimizes water losses during transportation from a treated source. Another approach, particularly in water-stressed areas, is recharging aquifers or aquifer storage and recovery. Pump-

WSP

TYLER NATIONAL BUSINESS LINE EXECUTIVE - WATER AT WSP

JONES

“Utilities are coming together to look for county-wide solutions in ways that can also promote equity” ing recycled water (sewage that has been safely treated) back into the ground can help restore aquifers and store water for later use. Particularly in coastal areas, this can help keep out infiltration into the aquifer by seawater. Ultimately, it will be more economical for utilities to work together across a region. Rather than each competing for water resources, they are coming together to look for county-wide solutions to serve communities in ways that also can promote equity. WSP was selected to lead a new study aimed at addressing the current challenges that global water utilities of all sizes are facing. Can you tell us a bit more about it? In partnership with the Water Research Foundation, WSP has launched a project (WRF 5184 study) to better understand the barriers utilities face on the ground, as well as any opportunities for them to use some methods of scenario and adaptive planning to think through how they can better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to unexpected events. The project also aims to address other challenges, like helping water

utilities inform long-term plans and investment decisions. We intend to address critical questions, such as how water infrastructure can be expanded and upgraded to meet future needs and adapt to uncertain future risks, like changes in climate, supply and demand, regulations, economics and aging infrastructure. This project will have three phases: J Explore: Phase 1 will gather data and information from water utility partners and technical experts in applied scenario and adaptive planning. This can help identify key trends, leading practices and case studies for adaptive and scenario planning. J Design: Phase 2 will design a Water Utility Scenario and Adaptive Planning Framework. We’ll test it with a set of international water utilities in the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand to evaluate effectiveness and applicability. J Guide: Phase 3 will build on insights from the first two phases to develop supplemental guidance for water utilities to use and share with their internal and external stakeholders.

Mitigation of risks posed by PFAS is a growing concern. What do you think are the main considerations for future utility compliance with expected new regulations in this regard? The U.S. EPA and states are expected to regulate an increasing number of compounds at lower thresholds, which ultimately will mean that many or even most drinking water sources, including large surface water plants, will require PFAS treatment. Municipalities will be among the organizations most affected by the growing PFAS concern since they may have to deal with them in water supplies, landfills and wastewater treatment plants — both in terms of having to treat the wastewater and also managing the re-

"Pumping recycled water (sewage that has been safely treated) back into the ground can help restore aquifers and store water for later use"

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INTERVIEW sulting biosolids, which often have elevated concentrations of PFAS. Most available options for treatment have drawbacks. Current technologies to remove PFAS from water require large footprints, can be expensive to maintain and are not 100% destructive of substances of concern. A variety of proprietary and lab-scale technologies are being developed that hold promise for more effective treatment. These include an electro-oxidation process developed by WSP, plasma and electronic arc technologies and foam fractionation. For many utilities, source water management strategies are a good starting point for meeting proposed regulations until more efficient treatment technologies are available and affordable at scale. These techniques can include operating sources differently, drilling a new well or connecting to an alternative water system. WSP has worked with clients to produce blended plans to rely more heavily on non-impacted sources. We will soon release a benchmarking study outlining what water utilities are doing to meet the PFAS maximum contaminant levels, how much they’re spending, and which methods and technologies are being used. How is WSP working on health and equity through its projects dealing with flood planning, lead service lines, or PFAS pollution? WSP is committed to building a more equitable future. Our Equity Center of Excellence provides services to create places, infrastructure and experiences

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Tyler Jones, Melissa Simpson and Amity Dewey at WEFTEC 2023.

that improve quality of life for underserved and disinvested communities. For example, in Northeast Florida, we developed a master plan to restore and connect streams and parks in a city’s urban core to revitalize neighbourhoods impacted by flooding and pollution. The restoration plan provides a more holistic approach than traditional flood mitigation by integrating natural channel design and green infrastructure to improve creek function, water quality, wildlife habitat and recreation. Lead is another issue that, according to the National Institutes of Health, disproportionately impacts Black communities. Water utilities have until October 2024 to comply with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) to inventory service line materials and report on the presence of lead. WSP has developed a programmatic system to support utilities, whether with large or small water systems, in communicating information about the status of lead inventory work to their customers. From an equity perspective, the prioritization for replacement must include an equity component, for exam-

ple reaching underserved communities or facilities that serve children. Could you share specific water-related projects WSP is involved in that you are particularly proud of? Communities across the country urgently need better ways to cope with record-shattering floods, drought, groundwater contamination, and population growth that’s stressing natural resources. We were recently recognized in Fortune’s annual Change the World list, which honored companies having a positive social impact, and I am very proud of our positive impact across our full portfolio, making it hard to single out one project. I am particularly proud of how we apply a “one water” mindset to rethink water stewardship from coast to coast. In New York, which has endured an increasing number of flood-inducing storms, WSP created a living breakwater – a billion-oyster reef to filter water, promote biodiversity and protect against storm-surge. In New Jersey, we engineered flood protection that combines the strength of hard infrastructure, the self-healing capabilities of

