A watershed moment for U.S. water policy
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.
THE CHANGING FACE OF WATER: ADAPTING TO NEW REALITIES
The water sector is navigating an era of profound transformation. Political shifts, climate challenges, and growing societal demands are reshaping the landscape, requiring innovative solutions and bold leadership. In this edition of Smart Water Magazine, we explore how water utilities and service providers are rising to meet these challenges, spearheading advancements in sustainability, technology, and equity.
Our cover story examines the potential impacts of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency on water policy. Expected deregulation and reduced federal support for climate resilience could challenge the sector, but also offer an opportunity for service providers to innovate and lead in creating sustainable models that balance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Digital transformation has emerged as a cornerstone of progress, equipping water managers with tools to address growing complexities. Gregg Herrin, Vice President of Water Infrastructure at Bentley Systems, underscores the pivotal role of digital twins and AI in enabling predictive analytics, optimizing operations, and ensuring system resilience. These advancements are complemented by insights from Stefano Vincenzo De Simone at KISTERS, who highlights the importance of robust data validation and IoT-driven an-
alytics for effective decision-making and regulatory compliance.
ACCIONA exemplifies how the integration of sustainability and technological innovation can address global water challenges. From desalination in Australia to wastewater reuse in Southeast Asia, the company’s projects demonstrate the potential of advanced solutions to enhance community well-being while tackling water scarcity, as explained by Business Development Director Javier Nieto.
The edition also features the transformative work of Jeanne-Astrid Ngako de Foki at the African Development Bank. Her leadership in initiatives like the INCLUSIVE program in Nigeria highlights how a combination of technology, community engagement, and climate resilience can bridge access gaps for millions across Africa, showcasing the social impact of innovative water management.
PUBLISHER
iAgua Conocimiento, S.L.
Calle López de Hoyos, 190 Entlo. B 28002 Madrid info@iagua.es
MANAGEMENT
Alejandro Maceira Rozados
David Escobar Gutiérrez
Aligned with World Toilet Day 2024, we address the global sanitation crisis, which still affects over 3.6 billion people. Investing in sustainable sanitation infrastructure not only protects public health but also restores dignity and empowers vulnerable populations, underscoring the human dimension of water management.
The water sector is at a turning point. By harnessing advanced technologies, fostering equity, and strengthening collaboration, water managers are not only adapting to global challenges but leading the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future. The time for bold action is now, and this edition celebrates the vision and achievements driving that transformation.
- Director SWM D @amaceira - E @AlejandroMaceiraiAgua
EDITOR
Alejandro Maceira Rozados
EDITORIAL STAFF
Olivia Tempest Prados
Cristina Novo Pérez
Laura Fernández Zarza
Blanca María Álvarez Román ADVERTISING
Javier de los Reyes
ART AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Pablo González-Cebrián
Esther Martín Muñoz
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pablo González-Cebrián
Fotos iAgua
AlejAndro MAceirA
CONTENTS
A PLACE FOR PEACE AND HEALTH
Pg. 74 Luis Beracoechea of Ingeteam discusses innovative strategies and tailored solutions to optimize efficiency in water management.
Pg. 36 World Toilet Day 2024 emphasizes sanitation's role in public health and dignity, tackling global gaps in safe, resilient systems.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE FILTRATION
Pg. 78 Rodrigo Mello of Saint-Gobain discusses how Filtralite transforms water treatment with efficiency and reduced operational costs.
POLICY SHIFTS
IN WATER’S FUTURE
Pg. 16 A look at how Trump’s 2025 presidency may impact U.S. water policy with deregulation and a shift to market-driven priorities.
CONTENTS NUMBER 24 -
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH INNOVATION
Pg. 68 Javier Nieto of ACCIONA discusses global water challenges and the company's role in advancing sustainability and circular solutions.
BUILDING SAUDI’S WATER FUTURE
Pg. 42 The 2024 SWPC Forum will bring together industry leaders in Riyadh to advance water sustainability aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
ENSURING WATER QUALITY 24/7
Pg. 46 Garry Tabor and Robert Wurm of Badger Meter explore the transformative role of real-time water quality monitoring in public water systems.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
MEETS WATER
Pg. 52 WEG leads with sustainable innovations like high-efficiency motors and the WEGSEE+ tool to reduce costs and carbon footprints.
SWPC Forum & Award Ceremony 2024
Empowering Partnerships for a Sustainable Water Future Taking Place on Dec 1st 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
SWPC Forum aims to drive the sustainability of the water sector in the Kingdom as well as the wider MENA region
FEATURE
ADVANCING SMART WATER SYSTEMS
Pg. 92 Spanish innovations in digital water management and leak detection technologies are poised to enhance global water efficiency.
OPINION
ADDRESSING PFAS CHALLENGES
Pg. 84 Graham Hawke of TasWater shares strategies to tackle PFAS contamination, ensuring safe drinking water for future generations.
OPINION
EUROPE’S URBAN WATER VISION
Pg. 72 Mariano Blanco of EurEau explores strategies to modernize urban water services for a resilient and circular European future.
INTERVIEW
REDEFINING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Pg. 56 Bentley Systems highlights the transformative role of AI and digital twins in shaping smarter, sustainable water infrastructure.
OPINION
WATER REFORM IN NEW ZEALAND
Pg. 100 Gillian Blythe of Water New Zealand examines the country’s water reforms and funding challenges for sustainable infrastructure.
INTERVIEW
TAILOR-MADE DATA SOLUTIONS
Pg. 64 Stefano Vincenzo De Simone of KISTERS explores how precise data validation ensures operational excellence in urban water utilities.
OPINION
RISK MANAGEMENT IN WATER PROJECTS
Pg. 82 Alfonso González of Agenda21500 explores the transformative impact of robust risk management on the success of infrastructure projects.
INTERVIEW
CLIMATE-RESILIENT WATER STRATEGY
Pg. 114 USAID’s Nancy J. Eslick discusses sustainable water management to address governance, climate change, and global inequalities.
CONTENTS NUMBER 24 -
INTERVIEW
A VISION FOR WATER EQUITY
Pg. 86 Radhika Fox highlights partnerships, resilience, and modern policies to enhance water access and infrastructure sustainability.
PERSON OF THE MONTH
ADVANCING GLOBAL WATER SECURITY
Pg. 104 Retno L.P. Marsudi, appointed first UN Special Envoy on Water, will lead efforts to tackle the global water crisis and achieve SDG 6.
FEATURE
MULTILATERAL SUPPORT FOR WATER
Pg. 24 Multilateral banks play a pivotal role in driving innovation, balancing sustainability, and scaling solutions across the water sector.
THE MAGAZINE FOR THE KEY PLAYERS OF THE WATER
SECTOR
#SWM24
ADVANCING WATER SECURITY IN AFRICA
Pg. 28 Ms Ngako de Foki of AfDB shares insights on the Bank’s water policy, focusing on inclusive growth and transboundary cooperation.
BRIDGING SCOTLAND’S CANALS
Pg. 112 Scotland’s Falkirk Wheel showcases engineering brilliance, efficiency, and sustainability in a world-first rotating boat lift.
OPINION
DIGITAL SHIFT FOR WATER UTILITIES
Pg. 109 Jean-Martin Brault explores digital transformation challenges and opportunities for water utilities in lowincome countries.
DEVASTATING FLOODS STRIKE SPAIN
A flood of unprecedented proportions engulfs Valencia, leaving over 200 dead, dozens missing, and entire towns devastated by water.
The recent floods in Spain’s Valencia region, have exposed the devastating effects of climate change and significant shortcomings in urban and hydrological planning. With over 215 lives lost and dozens still missing, the torrential
rains—now increasingly frequent and intense—overwhelmed an inadequate drainage system, flooding urbanized areas built on natural watercourses. Experts argue that uncontrolled development and a lack of adaptation mea-
sures have worsened the impact of such events. As rescue and reconstruction efforts intensify, there are growing calls for a comprehensive overhaul of urban and climate policies to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
Dozens
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.
© González Cebrián/iAgua
GUSTAVO SALTIEL APPOINT
GUSTAVO SALTIEL NAMED WATER & SANITATION STRATEGIC
ADVISER AT WORLD BANK'S WATER GLOBAL PRACTICE
Saltiel has also led water security projects in Africa, contributing to the growing focus on integrated water management and climate resilience
Gustavo Saltiel has been appointed as Strategic Adviser on Water Supply and Sanitation with the Water Global Practice (Water GP) at the World Bank. In this capacity, Saltiel will contribute to advancing global water security, promoting climate adaptation, and supporting the World Bank’s efforts to achieve universal access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
Commenting on his new role, he said: "I’m grateful to the Water GP, Saroj Kumar Jha, Yogita Mumssen, and Yitbarek Tessema for this opportunity and look forward to supporting the World Bank’s efforts to fast-track global water security, climate adaptation, and universal access to WASH."
Saltiel’s career in the water and sanitation sector spans more than four decades, beginning in the late 1980s when he worked as a sanitary engineer for Argentina’s National Rural Water Service Agency. His early focus was on implementing sustainable water and sanitation systems in rural communities through cooperatives. This experience laid the foundation for his later work in Latin America, where he played a key role in supporting the restructuring of provincial utilities and designing public-private partnerships (PPPs) for water supply and sanitation in Argentina and other countries in the region.
His career at the World Bank began in 2003 when he joined as Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist for Latin America, where he supported sector reforms and utility turnaround projects. His role expanded when he became Sector Leader for Sustainable Development in Mexico.
MENTS _
FLUENTIAL WATER SECTOR ENTITIES
Xylem has named Meredith Emmerich Senior Vice President and President, Applied Water. Emmerich will join Xylem’s senior leadership team, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Pine.
Applied Water is one of Xylem’s four reportable business segments, providing advanced water management solutions for customers in the industrial and commercial buildings markets.
Emmerich succeeds Franz Cerwinka, who will serve as senior advisor until March 2025, to ensure a smooth and orderly transition. Before joining Xylem, Emmerich was Vice President of Carrier Global Corporation’s Global Enterprise Solutions. Since 2013, she has held several senior roles at Carrier, a leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, including leadership of the Americas Commercial HVAC and Global Residential, Light Commercial and VRF HVAC business.
Meredith Emmerich added: “It’s such a privilege to join the Xylem team at a time when the Company is uniquely positioned to accelerate its impact for customers and drive economic value, all while continuing to raise the bar on sustainability.”
Emmerich succeeds Franz Cerwinka, who will serve as senior advisor until March 2025, to ensure a
Prior to joining Carrier, Emmerich held engineering, sales, and product management roles in Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, and in Mitsubishi Telecommunications. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is also an alumna of executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and INSEAD.
CHRISTY BARIL
CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER PROMOTES
CHRISTY BARIL TO DIRECTOR OF WATER QUALITY
Baril earned her bachelor’s degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz and her MBA from the University of Illinois
PAUL REILLY
WSP APPOINTS PAUL REILLY AS PRESIDENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR, UK & IRELAND
Paul’s understanding of WSP’s UK and Ireland business and his commitment to client success make him a great choice to take the reins
California American Water announced the promotion of Christy Baril to the position of Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance. In this role, Baril will oversee all statewide water quality and environmental activities for the company.
Baril brings a wealth of experience in water quality, compliance, operations, rates, and engineering to her new position. Prior to her promotion, she held various roles within the company during her 10 years with California American Water.
“Christy’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the water industry make her an ideal fit for this critical role,” said Garry Hofer, Vice President of Operations for California American Water. “Her leadership will be instrumental in helping ensure that we continue to provide our customers with clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water service.”
As Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, Baril will be responsible for helping ensure the company’s adherence to all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. She will also lead California American Water’s efforts to protect and improve the quality of the water it delivers to its customers.
"I’m thrilled to step into this role and continue my journey in the water industry,” said Baril. “As a woman in this field, I’ve always been driven by a passion for protecting our water resources and helping ensure equitable access to clean water for all. I’m excited to apply my skills and experience to the important work of water quality and environmental compliance.”
WSP, one of the world's leading and largest professional services firms, has announced the appointment of Paul Reilly as President & Managing Director for WSP’s UK & Ireland business, with effect from January 2025. Paul, who has served as Deputy CEO – UK & Ireland, will also join WSP’s Global Leadership Team.
In his new role, Paul will drive WSP’s strategic priorities and client delivery across the UK and Ireland, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities in critical growth markets, including infrastructure, environment, water, property and energy. Since joining WSP in 2022 as Managing Director for Planning & Advisory, Paul progressed to Deputy CEO, demonstrating throughout a strong commitment to WSP's goal to deliver first-in-class sustainable, future-ready solutions for clients and communities.
This announcement coincides with the appointment of Mark Naysmith, currently President for WSP’s EMEIA region, as Global Chief Operating Officer, effective January 2025. With over 35 years at WSP, Mark brings extensive experience and a proven track record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth. In his new role, Mark will oversee global operations, driving growth, financial performance, and collaboration across WSP’s regions worldwide.
Paul Reilly, Deputy CEO for WSP in the UK & Ireland said: “I am honoured to take on this leadership role in the UK & Ireland and to continue building on the solid foundation we’ve established. I look forward to working with our talented teams.”
ZwitterCo has appointed Katariina Majamaa as Vice President of Product Management & Strategy. In this newly created role, Majamaa will lead strategy development and implementation for ZwitterCo’s water and wastewater business, with a key focus on driving the commercialization of the company’s fouling-resistant reverse osmosis (RO) products.
Majamaa brings more than 20 years of global business and technical leadership experience in the water treatment, healthcare, and chemical industries. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Product Management & Marketing at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where she led a global team to deliver high-impact growth programs. Prior to that, Majamaa held senior marketing, product management, and applications development roles at Dow Water & Process Solutions, where she specialized in developing and commercializing innovative products for difficult-to-treat industrial water and water reuse applications. Over her career, she has launched more than 90 products globally.
ZwitterCo CEO and Co-Founder Alex Rappaport said: “Her technical strength and extensive expertise in industrial markets make her uniquely equipped to develop differentiated water treatment products that solve pressing customer challenges. Katariina has shepherded innovation from the earliest technology incubation stages to global scale and market leadership; that experience will be instrumental as we accelerate the growth of our product platform.”
The Chief Executive of South West Water, Susan Davy, has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Water. Susan has championed multiple Graduate and Apprenticeship programmes driving talent across the water industry and believes that to truly transform the sector, investment in people is crucial.
Speaking about her appointment after the Institute of Water’s Annual General Meeting last month, Susan said: “I am often asked why I work in the water sector, and my answer is simple: because it’s too important not to. While the billions we’re investing to upgrade the UK’s water and sewerage systems is a remarkable opportunity, the true story is about the people behind it. Generations of families — fathers, mothers, sons, daughters — have dedicated their lives to this vital work. With 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships being created, we’re welcoming the next generation of water specialists. As technology advances and climate change pressures rise, adaptability and environmental skills will be more crucial than ever. I’m proud to be part of this journey, championing the people and skills that will shape the future of water in the UK.”
Susan’s knowledge of the industry, coupled with her financial and regulatory expertise, has underpinned the development of Pennon’s strategy and resulted it in becoming one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector. The Institute of Water (IWater) seeks to better equip its members to do their day jobs, advocate for the sector and improve the environment and lives of their communities.
KATARIINA MAJAMAA
ZWITTERCO APPOINTS KATARIINA MAJAMAA AS VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY
Majamaa will lead market research, competitive analysis, and pricing strategy while partnering closely with the commercial teams
SUSAN DAVY
SUSAN DAVY ELECTED NEW PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF WATER
Susan Davy will enhance collaboration across the UK water industry and ensure IWater is a valuable resource for water professionals
The 2025 U.S. presidential shift: impact on U.S. water policy and implications for water-related industries
The re-election of Donald Trump is poised to reshape U.S. water policy, moving away from the Biden administration’s sustainability-driven approach. As Trump prioritizes economic growth and deregulation, the water industry faces changes across infrastructure, water quality, and climate policy.
The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 will likely lead to a notable shift in U.S. water policy, steering away from the sustainability-focused initiatives of the Biden administration. This change is expected to reshape key sectors within the water industry — including infrastructure development, water quality standards, climate change strategies, and water utility operations — by prioritizing economic growth and regulatory relaxation over federally driven environmental protections. As the administration pivots toward a market-centred approach, industry stakeholders are preparing to navigate new challenges and opportunities that will likely emerge from this policy shift. Given the scale of these changes, the implications may extend beyond U.S. borders, potentially influencing global standards and investment trends in water management. This article examines the anticipated adjustments in water policy and how various actors – state and local
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Lee Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, to serve as the next administrator of the EPA
governments, utilities and companies –might adapt to this evolving regulatory environment.
Lee Zeldin’s appointment to the EPA
In a pivotal move underscoring this new direction, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Lee Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, to serve as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin, known for his strong legal background and alignment with Trump’s “America First” policies, is set to oversee efforts to reverse many of the environmental regulations enacted during the Biden administration. This includes the potential rollback of key water policies, which could redefine the role of federal oversight in water management and environmental protection.
“Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies,” Trump announced in a statement. “He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards.”
Zeldin’s track record reflects limited experience in environmental policy, though during his tenure in Congress, he supported measures to protect Long Island Sound and joined the Conservative Climate Caucus to promote Republican
Z Alejandro Maceira
engagement in climate policy discussions. However, his overall environmental voting record has drawn criticism, with groups like the League of Conservation Voters assigning him a lifetime score of 14% for his frequent opposition to environmental legislation.
Reacting to his appointment, Zeldin expressed enthusiasm on social media, stating: “We will restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the U.S. the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”
Zeldin’s leadership will be critical in shaping the EPA’s policies under Trump, particularly as the administration emphasizes deregulation and economic growth over federally driven sustainability measures. His appointment is likely to signal a significant
Trump’s first term prioritized deregulation and emphasized economic growth by easing regulatory restrictions on various development projects
shift in how water quality standards, infrastructure investments, and climate change policies are addressed during Trump’s second term.
Infrastructure: transitioning from federal support to private investment
Under the Biden administration, modernizing the nation’s water infrastructure was a priority, with significant federal investments aimed at improving water access, quality, and resilience. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earmarked $3.6 billion in 2024 to upgrade water systems, part of a broader $50 billion commitment. This approach emphasized public health and environmental protection, targeting pressing issues such as lead contamination, ageing pipelines, and enhanced service reliability, particularly in underserved communities.
By contrast, Trump’s first term prioritized deregulation and emphasized economic growth by easing regulatory
Water infrastructure was a priority for the Biden administration, with significant investments going to water access, quality, and resilience
If Trump pursues a deregulatory agenda, water quality standards may lean toward reduced oversight, potentially increasing exposure to contaminants
restrictions on various development projects. His policies included rolling back some protections under the Clean Water Act, narrowing the definition of protected waters, and granting states more control over permitting, effectively expanding areas open for industrial development while reducing federal oversight.
With Trump’s return to office, a shift in financial responsibility for water infrastructure is expected, focusing on state and local authorities and private investors rather than federally funded projects. This could reduce the scope for large-scale federal projects focused on sustainability and resilience, instead favouring projects that promise im -
mediate economic returns. For companies, this shift signals an emphasis on private partner s hips, shorter-term returns, and a reduced focus on environmental impact.
Trump’s approach may also include cutting funding for clean water initiatives, and redirecting efforts to projects aligned with his economic agenda, such as those supporting resource extraction and manufacturing. This emphasis on profitability may sideline projects focused on long-term public health and environmental goals. For stakeholders in infrastructure, this pivot implies a transition to a market-driven model, affecting project priorities, funding availability, and environmental outcomes.
Water quality: balancing deregulation and public health
The Biden administration made water quality a high priority, implementing stringent regulations to address contaminants in drinking water. Notably, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the first national drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”. Additionally, Biden’s EPA pursued a 10-year plan to replace all lead service lines in the U.S., aiming to eliminate lead contamination from the water supply. This initiative formed part of a broader environmental justice agenda focused on vulnerable communities often disproportionately affected by water quality issues.
With less federal support for climate resilience, climate preparedness will rely on state autonomy and market-driven solutions
In contrast, the Trump administration’s approach centred on reducing regulatory burdens for industries, reflecting a preference for economic flexibility over environmental oversight. During his previous term, the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule replaced the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule established under the Obama administration. This new rule redefined “waters of the United States”, effectively removing federal protections for certain small streams, wetlands, and other water bodies, increasing their vulnerability to industrial pollution. This shift has raised concerns about decreased water quality, as contaminants in deregulated areas may flow into larger, connected water systems.
Recent reports suggest that Trump may consider eliminating fluoride from public drinking water, a policy potentially influenced by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fluoridation has long been supported by health authorities as a preventative measure against dental decay, particularly benefiting low-income communities. If pursued, this change would align with Trump’s previous scepticism toward some federal health mandates and could spark a public debate about the potential impacts on public health, particularly for underserved populations.
If Trump pursues a deregulatory agenda, U.S. water quality standards may lean toward reduced oversight, providing industries with greater flexibility but potentially increasing community exposure to harmful contaminants. Local governments and water utilities may have to bear the responsibility for pollution
Lee Zeldin
Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS.
monitoring and mitigation, filling gaps left by reduced federal oversight.
Climate change: adapting to a new regulatory landscape
Addressing climate change was central to Biden’s policy, with substantial efforts directed toward reducing emissions and strengthening resilience against climate-related threats to water security. Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, dedicating $4.9 billion to water security and sanitation infrastructure to prepare communities for challenges such as droughts, floods, and water shortages. His administration promoted green infrastructure and water conservation, with particular emphasis on regions vulnerable to climate pressures like the Western U.S.
In contrast, Trump has historically downplayed climate change concerns, focusing on energy independence and reducing regulatory barriers for fossil fuel industries. His return is expected to bring expanded oil drilling, reduced environmental regulations, and possibly a U.S. exit from international climate agreements. This stance disregards climate-related risks — such as severe droughts and floods — that strain water resources, especially in states like California and Arizona, where water scarcity is a growing concern.
With less federal support for climate resilience, local governments and utilities may face the financial and operational responsibility for preparing for climate impacts. This shift could lead to elevated costs for securing water supplies and adapting infrastructure to severe weather conditions. In this landscape, state and private partnerships may become essential
KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN U.S. WATER POLICY UNDER TRUMP’S ADMINISTRATION
By: González-Cebrián
CHALLENGES:
Environmental Risks from Deregulation: Reduced federal oversight on water quality could lead to increased contamination risks, especially in regions near industrial areas or those dependent on interconnected water systems.
Inconsistent Regulatory Landscape: Variations in state-level regulations may lead to operational ine ciencies and complicate compliance for utilities operating across multiple states.
Funding Gaps for Climate Resilience: With less federal support for climate adaptation projects, local governments and utilities may struggle to fund infrastructure upgrades needed to address droughts, oods, and severe weather.
Public Health Accountability:
Lower regulatory standards for contaminants like PFAS and lead may heighten health risks for vulnerable populations, particularly in underserved communities.
to filling the gap left by reduced federal support for climate resilience. State-level programs and local initiatives could help to fund climate adaptation efforts, but the approach may lead to uneven outcomes across regions, with wealthier states or communities better positioned to adapt than others. This shift signals a reliance
on state autonomy and market-driven solutions, potentially creating disparities in climate preparedness across the U.S.
Impact on water utilities: navigating operational flexibility and risk
Trump’s anticipated deregulation could bring short-term financial relief for wa-
OPPORTUNITIES:
Private Sector Partnerships:
Reduced federal funding could create more space for private investment in water infrastructure projects, particularly those focused on economic e ciency and immediate returns.
Expansion into Global Markets:
With a potentially decreased domestic demand for compliance-driven solutions, U.S. water companies can explore international markets with strict environmental standards, especially in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.
Innovation in Cost-E ective Technologies:
In a more deregulated environment, utilities will need to weigh shortterm cost benefits against potential environmental and public health risks
Emphasizing operational e ciency over regulatory compliance could drive demand for digital tools, such as real-time water monitoring, predictive maintenance, and leak detection, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
Voluntary Sustainability Leadership: Companies choosing to uphold high standards of environmental responsibility can di erentiate themselves, gaining a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
Strategic Adaptations:
Adaptation to Deregulation: Industries can reframe their service o erings to emphasize cost savings and operational e ciency, aligning with market-driven priorities.
Collaborative Solutions:
Partnerships between public and private sectors, as well as state-led initiatives, can help bridge funding and regulatory gaps, particularly in regions vulnerable to water scarcity or ooding.
Focus on Resilience:
Stakeholders can bene t by proactively investing in long-term resilience strategies, preparing for potential shifts back to stricter regulatory policies in the future.
ter utilities by reducing compliance costs and easing federal oversight. This allows utilities more flexibility to redirect resources to other operational priorities, accelerating project approvals and minimizing bureaucratic delays. However, greater operational freedom could also pose long-term risks, particularly for
utilities with ageing infrastructure or those located near industrial zones.
During Trump’s first term, the rollback of certain Clean Water Act provisions allowed states more control over water quality standards, leading to inconsistent regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies across states. While some
utilities saw short-term savings, others incurred higher costs addressing contamination incidents that arose from lenient standards. This underscores a potential downside to deregulation, where immediate savings may eventually be offset by the cost of environmental cleanup.
The anticipated decrease in federal climate resilience funding poses additional challenges for utilities, which may need to secure alternative financing for critical infrastructure vulnerable to extreme weather events. Funding shortages could increase financial strain on utilities in high-risk regions, leading them to seek private partnerships or state grants for necessary improvements.
In a more deregulated environment, utilities will need to weigh short-term cost benefits against the potential environmental and public health risks. Adopting proactive approaches — such as investing in predictive monitoring technologies and diversified funding sources — may help utilities navigate the risks associated with reduced regulatory oversight while continuing to deliver safe and reliable water services.
Reduced federal support for sustainability and climate resilience projects could alter demand within water-related industries
Implications for water-related industries: adjusting to a deregulated landscape
With water policy shifting from federal mandates to private-sector-driven initiatives, various water-related industries may need to adapt. Reduced federal support for sustainability and climate resilience projects could alter demand within sectors such as engineering, water treatment, and digital solutions, moving from compliance-focused solutions to market-driven approaches.
J Engineering and construction firms
With a reduced emphasis on federally mandated projects for green infrastructure and flood resilience, engineering and construction firms may expect fewer public-sector contracts focused on sustainability. Instead, they are likely to seek private-sector partnerships with industries needing efficient, cost-effective solutions for immediate needs. Sectors like resource extraction, which require substantial water management but prioritize cost control, present a promising market.
To counter reduced domestic demand, U.S. firms might expand internationally, targeting regions with strict environmental regulations and growing infrastructure investments. For instance, the European Union and parts of Asia are investing in sustainable infrastructure, providing opportunities for American firms to export expertise in areas like stormwater management and wastewater treatment.
J Water treatment sector
The water treatment industry may also experience lower domestic demand due to relaxed regulations, reducing the need
To counter reduced domestic demand, U.S. firms might expand internationally, targeting regions with strict environmental regulations
Europe and Asia provide opportunities for American firms to export expertise in areas like stormwater management and wastewater treatment
for advanced treatment technologies. However, industries with stringent internal standards — such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and manufacturing — will still require high-quality water treatment solutions.
International markets offer growth opportunities for U.S. water treatment companies. Regions with strict water quality standards, like the EU, Japan, and the Middle East, as well as rapidly urbanizing areas in Africa and Southeast Asia, continue to prioritize water infrastructure improvements. By focusing on these markets, U.S. firms can diversify and offset potential declines in domestic demand.
J Digitalization and technology solutions
Deregulation may decrease demand for compliance-based digital tools in the
U.S., as sectors focused on regulatory reporting may cut investment in such technologies. Nonetheless, digitalization remains crucial for operational efficiency, resource management, and cost control — particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and resource extraction.