WSP nature-based solutions, and the first-ofits-kind use of biodegradable concrete. In Florida, we spearheaded the largest environmental-restoration project in U.S. history, a 6,300-acre water management project in the Everglades. And in Los Angeles, we designed new stormwater infrastructure to retain runoff from a 4,495-acre drainage area. How does WSP stay at the forefront of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to develop strategies to mitigate water-related climate threats? Across the built environment, asset owners are faced with the daunting issue of how to design in a way that achieves net zero ambitions while integrating resilience. They also are challenged to, take current assets and identifying – and mitigating – the risks they will face in the future. WSP collaborates with partners as well as implementing our own programs to stay at the forefront of innovation. WSP’s Future Ready® program enables our teams to better anticipate future conditions related to climate, society, technology and resources, plan ahead by integrating these trends into our work, and support our clients to develop industry leading innovations. By considering current, emerging and anticipated trends, our Future Ready approach ensures our solutions are ready for an ever-changing future. Through our Emerge strategic alliance program, we partner with early and growth stage companies to pilot, refine and accelerate transformational innovations. Additionally, we have a robust digital team creating client led innovations to meet resiliency challenges. WSP developed the ClimateVue toolkit, a suite of climate resilience technologies, that help answer three critical questions: J How do we measure our base state before we take action? J If the asset doesn’t exist, how do we design with resilience in mind?

Source water management strategies are a starting point for meeting PFAS regulations until more efficient treatments are available

J For existing assets, how do I manage short-term risk, i.e., a hurricane or storm? Technologies in the toolkit have been used to help flood-prone areas create conceptual 4D visualizations to gain stakeholder buy-in for mitigation projects. Machine learning is being used to assist with time-critical risk assessment for utilities expansion and development. Another technology developed, provides customized flood alerts from the National Water Model to put critical data into the hands of informed users who can set local flood alerts based on critical water-level exceedance thresholds. What emerging trends or technologies in water resources and environmental engineering do you find most promising? Technology will play an important role in helping mitigate water scarcity and water overflow. For example, the industry has been developing the concept of “air to water” collection systems, which gather water from the air or morning dew using panels or nylon/polypropylene nets capable of collecting moisture. While air-to-water technologies are still

in their early stages, they could potentially prove to be an effective solution for some remote communities. AI and machine learning are one of the most promising emerging technologies for water and environmental engineering. Using advanced AI, we expect to be able to better predict rainfall, flooding and water levels, for example. AI can provide predictive maintenance for water supply, leading to reduced downtime. It has added a new dimension to future flood risk detection for complex predictive modelling and is already being used to analyze future water quality patterns. AI will not replace the human ingenuity and lived experience of engineers, but it will help us with initial legwork and verifiable predictions, helping communities prepare for a more water-secure future.

"Our Equity Center of Excellence provides services to create places, infrastructure and experiences that improve quality of life"

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OPINION

JULIETTE LASSMAN

POLICY ANALYST. WATER GOVERNANCE, BLUE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY UNIT. CITIES, URBAN POLICIES, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION AT OECD

FROM SCARCITY TO SECURITY: DEALING WITH WATER STRESS IN SPAIN Water stress is not new in Spain, but the pace of pressure is quantity and planning. Further boosting circular economy accelerating with climate change. Spain has the third-highest policy could help the water sector save energy, create materilevel of water stress among OECD countries, behind Israel als and recover water for agriculture, forestry and nature. For and Korea. As of July 2023, with water reserves at an average instance, the public-private water utility Emasagra’s “bio-facof 40% - their lowest level in thirty years – almost 9 million tory” in Granada treated and reused 18.9 million m3 of wastepeople across 600 municipalities faced water limitations. water for irrigation and maintaining the ecological flow of the Against this backdrop, in May 2023, the Spanish govern- Genil River; 14% of sludge was reused for compost and 86% ment announced a 2.2. billion-euro investment package to for direct application on farms. tackle the drought, of which 1.4 billion focuses on supportJ Redesigning economic tools to reduce water consumping affected irrigators and increasing water supply with new tion. In Spain, household water costs less than €2/m3 on avinfrastructure, such as desalination plants and a water trans- erage and accounts for 0.9% of household expenditure, both fer for Doñana National Park. An amendment to the Water among the lowest rates in the EU in 2022. Water abstraction Law will strive to double the volume of reused wastewater. charges paid by irrigators are also low, at around €0.02-0.1 Spain already has 765 desalination plants and the highest per m3. Water charges should target users who abstract the level of water reuse in Europe – most and consider the degree of around 11%. water scarcity, geographical specifThe cheapest water These measures cement Spain’s icities and the share of wastewater current focus on boosting water that could be reused. For instance, infrastructure is the one that does supply. But beyond infrastructure in the water-scarce state of Ceará not need to be built: managing and investment, good governance in Brazil, water charges depend on is needed to foster water security. climate conditions: they rise durdemand should complement This holds particularly true for ing drought years to compensate efforts to augment supply Spain, a quasi-federal state with increased for pumping costs. an abundance of actors involved J If tariffs increase, raising in water management beyond the national government, in- awareness of the cost of water scarcity is needed for social cluding 17 autonomous communities, 50 provinces, 8 119 buy-in. For instance, in Copenhagen (Denmark), water tariff municipalities, river basin authorities and associations of us- increases combined with awareness campaigns on water coners such as irrigation communities. sumption such as "Max 100" have helped the city halve water As the cheapest water infrastructure is the one that does consumption since the 1980s. Social acceptance also depends not need to be built, managing water demand should comple- on transparency, but data on water in Spain are fragmentment efforts to augment supply. This means creating a culture ed across different entities and incomplete. According to the that values water as a scarce resource, as argued by the OECD OECD, a one-stop-shop for data on water pricing, use and Principles on Water Governance. This would involve: consumption would facilitate policy analysis and assessments. J Taking a system approach, to ensure that decisions made Following the recent elections, discussions on the reform outside the water box – especially in agriculture, industry, en- of the Spanish Water Law initially planned for 2023 may reergy and urban planning – are “water wise”. A good example ignite and provide an opportunity to enshrine water demand is the Spanish Climate Adaptation Plan, which sets objec- management in law. As Winston Churchill said, “Never waste tives across almost 20 policy areas, including water quality, a good (water) crisis”!

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OPINION

JACOB KWASI AMENGOR CO-FOUNDER, WASH ADVANCEMENT CENTRE, GHANA

EMPOWERING THE NEXT WAVE: RETHINKING FUNDING STRUCTURES FOR YOUTH-LED WASH ENTREPRENEURS IN ACHIEVING SDG 6 Presently, Ghana boasts an impressive 85% accessibility communities and schools in Kenya, demonstrating how to improved drinking water and a 60% reach in improved entrepreneurial solutions by the youth can address critical sanitation. The period from 2015 to 2021 witnessed a com- challenges in the WASH sector. mendable 30% surge in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and A wave of young WASH entrepreneurs is spearheading Hygiene) service accessibility, although the remaining 15% remarkable innovations through their start-up ventures, poses a challenge, primarily concentrated in rural areas that often propelled by support from incubator and accelerator fall outside the conventional business scope of public util- programs providing financial boosts of USD 5,000, USD ities. The centralized systems of these utilities render water 10,000, or even USD 20,000 to develop prototypes and supply to remote communities financially unattractive due launch products. While these initiatives equip entrepreneurs to substantial operational expenses. Therefore, a solution with essential training, a drawback emerges as multiple fundlies in adopting a hybrid model, integrating decentralized, ing sources necessitate repetitive training sessions, resulting community-based systems tailored to the unique needs of in a redundant allocation of time and resources. Although scattered rural populations. Additionally, fostering co-de- these support structures generate impactful outcomes, they sign, collaboration, and partnerships in WASH service fall short of fostering systemic change — a requisite for management at the community achieving the ambitious SDG 6 level is crucial. Involving benegoal. To truly empower young The youth are capable ficiaries as stakeholders throughWASH entrepreneurs, there is a out the project lifecycle ensures critical need for a sustainable and of transforming water, community ownership, enhancrelevant amount of funding that sanitation, and hygiene ing sustainability and breaking the not only facilitates the creation of cycle of neglecting broken-down vital infrastructure but also ena(WASH) sector challenges into facilities, a problem rooted in the bles scalable operations on a large entrepreneurial ventures misconception that external doscale, propelling these ventures nors solely bear the responsibiltoward impactful, lasting change. ity for maintenance. In conclusion, fostering progress towards the targets of These challenges in the water, sanitation, and hygiene SDG 6 demands a recalibration of trust and financial sup(WASH) sector offer the youth remarkable opportunities, port mechanisms for young WASH entrepreneurs. Cursuch as advocating for the adoption of community-based rently, substantial funding is directed towards governments WASH systems, taking the lead in community engagement and large-scale systems, leaving the innovative endeavors of through creative mediums like drama and music, and the young entrepreneurs with comparatively limited resources leverage of digital innovations. Moreover, the youth are ca- to implement equally crucial interventions. It is imperative pable of transforming these challenges into entrepreneurial for donor agencies and financial institutions to revaluate and ventures within the WASH sector. A compelling example adapt the governance structure of funding, considering the is Beth Koigi, founder of Majik Water, who, inspired by diverse scenarios and conditions faced by youth. By providher firsthand experience in a community lacking a water ing adequate and flexible funding, we pave the way for the source, established a pioneering water enterprise. Through establishment and growth of WASH enterprises led by the innovative methods like atmospheric water generators, youth, a vital step towards substantial progress in achieving Majik Water now provides accessible and clean water to the targets outlined in SDG 6.