The emphasis on cost-effective operations is likely to drive interest in tools that monitor water usage, detect leaks, and support predictive maintenance. By highlighting these economic benefits, digital solution providers can align their products with the administration’s market-focused approach.
Once again, U.S. firms can take advantage of additional opportunities in global markets that do prioritize environmental protection and compliance. The EU’s strong commitment to sustainability supports demand for advanced water management technologies, while emerging economies see value in digital tools that improve water efficiency in sectors like agriculture and urban planning.
J Positioning for growth in a deregulated landscape
For water-related industries, Trump’s policy shift presents both challenges and opportunities. As companies adapt to a deregulated U.S. environment, expanding into international markets with stringent environmental standards offers a way to maintain growth. As described above, engineering, water treatment, and digital technology firms may need to diversify their services, emphasizing cost efficiency domestically while capturing demand in international regions that prioritize sustainable water management.
Navigating this evolving landscape requires adaptability. Some companies may embrace the streamlined regulatory environment, focusing on cost-effective, market-oriented solutions and quick project turnarounds. Others may voluntarily uphold high environmental standards, appealing to a growing public interest in sustainable water management. By balancing economic goals with environmental responsibility, U.S. companies have the potential to lead both in the domestic and global water sectors, positioning themselves for long-term growth.
Focus on cost-effective operations may spark interest in tools for water monitoring, leak detection, and predictive maintenance
Sacramento River at Sacramento, CA.
On the first day of the Spain Smart Water Summit 2024, a session organized by ICEX Spain Export and Investment focused on the strategies of multilateral banks for implementing technological innovations in water utilities.
On the opening day of the Spain Smart Water Summit 2024, held last September in Madrid, ICEX Spain Export and Investment organized a session focused on multilateral banking, offering an overview of the trends and challenges facing technological innovations in water utilities. Experts from multilateral development banks and representatives from water utilities shared insights into the strategies being employed to drive digital transformation across the sector.
Moderated by José María Blasco, Director of Infrastructure, Healthcare, and ICT Division of ICEX Spain Export and Investment, the session provided a comprehensive analysis of how banks are facilitating the implemen-
Florencia Auerbach
Private Finance Operations Senior Specialist (IDB Lab) at Inter-American Development Bank
"AI and ML are essential for making water utilities more sustainable in the long term"
MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS DRIVE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN WATER UTILITIES
tation of cutting-edge technologies, while utility companies discussed their real-world experiences, including the successes and obstacles they have encountered.
Paula Florencia Auerbach, Private Finance Operations Senior Specialist (IDB Lab) at Inter-American Development Bank, focused her presentation on the innovative solutions the Bank is promoting to achieve universal access to safe, efficiently managed water and sanitation services. She explained that the IDB’s strategy is not only to fund these initiatives but also to strengthen the innovation capabilities of service providers, fostering an environment where new technologies can thrive.
Auerbach cited several examples of projects supported by the IDB, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning for detecting fraud, as well as the analysis of satellite data for the detection of water leaks in municipal networks. These technologies, she explained, are instrumental in reducing operational losses, optimizing resource management, and making water utilities more sustainable over the long term.
One standout example Auerbach discussed was the support provided to Brixsan, a Peruvian company that develops biological cleaning products aimed at improving sanitation in underserved areas. Through initiatives like this, the IDB demonstrates its commitment to creating innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges in the water and sanitation sectors. Furthermore, Auerbach stressed the importance of building a robust foundation of knowledge to
Paula
accelerate the adoption of new technologies, noting that public recognition of innovative efforts helps foster a culture of ongoing improvement in the sector.
Fabián Cazar, Manager of Water and Sanitation at ETAPA EP in Ecuador, spoke about the critical role multilateral banks play in helping utilities implement these technologies. He stressed that their experience and technical knowledge are essential in navigating the complexities of the constantly evolving technology landscape. Cazar highlighted the ongoing digital transformation of Cuenca’s potable water and sewer systems, a project heavily supported by multilateral organizations. This initiative includes implementing real-time monitoring systems, data analysis for leak detection using AI, and satellite
Fabián Cazar Manager of Water
and
Sanitation at ETAPA EP in Ecuador
"Multilateral banks are key in helping public utilities implement these technologies"
imaging to enhance operational efficiency. The project aims to address the issue of non-revenue water (NRW), which currently accounts for 38% of the water distributed in the area, with a target to reduce it to 30% by 2030. Future strategies will involve the use of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to further minimize water loss and improve overall system performance.
Jeanne-Astrid Ngako de Foki, Manager, Water Security and Sanitation, West Africa, Division at the African Development Bank, addressed the enormous opportunities and challenges that Africa faces as its population continues to grow rapidly. By 2100, Africa is expected to account for nearly 40% of the global population, which will place significant stress on the continent’s water resources and sanitation systems. Ngako emphasized
that the bank’s water strategy focuses on ensuring water security across Africa by investing in smarter, more resilient water systems. She explained that these efforts are not just about providing access to water, but also about ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably to support economic growth and development.
Projects funded by the African Development Bank include the creation of intelligent systems to enhance operational efficiency, as well as initiatives aimed
The session provided an overview of the trends and challenges in implementing technological innovations in water utilities
Text: Olivia Tempest
Photos: González-Cebrián
Several multilateral banks shared their strategies for promoting the adoption of innovations
in their client countries
at ensuring water for energy production and addressing the water needs of both urban and rural areas. Ngako also stressed the importance of building resilience to climate change through the implementation of early warning systems for natural disasters and by improving water infrastructure across the continent.
Jean-Martin Brault, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, Latin America and Caribbean Region, World Bank, delved into the ongoing challenges water utilities face in adopting digital technologies. Despite the clear benefits of digitalization, Brault noted that only a small portion of water utilities have developed formal strategies or allocated budgets specifically for digital initiatives. Most utilities are still focused on collecting basic data on flow and pressure, with only a few using advanced tools such as big data analytics or artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance or performance optimization.
To help utilities accelerate their digital transformation, Brault explained that the World Bank has developed several initiatives, including “Digital Starter” and “Digital Week,” which assess the digital maturity of utilities and provide targeted training, expert consultations, and field visits. These programs are designed to help utilities identify specific challenges and gaps in their technological infrastructure and develop a roadmap for improvement.
Brault also underscored the importance of collaboration between water service providers and regulators, noting that both face similar challenges, particularly with the explosion of data and the rapid pace of technological advancements. He emphasized that addressing these challenges requires a shift in the traditional culture within utilities, focusing on modernizing work processes, improving customer interactions, and leveraging technology to enhance billing
and revenue collection. Brault concluded by stressing that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technol-
Manager, Water Security and Sanitation, West Africa, Division, African Development Bank
"Our strategy focuses on ensuring water security in Africa through investments in smarter, more resilient water systems"
Jeanne-Astrid Ngako de Foki
ogies; it is about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across all stakeholders.
Jean-Martin Brault
Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean Region at the World Bank
"Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but also about fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among stakeholders"
Water operators shared the challenges, opportunities, and success stories within their organizations in the field of innovation
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, where panelists discussed the importance of scaling innovative solutions across the water sector. Paula Auerbach explained that the IDB’s approach is to start with pilot projects and scale them once successful, but this requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the local context. Jean-Martin Brault highlighted the need to adapt solutions that work in one country to fit the specific needs of another, which can help accelerate the transfer of knowledge. Ngako emphasized the importance of balancing affordability with profitability when implementing new technologies, particularly in regions where water access is still a significant challenge. All panelists agreed that the private sector has a crucial role to play in driving innovation, while multilateral
banks are essential in mitigating risks and providing financial and technical support to ensure the success of these projects.
This session showed that multilateral banks are playing a key role not only in financing projects, but also in strengthening innovation capacities, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that balances innovation, sustainability and affordability, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and climate resilience.
The session demonstrated that multilateral banks are essential for mitigating risks and providing financial and technical support
“Digitalization and AI are key enablers for developing the water sector faster, further while addressing the realities of the African continent”
JEANNE-ASTRID NGAKO DE FOKI - MANAGER, WATER SECURITY AND SANITATION, WEST AFRICA, DIVISION, AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
In 2021, the African Development Bank approved a groundbreaking Policy on Water, designed to enhance Africa’s water security and leverage the continent’s water assets for sustainable, green, and inclusive socio-economic growth. This policy emphasizes the need for strengthened knowledge on water risks and innovative approaches to address technical, financing, and governance challenges.
Africa Region, responsible for a USD 1 billion portfolio of ongoing operations.
What are the primary goals of the African Development Bank’s water strategy in addressing the challenges of water security across the continent?
At the core of the Bank’s Water Policy are key pillars such as achieving water security at household, national, and regional levels; implementing Integrated Water Resources Management; expanding access to water services; and fostering transboundary water resource management. We had the privilege of sitting down with Jeanne-Astrid Ngako de Foki, Manager, Water Security and Sanitation, West Africa, Division, African Development Bank, to explore how the Bank’s Water Strategy, underpinned by its four strategic objectives, is positioning the institution as the premier partner for achieving water security in Africa.
Please tell us briefly about your background and role at the African Development Bank.
"The Bank promotes government and private investment in Africa through policy reforms and dialogue and provides technical assistance"
During my childhood, our regular family vacations in our native village of Bafou, in the grasslands of western Cameroon, allowed me to experience the daily challenges of fetching water from the well or the backwater located a certain distance from the family home. This heavy daily constraint led early to my drive to ensure sustainable access to water in Africa, and a vision for all humans to have sustainable access to basic services such as drinking water. My studies and career choices have been built around this. I hold a dual MSc in Water & Environment Engineering from the French National School for Water and Environmental Engineering (ENGEES), an MSc in Water Management from Cranfield University in the UK, and a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD. Before joining the African Development Bank Group, I worked for about 10 years in SUEZ, a global company in water and environment, where I successfully held senior positions in operational, business and corporate.
Today, my role at the African Development Bank Group is the convergence of two of my passions: Water and Africa. I am currently the Manager of the Water Development and Sanitation Division, West
Aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063, the overall objective of the African Development Bank Group is to provide financing to African countries, individually and collectively, for projects that will effectively contribute to their economic and social development, particularly projects that can improve the living conditions of the population. The Bank promotes government and private investment in Africa through policy reforms and dialogue and provides technical assistance and knowledge products needed in Africa.
The Bank Group’s Policy on Water aims to improve Africa’s water security and transform its water assets to foster sustainable, green and inclusive socio-economic growth and development. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), to attain this goal, the Bank’s Water Strategy (20212025) focuses on four strategic targets: (i) achieving integrated and sustainable management of water resources, (ii) strengthening the delivery of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services, (iii) increasing the availability of sustainable water resources for food production and nutrition, and (iv) increasing the sustainable development of water for energy by exploiting its hydropower potential.
The Bank is delivering the strategy through different initiatives. For example,
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the Bank financed USD 270 million for the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Program called “INCLUSIVE” which is under implementation in six States in the Northeast of Nigeria: Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. It is a multi-sectoral programme that aims to improve the quality of life by increasing access of the poor and vulnerable to basic social services in water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and education; livelihood opportunities; food security and strengthened safety net systems; for an estimated targeted population of 14 million people. The target population includes 2,032 small and medium-sized enterprises (79% women) to be reached to develop and enhance their businesses, and 2,000 unskilled youth to be trained in economic skills for employment and job creation. My recent visit in October 2024 to Bauchi and Borno States allowed me to appreciate with my own eyes the great impact that the INCLUSIVE programme has on people, especially the most vulnerable.
How does the bank ensure that water resources are managed sustainably while also supporting economic growth and development in African nations? Global water challenges are placing more pressure on water managers and the communities they serve than ever before. Issues like water affordability, scarcity, resilience in the face of severe weather patterns from climate change, and water quality concerns are impacting water systems and citizens all over the world. In urban areas, 2 out of 5 people still lack safely managed drinking water, 2 out of 3 people lack
"Issues like water affordability, scarcity and water quality concerns are impacting water systems and citizens all over the world"
safely managed sanitation, and half the population lacks basic hygiene services.
The Bank Group’s objective is to contribute to the sustainable economic development and social progress of the African countries. Sustainably managed water resources are essential in achieving this. Quality at entry, good governance and inclusiveness are part of the requirements embedded in the Bank’s dialogue and processes along water project cycles.
The Bank promotes quality at entry through solid technical and environmental and social studies, well-designed and climate-resilient infrastructure, and bankable projects that will attract co-financing from partners and the private sector. The Bank encourages nature-based solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure projects by leveraging smart, innovative and greener technologies that make better and more sustainable use of water. The African
Water Facility and the Project Preparation Fund are mechanisms operationalized under the African Development Bank Group that financially support the development of bankable projects for the sustainable and beneficial use of water resources.
The Bank Group also promotes good water governance based on legal, regulatory and institutional reforms as countries and regional bodies need institutional and technical capacities to implement water sector projects and optimize investments to make them sustainable. The Bank supports Governments to shape, implement and enforce good governance. Benin is developing an enabling environment through strong water sector reforms (including tariff reforms) that have resulted in affermage contracts transferring the management of rural water supply schemes from local communities to solid private operators
"The Bank Group’s objective is to contribute to the sustainable economic development and social progress of the African countries"
in the country while improving service quality standards, accountability and sustainability. Bank projects under preparation will help the Government to further develop this enabling environment in urban and rural areas for sustainability.
Inclusiveness is a key prerequisite for sustainable water resources management. The Bank Group strongly advocates for national governments to deeply and periodically consult and inform all stakeholders at all stages of the project cycle while emphasizing the participation of women, youth and other marginalized groups. The Bank Group also directly engages at both national and local levels with all stakeholders including civil society, private sector and development partners as seen in consultations during the two-fold dialogue mission for the Country Strategy Paper extension and performance review in Niger, led by the Bank’s Director General of West Africa
Region, Mr Lamin Barrow, in November 2024. It is also important to note that the Bank Group’s Gender Marker System has systematized gender mainstreaming in business processes since 2017.
Can you elaborate on the intelligent systems being developed to enhance operational efficiency in water management? How do these systems work in practice? Intelligent systems can significantly enhance operational efficiency in water management through various innovative approaches, for example, with demand forecasting, they utilize data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict water demand patterns, enabling more accurate resource allocation and minimizing waste.
Also, Real-Time Monitoring, IoT sensors and smart meters provide real-time data on water usage, quality, and pressure levels. This data allows water utilities to
detect leaks, monitor pipe conditions, and respond promptly to anomalies. Using Automated Control Systems, Intelligent systems can automate the operation of water treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution networks, optimizing flow rates and energy consumption while maintaining service quality. With groundwater becoming more and more vulnerable to changes in quantity and quality, better management of groundwater resources is also key to ensuring their protection from exploitation and pollution. Currently, the main bottleneck for sound groundwater resource management in Africa is the existing lack of data on aquifers. So, data collection systems and analytical tools to process this data into information to support decision-making for groundwater management are also necessary, such as modelling tools and digitalization.
I would like to stress that most aquifers in Africa are transboundary, so to ensure groundwater resources are managed adequately, there needs to be transboundary cooperation for data collection and management at the river basin organizations level.
Advanced data management platforms can integrate information from various sources (e.g., weather, historical usage, and infrastructure status) to provide a holistic view of the water system, facilitating better decision-making at local, national and river basin organizations levels.
There are several others, such as predictive maintenance which allows the analysis of historical and real-time data to
"The Bank encourages NBS and climate-resilient infrastructure projects by leveraging smart, innovative and greener technologies"
@González-Cebrián/SWM
predict when infrastructure components are likely to fail, allowing for proactive maintenance that reduces downtime and repair costs, water quality monitoring to continuously monitor water quality parameters using sensors, ensuring compliance with health standards and providing early warning of contamination events, water bill collection and consumer engagement tools through which mobile applications and web platforms help consumers monitor their water usage in real-time, encouraging conservation and allowing for better communication between water providers and consumers.
What specific strategies are being employed to address the differing water needs of urban versus rural populations in Africa?
The Bank’s Water Strategy supports universal access to water in both rural and urban areas. The Bank Group is taking a service-oriented approach instead of infrastructure, taking into consideration affordability and sustainability conditions. The Bank Group is also utilising governance and planning mechanisms and tools which are adapted to the specific needs of populations.
How is the African Development Bank integrating climate change resilience into its water projects? Can you provide examples of successful initiatives? The Bank, guided by its Water Strategy, works to improve water security and re-
silience in Africa by supporting inclusive, sustainable, well-governed service delivery and management of water resources. In Sierra Leone, this approach has helped to raise financing for the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping project. The project cost is estimated at USD 180 million with an initial contribution of USD 13 million from the Bank Group and co-financing from development partners such as the Kuwait Fund, the OPEC Fund and the Green Climate
Fund (GCF). In September 2024, an additional USD 5 million was approved by the Bank’s Climate Action Window.
The objective of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping project is to increase the capacity to adapt to climate-induced hazards, through enhanced climate information systems. The interventions under the project seek to improve access to climate information services, establish and operationalize a multi-hazard early warning system to
"The Bank advocates for national governments to deeply and periodically consult and inform all stakeholders at all stages of the project cycle"
strengthen disaster risk reduction, and deliver timely and useful climate information thereby mitigating the loss of lives and livelihoods particularly impacting vulnerable populations, and preventing environmental and social losses resulting from extreme climate-related disasters.
What role do partnerships with other organizations and governments play in the bank’s water strategy? How do these collaborations enhance project outcomes?
"The Bank engages at both national and local levels with all stakeholders including civil society, private sector and development partners"
@González-Cebrián/SWM
The Bank works with governments and regional organizations in alignment with national and regional strategies and policies, and the Bank Group’s water strategy. This results in stronger advocacy and policy influence.
In addition, partnerships with other organizations allow the Bank Group to leverage expertise and best practices from other perspectives. It also enables the Bank Group to pool resources and funding from various stakeholders, in-
cluding international donors, non-governmental organisations, government agencies and the private sector which aids in scaling up successful projects across different regions or countries, as well as amplifying the impact of project outcomes and sustainability. Partnerships also help leverage each party’s comparative advantage as in the case of the African Water Facility within the Bank’s water department, which might focus on enhancing project readiness,
@González-Cebrián/SWM
while other development partners focus on downstream investment.
In what ways does the African Development Bank involve local communities in the planning and implementation of water projects to ensure they meet the needs of those they serve?
The Bank’s process ensures that local communities, and more broadly civil society’s engagement, are systematically mainstreamed into its operations
"Most aquifers in Africa are transboundary, so to ensure groundwater resources are managed adequately, there needs to be transboundary cooperation"
Looking ahead to 2100, what is your vision for water security in Africa, and what critical steps do you believe are necessary to achieve that vision?
throughout the project life cycle from identification to preparation. This is to enrich the design of operations, promote transparency and increase stakeholders’ effective and efficient participation.
Local communities are also part of WASH committees to be created and trained even before the construction of infrastructure. Engaging civil society organisations further helps to ensure inclusivity so that hard-to-reach or often marginalised beneficiaries such as youth and women, are consulted in project design and implementation.
The African Development Bank’s Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) also provides direct access to project-affected people so that they can raise concerns directly with the Bank’s decision-makers. The IRM operates independently of the Bank’s management and reports directly to the Board of Directors, ensuring the impartiality of its actions to build trust. The Bank Group values feedback from stakeholders, such as local communities, seeking to learn from them to improve projects,
"Currently, the main bottleneck for sound groundwater resource management in Africa is the existing lack of data on aquifers"
raise standards, minimise disputes and enhance sustainable development outcomes for all.
How does the African Development Bank measure the success and impact of its water projects? What key performance indicators do you use?
The Bank Group’s Results Measurement Framework (RMF) for the period 20162025 is designed to measure and enhance development impact. The RMF uses four levels to track the Bank’s performance in meeting its development objectives: development progress across Africa, the Bank’s contributions towards development in all its operations, the quality of the Bank’s operations, and the Bank’s efficiency as an organisation. The Independent Development Evaluation Department also undertakes periodic evaluations of the Bank’s implementation of the Water Policy that focuses on the extent of the relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the Bank’s assistance to the water sector, and the sustainability of the benefits of the support.
Within the framework of its interventions, the Bank’s monitoring systems include indicators focused on water security dimensions such as availability and quality, demand, economic, social and environmental benefits, pressure from climatic variability and human activities, level of attainment of water security, and access to sector-specific water services, among others.
By 2100, Africa’s population is projected to reach nearly 40% of the world’s population, rising to at least 4.5 billion people. Africa currently has the fastest growing middle class in the world while the urbanization rate is very high. Africa’s population is also young and growing rapidly and one in three young people aged 15 to 29 will live in Africa in 2050. The continent is the soonto-be world’s largest workforce and has the potential to transform into a strong global economic powerhouse. However, climate-related stresses are increasing in magnitude and intensity. As a result, existing infrastructure and water services are under strain.
I believe digitalization and artificial intelligence are key enablers for developing the water sector faster, further, and in a bolder way while effectively addressing the realities of the African continent. Digitalization and AI should support network and service extension in remote areas and the optimization of both investment and operation and maintenance costs, network performance, water utility performance, water quality, and customer service including bill collection to cite just a few. The private sector, including startups, has an important role to play, not only in providing the much-needed capital investment through Public Private Partnerships, but also in providing innovation, know-how, and expertise, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency, lowering operating costs, raising revenues, conserving, and recovering scarce resources, and increasing resilience to climate risks, among other areas.
My vision is that by 2050, well before 2100, all humans must be empowered to become actors in their future through first sustainable access to basic services such as drinking water.
WORLD TOILET DAY 2024: AN URGENT COMMITMENT TO SAFE SANITATION
World Toilet Day, celebrated every November 19, brings attention to a crisis affecting billions worldwide: the lack of access to safe sanitation. The 2024 campaign, under the slogan “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” highlights the severe impact of poor sanitation systems on health, security, and human dignity.
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World Toilet Day, commemorated each November 19, has become a symbol of the global fight for dignified and safe sanitation. This year’s campaign, titled “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” underscores how broken or inadequate sanitation systems affect people’s lives and emphasizes the importance of sustainable sanitation for a healthy and stable society.
Despite progress in other development areas, the world faces a significant sanitation crisis. According to WHO/ UNICEF data, 3.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services, nearly half of the global population. Among them, 419 million still practice open defecation, a practice that threatens health and human dignity and contributes to the contamination of water sources and soil. The absence of safe toilets has severe public health consequences, facilitating the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever, especially affecting the most vulnerable segments of society.
Through Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, the UN has set the objective to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030. However, progress is slow, and the target is increasingly difficult to achieve. For millions of people, a safe and private toilet remains a luxury. As noted by the organization, the lack of safe toilets compromises peace and sta-
bility, as sanitation is essential for a dignified life and people’s health.
Toilets: a place for peace and security
This year’s campaign emphasizes that the toilet is more than just a facility; it is a place of peace and security for communities. In contexts of conflict or natural disasters, with approximately 2,000 million people living in unstable areas due to either factor, according to OCHA data, sanitation services are often among the first infrastructure to be destroyed or deteriorated. When this happens, untreated human waste pollutes the environment, increasing the risk of disease. According to UNICEF, children living in conflict zones are three times more likely to practice open defecation and eight times more likely to lack access to clean water compared to those in stable settings, underscoring a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. Moreover,
the deterioration of basic services also contributes to forced displacement and insecurity in affected regions.
In this regard, the UN reminds us that attacks on civilian infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, are violations of international humanitarian law. In war zones, these facilities suffer damage that impacts both local communities and displaced people, who are forced to rely on unsafe or makeshift sources.
Additionally, in the context of climate change, increasingly frequent and devastating extreme weather events pose a severe threat to sanitation systems. Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and droughts damage sanitation infrastructure, destroy toilets and pipelines, and release faecal waste into the environment. The World Health Assembly, the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization, has declared climate change an imminent threat to global health. In fact, according to the World Bank, 70% of all deaths related to natural disasters over the past fifty years have been due to water-related disasters.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has implemented Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for All (WASH) programmes to provide durable and sustainable services to communities
World Toilet Day 2024 highlights how broken or inadequate sanitation systems impact people’s lives and their importance for society
in emergency and post-conflict situations, helping them rebuild and establish safer living conditions.
In light of these realities, resilience has become a priority in sanitation policies. The IOM works in coordination with local and international actors to strengthen the capacity of sanitation systems to respond and adapt to climatic events. This includes building safe toilets in disaster-prone areas and developing infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme conditions, thus ensuring that sanitation services remain accessible even in times of crisis.
Sanitation, public health, and the toilet as a symbol of progress and dignity
Access to safe sanitation not only prevents disease but also protects people’s psychological and social well-being. According to
the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 million lives could be saved each year with improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), illustrating the significant impact of safe sanitation. However, in areas where sanitation systems are inadequate or non-existent, untreated wastewater pollutes water sources and
The lack of safe toilets has serious public health consequences, as it facilitates the spread of deadly diseases, affecting the most vulnerable
@González-Cebrián/SWM
@González-Cebrián/SWM
This year’s campaign emphasizes that a toilet is more than just a facility; it is a place of peace and security for communities
crops, increasing the spread of diseases, some of which can be fatal.
According to the UN, a safe sanitation system should involve a series of stages: containment, transport, treatment, and disposal or reuse of waste. This approach not only protects health but also allows treated waste to be used to generate energy or as agricultural fertilizer. This system is especially needed in communities experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization, where untreated wastewater has become a constant threat. Currently, 42% of domestic wastewater is not adequately treated, posing harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Moreover, access to a safe toilet is essential for social progress and gender equity. In many countries, the lack of sanitation disproportionately affects women and girls, who are vulnerable to attacks and harassment when they must seek isolated places to meet their needs. The UN warns that the absence of adequate sanitation facilities limits girls’ school attendance and women’s employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty and inequality. The right to sanitation also implies that all people should have access to hygienic and private facilities in every part of their lives, from home to school and work.
Unfortunately, institutional neglect and lack of funding for sanitation remain ongoing challenges. The UN states that “increased investment in sanitation systems and the essential personnel required
3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation services, including 419 million who practice open defecation.
THE CURRENT REALITY OF ACCESS TO WATER AND SANITATION
By González-Cebrián - Source: UNICEF
2.2 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water services, including 115 million who rely on surface water.
for their operation provides many additional benefits, such as the provision of a fundamental basic service that supports a clean and resilient society and economy, while also driving economic and social stability by creating decent work opportunities.” However, governments still fail to prioritize, ideally, the infrastructure
2 billion people lack basic hygiene services, with 653 million having no facilities at all.
and investment needed to guarantee access to and resilience of these services within their policies.
The global challenge toward 2030
The UN urges governments and international organizations to intensify efforts to ensure universal sanitation by
Improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene could save 1.4 million lives per year.
Approximately 1,000 children under the age of 5 die every day due to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and lack of hygiene.
Children under 15 living in countries a ected by prolonged con ict are, on average, nearly three times more likely to die from diarrheal diseases caused by a lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene than from direct violence.
World Toilet Day 2024 is not only an opportunity for society to reflect on the importance of these essential services but also for everyone — from small communities to governments — to understand that collaboration is fundamental to achieving sanitation goals. Additionally, young people and educational institutions play a key role in promoting hygiene practices and raising awareness about sanitation-related rights.
It is necessary to remember, once again, the importance of ensuring that everyone, without exception, has access to safe and dignified sanitation services. The vision of a world where toilets are a space of peace, protection, and progress requires commitment and coordinated action. The sanitation crisis is a barrier to human development, and resolving it is essential to building more just, healthy, and sustainable societies.
The countdown to 2030 is underway, and only through concerted global efforts will it be possible to close the sanitation gap. Investing in universal access to sanitation not only saves lives but also lays the foundation for a better future for all.