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WATER & NEWS - WATER SECURITY

THE TEN CHALLENGES OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Countries need to adopt water management approaches that include sustainable policies and strengthening water infrastructure

Water management in Southeast Asia poses multiple challenges which are related to its geography, climate, population growth and economic development. For example, the significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the consequent rise in temperatures in recent decades means that the region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, Southeast Asia plays host to 60% of the world’s population, primarily located in cities which release more heat and spread by building new constructions on flood plains, thus obstructing the natural course of waterways and increasing the risk of flooding. Urban growth also increases water stress. In fact, in 2015, the Asian Development Bank estimated that by 2030 there will be a 40% shortfall between water supply and demand in the region.

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According to Victor Lorente, Client Solution Architect at Idrica, "It is essential to understand and tackle water management challenges in Southeast Asia so as to safeguard the region's sustainability and growth from a social, economic and industrial point of view". It is precisely this situation that is driving an urgent need to address water management issues in the region. In this regard, Martin Shaw, NRW Solution Architect at Xylem, based in Malaysia, points to technology as a key player in this area. "In an area with a burgeoning economy, technology becomes a lever for change to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation services for all." Some of the region's major water management challenges include: water

scarcity, which affects mainly urban centres; water pollution caused by rapid industrial and urban development; flood management, particularly during the rainy season, when floods affect millions of people; cross-border water resource management; the effects of climate change, which impact water availability and the frequency and intensity of extreme events; sustainable development to balance economic development and environmental conservation; groundwater overexploitation, that leads to aquifer depletion and saltwater intrusion; poor water infrastructure, that hinders access to safe drinking water and increases flood vulnerability; population growth and increase in economic activities, particularly in cities; and inconsistent water governance and policies, that lead to overlap in responsibilities between various agencies often hinder the effectiveness of water management strategies. Southeast Asian countries need to adopt comprehensive water management approaches that include implementing sustainable policies, strengthening water infrastructure, promoting water conservation, efficient water use, and regional cooperation to manage cross-border water resources jointly and fairly if they are to tackle these challenges. In addition, public awareness of the importance of water and the active participation of local communities are also crucial to achieve more effective, sustainable water management in the region.

SWS ANNOUNCES BREAKING REGIONAL RECORD BY HITTING 80% UTILISATION OF RECYCLED WATER IN ABU DHABI This accomplishment demonstrates the company’s dedication and contribution to advancing the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS), a leading provider of sustainable water solutions, announced a regional first of hitting 80% utilisation of recycled water in the emirate of Abu Dhabi for the month of August. This accomplishment guarantees a continuous supply of clean and sustainable water and helps preserve water resources throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SWS’ dedication to continue supplying high-quality recycled water demonstrates the company’s contribu-

tion to progressing the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036. As a result of extensive water testing, SWS’ high-quality recycled water can be utilised for agriculture, cooling, and industrial applications. SWS’ recycled water is distributed to over 20 landmarks across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Emirates Palace and the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. As SWS continues its mission to create and implement sustainable water solutions and corporate social responsibility to enable the circular

economy, it looks ahead to expanding its environmental stewardship across the emirate of Abu Dhabi and globally. SWS has outlined its ambition to progress an upward trend in utilisation with an overall goal of reaching 100%. By working closely with partners at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Distribution Companies, this goal will continue to support the reduction of national emissions. SWS will work closely together with its strategic partners and share expertise to progress the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero strategy.