Water-related disasters dominate the list of disasters over the last 50 years and account for 70% of all deaths related to natural disasters
increasing investment in sustainable infrastructure, implementing strict regulations, and promoting technologies that make sanitation systems more efficient and accessible. The success of these initiatives will depend on political will and international cooperation to ensure that no one is left behind.
2024 ON TRACK TO BE HOTTEST YEAR YET
The year 2024 is poised to be the warmest year on record after an extended streak of exceptionally high monthly global mean temperatures, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
2024 is set to become the hottest year on record, with global mean surface air temperatures from January to September 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, driven by rising greenhouse gases and a warming El Niño, according to the WMO.
This marks 2015–2024 as the warmest decade ever recorded. The WMO warns of escalating climate impacts, including severe weather, rising sea levels, glacier loss, and record ocean heat. UN Secretary-General António Guterres empha-
sized the toll on vulnerable populations, calling for urgent emissions cuts and enhanced adaptation measures. While temporary spikes above 1.5°C do not yet signal failure of the Paris Agreement, every fraction of warming increases risks.
SWPC Forum 2024: Empowering Partnerships for a Sustainable Water Future
Designed to unite decision-makers from across the globe, the Forum aims to spark collaboration and innovation to address the growing challenges of water security in Saudi Arabia, the MENA region and beyond. The Forum is a unique opportunity to explore actionable solutions for sustainable water management while forming partnerships that transcend national boundaries. SWPC has meticulously crafted the event to be more than just a conference. It represents a shared commitment to advancing water infrastructure and management in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This vision prioritizes sustainable resource management across sectors, placing water security as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s development agenda. The event has an impressive roster of over 30 sponsors, including industry leaders such as Acwa Power, AlJomaih Energy and Water, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, Taqa, Amiantit, Engie, Samsung E&A, and many other sponsors.
The event is open to the public, and registration is mandatory via www.swpc. sa/en/forum
SWPC is a key driver of progress in the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, playing a leading role in public-private partnerships (PPP) to ensure water security and efficiency. With a portfolio that includes 12 operational projects, seven currently under construction, nine in the tendering stages, and 22 in planning, SWPC’s efforts are transforming water infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. The company’s flagship initiatives include an expansive pipeline network spanning nearly 10,000 kilometres, a vital component of ensuring uninterrupted water supply
On December 1, 2024, SWPC will host the Empowering Partnerships for a Sustainable Water Future Forum at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh. This landmark event will bring together over 500 attendees, including more than one hundred CEOs, leading experts, managing directors, and over seventy government officials, representing one of the most comprehensive gatherings of stakeholders in the water sector.
in the country’s arid landscape. These projects embody the innovation and determination required to overcome environmental and logistical challenges while building a robust and resilient water management system.
The Forum will set the stage with opening remarks by SWPC leadership and a keynote address that will highlight the event’s theme, “Empowering Partnerships for Sustainable Progress.”
Throughout the day, participants will have the chance to explore SWPC’s strategic objectives and learn about the pivotal role of local resources and expertise in driving development. The event will also showcase two critical presentations.
The first, conducted by Abdullah bin Tuwaym, Chief Transactions Officer, and Eng. Amer A. Alrajiba, Chief Planning Officer, where they will provide a comprehensive overview of SWPC’s current and upcoming projects. The second, led by VP of Business Development Mohammed Alhadi and Executive Director Mohammed Alyousif, where it will focus on SWPC’s expanded service offerings, shedding light on their significance for the Kingdom’s water infrastructure and future planning.
Adding to the depth of the Forum will be the signing of over ten Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between SWPC and key stakeholders. These MoUs reflect a shared commitment to leveraging private sector expertise, fostering innovation, and strengthening water infrastructure. They will formalize partnerships designed to ensure sustainable resource management and drive progress across the Kingdom’s water sector.
The Forum will also feature engaging panel discussions designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the
water industry. One panel, moderated by SWPC CEO Eng. Khaled AlQureshi, it will focus on strategies to maximize inter-agency cooperation, exploring how government entities can overcome bureaucratic obstacles to achieve impactful results. Another discussion will dive into the complexities of tendering processes within water infrastructure projects, offering insights into enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Complementing the panel discussions are seven specialized workshops designed to deliver hands-on knowledge for specific stakeholders, including developers, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms, and
This high-profile event will bring together over 500 attendees, including more than one hundred CEOs, leading experts, and managing directors
For attendees, the Forum will provide a platform to engage with SWPC’s most ambitious projects to date, with insights on strategic objectives
financial experts. The workshops will provide targeted learning opportunities tailored to address key areas of water infrastructure development:
J Workshop 1: Partnering for Success – Developers & SWPC. This session is tailored for developers, focusing on building successful partnerships with SWPC. Participants will gain insights into collaboration dynamics, project lifecycle management, and strategies for aligning their goals with SWPC’s objectives.
J Workshop 2: PPP Legislation. This workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and practical considerations involved in Public-Private Partnerships, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate this crucial framework effectively.
J Workshop 3: Building Saudi Arabia’s Water Infrastructure with Top EPC Companies. Designed for EPC firms, this session will explore strategies for constructing robust water infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Participants will learn about overcoming project challenges
Among SWPC’s flagship initiatives is a pipeline network, covering nearly 10,000 kilometres, pivotal to securing an uninterrupted water supply
ities of off-take agreements and drive sustainable water infrastructure development.
J Workshop 6: Practices for Sustainable Development – The SWPC Experience. Focused on SWPC’s sustainable development practices, this session provides insights into the innovative approaches the organization employs to promote sustainability across the water sector.
vations in water management, offering attendees a chance to interact with cutting-edge tools that are shaping the industry’s future.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event is the prestigious SWPC Awards Ceremony, Under the patronage of H.E Eng. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. This ceremony celebrates excellence in the water sector, recognizing outstanding achievements in categories such as Operational Excellence, Reliability, and Project Execution. Opening remarks by SWPC CEO Eng. Khaled AlQureshi will set the tone for the evening, followed by a gala dinner that will provide a celebratory yet relaxed atmosphere for fostering deeper connections and collaborations.
and implementing successful collaboration strategies.
J Workshop 4: Financing Water Solutions. Targeted at investment professionals and financial planners, this workshop delves into funding mechanisms, risk management, and financial planning tailored to Saudi Arabia’s water security goals.
J Workshop 5: Offtake Long-Term Partnership. This workshop serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and exploring innovative solutions in the water sector. Participants will learn the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complex-
J Workshop 7: SWPC Comprehensive Services. This workshop offers a deep dive into the comprehensive services provided by SWPC, showcasing how these integrated solutions support the development and management of water projects across Saudi Arabia and enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.
SWPC Forum is designed to be more than just a learning experience — it is a platform for meaningful networking. Attendees will have ample opportunities to connect with industry leaders, government officials, and potential collaborators through structured networking sessions. An exhibition space featuring over 35 exhibitors will further enhance the experience by showcasing the latest technologies and inno -
SWPC Forum and Awards Ceremony offers a rare and invaluable opportunity for top-tier dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders in sustainable water management. Sponsors of the event will enjoy exclusive access to networking opportunities, including VIP sessions, private luncheons, and the gala dinner. They will also gain prominent visibility through branding at keynote sessions and workshops, as well as prime exhibition space to showcase their innovations. Sponsors will have the opportunity to attend the workshops, sharing their expertise with an influential audience. SWPC invites interested sponsors to contact the organization directly to tailor sponsorship packages that maximize their impact at this pivotal event.
The seven workshops are designed to deliver handson knowledge for specific stakeholders: developers, EPC firms, and financial experts
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF REMOTE, ONLINE WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND REAL-TIME DATA FOR UTILITIES
GARRY TABOR - DIRECTOR-SMART WATER SOLUTIONS
ROBERT WURM - DIRECTOR OF SALES-WATER QUALITY INTERNATIONAL
“We see ourselves as true partners to utilities, working alongside them to develop solutions that ensure high quality water that benefits all”
Water quality monitoring throughout your water distribution system is one of the most important areas for water utilities to focus on, as it correlates to minimizing water loss, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring public health and safety.
Garry Tabor, Director-Smart Water Solutions and Robert Wurm, Director of Sales-Water Quality International bring a combined 50 years of experience to Badger Meter. Prior to joining Badger Meter, Tabor was with ATi, now a Badger Meter brand, where he worked to provide analytical sensor monitoring solutions for water and gas applications to customers across the world. Wurm comes to Badger Meter following a career at some of the top water quality
"Smart digital sensor solutions placed in-network to monitor water quality provide the insights needed to ensure consistent quality"
optical sensing technology companies including s::can, now a Badger Meter brand. In this Q&A, both gentlemen use their expertise to share insights on the transformative power of remote, online and real-time data for utilities.
While water utilities must process, monitor and meet certain regulatory water quality requirements at a plant before sending final treated water into the distribution system, they also have to measure quality at the pretreatment stage, which is often affected by localized environmental changes. At the end of treatment, this now high-quality water enters the water distribution network and is regarded as stable, although ingress of chemical compounds, and environmental contaminants such as from farming and industrial sources, together with common pipeline construction
materials, can affect water quality as it flows through the network. To safeguard quality within distribution networks, water is spot tested using handheld grab sampling methods that have been employed since the 1960’s. These methods are time-consuming, costly to operate and do not offer any real-time value to a utility.
By contrast, smart digital sensor solutions placed in-network to monitor water quality provide the essential insights needed to ensure the quality of the water a utility puts into the network is consistently maintained up to the point that it reaches the tap in real-time. When sensors are strategically deployed in the drinking water distribution network, the insights can be used to respond swiftly and limit disruption of service should water quality levels drop below a predefined threshold. These cellular-enabled, low-powered water quality sensors provide real-time, accurate high-resolution water quality data. This data is also useful to manage public health concerns if water quality becomes compromised, pinpointing the location of a contamination event.
Why is water quality monitoring across the complete water cycle important?
Garry Tabor (G.T.): If you think about monitoring, and specifically analytical monitoring of water quality in any aspect of water treatment, it’s fair to say that historically we know a lot about the process of abstraction of water, whether it be volume or the quality of that water we are extracting.
Once water arrives inside the treatment plant, it has to be treated and prepared for the public. We’re pretty good at that process, too. Pretreatment challenges from the environment and new pollutants create many future treatment challenges, but we are learning to evolve with them.
Water quality instrumentation is focused very much on process control of
all the different methodologies we use to polish the water, filter the water, and disinfect the water. The final part of this process is the journey from the water treatment plant to the tap. This is the one part of the journey where our ability to ensure water quality is maintained to standards has failed to keep pace with digital smart water technology innovation.
Even in 2024, we know remarkably little about this journey and what happens to the water before it reaches your tap, and what’s become apparent to everybody in the water sector over the last 10 years is that we need to pay much closer attention to this critical part of the process. Failure to act here poses an existential risk to our current model of utility drinking water.
Aging infrastructure is a major concern. It’s porous, it leaks due to continuous ground movement, has ingress of all sorts of things that affect the quality of the water that’s being delivered to the tap. As a consequence of that, if you look at social media and listen to public perception, there’s a distrust in the product (drinking water) and the provider (the utility).
Consequently, smart water connects everything throughout the entire process. It allows you to measure the water quality within a distribution system when it leaves the water treatment plant all the way to the tap. With in-network water quality monitoring, we can take every piece of captured data and link it up with all of the other processes giving the water company total visibility from source to tap.
"We know little about the journey from the treatment plant to the tap: we need to pay closer attention to this critical part of the process"
Garry Tabor.
Robert Wurm.
"Aging infrastructure is porous, and any number of factors can affect the quality of the water being delivered to the tap"
Of course, this allows the water utility to see at a granular level what’s going on in their network related to water quality, but it also enables them to convey that information to the consumer to improve trust in utility water and rates of satisfaction.
What monitoring needs exist in the pretreatment process, and inside a water treatment works? How can this process be updated?
Robert Wurm (R.W.): No matter where your drinking water comes from, either mountain springs, groundwater extraction, or surface water sources like reservoirs, rivers and lakes; a certain level of treatment is required to turn this raw water into final drinking water.
These treatment processes are defined by the quality of the source water which is where our devices come in, as water needs monitoring one way or another. For example, rivers change their condition every day. Global flooding events can change water quality very quickly in these natural water bodies, too.
"Continuous monitoring for water safety involves standard parameters, but also event detection algorithms with so-called spectral alarms"
So, we have been monitoring surface water intake globally, particularly for organic removal prior to treatment. This helps to inform the final treatment process, so intake monitoring is important; just as continuous online monitoring that occurs in parallel to the treatment process is important.
Turbidity, organics (such as TOC; DOC), pH, ammonia and conductivity are the main parameters utilities monitor for at this stage, but there can be other requirements on additional parameters, all depending on the intake water quality. Finally, when the water is produced, there needs to be a final efflu-
The pipe::scan measures up to 10 water quality parameters without the need for reagents or waste streams.
ent control measurement, or a control mechanism, to make sure the product is clean and safe before being distributed to the consumer.
So, there is all this monitoring happening between the extraction of raw water and the treatment process, and yet there are, like Garry said, thousands of kilometers or miles very often in between the treatment plant and the consumer where utilities have historically been blind to further information.
With real-time online water quality monitoring, we seek to gain transparency for water quality not only once a month or once every three months.
Continuous monitoring allows users to set up contamination alarms for water safety, and not just for measuring standard parameters, but also using event detection algorithms; so-called spectral alarms or pattern alarms.
With this solution, we can create very efficient event detection alarms. Utilities not only can have continuous access to online data, but they can also look at the data and set some thresholds, which empowers them to react much faster than just waiting for a few days until results come back from the lab or the water might shoot out of the street because of pipes breaking.
What role does water quality data play in the relationship between a water utility and their end consumer?
G.T.: Well, the data for abstraction and processing has always existed for the utility. However, as Robert just explained for information on water quality within distribution, this has relied on, and still relies on, an army of water quality scientists and lab technicians running around taking small samples of water which they place into a lab kit with chemicals for some analysis. The more sophisticated profiling (wet chemistry analysis) of the water then happens in a laboratory, which means that results are made available some days later, which can sometimes be too late. This methodology is no more than a snapshot in time.
So, monitoring water quality in the distribution network instantly feeds the information back to the water company so they can see it, act on it and make decisions.
R.W.: That’s allowing them to be less reactive; it allows them to make the necessary decisions to mitigate potential public health problems. Utilities are also saving money on lab testing because online monitoring delivers measurement on demand, and our software even analyses the data on demand for proactive actions.
"Monitoring water quality in the distribution network instantly feeds the information back to the water company so they can act on it"
“Fingerprinting” water informs utilities about changes to water quality in near real-time. This surface plot line depicts an event around 4 p.m. which could trigger a spectral alarm and automatic sampler for analyzing this event.
G.T.: You know, Robert’s right. When you have these lab technicians going out, think about it from an environmental standpoint. There are hundreds and hundreds of technicians driving all over the country, spending time traveling to locations to take water samples which offer little more than a record of historical data.
They’re going out, only taking a snapshot of what happened in the past, so they aren’t working with real-time data. They’re using chemicals, so there’s a cost associated with that. Add in the time saved because you won’t have to send anyone out to re-test repeatedly and the
capital cost of putting in real-time water quality monitoring equipment can be paid back in months, depending on the size of the utility.
As you can see, using and understanding water quality data can greatly improve the relationship and engagement
"Using and understanding water quality data can greatly improve the relationship and engagement between the consumer and water utility"
Surface Plot
"We use optical sensors and build algorithms to see contamination events as quickly as possible; sometimes within 10-20 seconds"
between the consumer and the water utility because the water utility is now operating more efficiently in real-time.
How do Badger Meter solutions help water utilities deliver on their responsibility to provide clean and safe drinking water?
R.W.: A utility has the responsibility to provide, according to the World Health Organization and according to local country standards, safe drinking water for its consumers. But as we’ve pointed out, it’s a long way from the utility to the consumers; and there are many ways things can go wrong. When I talk to utilities for the first time, they will tell us “We don’t have any problem with our drinking water.”
But the fact is, it’s a complex process to take it from raw to potable water. And this is where Badger Meter and our advanced technology can help. We start by monitoring basic parameters –pH, turbidity, temperature and residual chlorine – to make sure the disinfection is always done correctly and within certain tolerances. Every country does that differently, which is why our custom
solutions are designed to fit different applications.
We use optical sensors to record and track data that is used to build algorithms to make sure we see events and contamination episodes as quickly as possible; sometimes within 10-20 seconds.
Our sensors are speaking up and alarming continuously when something goes wrong. With our spectrometer probes, we provide an optical UV-Vis spectrum over a wide range, so we are “fingerprinting” the water and if this fingerprint is changing, it’s a clear signal that something has changed in the quality of the water. E.g. a contaminant has moved in, or there is water blending going on — so Badger Meter technology alerts before a utility would have otherwise noticed, and the knowledge gives them a great tool for quick action — this is called advanced event detection.
Going a step further, these algorithms can be and should be actually adapted to every utility and every part of the drinking water supply. For example, one corner of the city could be supplied by one kind of treated surface water and the other part of the city could be supplied by some groundwater. And the fingerprint, as I mentioned, will look different, because the water although it is in the same city has different sources.
We can see this difference clearly, and we would see this for every kind of utility, wherever they get their water from. As we continue to do this on a global scale, our
"With our spectrometer probes we are 'fingerprinting' the water and detecting changes in the quality of the water"
database of algorithms continues to grow and improve. We can use software to alert for new conditions over time. So, with Badger Meter devices, we see a lot before others see it and we can not only detect but alert very quickly based on this knowledge. It’s more than just measuring single parameters; we can measure multiple optical wavelengths at once and measure completely different parameters at different points in the same network depending on what a utility would be looking to know.
What advice would you share with a water utility looking to begin monitoring water quality within their network?
R.W.: Badger Meter is not only a manufacturer of flow meters and metering solutions, but we are also experts in providing a wide range of water quality sensors, and pressure sensors and our customers see us as a partner, to bring solutions to potential problems.
We have a unique offering when it comes to water quality. The number of
Pipe::scan pictured here with cover. The cover provides additional security for the sensors and operator.
"Advanced event detection algorithms can be and should be adapted to every utility and every part of the drinking water supply"
parameters we can measure in the network is very unique in the industry.
G.T.: We should all consider our role and our place in the water sector. Individually, we each have a responsibility and a role to play in providing healthy, quality water. Safe drinking water is a matter of public health and protecting the world’s most precious resource is at the heart of what we do at Badger Meter. As global water technology specialists, we see ourselves as true partners to utili-
ties, working alongside them to develop solutions that ensure high-quality water that benefits all.
We live in a technology data driven world, and today’s consumer demands quality they trust. They want information provided to them in a manner they have grown used to, like smart devices. Our social contract means they have a right to know that their water is clean, healthy and safe to drink. At Badger Meter, we are moving that whole conversation forward to not only empower the water utility, but to put the information in the hands of the consumer, which is where the real power is.
With more than a century of experience, Badger Meter offers solutions for the complete water cycle. Custom-built for any application, BlueEdge(TM) features water quality, pressure and flow monitoring devices and software that deliver actionable data for customers worldwide.
"Badger Meter has a unique water quality offering: the number of parameters we can measure in the network is unique in the industry"
The con::line water monitoring terminal with integrated M-Node sensors is designed for battery-operated remote water quality monitoring.
Improving energy efficiency in the water sector enables industries to boost production while cutting costs and emissions. WEG’s energy efficient motors and advanced solutions for energy management help companies support sustainability goals.
Energy efficiency is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, especially in the water sector, where its impact is undeniable. The link between water and energy is unbreakable, as optimizing the use of both resources allows industries to maximize water production and improve their operational processes without increasing consumption. This approach not only contributes to cost reduction and performance improvement, but it is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action).
As the world faces growing challenges of water scarcity, population growth, and increasing demand for resources from critical sectors like agriculture and industry, the need to develop sustainable infrastructure is becoming more evident.
Water management is not only about the water consumed, but going beyond by producing more water than is used through recovery, reuse, and energy efficiency strategies. By adopting this ap-
WEG provides products that enable industries to improve their energy performance while increasing water availability
proach, companies not only ensure the sustainability of their operations but also contribute to the restoration and preservation of water resources.
WEG, as a global leader in motor and electrical system solutions, is at the forefront of this transformation, providing products that enable industries to improve their energy performance while increasing water availability. These solutions not only optimize the use of water resources but also allow companies to actively contribute to environmental conservation.
The impact of energy efficiency on the water sector
The design and quality of components are essential to ensuring greater efficiency. Products made with better materials and advanced technologies help optimize processes and reduce waste. A clear example is the use of high-efficiency motors in desalination plants, where even a small improvement in efficiency can lead to significant savings in energy consumption and operational costs.
In a study conducted by WEG at a typical desalination plant with a capacity of 600,000 m³/day in Saudi Arabia, improving the high-pressure motor efficiency from 96.5% to 97.3% allows for adjustments in the process and water management system to better control electricity consumption, potentially producing additional water without
Z Jesús Rivas, Water and Wastewater Global Manager, WEG
extra energy costs. This “extra” water can then be allocated to other industrial processes or sold at the price es-
tablished in the Water Purchase Agreement (WPA), generating additional income of €600,000 per year at a rate of €0.40/m³.
Additionally, energy savings by improving the high-pressure motor’s efficiency and increasing the efficiency of other motors by 0.5% could result in a reduction of 3.82 GWh/year, equivalent to savings of over €400,000 per year and a reduction of over 2,170 tons of CO2 equivalents. Considering the CO2 tax in Europe (ETS) of $86.50 per tonne, the additional savings would be 27%.
In another estimate, for a 300,000 m³/ day desalination plant, optimizing with more energy-efficient motors would save 2.5 GWh/year. If we also improve the Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) by one percentage point, an additional saving of 3.7 GWh/year would be achieved, resulting in total savings of more than 6 GWh/year.
To maximize the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainability, this approach must be implemented from the plant design stage, using suppliers and equipment that offer more sustainable solutions and achieve significant results in both economic and environmental terms. Given that many water infrastructure projects have 25 to 30 years of operation and/or management, it is essential to prioritize efficient and sustainable components from the start to optimize the use of energy and water throughout the plant’s lifecycle. High-efficiency
Using suppliers and equipment that offer more sustainable solutions from the plant design stage can maximize energy efficiency
The value of water and its impact on innovation
One of the biggest challenges facing the water sector is the lack of adequate valuation of this resource in operating costs. While energy is well valued in terms of its impact and cost, water does not always receive the same treatment. This mindset limits investment in R&D and delays the implementation of innovative solutions in the sector.
If water were adequately valued as an essential resource in industrial production, we would see a greater focus on circular economy practices, more sustainable processes, and products designed to be more efficient and effective. This shift would not only reduce water consumption but also allow companies to achieve a net positive impact on water resources, moving toward a Water Positive model.
The efficiency and sustainability at WEG WEG is committed to enhancing our processes and reducing the environmental impact of our products. In the future, this will
One of the biggest challenges facing the water sector is the lack of adequate valuation of this resource in operating costs
be included in the Digital Product Passport (DPD), which will measure the following:
J Energy efficiency: measures improved efficiency of electrical components.
J Recycled materials: focuses on the sustainability of materials, essential for reducing environmental impact.
J Carbon footprint (CO2): assesses the impact of carbon emissions throughout the product’s life cycle.
J Water footprint: measures water usage during the production of the product.
J Waste generated: analyses the waste produced during the manufacturing of the product.
To confirm energy savings and process optimization, WEG offers the WEG-
SEE+ tool, designed to evaluate and improve the energy efficiency of motors and equipment installed in water treatment and desalination plants. This tool allows for precise simulations that help identify areas for improvement and quantify the impact of energy efficiency on OPEX and the sustainability of operations.
This powerful software tool promises to revolutionize how companies approach energy management, offering a comprehensive and innovative solution for project analysis and optimization. Equipped with advanced simulation and analysis capabilities, WEGSEE+ enables users to measure potential energy savings, calculate the return on investment, and assess
the possibility of avoiding or reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), facilitating strategic decision-making to optimize resources. This platform goes beyond conventional tools, providing valuable insights that drive sustainability and operational efficiency in organizations of all sizes and industries.
WEGSEE+ is not just a tool; it is a complete solution for companies seeking to maximize energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and achieve sustainability goals. With an intuitive interface and comprehensive features, it simplifies the analysis of energy efficiency projects, providing informed guidance for strategic decision-making.
In addition to offering advanced solutions like WEGSEE+, WEG has a strong commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented the Carbon Neutral Program, with the goal of reducing 52% of operational emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Through innovation in product and process design, WEG contributes not only to energy efficiency but also to the reduction of water usage, enabling companies to achieve significant results.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency not only contributes to reducing operational costs but is also a fundamental pillar for achiev -
ing important results in water management. By optimizing processes and improving product quality, industries can produce more water with the same energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Investing in efficient and sustainable products is profitable in the long term. Energy savings, emission reductions, and increased water production are just some of the benefits companies can gain by adopting a strategy focused on energy efficiency. It is time for the water sector to properly value this vital resource and commit to innovation and sustainability as drivers of change.
Far more than a mere awards ceremony, the event serves as a nexus for visionary minds across engineering, construction, and design, who gather to exchange groundbreaking ideas and present the cutting-edge technologies driving the future of infrastructure. Bentley’s Going Digital Awards recognize projects that push boundaries and achieve measurable impacts, underscoring the role of advanced digital technologies, specifically Bentley Systems software, in shaping a sustainable, resilient world. By honouring these outstanding projects, the awards showcase how infrastructure, from transportation to water systems, significantly enhances community life and contributes to a more sustainable future.
This year, the Going Digital Awards attracted hundreds of nominations from around the globe, with teams competing for recognition, opportunities, and industry prestige. An independent jury panel meticulously reviewed over 250 nominations from 36 countries, ultimately selecting 36 finalists across 12 distinct categories. These finalists were invited to Vancouver to showcase their projects, offering them a highly regarded platform to present innovative solutions. Of special note, Alejandro Maceira, Di-
Bentley’s Going Digital Awards recognize projects that push boundaries, underscoring the role of advanced digital technologies
In October 2024, Vancouver, Canada, set the stage for The Year in Infrastructure Conference and Bentley’s prestigious Going Digital Awards, an annual event uniting global industry leaders to celebrate exceptional achievements in infrastructure design, construction, and operations.
rector of Smart Water Magazine and iAgua, served as a juror for the Water and Wastewater category, bringing his expertise to the careful evaluation of water-related projects.
The event kicked off with a keynote from Ken MacArthur, Vice President, Regional Executive for the Americas at Bentley Systems, who highlighted the transformative power of digital technol-
Z Olivia Tempest
ogy in infrastructure development and sustainability. He emphasized that collaborative digital approaches are essential in addressing the global challenges of resilience, climate adaptation, and community development. This opening set the tone for a series of presentations from category finalists, who shared insights into their pioneering work while jury members engaged them in discussions on project intricacies. Water-related innovations dominated the morning sessions, reflecting the global significance of water
management and Bentley’s commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Among the projects showcased was Arcadis’s work in the Structural Engineering category on the Advanced Analysis and Design of Flood Protection Structures across U.S. cities like New York and Dallas. Confronted with the time-consuming challenges of traditional modelling, Arcadis employed Bentley’s STAAD software to streamline design processes, achieving a 95% reduction in modelling time. This efficiency has not only accel-
erated workflows but has also enhanced accuracy, setting a new standard in flood management strategies critical for urban resilience.
Another impressive project came from Hong Kong’s Water Supplies Department in the Surveying and Monitoring category. The Digital Twin of the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir aimed to preserve a historical structure, capturing data through drone imaging and transforming it into a digital twin using Bentley’s iTwin applications. This approach
An independent jury panel reviewed over 250 nominations from 36 countries, selecting 36 finalists across 12 distinct categories
improved data exchange by 30% and model accuracy by 50%, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital twins in heritage conservation and setting a precedent for similar projects worldwide.