ALGAE'S SURPRISING POTENTIAL TO HELP EASE CLIMATE CHANGE WORRIES Researchers are studying the potential of microalgae to treat wastewater and use them to produce food, fertilizers, fuels and chemicals Scientists may be on the verge of taking a big step closer to the net-zero carbon emissions goal, thanks to the University of Houston’s research into algae. The research project is detailed in a newly published article in Green Chemistry, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Venkatesh Balan, associate professor of engineering technology in UH’s Cullen College of Engineering’s Division of Technology, is exploring surprising traits in microalgae. They can sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and

convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids and carbohydrates that most interest Balan and his team of researchers. “This green process goes beyond climate issues. For example, it may even transform the way we produce our food,” said Balan, who has been studying algae for seven years. His research evaluates the potential of using microalgae to treat wastewater and use algal biomass to produce food, fertilizers, fuels and chemicals. With research assistant Masha Alian, he recently discovered algae can be used

as substrate to produce fungus. The symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi can be found in lichen, which is a composite organism – part algae, part fungi. In Balan’s lab, researchers are trying to mimic how lichen grows in nature. “The algae produce oxygen, and the fungi stabilize CO2 and produce oxygen,” Balan explained. As a bonus, much of the food bed comprised of algae and fungus could be converted into healthy food products.

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WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. Innovation collaboration on a global scale

There are very few challenges today that haven’t been tackled in some way, by somebody, somewhere in the world. It is with this knowledge that Isle identified the need for utilities to work together globally. Together we are changing the way emerging technologies and solutions are brought to market. If you want to join us please contact piers.clark@isleutilities.com

www.isleutilities.com

SDGs

FEATURE

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SDG 6 AND TEDAGUA’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE GOAL Z Álvaro Díaz del Rio Redondo, Head of Innovation Department at Tedagua This article explores the journey from the development of the Sustainable Development Goals to SDG 6: water for all. From responding to crises such as the volcanic eruption in La Palma (Spain), to introducing portable water plants for emergencies, to innovations such as nutrient recovery in WWTPs, and the flagship Provisur project in Peru, Tedagua demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world. The development of the SDGs It is important to understand how the Sustainable Development Goals were born, how they were agreed upon and what was in place before the well-known Agenda 2030 established by the United Nations. In September 2000, 189 leaders of member countries met at the United Nations headquarters to sign the Millennium Declaration, a historic document in which they committed to achieving a set of eight quantifiable goals by 2015, such as reducing extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, and others. These eight goals were defined as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Paradigm shift: water takes on a prominent role The definition of the new SDGs that replaced the MDGs took place in Janu-

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ary 2016 after a global consultative process that lasted more than three years. Metrics, including disaggregated data by country, as well as social, climate, cultural and economic trends, were analysed. It became clear during this process that there was a universal problem of access to water and that the problem would worsen in the coming years due to the impact of climate change. The results of this analysis alerted the United Nations about the need to address the water issue. Data were put on the table such as the fact that more than 663 million people still did not have access to drinking water, that water shortages affected more than 40% of the world’s population, that every day nearly 1,000 children died from diarrhoeal diseases preventable by having access to water and sanitation, and that 70% of deaths from natural disasters were due to floods and water-related disasters. The report derived from this analysis helped to raise awareness among both public and private institutions of the need to prepare a global strategy to solve the problems arising from the lack of water and sanitation. A new goal, SDG 6, was defined, to ensure the availability

and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, an ambitious but necessary goal. It is very striking that when the discussions to define the SDGs started within the OECD and member countries, some leaders said that the water issue did not need a specific goal. The argument was that water is linked to everything: energy development, health, infrastructure, agriculture, the economy, so why a specific water goal? If it was already dealt with collaterally in the other goals, then there was no need to give it a category of its own, it would be addressed indirectly by implementing the other solutions.

TEDAGUA novation and empirical action, improve inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation between all stakeholders, and adopt a more integrated and holistic approach to water management.

Ensuring access to safe drinking water to communities where it is needed is a key objective for Tedagua, part of SDG 6.

This has been the traditional problem with water, it is so important and linked to everything that its management and governance are taken for granted. We had to explain why a specific objective was needed to solve the water problem and give it the status it deserves. The water problem is not a sectoral problem, it is a priority economic and social challenge that we must solve to ensure the well-being of the population. By elevating the water problem to the category of SDG, it is much easier to plan concrete actions by public and private entities, allowing, in addition, to quantify and monitor the results of these actions.