The Water and Wastewater category took centre stage later that day, featur-
INTERVIEW
GREGG HERRIN
VICE PRESIDENT OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AT BENTLEY SYSTEMS
“By bringing together data from various sources, digital twins help detect issues that might be difficult to spot otherwise”
At Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure 2024 conference, the company unveiled bold initiatives to advance open data ecosystems in infrastructure engineering. Key highlights included a partnership with Google to integrate Google’s geospatial content with Bentley’s software and digital twin platform, enhancing design, construction, and operations. Bentley also introduced OpenSite+, the first generative AI-powered tool for civil site design, aimed at boosting design quality and productivity.
Bentley’s latest innovations signal a commitment to a more connected, sustainable future for global infrastructu-
re. But what do these advancements mean for the water industry? To find out, we spoke with Gregg Herrin, Vice
President of Water Infrastructure at Bentley Systems, who leads the team behind Bentley’s industry-leading hydraulics and hydrology applications.
In this exclusive interview, Herrin offers insights into Bentley’s groundbreaking OpenSite+ — the first engineering tool to harness generative AI for civil site design — and its potential to transform productivity standards in water infrastructure projects. Herrin also discusses Bentley’s ambitious vision for open data ecosystems, setting the stage for a new era in infrastructure engineering.
How is Bentley Systems transforming the design of new water infrastructure
projects with tools like OpenSite+, and what impact do you anticipate these capabilities will have on design productivity and precision? The most immediate impact of a tool like OpenSite+ is in how it connects site design with infrastructure considerations, which is already central to what water management encompasses. Often, we think of water infrastructure as simply networks of pipes, but in reality, every treatment plant, water tank, and pump station exists on a specific site. The same types of capabilities you’d expect for any site design application can be applied here. Whether you’re constructing a new treatment facility, retrofitting an existing one, or expanding or modi-
ing three innovative projects. Wanhua Chemical’s Seawater Desalination Project in China showcased a sustainable approach to freshwater production, generating 90 million tons of water annually for a chemical park. The project leveraged Bentley’s ProjectWise, OpenPlant,
and OpenFlows tools to increase design efficiency by 70%, ultimately resolving design conflicts and reducing material waste.
In India, L&T Construction’s Uttar Pradesh Tube Well Project under the Jal Jeevan Mission aimed to supply clean drinking water to over 6.8 million people. Using 3D BIM technology with Bentley’s STAAD and OpenFlows, the project team achieved a 90% reduction in construction time, a groundbreaking achievement for rural infrastructure digitalization in India, highlighting the
The Digital Twin of Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir
aimed to
preserve a historical structure, capturing data using Bentley’s iTwin applications
fying infrastructure, these tools can support that type of work effectively, using the technology we have available right now.
Additionally, some of the features demonstrated in OpenSite+ — like natural language processing that allows users to ask questions via voice and receive responses — aren’t available yet for specific tasks like network design. However, it’s not a significant leap to envision them being integrated soon.
How are Bentley’s digital twin solutions helping water utilities enhance transparency and efficiency in service management and make more informed decisions based on real-time data?
The digital twin approach for water utilities builds on the recognition that a wealth of information is already available. Most utilities have a GIS system, some form of hydraulic modelling, and at least a SCADA system for pump control. Increasingly, additional data flows in from smart meters and IoT devices. A digital twin enables water operations to integrate all this information, offering insights that no individual system can provide alone. For instance, a hydraulic model is valuable but requires boundary conditions, which IoT devices and SCADA systems can supply.
Consider the example of understanding the customer impact if an issue arises.
The GIS system contains spatial data, but it needs to be combined with customer information, possibly from billing systems, and viewed within a digital twin to provide a comprehensive picture. This integration enables operators to quickly assess which areas and customers
would be affected if, say, a pipe break requires part of the system to be isolated. By bringing together data from various sources, digital twins help detect issues that might be difficult to spot otherwise. Simulation tools within the digital twin allow utilities to evaluate “what
INTERVIEW
if” scenarios before taking action. This way, operators can anticipate the impact of turning off a valve or adjusting a pump, helping them make informed decisions and avoid unintentional complications. Once decisions are made, the system can guide crews on where to go to turn valves and instruct operators on when to adjust pump settings, streamlining response and minimizing disruptions.
How is Bentley helping utilities maintain and optimize existing water infrastructure assets in the face of aging systems and the need for greater resiliency?
One of the biggest challenges for water utilities is that the thousands of kilometres of
"A digital twin enables water operations to integrate all this information, offering insights that no individual system can provide alone"
pipes are buried, making it impossible to inspect them directly or observe the water inside. This creates a double layer of visibility issues, unlike a cell tower where a drone can be flown to quickly capture information and locate problems.
Our tools help bridge this gap by providing insights into the behaviour of the network, allowing utilities to understand where water is flowing and, in turn, assess the
potential of digital tools to accelerate infrastructure development while improving quality control and operational efficiency.
The third finalist in this category was SABESP’s Integra 4.0 initiative in Brazil, a project that integrated water, sewage, and sanitation data for 375 municipalities into a unified digital environment. By reducing water losses by 29%, the initiative underscored how connected data environments can drive operational excellence in water management, promoting sustainability and efficiency on a vast scale.
On the second day of the conference, Bentley Systems’ CEO Nicholas Cumins delivered a keynote titled “Sustaining Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Today: The Critical Role of Open Data.” Cumins highlighted the urgent need to optimize existing infrastructure, noting that
potential condition of various pipes. This information helps utilities identify areas that may need closer attention or intervention based on flow patterns and pressure data.
Another area where these tools extend asset performance is with equipment like water pumps. While a pump may turn on, it’s not immediately clear if it’s operating efficiently. Visual inspection alone won’t reveal this, but by understanding how the pump functions within the broader system, we can identify inefficiencies — such as pumps consuming excessive energy without achieving desired outcomes. This analysis enables us to provide actionable insights, helping utilities decide when
over 95% of the infrastructure expected to be operational in 2030 is already in use today. He stressed that the future of infrastructure depends on the ability to adapt current systems to enhance efficiency, resilience, and adaptability, with open, shareable data at the heart of collaborative innovation across sectors.
“The future of infrastructure engineering is open,” Cumins declared. “It’s flexible, collaborative, and built on a foundation of data that can be shared securely. At Bentley, we are leading the way — ensuring that the applications, platforms, and solutions we create meet the evolving needs of our industry.”
Cumins emphasized that the infrastructure sector can no longer afford to work in silos, with data trapped within proprietary systems. Secure, accessible data flows are critical for tackling global infrastructure challenges, from ex-
to repair or replace a pump, and even guiding them on the appropriate pump size for replacement. In this way, we’re offering support that goes beyond surface-level monitoring, aiding in more informed and cost-effective asset management.
How is Bentley Systems leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and streamline operations for water utilities through solutions like OpenSite+ and Bentley Asset Analytics?
The AI aspect, as I mentioned, ties into natural language processing, enabling it to interpret user questions and rapidly retrieve information that might otherwise take hours to find manually. It
panding energy grids to modernizing transportation systems and retrofitting existing assets to achieve sustainable development goals. Breaking down these silos allows for cross-industry collaboration and data-driven decision-making that can drive substantial advancements in sustainability.
Following Cumins’ address, Chief Product Officer Mike Campbell and Chief Technology Officer Julien Moutte presented a keynote titled “Making the Right Connections,” where they unveiled Bentley’s latest advancements in digital twin technology, with a focus on AI, sustainability, and visualization. They also announced a new partnership with Google, aimed at integrating Google’s extensive geospatial data with Bentley’s engineering software. This collaboration builds on Bentley’s recent acquisition of Cesium, a leading platform
also excels at recognizing patterns within system data to identify potential issues that would otherwise require extensive analysis. In the context of a city-wide water network, for example, IoT devices constantly stream vast amounts of information. If someone notices that flow rates are unusually high while pressures are unusually low, they might wonder if there’s a pipe leak or another underlying issue. Manually sifting through all that data to diagnose the problem could take weeks, by which time the issue could worsen significantly.
AI can process these large data volumes efficiently, allowing it to highlight areas where potential problems
"One of the biggest challenges for water utilities is that the thousands of km of pipes are buried; it’s impossible to inspect them directly"
might exist. It doesn’t replace engineers or operators but helps them focus their attention where it’s most needed. So instead of saying, “We think there might be a leak, let’s wait for customer complaints or send crews to search across a large area,” AI can pinpoint specific areas, such as, “Start your inspection between these two intersections — that’s likely where the issue is.”
This targeted insight helps
crews respond faster and more effectively, reducing both downtime and resource waste.
How is Bentley integrating diverse data sources, including geospatial data from Google Maps, into the iTwin platform to support water utilities in visualizing and managing their infrastructure in a more holistic manner? It’s a bit early to say that we’ve fully integrated all of Cesium’s tools into our platform. However, it’s clear that everything we do for the water industry has a strong geospatial component. When we’re talking about things like river flooding, dam management, or even city-scale water distribution and sewer
systems, geospatial data is critical. Many of the capabilities demonstrated during the Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure 2024 — such as those we can achieve with Cesium and Google tools — align well with extending the GIS functionalities we already have. Our water tools are built on combining engineering data with GIS, for example, with built-in integration to ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro, allowing utilities to visualize entire citywide water networks. In fact, within iTwin, utilities can gain a citywide view of Google Map Data and accurate terrain data from Cesium 3D tiles, using open standards. With the integration of these new tools, we’ll potentially be
for 3D geospatial applications, allowing users to visualize infrastructure assets in real-world environments for enhanced decision-making and strategic planning.
Bentley also showcased its AI-driven OpenSite+, the first engineering application leveraging generative AI for civil site design, designed to automate repetitive tasks and free engineers to focus on more complex activities. Built on Bentley’s iTwin platform, OpenSite+ delivers efficiencies and higher-quality designs with features like the Enhanced
Bentley showcased its AIdriven OpenSite+, the first engineering application leveraging generative AI for civil site design
Design Experience with Copilot, which allows users to interact naturally with 3D models and make real-time design adjustments with precision.
The conference also featured breakout sessions exploring urban and water infrastructure, each emphasizing the need for innovative, climate-resilient approaches. In a session titled “Cities of the Future: Powering Smarter, Sustainable Infrastructure,” experts discussed digital twins and AI’s potential to revolutionize urban planning, especially as 70% of the global population is projected to live in cities by 2050. The panel, moderated by Bentley’s Vice President of Cities Richard Vestner, included insights from Dublin’s Smart City Program and industry leaders who shared how data-driven urban solutions can address transit and energy needs.
Another standout breakout session for the water community was “Sustainable Water Infrastructure: A Blueprint for Climate Resilience,” led by Gregg Herrin, Vice President of Water, and Andrea DuMont, Water Industry Strategist. This session highlighted the
INTERVIEW
able to see aspects like “How is ground movement impacting this system?” or “Is there something occurring that’s visible from space but undetectable by our current IoT devices?”
By next year, we’ll likely have some user stories to share about real-world applications, as we’re currently developing these capabilities. This announcement is new for us as well, but the vision is exciting. The more data sources we can incorporate, the stronger and more versatile the digital twin becomes. Some people mistakenly think of a digital twin as a
Cumins emphasized that the infrastructure sector can no longer afford to work in silos, with data trapped within proprietary systems
urgent need for innovative water management strategies to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. Panellists emphasized how advanced digital tools, including AI, predictive analytics, and digital twins, are transforming the water sector by enabling data-driven, informed decision-making. These technologies are instrumental in optimizing resource allocation, managing complex systems, and building resilient infrastructure that can
single, static entity, but it’s really a combination of many interconnected systems. For example, when modelling how a water network will respond to different scenarios, there’s no reason to rely on just one model; we could use multiple models to understand a range of possible outcomes.
Right now, IoT devices can alert us to changes like a drop in pressure or an increase in flow, which may indicate a leak. But imagine pairing this with satellite imagery — if we see unexpected vegetation growth in a normally dry
area, it might suggest a leak because, otherwise, where is the water coming from? This multi-layered approach allows us to detect and address issues more proactively.
What key innovations are Bentley Systems focusing on to support the continued digital transformation of the water sector, and how do you see these technologies shaping the future of water and wastewater management? The key principle for us remains openness. We understand that water utili-
ties operate within a broad ecosystem, and Bentley alone won’t have all the tools every utility needs. That’s why it’s essential for us to build an open platform — one that allows us to integrate with other vendors’ capabilities and enables them to use our data and tools as well.
Openness is also crucial when we consider the future of technology. We can’t predict exactly what tools or systems utilities will be using five or ten years from now, but we do know it’s inevitable that new technologies will emerge, so keeping data and systems open and accessi-
withstand extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
ble are essential for future adaptability.
Consider that a treatment plant built today might be in service for the next 50 or even 100 years. After just 20 years, new water quality regulations or population changes might necessitate significant upgrades. Because we can’t predict these changes precisely, the most effective way to prepare is by ensuring our systems remain adaptable. Instead of locking everything down in a rigid structure, we focus on flexibility and openness, which are the only ways to truly prepare for an unpredictable future.
The event culminated in the highly anticipated Going Digital Awards Ceremony, where SABESP’s Integra 4.0 project was awarded the top honour in the Water and Wastewater category. This ambitious project aims to ensure reliable access to clean water across 375 municipalities in São Paulo, Brazil, by integrating water supply, sewage, and sanitation data into a unified digital environment. Integra 4.0 is an operational management model that combines business intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI) for proactive network monitoring and maintenance, enabling the team to swiftly identify and resolve issues within the system.
The 2024 Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards highlighted both the pressing challenges and inspiring advancements in infrastructure. The event reinforced a collective vision for a resilient, sustainable future, with industry collaboration, innovation, and open data emerging as central themes for addressing the complexities of modern infrastructure. This year’s conference offered a powerful reminder of the pivotal role infrastructure plays in society and the transformative impact of digital technologies in meeting the demands of an evolving world.
THE EXPLOSION OF DATA VALIDATION: THE GREAT CHALLENGE OF WATER DIGITALISATION ACCORDING
TO KISTERS
VINCENZO DE SIMONE - OPERATIONAL WATER SOLUTION AREA MANAGER, KISTERS
“Digital transformation is essential for urban water utilities facing mounting challenges and rising customer expectations”
As urban water utilities face mounting challenges, digital transformation has become essential. In this interview, Stefano Vincenzo De Simone, Operational Water Management Solution Area Manager at KISTERS, discusses the role of data validation in these shifts and how technologies like IoT, AI, and big data are reshaping water management.
Z Ana López
KISTERS is a global leader in water, weather, and environmental data management solutions, known for its scalable platforms and instrumentation. With decades of experience and expertise in managing complex data ecosystems, KISTERS helps organisations worldwide improve operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and build resilient strategies in the face of growing climate pressures and urbanisation.
What are the most significant drivers pushing urban water utilities toward digital transformation?
The way ICT has advanced so quickly has really driven down the cost of sensors, while making them a lot more reliable for measuring and transmitting data. This shift has opened the door to installing more sensors across the board, which means we’re seeing an explosion in the amount of data being generated. On top of that, costs of IT infrastructure have dropped, making it easier to store and process all this data.
Urban water utilities, which often operate with a mix of private ownership and
public oversight, now face a double challenge. On one hand, they have to meet strict environmental regulations, and on the other, they need to boost operational efficiency to stay profitable. At the same time, they’re under pressure from rising customer expectations for reliable, high-quality water services. And with climate change adding in extreme weather events and growing water scarcity, there’s an urgent need for water management strategies that are both resilient and adaptive.
Digital transformation really offers the tools utilities need to deal with these pressures. It allows them to optimise their performance, stay compliant with regulations, tackle climate challenges head-on, and manage water sustainably, all while serving growing urban populations.
How are new technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics reshaping the way water utilities manage their operations?
IoT devices have really changed the game in water management by allowing real-time monitoring of things like water levels, flow rates, temperature, pH etc. This makes it possible to quickly address issues like leaks or contamination as soon as they happen. But with all this technol-
ogy comes a huge amount of data, which means you need strong storage and management solutions in place. That’s where companies like KISTERS come in — they use advanced analytics to make sense of the data, optimising operations by spotting patterns and predicting how the system will behave. Adding AI into the mix takes it even further, enabling predictive maintenance and smarter decision-making, which helps utilities use their resources more efficiently.
With all this new data being generated, what kinds of challenges are utilities encountering when it comes to data quality?
No sensor system is flawless, and if you use raw data without proper validation, it can lead to bad decisions. Data validation is a big challenge for water utilities because it takes time and expertise, plus there are concerns around integrating all that data and keeping it secure. Without the right tools, there’s a real risk of falling into the “garbage in, garbage out” trap. That’s where solutions like KISTERS’ DataValidation Web Application come in — it makes the process easier, ensuring data quality and integration so
"Urban water utilities must balance strict environmental regulations with the need for operational efficiency to remain profitable"
STEFANO
utilities can stay focused on delivering reliable service and meeting regulatory requirements.
So what are some of those operational risks for water utilities if they fail to address data validation in their digital transformation efforts?
Without proper data validation, utilities are taking big operational risks. Basing decisions on bad data can mean skipping necessary maintenance, facing expensive equipment replacements, or missing system failures altogether — ultimately driving up costs. Not to mention, failing to meet strict regulatory standards can lead to legal trouble and financial penalties. Inaccurate data also puts public health at risk and can leave customers unhappy. On top of that, poor data quality makes it harder to make informed, strategic decisions, which can affect long-term infrastructure planning.
How does data validation fit into the broader process of ensuring operational excellence in water utilities?
Data validation is key to running things smoothly because it ensures the information you’re using to make decisions is reliable. Effective validation processes, like the ones built into systems like KISTERS’ WISKI Data Management System, have quality checks at every stage of data handling — from SCADA systems and operational logs to long-term storage. This kind of integration helps utilities streamline operations, make better use of resources, and improve service delivery. Plus, beyond just keeping things efficient, strong data validation supports
"IoT devices enable real-time monitoring of water levels, flow rates, temperature, and pH, allowing quick responses to issues"
strategic planning, keeps utilities compliant with regulations, and builds customer trust by ensuring the data is always accurate and reliable.
In your experience, what best practices should utilities follow to ensure their data is being validated and refined properly?
Ensuring proper data validation is all about balancing automated and manual processes, customised to fit the type of data, where it’s coming from, and how it’s transmitted. The best approach combines automated validation tools with expert oversight to tackle different data quality issues. Utilities should work closely with software providers and data science experts to design and fine-tune their validation processes. Regular training and updates are also key to keeping up with changing data needs. Having a partner with deep expertise and advanced data management solutions, like KISTERS, can really help ensure high data quality and keep operations running smoothly.
KISTERS has a long history in environmental data management. How does this experience translate to addressing the needs of urban water utilities?
KISTERS’ long experience in managing environmental data naturally led us to support urban water utilities as well. Our approach combines advanced software development with deep domain knowledge, which is why we offer solutions like WISKI and KISTERS Analytics — highly scalable systems built to handle massive data loads. Many of our team members are environmental and hydraulic engineers, so they truly understand the challenges of water management, making it an easy transition for us to serve urban utilities.
When it comes to data aggregation, water utilities often have similar needs to our environmental clients, but they also have unique requirements. These can include specific interfaces and processes, and we customise our solutions to fit those needs. While some companies provide open-source platforms, KISTERS
"Data validation is a significant challenge for utilities, requiring time, expertise, and robust integration tools to avoid bad decisions"
delivers a comprehensive, commercial solution that’s reliable for customers who don’t want to spend time developing custom tools. With WISKI, we offer a quick-to-configure, out-of-the-box system that’s robust, allowing utilities to focus on operational excellence instead of software development.
Are there any specific case studies or examples from KISTERS’ environmental work that illustrate how your solutions can address the unique needs of urban water utilities?
Yes, we have a few great examples. One project that stands out is our work with VEOLIA (Keyhops), a big name in the water utilities sector. In this project, we focused on validating data streams from their legacy systems using our WISKI platform. What really made a difference for VEOLIA was WISKI’s scalability, which let them handle large amounts of data efficiently without losing performance. Plus, we integrated data from all kinds of formats and sources, which is
something KISTERS has a lot of expertise in, making the transition to a modern data management system really smooth.
Another example is our collaboration with the Dirección General del Agua in Spain. With WISKI, we helped them centralise and validate data from a nationwide network of hydrometeorological, groundwater, channel, and reservoir monitoring stations. This system now plays a key role in Spain’s national water management platform, the Observatorio Nacional del Agua. Both of these projects show how KISTERS can meet the complex needs of urban water utilities, offering robust and scalable solutions that go beyond the capabilities of standard open-source platforms.
As utilities continue to invest in digital infrastructure, what emerging trends do you see in the way water data will be managed and utilised over the next 5-10 years?
One of the biggest trends will be the integration of AI into predictive and pre-
scriptive analytics. This shift will pave the way for creating sophisticated models that need a lot of computational power, which is why cloud-based deployment is going to be so crucial. We’ll also see an increasing need for data sharing among industry players to effectively train these models, leading to the development of collaborative data ecosystems
How do you envision KISTERS evolving to meet the changing needs of urban water utilities as these digital trends take hold?
KISTERS has a strong track record of innovation and adaptability. We’re committed to continually integrating new technologies and maintaining our industry-leading product expertise. By combining data science with our domain knowledge, we’re in a great position to meet the evolving demands of urban water utilities and help them navigate the future of digital water management.
For utilities just starting on their digital transformation journey, what would be your key piece of advice regarding data management and validation?
For utilities at the beginning of their digital transformation journey, prioritising data quality is crucial. It’s important to start by working with data management experts to set up solid validation processes. Use advanced tools and systems that can effectively handle and refine data, even if it’s not perfect at first. Ensuring that your data is accurate and reliable is essential for making informed decisions and achieving operational excellence.
"Without proper data validation, utilities risk costly maintenance issues and compliance failures that threaten public health"
“ACCIONA stands out for a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in all projects and business areas”
JAVIER NIETO - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR WATER AT ACCIONA
In this interview, Javier Nieto, Business Development Director for Water at ACCIONA, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the global water sector, from the strategic changes the company is adopting under its new leadership to the implementation of innovative and sustainable technologies in water management.
Z Laura F. Zarza
Javier Nieto, ACCIONA’s Business Development Director for Water, is a key player in transforming the global water sector. An industrial engineer from ICAI with an Executive MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, Nieto has led projects in key markets like Saudi Arabia, where ACCIONA currently has a strong presence, and has been responsible for developing and implementing innovative solutions in desalination and wastewater treatment across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With a career marked by involvement in some of the world’s most emblematic desalination plants, such as Beckton in London, Adelaide in Australia, and Fujairah and Jebel Ali in the UAE, Nieto now faces new challenges in his role at
"We will continue to focus on technological innovation and sustainability, which is redefining how we tackle challenges in the sector"
ACCIONA. In this interview, we discuss the company’s strategic changes, the role of technological innovation in water management, and the challenges posed by expanding into new markets in an environment increasingly focused on sustainability and the circular economy.
With Manuel Manjón’s recent appointment as CEO of the Water Business and your recent entry into Business Development, what strategic changes is ACCIONA experiencing in its approach to the water sector?
As Manuel has already mentioned in a previous interview, his strategy will continue the course set by his predecessor, José Díaz-Caneja. We will continue to deepen our commitment to technological innovation and sustainability, which is reshaping how we tackle global water sector challenges. We will strengthen our presence in strategic markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where demand for innovative and sustainable water management solutions is growing. Our goal is to solidify our position as leaders in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse projects, tailoring our approach to the specific needs of each region.
Ultimately, these changes align with our mission to be a global leader in sustainable water management while continuing to innovate solutions that address the major challenges of climate change and water resource scarcity.
From your perspective, how do you expect the relationship between technological development and sustainability to evolve within ACCIONA’s strategies in the coming years?
Technology will be key to advancing our sustainability goals, enabling us to implement innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and optimize water resource use. We will adopt technologies that not only improve operational efficiency but also minimize our water footprint, while continuing to develop technologies that promote responsible water management and support our sustainability objectives.
ACCIONA has a significant international presence. Which markets will be most attractive to the company in the coming years, and how do you identify new opportunities in emerging markets or regions with critical water needs?
ACCIONA has solidified its presence in key international markets, and our goal is to continue growing in regions where water management needs are critical and where we can add value with our innovative and sustainable solutions. One of the most attractive markets for us in the coming years is, undoubtedly, Australia
— a key market not only for ACCIONA’s water division but also for the group as a whole. Water scarcity and extreme weather events like droughts and floods have placed Australia in a critical situation regarding water resource management. This context offers a great opportunity for our advanced solutions in desalination, wastewater treatment, and reuse.
Of course, the Middle East, where we already have a strong presence, remains crucial. In this region, water scarcity is a structural challenge, and demand for advanced desalination and wastewater treatment technologies continues to grow exponentially. We have a solid foothold in the region with major projects such as the desalination plants in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Additionally, we see enormous potential in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries where access to drinking water is limited. The combination of population growth, urbanization, and climate vulnerability makes this region very attractive for ACCIONA. Here, wastewater reuse and water optimization in urban, agricultural, and industrial environments are key to ensuring a sustainable supply.
Latin America is another strategic market. Many of the region’s major cities face issues with outdated water infrastructure and an increasing demand for water treatment and management solutions.
Countries like Chile and Brazil offer significant opportunities in both drinking water infrastructure projects and wastewater treatment.
ACCIONA’s approach is always focused on providing sustainable value. We are not just looking for business growth but also aiming to improve the quality of life in the communities where we operate, offering solutions that protect the environment and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
What challenges does ACCIONA see in expanding to new regions, particularly in emerging markets, regarding
regulation, infrastructure, and access to water resources?
Expanding into new markets, especially in emerging ones, presents various challenges, including regulatory frameworks, which are often one of the most significant obstacles, as regulations are frequently unstable. This requires close collaboration with local governments and partners to ensure compliance and adaptability to changes. In terms of infrastructure, many regions lack adequate water networks or have very outdated systems, complicating the implementation of advanced technologies. Often, we must not only build new solutions but also improve existing infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, we believe emerging markets offer a great opportu-
nity to make a positive impact and contribute to more sustainable water management.
ACCIONA has been involved in innovative projects such as desalination and wastewater treatment. Is there an iconic project currently underway or soon to be announced that you can share details about?
We are working intensively with EWEC in Abu Dhabi to secure the concession for the Saadiyat Island desalination plant, which we hope to announce by the end of the year. Recently, we also won a concession to manage the wastewater network in the western Paraná region of Brazil, where we will provide services to 48 municipalities over the next 24 years.
"We aim to strengthen our position as leaders in desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse projects"
In recent years, there has been a strong emphasis on the circular economy and water reuse. How is ACCIONA addressing this, and what notable projects do you have in this area?
The circular economy and water reuse are fundamental pillars of our sustainability strategy. At ACCIONA, we understand that water should not be a single-use resource but rather reused and maximized, minimizing waste and reducing demand on natural sources.
Along these lines, we are implementing projects that integrate advanced wastewater treatment and reuse technologies in key sectors such as agriculture and urban use. For instance, our wastewater treatment plant in Atotonilco, Mexico — one of the largest globally — processes large volumes of wastewater for reuse in agricultural irrigation and other applications.
Additionally, in water-scarce regions of Spain, like Murcia, we combine desalination with wastewater reuse to maximize resource efficiency. These projects not only reduce potable water consumption but also minimize environmental impact
"Our objective is to keep expanding in regions where water management needs are critical, and we can add value"
and contribute to water resilience in vulnerable areas.
Technological innovation is key to driving this transition towards a circular economy, and we will continue to develop solutions that optimize water use across all sectors, aligned with our mission to protect the environment and promote a more sustainable future.
Digitalization is becoming a key factor in optimizing water management. What role does digital innovation play in ACCIONA’s service offerings, and how are you implementing these technologies in integrated water cycle management?
Digitalization is essential to ACCIONA’s integrated water cycle management. We use various technologies to monitor real-time data, optimize water usage, and improve operational efficiency in our plants. These tools allow us to prevent issues, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure maintenance. We are also
implementing technologies for leak detection, which reduces water loss and conserves resources. In short, digitalization helps us manage water more efficiently and sustainably.
Within the framework of the Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) in Spain, what are the most relevant projects in which ACCIONA is involved?
ACCIONA is currently executing €9 million in investments under the first PERTE funding package, where progress is advancing at a good pace. As a “demo” project, ours provides a solution based on digital synergies focused on knowledge and information of the integrated water cycle.
For the second call for proposals, ACCIONA presented a project of similar scale and scope, exclusively targeting the Murcia region. We chose Murcia for this proposal because we believe it is an ideal location, given its notable water stress, heavy reliance
"Australia presents a great opportunity for our advanced solutions in desalination, wastewater treatment, and reuse"
on desalination for supply, and significant pressure on water bodies due to intensive agricultural and tourism activities.
How are these projects contributing to the transformation of the water sector in Spain?
At ACCIONA, we understand that PERTE projects will be transformative for the sector in areas that initially may not seem directly related. We believe that the transparency and information that PERTE seeks will enable more efficient public policies. In other words, it’s not only about doing more with less, but about doing it better. We see operational digitalization as a way to anticipate issues, improve service reliability and quality, increase resilience to future climate events, and reduce their potential impact.
In terms of innovation, what role does research and development (R&D) play in ACCIONA’s water business?
Innovation is a fundamental pillar for our company, permeating all areas. Our Innovation department defines future guidelines to maintain ACCIONA’s leadership in the water sector.
Are you exploring new technologies or disruptive methods in water management?
At ACCIONA’s Water Technology Center in Barcelona, we are constantly exploring new technologies to improve water management and treatment plant efficiency. We focus on innovations like advanced treatments, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to optimize processes, as well as sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact. We are also researching new materials, such as more efficient membranes, all with the aim of staying at the forefront of the water sector with sustainable and technological approaches.
In an increasingly competitive global environment, what sets ACCIONA
apart from other major water sector companies?
In a global and highly competitive market, ACCIONA stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation across all projects and business areas. Our company combines advanced technologies with an integrated approach to the water cycle, providing efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Our global experience is complemented by a deep local knowledge of the countries where we operate, allowing for precise adaptations to each market. Additionally, ACCIONA focuses not only on technology but also on having a positive social impact, improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate. This comprehensive and responsible approach positions ACCIONA as an innovative and sustainable leader in the water sector. Moreover, our people play a crucial role in the company’s success and differentiation.
Finally, how do you see the future of the water sector in the next five to ten years? What major changes do you anticipate in the market, and how is ACCIONA preparing to face them?
Given global water scarcity and sustainability challenges, we will likely see a mega-trend of investment in water infrastructure over the coming years. It will be a global movement where the water sector will likely face the highest demand for projects in its history. ACCIONA is preparing by investing in innovative technologies and adapting its strategies to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.
"The
combination of population growth, urbanization, and climate vulnerability makes Southeast Asia very attractive for ACCIONA"
MARIANO BLANCO OROZCO
MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF EUREAU –GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF STUDIES AND TENDERS, FCC AQUALIA
The question in the title, although generic, has a series of answers based on concrete vectors of progress that are nothing more than solutions to the sector's current problems. In limiting the answer to our continent, we must take into account the European voice of water, the EurEau federation, which represents 33 countries - with their various national urban water and sanitation associations - before the European institutions.
We have recently approved a document in the form of a Manifesto, which has sought to give visibility in a consensual manner to the main current “challenges” of the sector, as well as to serve as a platform to establish a series of “success factors” that will help to achieve the above challenges.
The challenges are summarised by stating that “the urban water sector has the ambition to play a leading role in Europe's journey towards building a climate neutral, circular, smart and resilient society.” This may sound like a grandiloquent phrase, but it has its value in that it is the product of the consensus of the different European countries in which, on the one hand, public and private operators coexist, and on the other, there are very different climatic and supply conditions that vary substantially between the countries of the north, the central, eastern and Mediterranean arc, in addition to other social, economic and environmental characteristics that make the management of water supply have significant differences.
In the last two decades, we have been making progress in the sector thanks to a series of vectors that I list (using their Anglo-Saxon terminology): Smart City, Efficiency, Circular Economy, Sustainability, Affordability, Sustainability, Energy Neutrality, Governance, Resiliency, European Green Deal, Taxonomy, Digitalisation, etc. Each of these terms has brought a trend or a strategy that has served to make progress in improving management. What is rarely talked about is “profitability”, something inherent to management, whether public or private, and its different social, environmental and economic variants.
All of the above has done nothing more than build a path towards a sophistication of the latest generation of environmental policy and challenges, which on the other hand leads us to achieve the objectives that I at least call “classics” in the sector: Continuity, Quality, Respect for the Environment, Cost Coverage, Efficient Management and Innovation.
The idea behind the Manifesto drafting exercise has been “to get water utilities to work by leveraging the use of innovative technologies and practices, digitising their operations, maximising their energy efficiency and renewable energy generation
Where are urban water services in Europe heading?
potential, while recovering nutrients and materials from wastewater and drinking water treatment flows”, i.e. to carry out the implementation of the above-described fashions in concrete lines of work.
Finally, the need to reclaim wastewater (irrigation, urban and industrial uses, aquifer recharge, cleaning, hydrogen generation, etc.) is starting to be talked about loudly in Europe, which will help to combat the growing water scarcity in Medi-
"We must move towards a guarantee of full cost recovery, including the maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure and new investments"
terranean countries, despite the fact that in Spain we are already leaders in Europe with reuse rates close to 15%; worldwide we are only surpassed by Singapore, Israel and California where rates close to 60%-80% are reached. The EU’s new Wastewater Treatment Directive has put the emphasis on advancing the circular economy for the generation of phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon, as well as for the recovery of cellulose, bioplastics and other materials; in short, we are transforming our wastewater treatment plants into resource recovery plants. These policies are welcome, but it is necessary to underline the need for targeted fiscal and financial support to undertake the associated investments.
The task ahead is not easy in an environment characterised by many other challenges: persistent droughts, strong random
storms, rising sea levels, the presence of dangerous and persistent chemicals in the urban water cycle, new security and cybersecurity challenges, critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and so on. All these constraints require far-reaching adaptation measures.
From this holistic reflection, a question arises: how can we work at the level of European and national authorities to ensure that effective and positive change is achieved? Well, in order to answer this question, we at EurEau have defined a series of “success factors” that have been worked on by operators in Spain for some time and are worth emphasising so that society and interest groups become more aware; they are as follows:
J Establishing an adequate regulatory framework
The improvement of our regulatory framework is necessary to achieve greater guarantees for the execution of investments, the continuous improvement of the quality of services, wider coverage of costs and legal certainty that guarantees long-term management; the management of water and sanitation in the short term usually suffers from a lack of investment capacity. These new challenges and opportunities should help to implement new governance by providing incentives, stimulating innovation and encouraging the development of new business areas related to activities such as energy production and storage and the recovery of nutrients and raw materials, in line with the objectives of the European Green Pact.
J Securing long-term funding and resources
In our country there is a clear need to renew the existing infrastructure, as the indices of the sector show; without adequate funding, we will not be able to achieve this. We must move towards a guarantee of full cost recovery, including the maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure, new investments, innovation costs and the development of new business areas; in my opinion, the so-called 3T methodology of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is the right way forward, as well as the full implementation of the “Polluter Pays Principle” including the application of “Extended Producer Responsibility”.
J Attract competent professionals and gain social recognition
To efficiently manage our assets, it is essential to further improve the quality of staff; authorities and operators must better explain the value of well-managed water services to society, so as to attract motivated employees and attract talent by making the sector more attractive.
J Develop innovative solutions and increase motivation for change
Water services have changed substantially over the last decades, many of the solutions we apply today are energy and resource intensive. Innovation is needed to meet today's challenges: digitalisation, artificial intelligence, etc.
J Preventing pollution at source
Preventing the release of pollutants into drinking water and wastewater resources is the most effective way to ensure the sustainability of water services. Pollutants such as nitrates, pesti-
"Water
services have changed substantially over the last decades, many of the solutions we apply today are energy and resource intensive"
cides or PFASs significantly increase the carbon footprint and energy consumption of operators, while generating waste that is difficult to treat, limiting circular economy options.
In conclusion, we can say that this task is far from easy; the challenges are extensive and multifaceted, yet the responsibility ultimately rests with us as operators, alongside governance as a critical lever for driving change. Both state and local governments have a substantial role to play in fostering these developments by thoroughly reviewing the core powers and functions of the companies that provide these essential services. This process includes a detailed examination of various factors, such as the risks associated with non-compliance, the ownership and stewardship of assets, the specific terms of contracts, and other crucial regulatory aspects.
“Ingeteam places a strong emphasis on research and development to enhance our service offerings, through the product lifecycle”
Luis Beracoechea, Water Global After Sales Director at Ingeteam, discusses the company’s strategic approach to enhancing water management through innovative technologies and customer-focused solutions, sharing insights on the evolving needs of the water industry.
While I am proud of our achievements — tripling our service business, optimizing processes, and strengthening operational frameworks — I see this as just the beginning. I look forward to addressing new challenges, opportunities and continue contributing to the firm’s growth.
How do INGEDRIVE frequency converters benefit water industry applications, and what unique challenges do they address in this industry?
In the water industry, where efficiency and reliability are essential, Ingeteam is focused on improving water management through innovative technology and customer-oriented solutions. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Luis Beracoechea, Water Global After Sales Director at Ingeteam, who has played a key role in evolving the Service and Aftermarket department into a global services team. With an emphasis on optimizing operations and strengthening client relationships, Ingeteam consistently incorporates new technologies to enhance its offerings for water industry applications. Join us as we discuss the insights, challenges, and future trends shaping Ingeteam’s approach to the water sector.
Please tell us briefly about your career path and your current role at Ingeteam. I joined Ingeteam four years ago as part of a strategic transformation led by senior management, utilizing my IT and railway industry background to drive technological advancements in our service operations. This experience allowed me to reshape the Service and Aftermarket (SAT)
department, now evolved into Global Services. Although my role remains nominally unchanged, it has expanded to align operational priorities with sales and customer satisfaction, ensuring service excellence is central to our value proposition. Thanks to the effort of the service team, we have significantly grown our team in size and expertise, enhancing our knowledge base and strengthening client relationships. These efforts have reduced response times and increased agility, enabling us to deliver a higher quality and more comprehensive service portfolio, ultimately providing substantial added value to clients and driving notable business growth for Ingeteam.
The INGEDRIVE family of low- and medium-voltage variable speed drives provides the water industry with key operational and technical benefits, adapting to market demands by optimizing energy consumption, reducing mechanical wear, and extending equipment lifespan. By minimizing start-up surges, INGEDRIVE helps lower maintenance costs and enhances system reliability, while its advanced monitoring features allow real-time tracking to anticipate and prevent costly downtime.
Implementing INGEDRIVE often requires clients to shift from traditional operational approaches, as the water industry has historically been slower in adopting real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. However, as market demands for efficiency grow, clients increasingly prioritize equipment optimization across electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic performance. This shift presents a strategic opportunity for Ingeteam to introduce INGEDRIVE as a comprehensive solution to meet these new expectations.
"The INGEDRIVE family of low- and medium-voltage variable speed drives provides the water industry with key operational and technical benefits"
LUIS BERACOECHEA - WATER GLOBAL AFTER SALES DIRECTOR, INGETEAM
Z Cristina Novo
Ingeteam’s frequency converters are flexible and highly customizable; can you share specific examples or case studies where this adaptability significantly improved client operations in the water sector?
The El Salto - La Red - Calderón aqueduct, starting from El Zapotillo project, is essential to guarantee the water supply to the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (Mexico), with a capacity of one thousand litres per second, which can be in-
creased up to three thousand litres per second. It also contributes to flood prevention and optimizes the management of water resources in the region.
In the context of these strategic projects, Ingeteam has demonstrated its capacity for innovation and technological flexibility. At El Salto, Ingeteam has supplied five electric pumping units with a capacity of 2400kW at 6600V, each one transporting 750 litres per second. This supply is complemented by an integral
electrical package, which includes variable frequency drives, medium voltage switchgear, a reactive compensation system, and a control cabinet that manages the pumping plant.
At El Zapotillo, the technology supply is similar, although with four pumping sets instead of five. The variable frequency drives provide precise control of the motors, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring system stability under varying operating conditions.
How does Ingeteam enhance the customer service relationship and the overall customer experience for water industry clients, and what specific benefits does Ingeteam Water Service offer throughout its product lifecycle?
Ingeteam focuses on building collaborative client relationships by aligning with their operational needs. In the pre-project phase, we work closely with clients to design tailored solutions, ensuring accurate integration through engineering meetups. During manufacturing and supply, we offer flexibility in delivery timelines, rigorous testing, and thorough documentation to ensure smooth execution.
Following this, in the commissioning and start-up phase, we provide on-site and remote support, with expert supervision and telematics tools for real-time assistance, ensuring systems are operationally ready. Finally, across the operational lifecycle, our services swiftly address any issues, ensuring ongoing support and resolution of unexpected challenges.
Our global reach enhances our service capabilities. Clients benefit from the expertise of our technical teams located around the world, providing support with impressive reach and responsiveness. Recently, we have expanded our global presence by opening two new Excellence Service Centers in the USA and Brazil, further enhancing our ability to deliver high-quality service and support.
How does Ingeteam’s customer-centric approach ensure optimal service and support for water industry clients throughout the product lifecycle?
Ingeteam leverages over 85 years of expertise to deliver comprehensive, client-focused service across the entire product lifecycle. Our aim is to build lasting client relationships through technology, ensuring enhanced efficiency and reliability, cost optimization and profitability, and fast fault detection and repair.
Our service portfolio encompasses a range of essential offerings designed
"Clients increasingly prioritize service level agreement and a great technical support, fields where Ingeteam provides integral solutions"
to maximize equipment reliability and longevity. For repairs and overhauls, we conduct thorough root cause analyses and quality repairs, extending the life of critical equipment. Spare parts management ensures the timely availability of high-quality original parts, tailored to meet project-specific needs. Through field services, we provide skilled, reliable support on a global scale, with technical experts and local partners committed to upholding safety and performance standards. Additionally, Ingeteam Premium Support offers comprehensive Life Extension Programs and LongTerm Service Agreements, aimed at ensuring reliability and reducing equipment failure risks for up to 20 years post-commissioning.
Could you explain the functionalities of the INDARCARE App and how it supports water industry clients in managing and maintaining their equipment more effectively?
The INDARCARE App exemplifies Ingeteam’s dedication to providing personalized, comprehensive solutions that enhance premium service offerings, ensuring top client satisfaction and continuous improvement. Available in both mobile and web formats, INDARCARE facilitates all interactions between Ingeteam’s Water Division and its clients. Its key functionalities include: Commissioning and Start-Up Support: Clients can manage the commissioning and start-up processes for their Indar equipment directly through the app, promoting efficient deployment and operation.
Service Portfolio Access: Users can explore Ingeteam’s services and solutions, aiding informed decision-making and effective resource management.
Technical and Engineering Assistance: The app provides streamlined access to technical support via phone or web, ensuring timely assistance.
Warranty Activation: Clients can activate equipment warranties through INDARCARE, simplifying the process and adding peace of mind.
Equipment Management: Clients can instantly access specifications, operational data, and maintenance scheduling for their Indar pumps and submerged motors, facilitating seamless equipment oversight.
How do Ingeteam’s digital services use technology to transform the operational and maintenance strategies for water treatment facilities?
Ingeteam, as a technology-driven company, consistently integrates emerging technologies to improve service offerings across the product lifecycle. Our significant R&D investment fuels these innovations.
Our digital services, built on Digital Twins, intelligent algorithms, and IoT connectivity, enable condition-based maintenance and early fault detection to boost operational efficiency and minimize downtime.
Among the key elements of our approach, we may highlight intelligent algorithms that analyse extensive data to support predictive analytics, helping clients detect equipment patterns and anomalies for informed decision-making. We leverage historical data and benchmarking, allowing clients to analyse operational trends and system behaviour through global data comparisons. Additionally, our advanced sensorization and monitoring capabilities provide real-time data collection, shifting from
manual monitoring to algorithm-driven analysis. Furthermore, our predictive maintenance software consolidates and analyses equipment data to optimize maintenance strategies, ultimately enhancing equipment performance and longevity.
What future trends and technological advancements do you foresee in the application of frequency converters and digital services within the water industry, and how is Ingeteam preparing to meet these developments?
The water industry is evolving through electrification, decarbonization, digitalization, and globalization — trends Ingeteam fully embraces.
Electrification and Decarbonization:
As cleaner energy becomes critical, Ingeteam aligns with sustainable practices through products like the INGEDRIVE frequency converters, which enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. Our focus on R&D keeps us at the forefront of energy-efficient solutions that support clients’ sustainability goals.
Digitalization and AI: Ingeteam drives digital transformation in the water sector with tools like Digital Twins, Intelligent Algorithms, and IoT solutions, allowing predictive maintenance and performance optimization. Our platforms, including INDARCARE, enable remote monitoring and AI-enhanced reliability, maximizing equipment longevity and efficiency.
Globalization: Ingeteam’s expanding global presence, supported by local expertise and new service centers in the USA and Brazil, allows us to deliver tailored, scalable solutions, helping clients stay competitive across diverse markets.
"Ingeteam leverages over 85 years of expertise to deliver client-focused service across the whole Water industry"
“Filtrate’s performance allows to reduce the size and thus the cost of new water treatment plants”
RODRIGO MELLO - SERVICE ENGINEER, SAINT-GOBAIN CANALIZAÇÃO
As Brazil’s water market embraces innovation, Filtralite® — a high-performance filter media — is gaining momentum. Rodrigo Mello, Service Engineer, Saint-Gobain Canalização, shares insights on Filtrate’s impact, challenges, and growth potential in Brazil and across South America.
Filtralite®, the filter media made of expanded clay, started its journey in Europe, 30 years ago. After strengthening its presence in Europe, such as in France and Spain, Filtralite is expanding further in the Middle East, and at the same time, developing collaboration with colleagues from PAM, specialists in pipes, part of Saint-Gobain Group, and the world leader in iron ductile pipes.
Filtralite has recently entered the Brazilian market through Saint-Gobain Canalização. It’s designed to replace conventional materials like sand and anthracite in water treatment plants, offering several advantages for industries such as sanitation and drinking water production.
In Brazil, Filtrate’s benefits include enhanced filtration efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and better water quality. Its porous structure allows for higher water flow rates and longer filtration cycles while reducing the need for backwashing, which saves up to 75% in energy costs and cuts water loss by 60%. Additionally, Filtralite has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional methods and can last twice as long as sand, up to 20 years in some cases.
Filtralite is well adapted to the Brazilian market, due to the rapid urbanization which entails a need for more production capacity without building new facilities.
Furthermore, when new facilities need to be built, Filtralite allows the size of the plant to be reduced to deliver the same amount of water. Filtralite is well adapted to reduce operation costs and improve production capacity and the efficiency of water treatment plants, all over the globe.
We had the opportunity to interview Rodrigo Mello, an engineer at Saint-Gobain Canalização, whose commitment has been crucial to advancing Filtrate’s development in Brazil and across South America.
Can you describe your career, your current role, and your level of involvement within Saint-Gobain?
I started in Saint-Gobain 12 years ago within the Pont-à-Mousson business as an intern. After more than 8 years as an international buyer, I am currently
working as a technical service engineer. In Barra-Mansa, Brazil, we have a blast furnace, that enables local production of our pipes. Saint-Gobain is an amazing company, present on all continents around the world with great opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in a great work environment.
I like to work with my colleagues and the common energy we are deploying to reach our goal, year after year. The new challenge with Filtralite is an opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge in the water area, especially in the filtration sector.
How long have you been involved in the development of Filtralite in Brazil and South America?
My team and I have been working for three years now to develop the market
"Filtralite®, a filtration media made from expanded clay, has recently
"Filtralite is well adapted to reduce operation costs and improve production capacity and the efficiency of water treatment plants"
for Filtralite, the expanded clay solution, used in filtration. More and more different actors are starting to be aware of this innovative solution to reduce operating costs in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
I love challenges and it is great to be part of the journey of such a great product, which meets the needs of the Brazilian market. Year after year, we have grown the number of happy customers in Brazil.
To continue this progress, we are now distributing Filtralite throughout South America, with the precious support of PAM LATAM Norte and PAM LATAM South.
How would you describe the water market in Brazil? What is the most common filter media?
The Brazilian water market is growing very fast. Compared to other areas in the world, we do not lack raw water resources, but the need for sanitation and drinking water is rising alongside the country’s increasing urbanization. More people are going to live in cities, and this puts additional pressure on water resources in these areas. This is why we need to rethink and enhance our approach to filtration in urban regions.
As cities expand quickly, the size of water treatment plants becomes small for the growing demand. This is where Filtralite can play a great role, by increasing the water production capacity and thus reducing the need to build new facilities. In addition, with its superior performance, Filtralite allows to reduce the size and thus the cost of new water treatment plants.
The most common filter media in Brazil are sand, and sand combined with anthracite. In the past, the priority in Brazil was to have enough water treatment plants, both for drinking water and wastewater, but more and more the performance of those plants is also being considered. Again, Filtralite can have a major impact here: compared to sand, we can increase the production capacity and decrease the operation costs, keeping the same output qualities. The same happens with the combination of sand and anthracite; we are outperforming this dual-layer solution, with better production capacity, and fewer backwashes needed; this means a significant decrease in operating costs, but with the same water quality as the output of the filters. The lifetime of our products is double that of sand, and it is 4 to 6 times longer than anthracite.
How did the Brazilian and South American markets react to the introduction of Filtralite filter media?
A common point with the rest of the world is that the water market is conservative. Sand has been used for thousands of years to filter water, dating back to ancient Egypt, so it is a well-known solution, and it can be difficult to change this established mindset. Also, in engineering schools specializing in water treatment, Filtralite is not mentioned, traditional solutions like sand and anthracite are most frequently discussed. We have an outsider position for now. So it is very
important for us to educate and reassure customers and to clearly convey how easy it is to implement Filtralite.
Filtralite has been used for more than 25 years now, and we have a strong reference list of more than 500 references in drinking water and wastewater, and many case studies around the world. For sure, every water plant is different with different characteristics and needs, but the market is reacting very positively to Filtrate’s deployment. Of course, we need time to be well known in a big country such as Brazil and even more in the whole of South America, but the economy is stable in the country and the market has an appetite for innovation and high-performance products. It is a very good moment for Filtralite to be implemented in the whole of South America.
We started to have several references in Brazil with very positive results, which
"Brazil does not lack raw water resources, but the need for sanitation and drinking water is rising alongside the country’s urbanization"
has increased market interest in Filtralite. Also, we have presented Filtralite at several exhibitions in South America, and we can feel the public’s interest in the product, which motivates us even more.
What synergies can you find between PAM and the Filtralite area?
PAM and Filtralite are the two entities working within Saint-Gobain dedicated to the water sector. PAM is specialized in water distribution and Filtralite focuses on the production side. The great synergy we have is that often we can share our contacts. It was the starting point for combining our strengths to be even better, together. Also, we share the same processes, the same values, and the same goals, aligned with Saint-Gobain policies. This helps us to focus on the most important questions, and to respond to the needs of our customers.
As you may know, Saint-Gobain Group is one of the leading companies in building materials. This way, we focus on high-performance materials to offer our customers comfort and security.
With PAM, which specializes in ductile iron pipes of all diameters, we are following the same preference for high-performance products to bring the best solution to our customers. I am proud to work for a company that delivers good solutions to meet our customers’ needs.
Filtralite fits perfectly with our goals. It is a high-performance filter media designed to reduce operating costs during the filtration stage and is made to last.
What are the main challenges you are facing when presenting Filtrate’s advantages?
As I mentioned earlier the water market around the world is conservative, espe-
cially concerning drinking water, but Brazil is keen to experiment with new solutions in water treatment. The high number of case studies we have around the world, and now in Brazil, have provided us with extensive results and performance tests.
When plant managers, plant designers, and even consultants look at our case studies around the world, they want to conduct a trial – either in a column or directly in one of their filters – to see if this new generation solution can apply to their plant.
When the set-up is correctly established in the pilot, they can replicate in local settings the same results as in our case studies, and want to proceed with a deployment. The stock we have in Brazil helps us to answer quickly to customer needs.
How do you see the future with Filtralite and what are the next steps in its development?
I see a bright future with Filtralite. Sand and anthracite are still the most commonly used products, but Filtralite has significant growth potential in Brazil. We still have work ahead to make Filtralite as wellknown as our two competitors, but given the performance results we’re achieving, we’re confident in Filtrate’s expansion.
In the next steps of our development, we want all actors in the water market to be aware of Filtralite and mainly about its advantages – the benefits they can gain with Filtralite, and what they miss out on by not using it. We hope our example can support our colleagues at PAM in South America and all around the world.
"Filtralite outperforms the combination of sand and anthracite solution, with better production capacity, and fewer backwashes needed"
ALFONSO GONZÁLEZ
HEAD OF CONTRACT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
AT AGENDA 21500
Amongst all the existing management tools Managers rely on to succeed, Risk Management may be the one that is taken less advantage of within the infrastructure sector, including the water infrastructure sub-sector. At Agenda21500, we believe that Risk Management provides companies with many benefits, which at a project level and in the short term will lead to keeping client confidence and adjusting to both budget and schedule, and in the medium and long term provides a significant competitive advantage.
The persistent underutilization of risk management in infrastructure and water projects
Like most of the many management standards worldwide, Risk Management became globally widespread after being published in 2009 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). However, despite being considered by the ISO of enough importance for a complete and detailed standard (ISO 31000) to be developed, and for many companies to be implemented, its relevance in most of them across the globe is still in my opinion not reaching mid-relevant levels.
The tangible benefits of a risk management system
The benefits of having a Risk Management culture are not only highlighted within ISO 31000, but are also known worldwide and, what is more important, accepted and proved by top managers and boards at small and medium-sized companies as well as large multinationals. Better risk identification and control, threat anticipation, better resource allocation, enhancing decision-making, encouraging proactive management, improving results and stakeholder confidence, are some of the advantages a company can obtain from effectively implementing a Risk Management System (RMS).
Considering the enormous benefits the application of Risk Management may bring, it is hard for me to understand why Risk Management is not considered a must by many companies, and thus incorporated into their processes and culture. Moreover, it is unfortunately common that with an RMS in place, most companies do not capture all its benefits; not to speak about companies which have implemented an RMS to be just used as a commercial tool.
Overcoming challenges to embrace effective risk management
Several reasons come to my mind to understand and explain such circumstances, but there are two I’ve identified as the
Unlocking the potential of risk management in water infrastructure projects
most common and at times misleading. On the one hand, the fact that the ISO 31000 standard is non-certifiable, which has been seen by many as a sign of a second-level standard, and hence not worth the effort to invest time and allocate resources to develop and implement an RMS. On the other hand, what I’ve reckoned to be a non-written belief that risks have been dealt with by managers for years, therefore modifying the status quo when addressing risk management is not considered.
"Carrying
out a persistent communication effort is paramount for everyone within the company to understand the new process and its benefits"
Inconceivably, not being certifiable has been an argument I’ve often been explained to ground the lack of need to implement an RMS, as if not having the obligation to might be a powerful reason not to hold to something which will provide benefits. Also, not modifying the way risk management has been approached so far (whatever this means) makes no sense given the accepted reasoning that the main driver to get different results is doing things differently.