Current status of SDG 6 The latest report published by the UN in 2023 takes stock of progress to date. The report emphasises that, despite great progress, thousands of people still lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. A six-fold increase in progress is needed in the case of drinking water, a five-fold increase for sanitation and a three-fold increase for hygiene. Water use efficiency has increased by 9% but still 2.4 billion people lived in water-stressed countries in 2020. Concerning the essential strategies to achieve SDG 6, the report highlights the need to increase investment and capacity building in the sector, promote in-

Aligning public strategies with Tedagua’s strategy The fact that the United Nations has set global water targets serves as guidance for companies such as Tedagua. These targets, defined in the SDGs, set a clear path towards a future where equitable and sustainable access to water is a reality for all. For Tedagua, leaders in the water sector, this international direction is more than a guide: it is a fundamental commitment. At Tedagua we distinguish ourselves by our dedication to the core values that define our approach. From quality and excellence in the provision of safe and reliable drinking water, to social and environmental responsibility that goes beyond current regulations, the company constantly strives to exceed expectations. Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement not only translates into the adoption of advanced technologies, but also into the active promotion of research and development, thus ensuring effective and sustainable solutions to meet the changing needs of customers. Tedagua’s contributions to SDG 6: success stories JTransforming challenges into opportunities: Tedagua’s response to the La Palma volcanic crisis One of the latest success stories was Tedagua’s rapid reaction to the emergency caused by the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volca-

Tedagua’s commitment to innovation and improvement ensures effective and sustainable solutions to meet the changing needs of customers

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FEATURE

The response to the water emergency in La Palma demonstrated Tedagua’s commitment and its ability to act effectively in crisis situations no, which caused a water emergency with great social and economic impact on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). SDG 6 includes the commitment to reduce the impact of water-related natural disasters. The volcano indirectly affected the island’s entire water network. In the midst of adversity, this exemplary collaboration has brought hope and resilience to a community in need, highlighting the importance of determination and collaboration in the most difficult of times. In collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands and the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), Tedagua responded with the supply and commissioning in a record time of 17 days of two portable desalination plants, each with a production capacity of 2,700 m3/day, using reverse osmosis technology, together with the necessary intake, pumping and electrical connection facilities. Despite the difficult logistical conditions and the urgency of the project, we managed to coordinate efforts with national

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suppliers and public authorities, finally managing to re-establish the water supply to the banana plantations, which are the island’s economic engine, very quickly. J New business line: containerised desalination plants In response to current needs and following our extensive experience on the island of La Palma, Tedagua has recently launched a new line of business: containerised desalination plants for different uses and demands. This new production line will focus on providing fast and effective solutions covering four verticals: industry, urban areas, irrigation and emergency situations. Tedagua’s Engineering department in collaboration with our Innovation team have designed three standard models with different characteristics and production capacities. This first portfolio of models will be expanded throughout 2024 with the aim of opening up the range of customers and providing a service based on excellence and speed. These containerised plants, being modular, are easy to transport and have a “plug and play” connection, contributing to the goal of increasing universal and equitable access to drinking water. J Innovation for a sustainable future The latest UN report refers to innovation as a catalyst for change. At Tedagua we

have developed an innovation plan focused on improving water management and promoting sustainability. Our vision encompasses the production of purified water and clean energy, as well as the valorisation of waste, all with a deep respect for the environment, efficient use of resources and active community involvement. This vision is underpinned by our outstanding experience and leadership in the water sector, where we have led projects related to desalination, potabilization, treatment and reuse. We also support our vision with constant research and development of new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality, which allow us to offer new solutions and improve our customers’ experience. J Provisur Project in Peru This unique project led by Tedagua covers all phases from design, construction and operation of the water cycle in districts of Lima, Peru. The initiative, which arose from a public-private partnership, Tedagua reacted quickly to the volcano emergency on La Palma (Canary Islands) by supplying two desalination plants in containers.

TEDAGUA

Quick and efficient work in coordination with local authorities made it possible to supply water for irrigation in only three weeks.

has radically transformed the quality of life in areas such as Santa María del Mar, San Bartolo, Punta Hermosa and Punta Negra, benefiting more than 100,000 people in the southern part of Lima. The magnitude of the project includes a 34,560 m3/day seawater desalination plant, pumping stations and a new 15,552 m3/day wastewater treatment and reuse plant, as well as upgrading two existing plants. This exemplary project not only demonstrates professional excellence in overcoming complex challenges, but also the ability to find integrated solutions that are effective and efficient in humanitarian development. It is more than proven that an efficient and well-coordinated public-private partnerships are essential to achieve the ambitious goals set by the United Nations in the next 7 years. In conclusion, the creation of SDG 6, which seeks to ensure the availability of

water and its sustainable management, represented a fundamental milestone in raising awareness of the seriousness of the water problem worldwide. Despite progress, much remains to be done, with millions of people still without access to safe drinking water. However, companies like Tedagua are committed to making a significant contribution through successful projects, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration are essential to address water challenges on the road to a more sustainable future.