Time and resources must be invested and mobilized to some extent when implementing an RMS. However, the cost-benefit analysis of putting in place an RMS within a company happens to be quite unbalanced to the benefit side once the RMS is accepted and the processes are followed. Of course, depending on the level of complexity that is desired for the RMS, the in-
vestment may be higher and therefore the effect on the benefits may take longer to appear, since communication with the people and the implementation of the processes will require more time, hence the learning curve will simply be delayed. Luckily, ISO 31000 is a generalist standard aimed at being easily applied to any area within a company, even for those for which risks have been analyzed for decades and have their own in-house methods, such as those to deal with quality and environmental risks. In addition, from the simplest to the most powerful, there are many computerized tools in the market which may be acquired to help throughout the risk management process. However, to get started, an in-house spreadsheet may be good enough to be able to classify and establish risk treatment strategies to be taken into consideration and carried out by the relevant managers.
Implementing an effective risk management system: a stepby-step guide
Implementing an RMS only requires the following four simple steps, which are the key to a successful implementation: obtaining top management commitment and support, developing a brief process, deciding on a robust risk management tool, and communicating the process across the company. It is well known that having the top management’s support is crucial when it comes to introducing a change within a company and that not getting it represents the first step to failing to obtain the desired benefits. Regarding the process to be defined, it is my opinion to keep it as simple as possible, since a straightforward process will facilitate its compliance. The risk management cycle is self-explanatory (identification, assessment, treatment, monitoring, and controlling) so there is no need to complicate it. To be consistent in this simple approach, the process must be clear and concise and consist of a minimum set of short documents. Also, the tool to be chosen to follow the risk management process must be as simple as possible; it just needs to allow to identify, assess, rate and establish treatment. Lastly, carrying out a persistent communication effort is paramount for everyone within the company to understand the new process and its benefits. Among all, effective communication is the key to success; “effective” means ensuring that all team members understand not only the important benefits that an RMS may bring but also the relevance of properly addressing Risk Management to achieve such benefits.
Now, the no-certifiable condition of ISO 31000 provides the advantage that should an RMS be implemented, there is no obligation for it to be applied to all projects across the company starting on day one. Contrary, it can be used progressively, hence starting at one project and subsequently to others so that the RMS can be tested and adjusted. Therefore, the company can choose the pace at which the RMS is applied to more and more projects.
"Our team possesses a wealth of experience in Risk Management, enabling us to provide world-class services at an international level"
At Agenda21500, we are fully aware of the transformative benefits that risk management can bring to infrastructure projects. Our team possesses a wealth of experience in Risk Management, enabling us to provide world-class services at an international level. These services encompass a broad spectrum, including consulting to assist our clients in implementing or redefining their Risk Management Systems (RMS) and taking on leadership roles within project teams. We offer support at every critical stage of a project, from the tender phase to post-award activities such as construction, handover, and even the operation and maintenance period. So far, the company has helped several clients develop risk assessments and risk management plans and has led the Risk Manager role for a relevant project in Europe.
GRAHAM HAWKE CHIEF SCIENTIST, TASWATER
OPINION
PFAS considerations needed for drinking water of future generations
Australian drinking water is among the best in the world, and in Tasmania, we currently hold the title of the country’s best tasting tap water. It is crucial that, as water utilities, we do our utmost to protect our water sources while ensuring that we deliver water to our communities that meet the rigorous Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Across the state, TasWater manages a vast infrastructure network that supplies drinking water to more than 220,000 households and businesses. In fact, we maintain 38 per cent of the water and sewage treatment plants run by major water utilities in Australia.
Every water system is rigorously monitored from catchment to tap to ensure the best quality water is provided to every customer. In 2023-24, we conducted approximately 280,000 water quality tests across the state, which equates to one test every two minutes.
Our commitment to quality and safety is unwavering, yet this responsibility comes with challenges. These include the unique geographical locations of our water treatment infrastructure, the unpredictability of climate change and human-made factors such as PFAS.
PFAS is short-hand for synthetic fluorocarbons known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances - a group of more than 14,000 chemicals. These chemicals can be used to coat and protect surfaces, widely used in industry and consumer products to resist heat, stains, grease and water. The average person ingests more PFAS through food than water.
Naturally, when PFAS gained worldwide media attention, following strict new guidelines for drinking water in the USA, Australians wanted a greater understanding of their exposure risk. Proactively, TasWater recently completed 1,960 tests for the presence of PFAS in all of our 70 raw water catchments we use to source our drinking water and have had no detections. But this is not the end. PFAS are here to stay, and we need to be vigilant and continue to be proactive in our approach to managing this issue for future generations.
Addressing PFAS contamination is not just the responsibility of governments or water authorities; it’s a collective respon-
sibility that requires effort from everyone. Individuals can help by staying informed, choosing sustainable brands, and looking out for PFAS-free status labelling as it becomes more widely available. Businesses, particularly in manufacturing, must be proactive in researching and adopting safer alternatives.
We will continue to put the health and safety of all Tasmanians above all else. We welcomed the draft updated guideline values for PFAS in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in October. We support its rolling review by the National Health and Medical Research Council, who draw on the best available scientific evidence, involving rigorous expert review.
The proposed guideline values are significantly lower than currently in place and serve as a trigger for investigation of sources of PFAS, if exceeded. The lowest proposed level (for
"PFAS
are here to stay: we need to be vigilant and continue to be proactive in our approach to managing this issue for future generations"
PFOS) is 4 nanograms per litre, equivalent to one drop in five Olympic-sized swimming pools.
PFAS presents a uniquely long-lasting challenge. At TasWater, we will continue to be vigilant and work with the relevant authorities, while keeping our community informed and educated on the current events surrounding PFAS. We see significant benefit to working closely with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), whose proactive approach to the global PFAS conversation has helped us develop our own methods.
Addressing the persistent and widespread extent of PFAS demands a unified approach, with policymakers, industry leaders, water authorities, and individuals working together to limit PFAS exposure and protect our most vital resource — safe, clean drinking water — for generations to come.
Smart water meter
For Radhika Fox, water isn’t just a resource — it’s a lifeline that sustains communities, drives economic opportunity, and enables a resilient future. Growing up with a deep understanding of water’s role from her family’s roots in rural India, Fox has dedicated her career to advancing water management and equity. Now advising organizations beyond her groundbreaking tenure at the EPA, she reflects on pivotal policy advancements in U.S. water security, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the future of global water collaboration. Through her insights, Fox emphasizes a unifying call for action: safeguarding water resources requires a shared commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.
What initially sparked your interest in water issues, and how did that interest develop into a career focused on advancing water management and policy?
Water is at the centre of humanity’s ability to survive and thrive. It’s our silent partner in all activities.
And when we get water management right, we create the conditions for both people and the planet to flourish. The way I see it, nothing is more critical to the success of society than its ability to supply water where it is needed, when it is needed – and, on the flip side, to keep floodwaters at bay.
I know this not only from my work, but from my family’s history. I’m a first-generation American. My father and mother grew up in rural India, and my grandparents provided for their fam-
"The EPA’s WaterTA is investing $500 million to help underserved communities across America secure federal infrastructure funding"
“Water issues don’t stop at national borders, it’s critical that we approach solutions in a global way”
RADHIKA FOX
PRINCIPAL, NORTH STAR STRATEGY & FORMER EPA ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR
Radhika Fox, a prominent voice in U.S. water policy and former Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, shares her insights on critical water initiatives that shaped her tenure, the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure, and the partnerships essential for addressing water challenges on a global scale.
ilies as small farmers growing coconuts, rice, and mangos. My parents grew up without electricity; they relied on wells for drinking water, and pit latrines for wastewater management.
When they came to the United States, they propelled me and my brother into an opportunity we could never have imagined. So, the question was, how could I make an impact? With so much given to me – by my parents, and by the infrastructure that made my life in the United States possible – my purpose has been about unleashing that human potential. I believe water is at the centre of that potential.
Reflecting on your time as Assistant Administrator for Water at the EPA, what do you believe were the most critical policy changes or initiatives during your tenure that made a lasting impact on water security and infrastructure?
I am incredibly proud of the work we were able to do at the EPA. We launched WaterTA, which is investing $500 million to help underserved communities across America secure federal infrastructure funding. Through this work, by the end of 2024, the EPA will support 1,500 communities through new initiatives
that remove lead pipes, help neighbourhoods access wastewater facilities, build technical assistance, and so much more.
We also restored and advanced essential public health protections, including the first-ever national standard for PFAS in drinking water. I was proud to serve as co-chair of the PFAS Executive Council and to lead the development of the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which laid out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing PFAS so we could protect public health, safeguard our environment and hold polluters accountable.
And we took critical actions to restore oceans and coastal ecosystems, like our work to protect Bristol Bay. That area is home to 25 Alaska Native villages and the most productive wild salmon ecosystem in the world – which makes it important not only to local communities, but also to countless people who rely on it to feed their families.
These are big-ticket items – but what makes them special is their impact on real people, real families and real communities. Because of these actions, people across the United States will have cleaner, safer water; better economic opportunities; and healthier lives.
Z Cristina Novo
In your current role, how do you continue to influence and contribute to the national and global dialogue on sustainable water management and policy?
Effective water management will take all of us, from the federal government to the private sector to NGOs and philanthropies. That’s why I’m advising a range of purpose-driven organizations as they work to make a difference in water management and policy.
At North Star Strategy, I’m helping CEOs and executive leadership teams at private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations interact with the federal government. As a senior advisor at Xylem, I’m helping apply smart technology to tough challenges. And as an advisor to philanthropies like Robert Wood Johnson and the Walton Family Foundation, I’m helping to make sure that philanthropic giving in these areas is effective in sparking the kind of results we need to achieve.
It was a privilege to do this work in the federal government, but water management is a comprehensive project – and I’m excited about the kind of progress we can make together.
more crises in communities like Jackson. We have to commit to bringing those communities to the table and giving them their fair share of funding. That’s going to require collaborations between the federal government and local communities, helping them unlock federal dollars and making sure they’re empowered to shape the policies and systems that affect their lives.
Given your experience, what do you believe are the most effective strategies
"I was proud to serve as co-chair of the PFAS Executive Council and to lead the development of the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap"
Water access and quality are still pressing issues in the U.S. How do you see the future of federal and local collaborations in solving these challenges?
I see a really important chance to improve water access and quality in the United States, especially in underserved communities.
We’ve seen how generations of neglect and inequity can lead to a water crisis. Just a few years ago, for example, a deep freeze left nearly 150,000 residents of Jackson, Mississippi, without safe drinking water. The city is majority-Black, and as a result, it has historically received fewer resources and less attention than its majority-white counterparts in the state. This crisis shined a light on the kinds of enduring water disparities that are still impacting our communities to this day.
Now, Jackson’s story isn’t unique. Every single state has communities that have experienced a lack of infrastructure investment, and as extreme climate events become more frequent, we’re going to see
for modernizing the aging water infrastructure in the U.S.? How should funding and implementation be approached moving forward?
I think we have an opportunity not only to build back our water infrastructure, but to build back better. Over time, we’ve learned so much about ways to make water sources and water regulations more efficient, more effective, and more sustainable. And at this moment, when so much of our aging water infrastructure needs to be repaired and replaced, we have a chance to leverage that knowledge and create systems that support real people in their every-
"Effective water management will take all of us, from the federal government to the private sector to NGOs and philanthropies"
"As extreme climate events increase, we’re going to see more crises in communities that have experienced a lack of infrastructure investment"
day lives – while also being mindful of where we’re headed in the future.
That means leaning into the digital transformation of the water sector. It means employing advanced solutions that make our water facilities and water use more efficient. It means building water systems that are more durable in the face of climate change – better able to handle ebbs and flows, and less likely to contribute to the problems we’re already facing.
Those are the kinds of priorities I pushed for when I was leading the implementation of the Biden Administration’s $50 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure law – and that’s what we should continue to do today.
Climate change continues to exacerbate both drought and flooding in many regions. What lessons have you learned about addressing these dual threats, and how should future policies evolve to tackle them?
Climate change is one of the most urgent and universal challenges facing U.S. communities and the environment. So many
"With so much aging water infrastructure, we have a chance to build back better, being mindful of where we’re headed in the future"
of us experience climate change through water – whether it’s flooding in coastal and inland communities, drought across the South and the West, or the unpredictability that impacts everyone from water utilities to farmers to ecosystems.
Because it’s such a broad challenge, we need to approach it in a few differ-
ent ways. First, we need to make America’s water infrastructure more resilient. That means investing in ways to prevent it from being overwhelmed by floods or incapacitated by droughts.
Second, we need to protect America’s waters from the impacts of a changing climate. From biodiversity to natural
"Our priorities should be the digital transformation of the water sector and using advanced solutions for more efficient and durable water systems"
features like flood plains that support our communities, we have to take action now in order to prevent losses that could be catastrophic later.
Third, we need to share information and adaptive technology with the communities and decision-makers who are impacted at the state and local level. The federal government is capable of doing a lot of good when it comes to tackling climate change, but as you get closer and closer to the community level, local partnerships are more and more important.
The effects of climate change on water impact all of us, and that’s why the entire water community needs to be involved in solutions. Public water systems, local governments, community organizations, water-reliant businesses, the engineering and construction sector, the scientific community – all of these groups, and many more, can help make a difference. It’s really only by working together that we can build a resilient water future.
Equity in water access is a key topic. How do you think we can better address disparities in water affordability and quality for vulnerable communities in the years ahead?
Affordability is a big issue. One in three people say they struggle to pay their water bills. Yet, we still do not have a federal program to support low-income families having to choose between paying their water bills and other critical items.
The temporary, and now expired, Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was a critical step. But, the Water Equity & Climate Resilience (WECR) Caucus – a national network of water and climate justice leaders across the country anchored by PolicyLink – has been advocating to pass and fully fund a much-needed permanent program at the federal level. We all need to join in this effort. But assistance is just one step on the path to water equity. We need to move our policy approach from water assistance to true water affordability. A comprehensive approach to water affordability requires: 1) funding for infrastructure and operations; community-driven solutions for chronically failing systems, and 3) maintaining household water access and keeping bills affordable.
How important is the role of the private sector in tackling water challenges, and what kinds of public-private partnerships do you think are most effective in driving innovation and improving water sustainability? While providing clean water and sanitation has traditionally been the public sector’s responsibility, solving the world’s most pressing water challenges requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach. The private sector plays a vital role in scaling investments and driving innovation, both essential to achieving global water sustainability goals.
"Climate change is a broad challenge that we need to approach in different ways, starting by making water infrastructure more resilient"
"The effects of climate change on water impact all of us, and that’s why the entire water community needs to be involved in solutions"
Water scarcity, quality issues, and the growing impact of climate change demand solutions that go beyond the capacity of any one sector. According to the World Bank, spending on solutions that provide universal access to clean water and sanitation must nearly triple from current levels to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda. Over the next five years, private-sector funding will be crucial in bridging this investment gap.
Public-private partnerships are particularly effective when they combine the strengths of both sectors – government policy and regulation with private-sector innovation and resources. Governments play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment by establishing clear regulations and long-term municipal funding models that offer support and reduce financial risks. Public bodies can give the market confidence and provide private organizations the opportunity to bring critical solutions to market at scale, helping to deliver real impact for communities.
For example, companies like Xylem are uniquely positioned to drive technological innovation addressing water scarcity, quality, and energy efficiency. Xylem’s commitment to corporate water stewardship, as outlined in its 2030 Sustainability Goals, aims to solve critical water challenges by enabling access to clean water for at least 20 million people globally and replenishing more than 6.5 billion cubic metres of water through reuse and recycling initiatives. In partnership with municipal and regional governments, companies like Xylem help scale infrastructure solutions that empower water utilities and communities to build a more water-secure world. These solutions include intelligent metering and smart water networks that reduce sewer overflows, minimize water loss, and improve efficiency.
The private sector’s ability to drive technological innovation, scale infrastructure solutions, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders makes it a powerful partner in addressing global water challenges. Investing in public-private partnerships grounded in shared goals and sustainable practices can accelerate progress toward a more water-secure future.
Now that you’re working outside the EPA, how do you see the U.S. positioning itself on the global stage in terms of water management and sharing best practices with other countries?
"Assistance is just one step on the path to water equity; we need to move our policy approach from water assistance to true water affordability"
No administration has done more to address climate than the Biden-Harris Administration – especially in the context of water management. In fact, Vice President Harris launched the Global Water Security Action Plan to ensure that America is partnering with governments across the world to build water security.
EPA and its sister agencies are at the forefront of so many aspects of this issue – from forecasting how climate will impact water; to funding infra -
structure projects that incorporate climate resilience and nature-based solutions; to thinking about how changes in water quality and quantity intersect with issues like PFAS and other contaminants.
Water issues don’t stop at national borders, and it’s critical that we approach solutions in a global way. The United States has an opportunity – and an obligation – to help lead that work.
As you look ahead, what innovations or policy shifts do you believe will be most critical in shaping the future of water management in the U.S., and how do you see your own contributions evolving in this space?
"The private sector’s ability to drive technological innovation, scale solutions, and collaborate with stakeholders makes it a powerful partner"
The work that we did on water management at the EPA during my time in the Biden Administration was historic, both in our future-focused investments and in our policies – but what we need now is to double down on that approach so that we can make ongoing progress.
We’re seeing a lot of exciting innovations, from smart water systems that can monitor water use, detect issues, and predict shortages to improve water efficiency, to technologies like advanced wastewater treatment and desalination. Any administration – and any outside organization – should be interested in funding and applying those innovations as widely as possible.
When it comes to policy, we need to be really intentional about integrating water management with climate change adaptation. That will include updating our infrastructure so it can stand up against extreme weather events; promoting water conservation to protect our resources; improving water rights frameworks to make sure that our communities have the resources they need; and incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices, so our ranchers and farmers can continue to feed the country and provide for their families today without depleting the resources they’ll need tomorrow.
Ultimately, this is a big project that will require a lot of cooperation – and that’s why my focus is on building bridg-
es and partnerships across the public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Effective water management in the midst of climate change is a challenge that will require an all-of-humanity approach – and that means we have to align people around a common vision and generate action towards sustainable, long-term solutions.
"No administration has done more to address climate than the Biden-Harris Administration – especially in the context of water management"
Optimizing water networks operation and reduction of leaks. Opportunities to export the Spanish experience
The implementation of advanced leak detection, smart metering, and IoT technologies can significantly reduce water losses, lower operational costs, and contribute to the overall sustainability of water resources. The examples from Spain demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in real-world applications, providing a blueprint for utilities worldwide to enhance their water management strategies.
Efficient water management has become a critical issue as global populations grow, urbanization expands, and the effects of climate change intensify. One of the major challenges utilities face is the significant loss of water in distribution systems, commonly referred to as Non-Revenue Water (NRW). NRW is the difference between the volume of water put into a distribution system and the volume that is billed to consumers. This lost water, due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies, has substantial economic and environmental costs. Globally, water losses account for between 20-50% of the total water supply, depending on the region.
In Spain, the national average of water loss levels reported by various sources ranges from 15% to 25%, with considerable variation across different municipal-
Globally, water losses – due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies – account for 2050% of the total water supply, depending on the region
ities. The regions with the highest losses are Ceuta and Melilla (25%), Canary Islands (24,4%), Extremadura (22%) and the regions with the lowest losses are Madrid (4%), Murcia (11,4%) and the Basque Country (13,2%).
In the European context, there are also considerable differences. In countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark NRW is around 5%, in Germany around 8%, while in the United Kingdom NRW stands at around 20%, where significant efforts have been made to reduce this figure, but older systems remain a challenge.
In the United States, NRW levels range between 15-30%, depending on the state, despite heavy investments in technology and infrastructure improvements. In Sub-Saharan Africa, reports suggest losses as high as 35-50%, aggravated by aging infrastructure and inadequate investment. In India, water loss levels are around 50% and in Brazil around 38%.
The importance of reducing water losses is evidenced by the environmental, sustainability and economic benefits it brings.
Water and energy savings : Reducing leaks means less water extraction from natural sources, which is crucial for conserving ecosystems and maintaining the balance of local water cycles. With climate change leading to prolonged droughts and water scarcity in many parts of the world, it is vital to minimize wastage to ensure sustainable water supplies for future generations. Moreover, water conservation is intrinsically linked to energy conservation. The energy required for water treatment, pumping, and distribution is immense, and by reducing leaks, util -
Z Virginia Villanueva, Water Sector Manager. Environment and Climate Change Department at ICEX
ities can save energy, thereby lowering their carbon footprints. In this sense, water conservation efforts align directly with global sustainability goals, such as those outlined by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Economic Savings : For utilities, the investment in smart metering and leak
detection technologies offers a rapid return on investment (ROI). Water that is lost through leaks still incurs treatment, pumping, and maintenance costs without any associated revenue. By identifying and repairing leaks, utilities can reduce the overall volume of water treated and pumped, which di -
rectly decreases operational costs. Additionally, the data collected through IoT devices and analytics platforms enable more efficient asset management, reducing the frequency of emergency repairs and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
The integration of these technologies not only saves resources but also enhances customer satisfaction. By providing consumers with real-time data on their water usage and alerting them to potential leaks, utilities can empower customers to make informed decisions about their consumption patterns, further contributing to water conservation efforts.
At ICEX, aware of this need and trends, we promote activities to make the expertise of the Spanish technological sector in efficient water management known internationally.
Public administrations, water operators, and private companies are all increasingly committed to developing smart water solutions and multilateral development banks are also aware of this.
In this line, one of the ICEX's recent activities is the organization and coordination of two sessions for the Asian Development Bank e-marketplace, in which six Spanish companies will exhibit their innovative.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) e-Marketplace gathers stakeholders from ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) to discuss the latest digital technology and best practices to deliver smart, resilient, safe, and inclusive water management and services. Cohosted by Water Resilience Hub partners, ADB
The importance of reducing water losses is evidenced by the environmental, sustainability and economic benefits it brings
ICEX promotes activities to make the expertise of the Spanish technological sector in efficient water management known internationally
e-Marketplace 2023 is a webinar series that features rapid-fire pitches from technology companies and solutions providers.
Another event carried out by ICEX (April 2024) was a session with presentations and around 40 bilateral meetings between some of the most advanced Italian water utilities and Spanish companies as potential technology providers. These Italian utilities will be in charge of the implementation of 33 projects focused on the reduction of water losses, monitoring and digitization of water networks in Italy. They visited Spain coinciding with the international conference on Water Loss of the International Water Association in San Sebastian. Thanks to ICEX, Spanish companies had the chance to get to know firsthand about these projects, to show their own products and solutions to the Italian utilities and, of course, to have a direct contact with potential clients.
Another initiative that ICEX has developed throughout 2024 in col-
The expertise Spanish companies have accumulated in digital water management is well-prepared to be shared internationally
laboration with the Water Technology Platform (Plataforma Tecnológica del Agua, PTEA) has been a mapping of new Spanish technologies in the water sector. The main objective of this study is to identify companies that are developing new and relevant technologies in this sector, in order to obtain a current picture of the state of the art and developing trends.
A total of 69 entities responded to the survey (62 companies and 7 other entities, such as industry associations or universities). Eleven companies (17.7%) stated that their main products and services are related to pressure sensors, in-line acoustic inspection systems
for leak detection, digital platforms for inspection management and leak monitoring and/or smart meters.
Types of technologies for optimizing water distribution networks, reducing water losses and Spanish expertise
The drive to optimize water networks has given rise to numerous technological innovations, both in software and hardware. These technologies are designed to detect, monitor, and reduce water losses in real-time, providing utilities with the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively.
Pressure Management. One of the most effective methods for reducing leaks is opti-
Presentation of the mapping of new Spanish technologies in the water sector. SSWS 2024 (18 September, Madrid).
mal pressure control. Technologies like Demand Driven Distribution (DDD) adjust the network’s pressure based on real-time demand, cutting leaks by around 15%, reducing energy costs by 25%, and lowering pipe breaks by 35%. This helps maintain water supply without unnecessary pressure, which contributes to network longevity.
Real-time Leak Detection Technologies (Hardware). Leak detection technologies have become increasingly sophisticated. There are Spanish solutions specialized in large-diameter pipeline inspections using in-line devices that combine acoustic and electromagnetic sensors. This type of technology provides precise leak detection, pipe condition assessments, and
can identify air pockets that may lead to future problems.
Smart Metering and IoT Solutions (Software & Hardware). The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in water management systems has revolutionized real-time monitoring. This type of solutions allows utilities to monitor water usage, detect anomalies such as leaks using real-time data and act quickly, predict infrastructure failures, optimize network pressure, and ultimately manage assets more effectively.
Data Analytics Platforms. The integration of artificial intelligence-driven data analytics with hardware solutions has made it possible to anticipate fail-
ures before they occur. Some platforms enable monitoring of consumption patterns, identification of leaks, and implementation of predictive maintenance strategies. The use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) also enhances the ability to visualize water networks, allowing for more efficient planning and maintenance of infrastructure.
Spanish companies’ solutions are already operational in regions such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in UAE, Sao Paulo (Brazil), Qatar, Mexico, United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and beyond. The expertise Spanish companies have accumulated in this field over recent years, especially with the momentum provided by the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) to advance the digitalisation of water cycle management – an initiative of the Government of Spain – is well-prepared to be shared internationally. ICEX will be there to promote this expertise globally.
Companies such as Aganova, Fugaqua, Aonchip, ArsonData Metering SL, Buntplanet SL, (now Siemens), Elliotcloud, Defcon8 Enterprise SL, Dative Partners SL, ACCIONA, Instituto Tecnológico de Galicia, IDIRICA, Datakorum Soutions, Coxabengoa, Minsait, Tedagua, Hidroconta, Hidroglobal, Gestagua, Miya Water, SEIPA, among others, are joining ICEX water sector activities to advance their internationalization efforts and exemplify Spanish firms investing in technologies for optimizing water network management, with successful experiences both in Spain and abroad.
Public administrations, water operators, and private companies are increasingly committed to developing smart water solutions
Bilateral meetings at ICEX Auditorium between Spanish companies and Italian utilities (April 2024).
Participants in the session Italian utilities and smart water Italian utilities (ICEX Auditorium, April 2024).
Harnessing technology and nature to transform urban water management
The fourth instalment of the Autodesk Water Webinar series explored climate resilience and urban water management, focusing on nature-based solutions. Speakers highlighted Autodesk’s digital tools to manage excess water during heavy rainfall and emphasized their role in reducing pollution, enhancing urban biodiversity, and improving the quality of life for city residents.
As part of the Autodesk Water Webinar Series, the session Leveraging Rainwater Management for Climate Resilience brought together leading experts in nature-based solutions, hydraulic modelling, and stormwater management to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change in today’s urban environments.
This fourth webinar in the series emphasized the urgent need for adaptive, sustainable approaches to water management, especially in the wake of recent destructive floods in eastern Spain. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events drive home the necessity for robust, resilient water management solutions in densely populated urban areas.
Rebecca Willey, Technical Solutions Engineer at Autodesk, was the first to speak, presenting Autodesk’s commitment to innovation and global resilience. “Autodesk is a global leader with a diverse team of employees across the world. Our focus is on delivering innovative solutions, with a significant investment in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends. We’re committed to understanding and exceeding our customers' expectations, continually enhancing our offerings to meet their evolving needs,” Willey stated, underscoring Autodesk's dedication to proactive climate resilience.
In her presentation, Willey introduced Autodesk’s InfoWorks ICM, an advanced catchment planning platform that seamlessly integrates surface and subsurface flows, urban and rural infrastructure, and real-time weather data. The software offers predictive modelling capabilities that help anticipate extreme flow events and design rapid response strategies. According to Willey, this tool is crucial for analysing and optimizing existing drainage networks to ensure compliance with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations that are
emerging worldwide. “InfoWorks ICM is a comprehensive, fully integrated catchment management tool that incorporates buildings, infrastructure, industrial, and residential areas. It provides a complete understanding of your catchment area, ensuring your systems perform optimally now and, in the future,” Willey explained. This tool has allowed for proactive management of water flow, helping mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas and ensuring communities are better protected.
Anthony McCloy, Managing Director at McCloy Consulting, followed Willey’s technical overview by focusing on the effectiveness and necessity of nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban water management. McCloy emphasized the role of a catchment-based approach, guided by a long-term strategy that seeks to achieve multiple benefits. “We need a catchment-based approach guided by a long-term strategy, where achieving multiple benefits is essential, not optional. Our focus must be on designing with people and the environment at the forefront,” he stated, highlighting the human-centred philosophy driving modern water management strategies. For McCloy, NBS are not only essential for managing excess water during intense rainfall but also play a pivotal role in reducing water pollution, fostering urban biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life for city residents.
McCloy elaborated on how Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) help manage water within multifunctional spaces across urban landscapes, including green areas, wetlands, and permeable pavements. He shared an example from a project in London, where SUDS integrates play areas with water retention zones, achieving dual benefits of flood prevention and providing recreational spaces that connect commu-
nities with nature. McCloy’s insights underscored the broader vision of transforming urban infrastructure to serve multiple roles — prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and resilience. However, he noted the significant challenge of moving away from traditional “grey” infrastructure, which prioritizes rapid water evacuation via underground pipe systems. Instead, McCloy advocated for approaches that retain water within the environment, enabling natural filtration and
Rebecca Willey
Technical Solutions Engineer, Autodesk
"InfoWorks ICM provides a complete understanding of your catchment area, ensuring your systems perform optimally now and in the future"
reuse, thereby reducing demand on conventional drainage infrastructure and minimizing pollution in nearby water bodies.
The session’s Q&A brought additional depth to these discussions, with attendees posing questions that addressed real-world implementation challenges. One participant from Singapore asked how stormwater management systems could be adapted for densely populated cities. McCloy responded by emphasizing the importance of integrating stormwater solutions with broader infrastructure initiatives, such as active mobility projects and urban regeneration efforts. By identifying synergies between these initiatives and stormwater management strategies, cities can achieve greater benefits without requiring extensive additional space. Implementation costs and funding were also addressed: a Canadian participant inquired about implementing taxes to fund stormwater management, a proposal that has sparked both support and resistance in the country. McCloy responded by highlighting Germany’s approach, where tax reductions are offered to buildings that incorporate green infrastructure like vegetated roofs, which help manage rainwater. This approach has incentivized property owners to adopt these practices, creating positive impacts for both water management and the local economy.
Advanced catchment planning tools enable proactive management of water flow, helping mitigate flood risks in vulnerable areas
An engineer from the United Arab Emirates inquired about adapting SUDS for arid climates, where rain is intense but sporadic. McCloy explained that while these solutions are primarily designed for wetter climates, they can be tailored for arid regions by incorporating drought-tolerant native plants and permeable pavements that retain water when necessary. He also highlighted the importance of community engagement, educating residents on the benefits of temporary water retention in designated urban areas to support these systems’ effectiveness in dry environments.
Anthony McCloy
Managing Director, McCloy Consulting
"We need a catchment-based approach guided by a long-term strategy, where achieving multiple benefits is essential, not optional"
Another participant raised concerns about potential mosquito proliferation in water retention infrastructure. McCloy recommended incorporating water movement mechanisms, such as fountains or circulators, to discourage mosquito larvae development, and designing the systems to gradually release water to prevent stagnation. This nuanced approach ensures that the environmental benefits of wetlands and water retention areas can be maintained without compromising public health.
The session also discussed system readiness to reflect the most current conditions. An engineer from Turkey asked how flow discharge calculations are updated to reflect changes in climate and surface conditions. McCloy explained that Ireland and the UK have increased their estimation of extreme events in design models, anticipating a 20-30% rise in rainfall intensity and, in some cases, up to 45% in maximum events. He added that true resilience involves planning for much higher flows and designing for conditions that exceed expected service levels.
The session concluded with reflections from both speakers on the transformative potential of combining nature-based solutions with advanced digital tools for sustainable, resilient urban environments. McCloy closed with an optimistic outlook, emphasizing that nature-based solutions and strategic use of technology offer cities an unprecedented opportunity to become more resilient, eco-friendly, and people-centric. Both Willey and McCloy emphasized that while these approaches mark a significant shift from conventional practices, the long-term benefits to society, ecosystems, and urban resilience make the shift essential.
This well-attended webinar reinforced the importance of an integrated approach to urban water management — one that balances technical innovation with environmental and community needs. The forward-looking Autodesk Water Webinar series remains a vital platform for water sector professionals, underscoring Autodesk’s commitment to empowering cities to meet the climate challenges of today and tomorrow.
PABLO INFANTE
HEAD OF COX WATER
OPINION
The Energy follows Water model
Companies, today, have a role that goes far beyond their own activity, as well as the mission and vision for which they have been conceived. Businesses and markets are responsible for acquiring a commitment to the environment - a deep commitment to the future. Sustainability must be, in short, a maxim in all companies, and their strategy and purpose must respond to promoting the changes necessary to create sustainable prosperity.
And talking about sustainability and the future necessarily implies looking at water. One of the basic resources, most necessary for life and which, however, is most scarce and generates more inequalities. Today, some two billion people (more than 26% of the world's population) do not have access to safe drinking water and more than 4 billion suffer from severe water shortages in the areas where they live. Regions such as North Africa and the Middle East are the most affected. This fact does not go unnoticed by the United Nations, which in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to end extreme poverty and protect the planet, cites 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), being number six to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
Aware of the current reality, the water sector must focus all its efforts on promoting the innovative spirit to implement real solutions for water conservation, treatment or reuse, and the improvement of supply infrastructures, as well as more efficient agricultural practices. Water, therefore, must be placed at the centre of the action plan. But not only water. Energy, especially renewables, also plays a key role because, combined with efficient management of water resources (energy+water), they provide the formula for real progress towards truely sustainable development. The water-energy nexus is nothing more than the fact that every power plant requires water for its operation, and every water plant requires energy for its production.
At Cox, we maintain a deep commitment to the environment, and this commitment involves desalination as a response to alleviate the deficiency of water resources that plagues much of the planet. Along with managing water scarcity (only 0.025% of the water on earth is available freshwater), it is about converting salt water from seas and oceans into fresh
water, either for consumption or for use. Cox is a global leader in desalination and meets this critical challenge by managing 10% of the world's installed capacity. With more than 55 years of experience in the management of water assets and upstream infrastructure, the company has been recognized in the main rankings of the sector worldwide and has received more than 20 awards from different leading organizations in the industry.
In addition, Cox goes a step further and applies the "Energy follows Water" strategy, which addresses the water-energy nexus mentioned above, or, in other words, understanding sustainability from a global perspective, even considering the challenge of optimizing the cost of producing desalinated water. And it does so by seeking sustainable and efficient solutions, such as the application of renewable energy plants that make it possible
"Renewables, combined with efficient management of water resources, provide the formula for real progress towards sustainable development"
for desalination plants to be self-sufficient. A real example, on a commercial scale, is the Taweelah desalination plant, developed by Cox in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), the largest in the world by reverse osmosis (900,000 m3/day), which works, in large part, thanks to the energy provided by a photovoltaic solar plant of more than 70 MWp, which allows it to reduce 2.5 M tons of CO2 per year and provide drinking water of the highest quality below USD 0.50/m3. These figures make it the best and largest plant of the year according to Global Water Intelligence.
The key is to maintain an inclusive approach and to put all the resources at our disposal at the service of the common good. Water, accessible to all and of good quality, must be the maximum. To achieve this, let's bring renewable energy, experience, talent and technology.
GILLIAN BLYTHE
WATER NEW ZEALAND CEO
OPINION
New Zealand’s water reforms grapple with infrastructure and funding challenges
A major campylobacter outbreak in the small town of Havelock North triggered the most significant reforms in New Zealand's water sector in decades. Eight years on, however, uncertainty and debate persist over how to fund the critical upgrades needed to address the country's ageing and long-neglected infrastructure.
The contamination event, which resulted in four deaths and left over 5,000 people ill, was a wake-up call for both the water sector and the New Zealand population. The subsequent inquiry into its causes revealed a “widespread systemic failure among water suppliers to meet the high standards required for the supply of safe drinking water to the public”.
The inquiry pointed to non-compliance in meeting drinking water standards and a high level of complacency amongst many of the country’s 67 water suppliers along with a failure of regulatory oversight. In other words, it was only luck that had prevented occurrences like this in other regions.
The lack of compliance didn’t stop with drinking water. Recently it was found that only around a quarter of wastewater treatment plants were compliant with their consents and across the networks, the aged and crumbling pipes are leaking around 20 per cent of water from the network.
The fallout from Havelock North led to the establishment of a new drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai, which has recently taken on board wider responsibilities for the environmental performance of wastewater and stormwater networks.
Legislation for a new economic regulator was enacted in mid-2024, with further legislation due before the end of the year; however, the most controversial challenge is how to fund the much-needed improvements in the country’s water infrastructure after decades of neglect and under-funding.
For many of New Zealand’s 67 councils currently responsible for water services, the cost of improving drinking water safety, reducing water pollution and improving the quality of their freshwater is unaffordable, especially for small and rural communities with smaller ratepayer bases.
It’s been estimated that expenditure will need to at least double and potentially triple or even quadruple to make the necessary improvements and meet new regulatory require-
ments. As well, much of our infrastructure is on the coast and vulnerable to sea level rise. Yet, many councils also rejected the previous government’s “affordable waters” solution which would have transferred the councils’ water assets and liabilities to new much larger entities managed by professional boards.
That plan was repealed by the incoming government, replacing “affordable waters” with “Local Water Done Well”. This new “locally based solution” removes the compulsory aspect of the previous government’s joined-up approach and instead sheets the responsibility of water supply back into the hands of the councils. This means they either have to go it alone or strike a deal with other councils.
This less prescriptive approach requires councils to fully recognize the advantages of “economies of scale”, especially in
"It’s been estimated that expenditure will need to at least double and potentially triple or even quadruple to make the necessary improvements"
terms of affordability and adapting to the demands of the new regulatory environment.
So, eight years after Havelock North, councils across the country are now at different stages and different levels in their journey towards improving their services.
As the representative body for the three water sectors, Water New Zealand has been very clear. We are apolitical and support options that would see an improvement in the sustainable management and health of the water environment.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the status quo is not an option and for many councils, unless they can find partners and “economies of scale”, providing safe drinking water, fit for purpose wastewater treatment and improving freshwater quality, affordably will remain out of reach.
KETAN KOTHARI
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER – WATER AT EXPLEO
OPINION
Water 2.0: How data is revolutionising water services under AMP8
As the UK water industry wades through a sea of challenges, AMP8, the eighth asset management period, marks a pivotal moment for the sector in the UK. With a record £88 billion investment, AMP8 aims to modernise the nation’s water and sewage systems while integrating advanced digital technologies to enhance service delivery. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Outdated digital infrastructure continues to stifle progress, hindering the seamless integration of modern technologies into networks that have operated for 200 years, intensifying the industry’s uphill battle toward modernisation.
So, how is data diving into this mix to reshape the future of water services? This article explores how smart data governance and predictive monitoring are becoming the secret weapons the industry needs to get smarter, unlocking new avenues for resilience, efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Data mapping is vital for the water industry’s transition to digital solutions. By centralising data on usage, infrastructure, and environmental factors, water companies enhance operations and customer service. This consolidated approach provides a real-time view of the network, facilitating quicker issue detection and better resource allocation.
Additionally, data mapping improves customer service by enabling companies to proactively address potential disruptions. Predictive models can signal upcoming challenges, allowing for timely communication with customers and minimising downtime. This ensures that services are efficient and customer centric.
A key player in AMP8’s digital transformation is predictive monitoring, powered by cutting-edge technologies like IoT sensors and digital twins. Digital twins create a virtual model of the entire water system, simulating real-time data from physical assets. This allows water companies to monitor and analyse their networks as if they were navigating a digital replica.
Imagine having a 3D model of your entire water infrastructure that allows you to spot leaks before they happen or optimise maintenance schedules by visualising how each component performs in real time. This approach enhances resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
Predictive monitoring also plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive data. As water companies digitise, protecting operational and customer information becomes paramount. Automated systems can provide real-time alerts about potential cyber threats, ensuring robust data protection in our increasingly interconnected world.
For AMP8’s digital transformation to succeed, a robust data governance model is essential. This involves creating protocols to manage data flow and security, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the board. Strong governance enables informed, timely decision-making and maximises the value of data assets.
The effectiveness of a governance model goes beyond technology. Organisations must foster data literacy among employees at all levels. By ensuring that staff understand how to interpret
"By centralising data on usage, infrastructure, and environmental factors, water companies enhance operations and customer service"
and utilise data, companies can enhance operations and customer service. Investing in internal expertise is key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation under AMP8.
AMP8 is ushering the UK water industry into the digital age. With innovations like real-time data mapping and predictive monitoring, utilities are not just getting better at what they do — they're becoming more resilient, efficient and eco-friendly too. By ditching old manual processes, the industry is embracing a smarter and more adaptable way of operating.
This shift isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for tackling today’s demands and the long-term challenges the industry faces. The future of the UK water industry is all about data-driven decisions, paving the way for a sector that's not only more efficient and sustainable but also more focused on what customers really need.
EXPLORING SMART WATER SOLUTIONS THROUGH GLOBAL COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION
In late October, Smart Water Magazine partnered with HMS Networks to present an insightful webinar, "Shaping the Future of Water – from Connectivity to Operational Efficiency." This event delved into the transformative concept of "Smart Water" or Water 4.0, showcasing how digital technology reshapes modern water management.
Led by Cristina Novo, Technical Editor of Smart Water Magazine, the session brought together prominent figures in the water technology industry, including representatives from Veolia, Envirochemie, and the Industrial Cybersecurity Center. Novo’s introduction underscored the profound impact of advanced Operational Technology (OT) on the water sector, emphasizing both the tremendous benefits and significant challenges faced by facilities and utilities as they adopt digital solutions.
A cornerstone of the session was the Water 4.0 Maturity Model, presented by Xavier Cardeñas, Water & Wastewater Specialist at HMS Networks, a key contributor to the model’s development through a DVGW research project. This model offers a systematic pathway to water digitalization, beginning with computerization and connectivity, setting the foundation for more advanced stages such as data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and the integration of machine learn-
By starting with smaller-scale pilots, water management organizations can refine digital solutions and later scale them across larger operations
ing. Cardeñas explained, "Digitalization without hardware to transmit data holds little value; real data allows us to progress from monitoring to actionable insights." The Water 4.0 Maturity Model provides a roadmap for water management professionals, guiding the journey from basic digital tools to fully data-driven systems.
Ahmed Ganainy, Middle East & Turkey Digital manager at Veolia, provided further insights into the possibilities Smart Water offers, especially in achieving operational excellence, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Veolia’s objectives, Ganainy noted, include reducing operational costs, minimizing environmental impact, and achieving sustainable development goals. "The primary challenges in adopting smart water technologies are rooted in human nature, particularly the resistance to change, and concerns around cybersecurity,” Ganainy stated, highlighting, in his opinion, the two main hurdles in implementing smart water solutions.
Ganainy highlighted the collaborative power of Smart Water technology, describing how it connects expertise globally. For example, Veolia’s remote support model allows water treatment plants in Egypt to receive assistance from specialists in Germany, while facilities in Saudi Arabia receive support from Sweden. This collaborative model extends into Veolia’s development of a unified platform, a data lake architecture designed to consolidate data from multiple sources into a single, configurable dashboard. Ganainy noted, “In the digital age, collaboration is key; at Veolia, we understand that we can’t achieve this alone. Our partnership with HMS is integral to our connectivity initiatives.”
Another speaker, Sebastian Spielhoff, Digital Service Group leader at Envirochemie gmbh, shared his expertise on industrial water management challenges. Spielhoff pointed out that water management faces issues such as data overload, incident handling, regulatory compliance, and a shortage of skilled operators. He introduced Envirochemie’s WaterExpert platform as a solution, describing it as a "risk avoider, problem solver,
and value creator" that aids operators in handling incidents remotely, often eliminating the need for an on-site response. Spielhoff also shared a case study involving automotive supplier ZF, where Envirochemie’s technology reduced the plant’s energy consumption by 78%, significantly contributing to ZF’s carbon emission reduction goals.
Cardeñas emphasized the importance of pilot projects as an effective strategy for digital transformation. By starting with smaller-scale initiatives, water management organizations can refine digital solutions and later scale them across larger operations. “HMS Networks supports these pilot projects by providing connectivity solutions,” Cardeñas noted, describing how HMS’s Ewon Flexy device bridges the gap between layer-one communication devices like HMIs and data systems, enabling data transfer and insight generation across diverse protocols.
Industrial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration also emerged as a critical component of the Water 4.0 approach. The speakers discussed SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, Master PLCs, and the use of sensors as foundational elements for automation and real-time monitoring in water management. Through examples, the speakers illustrated the practical benefits of these technologies, demonstrating their success in boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and helping organizations achieve sustainability goals. Real-world cases of predictive maintenance strategies showcased how these solutions have reduced system downtime, optimized energy use, and minimized CO₂ emissions, underscoring the tangible, data-backed benefits of digital water technologies.
Cybersecurity emerged as a major theme throughout the webinar, especially as water infrastructure embraces digital transformation. Cardeñas highlighted the importance of adhering to cybersecurity standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and IEC 62443, as well as compliance with the NIS2 directive, which aims to reinforce cybersecurity across critical infrastructure.
Maite Carli, Head of Communication and European General
Industrial Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration also emerged as a critical component of the Water 4.0 approach
Cybersecurity emerged as a major theme throughout the webinar, especially as water infrastructure embraces digital transformation
Coordinator, Industrial Cybersecurity Center (CCI), expanded on these points in her presentation, “Diving into Water Sector’s Cybersecurity.” She discussed how cybersecurity challenges span the entire water cycle and emphasized the need for simple, effective security measures to protect operations and information. Carli introduced the RECIN platform, a simulation tool designed to model water cycle scenarios, assess cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and test responses to potential threats, offering utilities a structured approach to cybersecurity preparedness.
In addition to operational and cybersecurity concerns, the session explored the value of cloud platforms in Water 4.0. With their scalable data storage and processing capabilities, cloud solutions align with ISO/IEC 27001 standards to ensure data accessibility and security. These platforms enable utilities to centralize data handling, balancing accessibility with strict security requirements, essential for managing sensitive infrastructure information.
In a concluding Q&A, attendees engaged with the panellists, discussing issues such as Veolia’s integration of diverse data sources into the Hubgrade platform and the practicalities of maintaining connectivity. Ganainy explained Veolia’s approach of adding secure devices to existing PLCs to manage data flow and communication, while Spielhoff discussed the goal of consolidating data from various sources into a single user interface. When asked about solutions for non-revenue water, Spielhoff noted that development was in progress, and Cardeñas highlighted the importance of backup connections like 4G or 5G to prevent WiFi disruptions.
Overall, the webinar provided participants with actionable insights and a comprehensive view of the digital transformation in water management, covering essential aspects of connectivity, operational optimization, and cybersecurity. Each speaker’s unique perspective reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adaptability in making water management both smart and secure for the future.
RETNO L.P. MARSUDI
TO CHAMPION WATER SECURITY AS UN SPECIAL ENVOY ON WATER
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently appointed Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi, the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, as his first Special Envoy on Water. This landmark appointment, announced on September 13, 2024, underscores the global urgency of water security and positions Mrs. Marsudi as a prominent advocate on the world stage. She officially assumed her role on November 1, 2024, following an impressive four-decadelong diplomatic career.
Mrs. Marsudi’s tenure as Special Envoy on Water will focus on elevating water and sanitation issues to the forefront of global policy discussions. Her appointment comes at a critical time, with the global water crisis threatening ecosystems, communities, and economies alike. As Special Envoy, Mrs. Marsudi will mobilize action and resourc-
es, support the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation, and work toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all. Her leadership will be particularly crucial in the lead-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference, where global water policies will be revisited and strengthened. With her diplomatic experience, including overseeing the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in 2024, Mrs. Marsudi is well-prepared to forge meaningful partnerships and foster cooperation across nations. Her history of advocating for equitable access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights her commitment to inclusivity and international collaboration. Mrs. Marsudi’s appointment is a powerful step forward in the UN’s mission to ensure a water-secure future for all.
Retno L.P. Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, addresses the High-level plenary meeting on “Addressing the threats posed by sea level rise”. New York, September 2024. Credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel
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Digital twins:
Repurposing 17th, 18th, or 19th-century infrastructure for the 21st century
At the beginning of October, Autodesk Water, in collaboration with Smart Water Magazine, hosted the third installment of a webinar series designed to bring together water industry experts, focusing on innovative strategies for improving water management.
The series offers a unique perspective on evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities, highlighting the importance of cutting-edge methods like flood mitigation, network leakage resolution, and digital twin technology. These sessions aim to reshape how we interact with one of the world's most valuable resources — water.
The focus of the third webinar was on Digital Twin Innovation and its application in the Glasgow Smart Canal, showcasing how technology can revolutionize urban water management. The discussion centered around the transformation of a 230-year-old canal system into an advanced flood risk mitigation scheme through the use of Digital Twin technology.
The webinar kicked off with the screening of a video titled Reflecting Transformation - Beneath the Surface, produced by Autodesk and BBC Storyworks. This film delved into the Glasgow Smart Canal project, providing insight into its impact on the local community and the broader implications for sustainable water management.
Rebecca Willey, a Technical Solutions Engineer at Autodesk, followed the video with an introduction to Autodesk's Water Solutions. She highlighted the capabilities of technologies like InfoWorks ICM and ICM Live, which are instrumental in creating digital twin representations of water networks. Willey emphasized how these tools empower engineers to simulate and manage water systems efficiently, fostering a new era of proactive water management. Willey also noted, "A large proportion of our investment is in research and development, allowing us to not only support our current customers but also to continue investing in solutions for the future needs of the world across various applications."
Willey also demonstrated how Autodesk, renowned for its leadership in 3D design and engineering software, continues to innovate in the realm of infrastructure and environmental management. As part of its dedication to advancing digital transformation in urban planning, she showcased the company’s contributions to the Glasgow Smart Canal project, powered by its Innovyze software. The software enables Autodesk to offer comprehensive solutions that address critical water management challenges, such as stormwater control, flood mitigation, and water distribution. She further explained that
Rebecca Willey Technical
"By investing in research and development, it allows us to support our current customers and continue investing in solutions for the future"
The Glasgow Smart Canal project was developed to address the challenges of urban flooding and climate change in North Glasgow
"the core themes and capabilities focus on hydraulic modeling, asset management, and operational analytics, examining assets and how we manage water throughout its entire cycle — from planning and design to building, operating, and maintaining."
Next, Peter Robinson, Lead Waterways & Coasts Engineer at AECOM, led attendees through the details of the Glasgow Smart Canal project. He explained how real-time monitoring and predictive modeling are used to manage flood risks while repurposing historical infrastructure to create sustainable, community-driven solutions. Robinson's presentation shed light on the transformative potential of combining cutting-edge technology with traditional water management systems. He remarked, "We talk about an innovative project, but in reality, it's the collaboration between a range of established organizations, sectors, and skillsets working as a unified team. This collective approach is what’s truly required."
Robinson also emphasized the importance of collective funding, stating, "The funding that comes together is also a collective effort, making a project like this possible."
The Glasgow Smart Canal project was developed to address the challenges of urban flooding and climate change in North Glasgow. By utilizing the canal system to store water during extreme weather events, it mitigates the risk of flooding while avoiding the need for costly infrastructure upgrades such as tunnels or sewers. "We’ve created a piece of a sponge city that can absorb the water; however, there wasn’t the means of getting the water from that part of Glasgow out to a receiving water course," Robinson noted.
Robinson explained that the Smart Canal uses a predictive system based on real-time data, weather forecasting, and runoff predictions. It automatically adjusts water levels through regulated sluices and gates, providing around 55,000 cubic metres of storage during forecasted storms. This strategy helps prevent overflows into the city’s drainage system. He went on to explain, "We design things to accommodate a 100- or 200-year return period event, so that is 0.5 per cent of being exceeded in any year, factoring in annual exceedance probability and climate change. Over the lifespan of this system, which is designed to get us through to 2080, rainfall projections in Scotland indicate an increase in intensity of 35 to 40%."
He then discussed the Smart Canal's ability to integrate weather forecast data: "The weather forecast is bringing in forecasting data and there’s a prediction of heavy rain coming through tomorrow or the day after. The system is bringing in the forecast data, passing it through the ICM Live Model, and predicting what the future would look like."
Peter Robinson
Lead Waterways & Coasts Engineer, AECOM
Robinson also spoke about the multiple benefits the project provides across several areas. The project achieved significant cost savings, reducing expenses by 75% compared to traditional flood management solutions like tunnel excavation or sewer upgrades. In terms of environmental impact, the system also prevents the emission of 35,000 tonnes of CO2 over its operational lifespan, with an annual reduction of 500 tonnes, contributing to Glasgow's sustainability goals. Additionally, the Smart Canal plays a crucial role in flood risk management by intelligently regulating the water levels in the canal. This proactive approach helps safeguard the city from flooding, especially during severe weather events, ensuring greater resilience in the face of climate change.
"The system is bringing in the forecast data; it’s going in and passing through the ICM Live Model and predicting what the future would look like"
Among the highlighted queries was, "What is the difference between digital twins and traditional modelling?"
Finally, Robinson stated that the system is part of a broader digital transformation in water management, progressing through stages of digital maturity. As the system evolves, it will incorporate predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
At the end of the presentations, a 15-minute Q&A session provided attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with Willey and Robinson, addressing any lingering questions.
Willey explained that the concept of a digital twin varies depending on its application, noting that it can mean different things to different people based on their specific needs and use cases. Another key question asked whether the success of the Glasgow Smart Canal would lead to the approach being applied to other Scottish or UK canals. Robinson responded that, while there are no immediate plans to replicate the Glasgow Smart Canal in the same way elsewhere, the project has opened up new possibilities. He revealed that they are currently exploring the introduction of a hydroelectric power scheme within the Glasgow Smart Canal, capitalizing on the infrastructure’s ability to be remotely monitored and operated. Robinson added, “I am constantly hunting for the next opportunity that takes this approach.” He emphasized that the key is finding projects that replicate the underlying philosophy: "How do we repurpose 17th, 18th, or 19th-century infrastructure for the 21st century?"
With Autodesk’s water management tools already in use by over 6,500 clients across more than 60 countries, the firm is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the growing pressures on cities caused by climate change. The Glasgow Smart Canal project is a prime example of the company’s ability to create resilient urban environments that can effectively manage water resources, mitigate risks, and promote sustainability.
Maryhill Locks, Forth and Clyde Canal. Photo © Stephen McKay
JEAN-MARTIN BRAULT
SENIOR WATER AND SANITATION SPECIALIST, LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN REGION, WORLD BANK
OPINION
Digital transformation challenges for water utilities in low and middle income countries
Digital transformation is already everywhere, and for water supply and sanitation (WSS) utilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the journey towards digitalization is fraught with challenges that need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of digital solutions. It is thus crucial to understand and communicate how they can work for these utilities, as well as for the water cycle they depend on.