The Provisur project in Peru demonstrates professional excellence in overcoming challenges, while shaping a sustainable water future

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WATER & NEWS - SDG

AFRICA FINANCE MINISTERS' MEETING SEEKS $30 M BOOST FOR WATER AND SANITATION Investments in water and sanitation should be viewed as a means to achieve economic growth and improve public health

Finance ministers from across Africa convened to deliberate on political and institutional reforms that will help mobilize an additional $30 billion annually for water and sanitation. This is as much about financing as it is about political will, participants heard. The virtual meeting was hosted by Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), UNICEF, and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). Funding needs to be at least three times higher in Africa to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal targets. However, this is far less than the $170 billion – nearly 5% of GDP – lost by sub-Saharan Africa each year due to inadequate water resources, contaminated water and poor sanitation. By mid-century, the economic toll from water-related climate impacts on

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African nations could reach $50 billion annually. Every dollar invested in climate-resilient water and sanitation in Africa yields a return of at least $7. Finance ministers discussed several specific approaches that can close the investment gap for water and sanitation: (1) increasing the national budget allocation for water and sanitation to 5% and 0.5%, respectively; (2) partnering with development banks to secure longterm finance that aligns with universal water and sanitation access goals; (3) ensuring that sufficient finance is available for universal access to safely managed sanitation – a key development indicator that significantly reduces the public health burden; (4) investing in climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure by tapping into climate finance; and (5) reducing debt and en-

suring African nations can access a fair share of Special Drawing Rights. The event organizers urged participants to mobilize political will and view investment in water and sanitation as a means to achieve economic growth, improve public health and reduce inequalities. The meeting also sought to counteract the narrative that Africa is in need of hand-outs or is behind on the SDGs. Instead, participants heard, that the continent is rich in resources and is expanding access to water and sanitation at a rate that is often much higher than countries that started with better access to these essential services. Catarina de Albuquerque, CEO of SWA: “Today's meeting serves as a reminder that the challenges in the water and sanitation sector are as much about financing as they are about political priorities. It’s equally vital for governments to prioritize water and sanitation in their budgets and on their policy agendas. We’re glad to see so many finance ministers committing to lead the way.” Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director: “Universal access to safe water and sanitation is critical to achieving the sustainable development goals, and to ensuring the wellbeing and healthy development of children. Working together, we have made significant progress. But with 1000 children still dying every day from diseases linked to unsafe water and sanitation, we must do far more, and we must do it urgently.”

SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT SIGNS $100 M LOAN AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT THE WATER SECTOR IN ARGENTINA The project will provide more than 410,00 people with access to safe water and foster development in Santa Fe and Córdoba The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement marking the Fund’s first presence in the country, worth USD 100 million with the Province Governor of Córdoba, H.E. Juan Schiaretti and the Province Governor of Santa Fe, H.E. Omar Perotti, to help fund the Interprovincial Aqueduct Santa Fe - Córdoba Project (Phase 1, Block B-C) in Argentina, through SFD. This agreement will boost Argentina’s economy by supporting potable water

development in Santa Fe and Córdoba, creating jobs, and advancing socio-economic development. Phase 1 of the project will develop from Coronda to San Francisco, providing more than 410,000 people with access to safe water and fostering development in Santa Fe and Córdoba. On this occasion, the Province Governor of Córdoba, H.E. Juan Schiaretti, said, “It is a great honour to sign this $100 million aqueduct agreement, benefiting Santa Fe and Córdoba, and forging the

first economic development corporation between the SFD and Argentina.” On his part, the CEO of SFD, H.E Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene are essential for health and well-being. We are proud to support projects that improve access to potable water in developing countries and positively impact the lives of many.” Argentina becomes the 93rd SFD beneficiary, this signifies the SFD’s commitment to sustainable development in Latin America.

ADB APPROVES $90 M LOAN TO HELP DELIVER CLEAN WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION SERVICES IN BANGLADESH A community awareness campaign on water, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, and solid waste management will be conducted The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $90 million loan to develop infrastructure and systems that will provide clean drinking water and sanitation services in Bandarban, Lama, and Rangamati towns in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region in Bangladesh. “Most households in the CHT region rely on shared tube wells in remote areas or on untreated surface water, exposing the population to risks of diseases affecting their health and economic opportunities,” said Elma Morsheda,

who works for ADB as Urban Development Specialist. ADB’s support will develop water treatment plants with a total capacity of 44 million litres per day in Bandarban, Lama, and Rangamati pourashavas (towns), as well as transmission lines and distribution networks to connect to households. In Bandarban and Lama, the project will also modernize sanitation and solid waste management systems through rehabilitated public toilets and the provision of vehicles to safely de-sludge faecal sludge

and collect solid waste integrated with a geographic information system. The project will also develop two integrated waste management facilities to treat and manage faecal sludge and solid waste. To maximize impact and sustainability, a community awareness and behaviour change campaign on water, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, and solid waste management will be conducted. The campaign will target 100,000 people, with at least 60% participation from women and the vulnerable population.