A clear vision of the resources you need…
Most WSS utilities in LMICs have yet to embrace digitalization in a strategic way due to several factors such as lack of skills, knowledge, and financial resources. When asked what they saw as barriers to the adoption of digital solutions, LMIC utilities mentioned the lack of budget (23%), the lack of skills and knowledge about digital solutions (18%) or the lack of a clear return on investment (13%). Utilities worldwide may share business priorities and expectations about the digital realm, but dedicated human and financial resources will be key to accelerating digital transformation.
Digital transformation requires a workforce equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in information and communications technology (ICT) – not only to operate and maintain new technologies, but also to hold its end of the conversation with external actors who can deliver technology and support implementation, ultimately leading to the effective execution of digital projects. However, many utilities in LMICs face a shortage of skilled ICT personnel, and these same key ICT individuals are often not in leadership positions: most digital initiatives are confined to the ICT department, limiting the mobilization of resources and the integration of digital solutions across the organization. In addition, more than 2/3 of LMIC utilities have yet to formalize their digital vision. Without sound strategies and digital roadmaps matching their business priorities, LMIC utilities will continue to struggle with steering the digital transformation boat. Anchoring digitalization high in the organization will help avoid fragmented efforts and provide a solid basis for the promised digital benefits to be reaped in a timely and sustainable manner.
…and the risks you face
As the digitalization of WSS infrastructure and services increases, so does their exposure to the inherent risks and vulnerabilities of cyberspace, and in LMICs, these risks are compounded by the lack of awareness and training, as well as by the limited resources available to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure. When asked how they handled cybersecurity, 35% of LMIC utilities either had basic processes and policies in place or had limited resources to go beyond an antispam or firewall. This underscores a pressing need to support utilities in incrementally strengthening cybersecurity to safeguard against potential disruptions that could compromise the services they deliver, through international collaboration, investments in cybersecurity and tailored capacity building initiatives.
"Digital transformation requires a workforce equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in information and communications technology"
The need for a comprehensive approach
To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach to digitalization is needed, including identifying the utilities’ current level of digital maturity and developing clear digital strategies to tackle current and future priorities. Practical tools can help utilities navigate the digital ecosystem and keep pace with the evolving landscape of digital technologies, and recognizing that the sector needs to prepare for a long-term transformation will be crucial to securing leadership and the required financial resources to do so.
The digital transformation has firmly started in LMICs, and, while the journey remains complex, it is certain that these utilities are “byting” their way every day into these challenges, and we have a great deal to learn from them, regardless of their level of maturity!
SETH B. DARLING
PHD. ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY, LEMONT, IL USA
OPINION
The interconnected future of water and energy: a call for integrated thinking
As a researcher at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, water is a central focus in my work. It might seem surprising that someone engaged in energy research would be so invested in water, but the two are intricately linked in ways that are both profound and, too often, overlooked. As we face an era of resource limitations and climate change, the need to treat water and energy as interconnected systems has never been more urgent.
The relationship between water and energy — often referred to as the water-energy nexus — reflects a complex web of interdependencies. Power generation demands enormous volumes of water for cooling, with thermoelectric plants withdrawing more water than agriculture in many regions. Similarly, water treatment and distribution are energy-intensive, consuming a significant portion of energy supplies.
Beyond this, water plays a key role in many other sectors, including biofuel, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. Ignoring these interconnections risks inefficiencies and environmental damage. However, recognizing them opens doors to innovation. Below are five key areas where these synergies offer untapped potential.
J Rethinking wastewater as a resource. Wastewater is often viewed as a byproduct that must be managed. In reality, it is an underutilized resource brimming with potential. Advances in treatment technology are unlocking new ways to extract value from wastewater, from recovering nutrients to producing biogas or even generating heat. Efforts to harness wastewater streams could revolutionize water management while providing new energy pathways.
J Sustainable and secure supply chains through water. One of the most exciting frontiers in the water-energy nexus is the potential to secure critical minerals from water. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements — essential for renewable energy technologies — are found dissolved in oceans, groundwater, and even wastewater. Tapping into water as a source of critical minerals could be transformative.
J Optimizing industrial processes for sustainability. Industries are major consumers of both water and energy, but these
sectors also offer fertile ground for innovation. In fact, modernizing industrial water and energy management — through approaches like closed-loop cooling systems or heat exchange technologies — can drastically reduce both water usage and energy demand.
J Integrating renewables and water systems. The shift toward renewable energy is creating new intersections between water and energy. Wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, require almost no water to operate, making them ideal for arid regions. Meanwhile, renewable energy can be harnessed to power water systems, offering clean, low-carbon solutions for desalination, irrigation, and wastewater treatment. Integrating these technologies holistically will be key to building resilient systems that can endure climate challenges.
"Recognizing the interconnections between water and energy opens doors to innovation, where synergies offer untapped potential"
J Resilience in a changing climate. As climate change intensifies, the vulnerability of both water and energy infrastructures becomes increasingly apparent. A cohesive strategy that addresses the water-energy nexus is essential for building resilience — by diversifying energy sources, improving water storage and recycling, and designing systems to withstand environmental disruptions.
To fully harness the potential of the water-energy nexus, we need a coordinated approach that spans disciplines and sectors. Engineers, policymakers, and industries must collaborate to develop technologies and strategies that simultaneously address water and energy challenges. Through innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships, we can optimize the use of both resources, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.
THE FALKIRK WHEEL
ENGINEERING MARVEL AND GATEWAY TO SCOTLAND’S CANALS
The Falkirk Wheel, located in Scotland, is the world’s only rotating boat lift, a feat of engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, 35 metres above. This iconic structure allows boats to glide smoothly between the two waterways in just minutes, an achievement that replaced a series of 11 locks, which historically required a full day of effort to navigate.
Opened in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel stands as a symbol of Scotland’s innovative spirit, transforming the site of a former tar works into one of the country’s most celebrated tourist destinations. Drawing around 500,000 visitors each year, this remarkable structure is not just a boat lift but also a stunning piece of public art. The Falkirk Wheel embodies both form and function, balancing massive gondolas that carry boats up and down while using minimal energy
— equivalent to the power needed to boil just eight kettles, or 1.5 kWh per rotation.
Operating on principles first set out by Archimedes over 2,000 years ago, the Wheel’s rotating mechanism relies on the balance of water-filled gondolas, each weighing around 1,800 tonnes, ensuring a perfectly counterweighted movement. When one gondola lowers, the other rises, creating a seamless, gravity-assisted rotation that is both efficient and captivating to watch.
The Falkirk Wheel highlights Scotland’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and innovative water management. Today, it stands as a testament to modern engineering’s ability to preserve and enhance our natural and industrial heritage, combining efficient water navigation with Scotland’s rich history of canal transportation.
“Effective water management is one of the most cost-efficient strategies for climate adaptation”
NANCY J. ESLICK - USAID GLOBAL WATER COORDINATOR AND SENIOR DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR, BUREAU FOR RESILIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD SECURITY, USAID
Through the U.S. Global Water Strategy, USAID is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle water security challenges, leading initiatives that address climate resilience, improve water governance, and promote inclusive solutions.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, the need for comprehensive, resilient water management has never been more urgent. Nancy J. Eslick, USAID’s Global Water Coordinator, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedica-
tion to this mission, driving strategic efforts to ensure water security worldwide. Her journey began with a passion for environmental science and a commitment to development during her Peace Corps service in Uganda, experiences that shaped her approach to water and sanitation challenges. In this interview, Eslick
shares insights into the multifaceted role USAID plays in addressing global water issues, from integrating climate adaptation into water and sanitation projects to fostering partnerships that strengthen governance and resilience at every level.
The U.S. Global Water Strategy emphasizes the importance of climate resilience. Can you elaborate on how USAID is integrating climate adaptation into its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs?
The U.S. Global Water Strategy, which represents a whole-of-government approach to building a water-secure world, recognizes that water security and sustainable sanitation are critical to building resilience and helping communities adapt to climate change. Effective water management is one of the most cost-efficient strategies for climate adaptation. Over 90 percent of climate-related problems are water-related, so water solutions are climate solutions.
Ensuring access to safe water and sanitation services, good hygiene habits, and sound water resources management strengthens communities’ resilience against adverse climate impacts. Slowing down or preparing communities for climate change is crucial, but WASH programming also plays a key role in responding to extreme weather events as they occur. For instance, when water supply networks are severely damaged after cyclones, leaving millions without water, USAID development programming often flexes to help government counterparts restart the water supply systems and support water quality monitoring and chlorination programs in conjunction with humanitarian assistance.
One of the Strategy’s strategic objectives focuses on improving sector governance and financing. What challenges have you faced in strengthening water governance and market systems in the high-priority countries?
Z Cristina Novo
Strengthening governance is essential for sustainable service delivery, effective water resources management, and a precondition to mobilizing finance for the sector. Yet common barriers include weak institutions, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited capacity for enforcement. Corruption and political instability often amplify these issues.
To address these issues, USAID is focused on creating collaborative and lasting solutions. We are building local capacity, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing blended finance solutions to help close the $1 trillion global financing gap needed to achieve water security. The Agency’s comprehensive approach includes regulatory improvements, supporting the creditworthiness of relevant authorities, and professionalization, which strengthens the quality of service, making water systems more attractive to investors and customers alike. For example, in Kenya, we provide technical assistance and targeted investments in solarization and water metering to improve a utility’s efficiency and creditworthiness. Often, utilities struggle with high power bills that prevent them from pumping water to their customers, so USAID supports the switch to solar energy, which reduces electricity costs and avoids frequent service outages while also increasing climate resilience and supporting renewable energy. Similarly, we often help utilities replace non-functioning water meters to reduce non-revenue water. Together, these small improvements can result in more water delivered to more customers with expanded pumping hours, improved quality of service, reduced energy costs, and increased revenues.
Gender equality and inclusivity are central to the Strategy. How is USAID ensuring that women and marginalized groups are not left behind in efforts to achieve water security?
At USAID, we recognize that gender equality and inclusivity are essential
to achieving water security. The Global Water Strategy aligns with other key national strategies on gender equity and equality, promoting women’s economic security, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing climate resilience for those most vulnerable to its impacts.
A key principle of the Global Water Strategy is ensuring that our water and sanitation programs focus on helping marginalized groups and those in vulnerable situations, especially women. This is reflected across all of our strategic objectives, including supporting women in taking on leadership roles in regulatory agencies, service providers, and water resource authorities. We also focus on empowering women economically and supporting women sanitation entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses. This approach not only enhances their economic security but also strengthens community resilience. Our work to strengthen water and sanitation products and services also aims to reduce inequalities among women and other historically marginalized groups, like ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities.
Additionally, water and sanitation services serve as a critical entry point for our work on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). By collaborating across sectors and connecting water and sanitation services with education, health, and other linked sectors, we are addressing issues that reflect how menstruation-related
"The U.S. Global Water Strategy recognizes that water security and sustainable sanitation are critical to building resilience"
stigma and lack of menstruation-related support and information can impact a person’s entire life. This includes ensuring that boys and girls understand that menstruation is a natural and healthy process, confronting harmful beliefs and stigma around menstruation that can prevent menstruators from accessing food, water, and shelter once a month, and improving access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities in schools, healthcare settings, and workplaces. USAID is also committed to increasing collaboration with civil society, especially those led by and for marginalized groups, such as youth, women, and LGBTQI+ persons. This is an important shift for the global water and sanitation community, which has historically focused more on infrastructure than on the people most affected.
The 2023 USAID Annual Report mentions a $700 million investment in high-priority countries. What specific impacts do you anticipate from this investment, and how will success be measured?
"Strengthening governance is essential for service delivery, effective water resources management, and a precondition to mobilizing finance"
"The Agency’s approach includes regulatory improvements, supporting the creditworthiness of relevant authorities, and professionalization"
Our investments in water and sanitation in 21 high-priority countries in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa are supporting local solutions for managing water resources, expanding safe drinking water and sanitation services, and improving available hygiene products and the practice of key hygiene behaviours. At least 50 percent of those reached by this investment will be women and girls, and it includes a focus on communities that have never before had access to these basic services due to a range of local vulnerabilities.
We take a holistic approach to measuring success, using a comprehensive set of standard indicators while continuously innovating toward new metrics that capture the broader impact of our work. This includes better measuring our efforts to support marginalized populations in gaining access to sanitation, tracking progress on the ambitious targets laid out in the 2022-2027 Global Water Strategy, and working to enhance our understanding of the indirect impacts of our transformational work. All
"USAID supports the switch to solar energy, which reduces costs and avoids frequent service outages while increasing climate resilience"
high-priority countries have costed, results oriented plans in support of the Global Water Strategy.
USAID’s focus on locally-led development is a core element of the Global Water Strategy. How is USAID working with local partners to ensure sustainable outcomes in water management?
At USAID, we understand that water is inherently local and must be integrated across all parts of society to achieve sustainable development outcomes. This truth is integrated across the Global Water Strategy’s operating principles, from working through and strengthening local systems to focusing on meeting the needs of marginalized and underserved people and communities. These principles align with USAID’s Local Capacity Strengthening Policy by creating accountability for effective water and sanitation programming and equitable partnerships.
These cannot be achieved without an inclusive and locally-led approach to development programming.
Specifically, USAID integrates and builds on local knowledge and expertise in our water and sanitation programs, which includes the unique social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental contexts of each community. We have learned that this approach not only fosters empowerment — which is a foundation for local leadership that continues long after USAID’s investments — but also enhances conflict sensitivity, ensures sustainability, and creates the basis for improved health outcomes.
For example, in Peru, USAID is building on long-held traditional knowledge to scale up nature-based solutions to improve water availability for local service providers. In Ethiopia, USAID’s market-based approach is empowering local sanitation entrepreneurs, as a key part of the local water and sanitation
"Our work to strengthen water and sanitation products and services also aims to reduce inequalities among women and other marginalized groups"
system, to drive transformative progress in their communities. In both instances, the work not only improves water or sanitation services but also empowers individuals and strengthens local systems, showcasing the vital role of local actors in achieving sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
A locally-led approach to water resources management also includes recognizing the diverse governmental responsibilities and levels of decentralization that may affect the water sector. In many regions, water management is decentralized, meaning that the local government is responsible for managing and allocating water resources for household use, agriculture, and industry. In these contexts, community-led development is essential for creating and supporting strong water systems capable of delivering services that last through more direct engagement between local government, service providers, and customers. In oth-
er contexts, water resources management may be part of broader national systems managed by Ministries of Environment or Public Works. In these cases, community leadership is still critical for creating government accountability and ensuring the needs of multiple types of water users are met, though the approach to bridging local water users and national decision-makers may differ. By utilizing a tailored approach and working collab-
oratively with local partners across systems, locally-led development supports functioning, efficient water and sanitation systems that plan, finance, and deliver services for everyone.
In the Strategy, there is a strong emphasis on private-sector engagement. What role does the private sector play in achieving USAID’s water and sanitation goals, and what partnerships can you highlight?
Our strong emphasis on private-sector engagement reflects our commitment to partnerships, recognizing that no single actor — whether it be a bilateral donor, a multilateral development bank, the private sector, or domestic resources — can bridge the $1 trillion global financing gap needed to achieve global water security. This is why we actively collaborate with donors, governments, nonprofits, and the private sector. These partnerships help stretch our investments, attract more funding to the sector, and tap expertise and services from private sector stakeholders that help us reach even more people with water and sanitation. The private sector plays a critical role in mobilizing commercial finance, delivering solutions at scale, and driving innovations. Yet it often needs assistance to be fully unleashed in the countries where USAID works. Through the Global Water Strategy, USAID aims to mobilize $1 billion by 2027 for climate-resilient water and sanitation services and strengthen at
"USAID is committed to increasing collaboration with civil society, especially those led by and for marginalized groups"
"Our investment includes a focus on communities that have never had access to basic services due to a range of local vulnerabilities"
least 1,000 water sector institutions and service providers. This work will mobilize funds from a mix of private investments, government appropriations, and user fees. These efforts lay a foundation for a higher-performing and more financially viable water and sanitation sector that, in turn, attracts private investment and spurs innovation.
A notable example is our public-private partnership with LIXIL, a leading global building materials company, and its SATO social business unit. Through this partnership, known as the Partnership for Better Living (PBL), we are not only partnering with the private sector but also learning from and leveraging their expertise to grow sustainable sanitation markets around the world. Since 2021, the PBL partnership has facilitated the sale of over 367,000 sanitation and hygiene products to underserved communities and supported SATO’s entry into five new country markets. These efforts reached an estimated 1.5 million people with improved sanitation and hygiene solutions, with LIXIL contributing $18 million in non-USAID funding.
With the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical challenges, what do you see as the biggest obstacles to achieving a water-secure world, and how is USAID tackling them?
The greatest obstacles to a water-secure world mirror today’s most pressing global challenges: governance and financing gaps, climate change, and conflict. And we are addressing these challenges in four novel ways through the U.S. Global Water Strategy. First, we are focused on strengthening governance and institutions, such as regulators, basin authorities, and water utilities, to ensure our partner countries can sustain water and sanitation services over the long term. Second, we are laser-focused on mobilizing finance from all sources and helping to establish vibrant markets for water and sanitation products and services, as we know the private sector has a huge role to play. Third, we have integrated climate change in important ways into our current approach. For instance, we have elevated the role of data and climate information services in predicting floods and droughts for water utilities and farmers. Finally, we build on our world-renowned work in humanitarian water and sanitation, as we recognize that no corner of the world is now immune to disasters. To be effective, we need to approach development in concert with humanitarian and peace-building approaches.
Despite these daunting challenges, USAID continues to help millions of people gain access to water and sanitation services and benefit from improved water resources management annually. In 2023, as a result of collective efforts with our partners, 4 million more people gained access to sustainable sanitation services. We mobilized $133 million in new financing for the water and sanitation sectors globally, bringing our total to $1.2 billion mobilized since we started tracking this metric five years ago. Since the 2008 Congressional water directive, USAID has supported 70 million people in gaining access to safe drinking water and nearly 55 million people in accessing improved sanitation. These numbers represent far more than statistics — they reflect transformative change in daily lives. Through the Global Water Strategy’s whole-of-government approach and its cross-cutting strategic objectives, our work bolsters global health, prosperity, stability, and resilience in a world facing many compounding threats.
Looking ahead, what are the most critical areas of focus for USAID under the Global Water Strategy, and how can international stakeholders best support these efforts?
"To measure success, we use a comprehensive set of standard indicators while we innovate toward new metrics to capture the broader impact"
A major priority for me is to ensure that we are maximizing American taxpayer dollars by channelling our resources to the places and through the approaches that will produce the greatest impact. Under the Strategy, we have 21 designated high-priority countries for water and sanitation assistance. We have selected these countries because the needs are high, but also because strong and committed partnerships in those countries make them opportune places to work. We strive for the most effective approaches, focusing on governance, finance, and institutions, because strengthening the enabling environ-
"The private sector plays a critical role in mobilizing commercial finance, delivering solutions at scale, and driving innovations"
ment will result in a far greater number of people gaining access over time.
What does this look like? The Philippines, one of our high-priority countries, is incredibly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Water service providers bear much of the expense as they have higher costs for water treatment and infrastructure maintenance due to damage from extreme weather events. We have worked with institutions at all levels — national and local governments, local communities, and service providers — to better plan for the effects of climate change. For example, our project on the ground helps these institutions access hydrological and climate data, enabling them to more accurately predict water availability and source water for utilities more effectively. This data has helped provincial governments in the Philippines develop integrated water security plans that benefit both people and ecosystems.
Another major priority is developing strategic partnerships and leveraging resources. Our recent work emphasizes the importance of innovative collaboration. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), another high-priority country, USAID launched a new trilateral partnership with the Governments of the DRC and Germany. Under two new agreements, USAID will provide a total of $29.7 million in initial support to the German de -
velopment bank KFW, to build decentralized water infrastructure, and to bolster GIZ’s technical support wrap-around services to ensure the infrastructure succeeds in improving access. This partnership leverages each of our governments’ long-standing work with the Government of DRC and will engage both the national water utility and provincial governments, aiming to put them in the lead of their own water solutions. Similarly, at Stockholm International Water Institute’s World Water Week, we announced our groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank, which will enhance the performance of the national utility, REGIDESO, to provide water access
to 12 million people and basic sanitation access to 8 million people across nine provinces of the country. Both of these partnerships help USAID meet its national target of mobilizing $50 million in non-USG funding for water and sanitation in the DRC.
Together, we can help bring about a water-secure world for all.
"The obstacles to a watersecure world mirror today’s global challenges: governance and financing gaps, climate change, and conflict"
The impact of water losses goes beyond mere resource wastage; it translates directly into higher operating costs and inflated consumer bills. In this context, the discussion held by Diehl Metering was not only timely but essential for the future of water utilities.
The session began with Cristina Novo, Technical Editor at Smart Water Magazine, welcoming participants and setting the stage for the event. She underscored the importance of adopting proactive strategies in an industry that has traditionally been more reactive. Operators, she explained, often find themselves constrained by a daily schedule dictated by emergencies and unplanned incidents, such as leaks and system failures. The central question posed during the webinar was: how can water utilities move from this reactive mode of management to a more proactive, data-driven approach?
One of the key tools presented during the webinar was Diehl Metering's "10-Minute Analytics". Introduced by Maximilian Oberndoerfer, Product Manager for analytics software solutions in water and heat at Diehl Metering, this innovative approach aims to optimize water network management by using real-time key performance indicators (KPIs). Oberndoerfer highlighted how 10-Minute Analytics allows operators to gain valuable insights within a short timeframe, empowering them to make swift decisions that reduce water losses and improve operational efficiency. The tool focuses on three core functions: detecting new and existing leaks, localizing high-loss zones, and quantifying the volume of water lost.
THORKIL NEERGAARD
CEO at Brønderslev Forsyning A/S
"From 1 January 2023 until 12 of September 2024, the meter department has warned 600 unique consumers about in-house leak problems"
DIEHL METERING WEBINAR
DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS LEAD THE WAY IN REDUCING WATER LOSSES
“There is still significant room for improvement in water loss management. At Diehl Metering, we address this by focusing firstly on detection: rapidly identifying new leaks, then quantifying losses, and finally pinpointing high-loss areas and high-risk pipes — where utilities should prioritize their efforts,” Oberndoerfer said. He further emphasized the importance of efficiency in modern water management,
adding, “We believe we can enhance this process, enabling utilities to achieve better results with minimal time investment.”
The presentation emphasized the transformative potential of such data-driven tools. By accurately detecting leakage and identifying high-risk areas, utilities can prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown emergencies, ultimately saving both water and money.
In late October 2024, Smart Water Magazine, in collaboration with Diehl Metering, hosted a webinar that focused on a pressing challenge for water utilities worldwide: reducing water losses through data-driven solutions. As increasing pressure on natural resources continues to shape the global water landscape, the urgency to reduce every cubic metre of water lost grows ever more critical.
Diehl Metering’s solution also enables operators to localize leaks using available data, reducing the need for frequent physical checks and interventions.
The real-world impact of these solutions was brought to life through a case study presented by Thorkil Neergaard, CEO of Brønderslev Forsyning, a water and district heating utility company in Denmark. Neergaard shared his hands-on experience with implementing Diehl Metering’s Water Loss Management software. "We've been using Diehl Metering’s platform for nearly two years, and now we have a stable system. It’s been a journey to get here, requiring a lot of effort and a solid understanding of the data before you can start working with it. Our small distribution team monitors for any changes day by day. If a section remains red for more than 2 or 3 days, the team react quickly. Leaks that stay underground can persist for weeks, months, or even years — and they can be very costly. We’ve divided our water distribution into 22 DMAs (District Metered Areas), and we now calculate them automatically," Neergaard explained.
Neergaard’s presentation offered a clear example of how the integration of data into day-to-day operations can revolutionize water management. “In recent years, we have successfully met our water loss targets, nearly halving the utility's water loss," he proudly noted. The dramatic reduction in water losses was achieved by leveraging data-driven strategies and advanced analytics, which allowed the utility to identify water loss patterns and make informed decisions.
From a customer perspective, the early detection of leaks provides significant
advantages, saving both water and money. Neergaard highlighted this by revealing that “from 1 January 2023 until 12 of September 2024, the meter department has warned 600 unique consumers about in-house leak problems.”
The presentation by Thorkil Neergaard also underscored several key takeaways. Smart meters are essential for digitalizing water utilities, offering much more than just billing functionalities. They also provide valuable data that can be leveraged for operational improvements and water loss management.
The presentation also outlined a generic business case model for smart metering, with an emphasis on the economic advantages and operational efficiencies gained through data-driven solutions. Staff engagement and commitment were highlighted as essential for the successful implementation and management of smart meter solutions. The human factor is critical alongside infrastructure and data in managing leaks and improving performance. Additionally, rapid leak detection and repair also reduce complications in infrastructure and benefit the broader community by conserving water and improving service reliability.
As the webinar drew to a close, the conversation shifted towards future developments in water loss management software. Oberndoerfer provided insights into how Diehl Metering is continuously improving its platforms, incorporating customer feedback to enhance functionality and meet the evolving needs of the industry. He mentioned that one of the key focus areas moving forward is improving leak detection without relying
on AMI. Diehl Metering aims to offer more flexible solutions that accommodate utilities at different stages of technological adoption, making the benefits of data-driven water management more accessible to a wider range of operators.
The webinar concluded with a 15-minute Q&A session, allowing attendees to pose their questions directly to both speakers. Questions poured in from across the globe, addressing various aspects of the system. One question asked whether the leakage detection system would be data-driven, model-based, or include system analysis. Maximilian Oberndoerfer explained, "The beauty of it is that we combine both — a blend of physical and data-driven approaches." Another inquiry focused on how frequently smart meters collect data and whether data accuracy posed any challenges. Thorkil Neergaard responded, noting that, in his experience, purchasing a premium smart meter ensures premium data quality. Another question touched on whether past data is required for smart meter installation, to which Maximilian clarified that you don’t need much historical data — “you can essentially start from zero as long as the data quality is reliable.”
Throughout the webinar, the role of data emerged as the central theme. It became clear that the future of water network management lies in the ability to harness data effectively. By moving from a reactive to a proactive management approach, utilities can optimize their operations, reduce losses, and ultimately provide better service to their customers.
MAXIMILIAN OBERNDOERFER
Product Manager for analytics software solutions in water and heat at DIEHL Metering
"We firstly focus on detection: rapidly identifying new leaks, then quantifying losses, and finally pinpointing highloss areas and high-risk pipes"
SOMETHING TO READ...
WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Delivering essential infrastructure
Co-edited by Dragan Savic and John Banyard, this guide explores how water reaches homes and businesses globally. Covering fundamentals, the book addresses digitalisation, sustainability, and management within the water industry. A key resource for practitioners and students, unifying essential, up-to-date knowledge.
BY: SWM TEAM
SOMETHING TO WATCH...
THIRTEEN LIVES
SOMETHING TO ENJOY...
SMOKE ON THE WATER
A rock classic
Released in 1972 by Deep Purple, this iconic track is inspired by a real fire at a Frank Zappa concert in Montreux, Switzerland. Known for its unforgettable guitar riff, "Smoke on the Water" became an international hit and remains one of rock’s most recognizable and celebrated anthems.
Directed by Ron Howard, this 2022 biographical survival drama recounts the incredible 2018 Thai cave rescue. It follows the daring mission to save twelve boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave. With international cooperation, expert divers, and relentless effort, the film captures their miraculous survival against all odds.
© BugWarp
Clean water starts with clean data.
In the world of urban water utilities, clean water is a non-negotiable. But behind every drop of safe, reliable water lies an essential foundation: clean, accurate data.
At KISTERS, we understand that data quality is crucial to achieving water quality. For over 60 years, our advanced data management solutions have empowered utilities to ensure their data is precise, reliable, and actionable. From robust data validation to sophisticated analytics, we help you transform data into a strategic asset with solutions that are designed specifically for the complexities of water management.
Let’s talk.
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