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SPEAKERS' CORNER

“WHEN COMMUNICATING ABOUT WATER, STRIKING THE BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL” Maria Mirachtsi, Communications Manager at Water Europe Water Europe is an advocate and champion for innovation and research in water-related activities within Europe. To learn a bit more about what role communication plays within the organization, we had the chance to speak with Maria Mirachtsi, Communications Manager at Water Europe.

Z Olivia Tempest How do you think communication in the water sector has evolved in recent years? Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed a transformation in how communication is approached in the water sector. When I first entered this field, communication was typically a secondary item on the agenda, social media use was limited to the basics, with relatively few active profiles of water professionals. In the last few years, this has changed a lot. More and more water professionals are now passionate about communicating about water, and effective communication has become a crucial element in discussions, from daily meetings to major conferences. I consider this shift a positive change that we should actively nurture and further develop if we want to reach a broader audience and make a meaningful impact. Why do you think it is important to communicate about water? Water is often taken for granted. Unless you work in the water sector, there is little re-

alization that water is a finite resource. Of course, everybody hears about the water challenges, but water is so integral to our living that it is hard to think, or there is even some unconscious avoidance in thinking about all the consequences that water challenges could bring to our lives. So, raising awareness is vital to me. However, moving forward, we need to focus on ways to address these challenges. To do this, we need to engage the entire society. Together with the public and private sectors, research institutions and policymakers, we need to have citizens, young people and all groups of our society involved. This collective, multi-stakeholder effort is essential for taking concrete actions and ensuring sustainable, secure and resilient water in Europe and across the world. So, what could be more important than using communications to make this happen? What are the most challenging aspects of communicating water-related news?

The water sector is still very much fragmented, so when communicating water to stakeholders coming from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the first challenge is to be able to use a language that resonates with each stakeholder group, catering to their needs, while maintaining a balanced and inclusive approach. The complexity of water-related topics is the other challenge that most communicators encounter when entering the field. Water-related topics often involve technical language and scientific jargon. So, our role is to translate technical details into a language that doesn’t oversimplify or distort the message but instead presents it in a concrete, and still engaging way. Striking this balance is essential. Could you highlight one of Water Europe’s communication success stories? One of Water Europe’s communication success stories, which I consider very important, has to do with the concept of the Water-Smart

Society. Seven years ago, when Water Europe first introduced this concept, it was a new and unfamiliar term. However, through strategic and persistent communication and awareness-raising efforts, the Water-Smart Society concept has gained recognition in the sector. This success story is exemplified by the wide uptake of the Water-Smart Society narrative in many EU policy documents, such as the recent reference in the Call for an EU Blue Deal, as well as EU funding programmes and research and innovation projects. Earlier this year, the UN World Water Development report referred to the Water-Smart Society and the Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) as leading examples of partnerships and cooperation in Europe. The Water-Smart Society has become part of the everyday vocabulary of water professionals, and I believe this achievement demonstrates the power of communication in introducing new concepts and making them well-understood and broadly adopted.

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MEDIA LIBRARY BY: SWM TEAM SOMETHING TO READ...

SHADES OF BLUE: Connecting the Drops in India's Cities Water is life Authors Harini Nagendra and Seema Mundoli explore the significance of water in India's ecological landscape, from the Yamuna in Delhi to the Brahmaputra in Assam. The book combines anecdotes, myths and modern science, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the ecosystems that have sustained us throughout history. SOMETHING TO WATCH...

HIGH WATER Dramatically up to date

This Polish mini-series, released on Netflix in 2022, is inspired by the 1997 flood that affected the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. It was one of the worst floods in Poland’s history. The series depicts the reactions of decision makers after experts sounded the alarm and the controversial strategy to minimize the damage.

SOMETHING TO ENJOY...

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN? A metaphor for the Vietnam War? The song was written by John Fogerty and released in 1970 in the album Pendulum by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. It has been speculated that the meaning had to do with the Vietnam War and how America dealt with it, and the rain in the song could refer to bombs. It has been covered ad nauseam.

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