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Jaime and Pablo doing cleaning and disinfection tasks

teo nd Ma a o r d Pe

Teresa monitoring the quality of water There are people like Pablo, Juan, Teresa, Pedro... Aqualiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workers who, now that we have to stay at home, continue to work so that every time you turn on a tap you have quality water in your home. For all this, and much more, we do not rest, even now. This is our way of taking care of you.

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FROM THE EDITOR

TOWARDS A RECONFIGURATION OF THE WATER INDUSTRY Carlos Cosin, CEO of Almar Water Solutions, said in the cover interview of the second issue of Smart Water Magazine: "COVID-19 will boost company mergers and acquisitions a lot more than before". As of mid-September, we can say that his words have proved to be prophetic. Two major operations have attracted the attention of our industry in recent weeks. On the one hand, Antin Infrastructure Partners announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Miya Group. The deal will cost the company around €700 million, more than double what Bridgepoint paid Arison Group less than two years ago. Antin will work with Miya's management team to support growth opportunities in water concessions and PPPs in Europe and North America, as well as the delivery of further water efficiency projects around the world. In the words of Amit Horman, Chief Executive Officer at Miya: "In partnership with Antin, we look forward to delivering on the significant potential we see over the coming years”. The appetite of the investment funds has been shown in this operation with the interest of firms such as EQT, IFM, BlackRock, KKR, Brookfield or I-Squared, which according to PUBLISHER iAgua Conocimiento, S.L. C/ Príncipe de Vergara, 132 Planta 9 - 28002 Madrid (Lexington Coworking) info@iagua.es MANAGEMENT Alejandro Maceira Rozados David Escobar Gutiérrez EDITOR Alejandro Maceira Rozados

various sources submitted bids in Miya's auction. This is good news for these times of health and economic uncertainty. My point of view is that the exceptional situation we are living is going to lead to a complete restructuring of the water industry. And much of that game is being played in Paris. Last Sunday, August 30th, we were all shocked to hear that Veolia was offering Engie 2.9 billion euros ($3.5 billion) for its 29.9% stake in Suez. On the same day, a frenetic race began which will end next September 30th, the day on which Veolia's offer expires. After its initial disbelief, the Suez Board has reacted strongly against the transaction proposed by Veolia and, to date, seems to be trying to articulate an alternative with French

private equity such as Ardian and Antin itself. In order for it to go ahead, Bertrand Camus and his team will also have to convince the French government, an important shareholder of Engie, which through the mouth of its Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has shown its concern about the confrontation: "Let's not offer to the rest of the world the spectacle of a battle between two beautiful French industrial companies”. The feature article signed by our content manager Olivia Tempest in this issue is a must-read to understand all the implications of an unprecedented battle. We will remain vigilant to its resolution.

Alejandro Maceira - Director SWM

D @amaceira - E @AlejandroMaceiraiAgua

EDITORIAL STAFF Águeda García de Durango Caveda Laura Fernández Zarza Paula Sánchez Almendros Olivia Tempest Prados Cristina Novo Pérez ART AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Pablo González-Cebrián PHOTOGRAPHY Pablo González-Cebrián

ADVERTISING Javier de los Reyes

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CONTENTS NUMBER 03 - SEP 2020 FEATURE

COVER STORY

INTERVIEW

FEATURE

TECHNOLOGY TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY

WHAT FUTURE HOLDS FOR SUEZ?

REUSING WATER IN EUROPE

WATER FOR ALL TO SAVE LIVES

Pg. 72 Schneider Electric reflects on the role of the digitalisation of the water and wastewater sector in building a sustainable future.

Pg. 32 An in-depth analysis of Veolia’s proposition to buy a 29.9% stake in Suez from Engie, Suez’s reaction and the possible outcomes.

Pg. 44 Director for Quality of Life Ms Manfredi shares the EC’s perspective on how the new regulation is to change the water reuse landscape.

Pg. 96 Ten years after the recognition of the human right to water and sanitation, the pandemic has brought to light its vital importance.

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CONTENTS NUMBER 03 - SEP 2020

INTERVIEW

FEATURE

AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SEWAGE SURVEILLANCE

TOWARDS A WATER-SECURE WORLD

ACCELERATING SMART WATER DEVELOPMENT

COOPERATION TO ACCELERATE SDG ACTION

Pg. 62 The ColoSSoS program works to ensure the results of wastewater monitoring are considered and understood by health jurisdictions.

Pg. 108 Mark Smith reflects on the work done by the IWMI on global water management challenges and the relevance for sustainable development.

Pg. 76 Cisco helps water utilities by leveraging digital technology to derive actionable intelligence and operate facilities more efficiently.

Pg. 102 In 2020, the UN SDG report reveals uneven progress and calls for increased cooperation amid the effects of the health crisis.

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CONTENTS NUMBER 03 - SEP 2020

FEATURE

INTERVIEW

OPINION

INTERVIEW

KEY MOMENTS IN THE PAST OF DESALINATION

CORONAVIRUS IN SEWAGE: BEYOND RESEARCH

WHAT BENEFITS DO SUDS PROVIDE?

Pg. 22 A look at the genesis and early history of the International Desalination Association and its role enabling sustainable water solutions.

Pg. 50 The European Commission is leading an international knowledge brokering initiative on sewer surveillance to detect SAS-CoV-2.

Pg. 55 Using London’s Greener Delawyk scheme as an example, John Kissi and Michael Green discuss the advantages of Sustainable Drainage Systems.

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR URBAN WATER Pg. 82 Hidroconta’s tailored solutions for water control and management have evolved from the irrigation sector to enter the urban water market.

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CONTENTS NUMBER 03 - SEP 2020

OPINION

INTERVIEW

FEATURE

DIGITAL TWIN, THE NEXT STEP

COVID-19 AND WATER SECURITY

MEET A WATER INFLUENCER

AWARD-WINNING FLOOD MANAGEMENT

Pg. 81 Thanks to IoT, the concept of digital twins has become more accessible. ACCIONA begins to implement this new form of a digital replica.

Pg. 100 The health crisis highlights an extremely basic and hidden reality: the security nexus between health, humans, animals, and environment.

Pg. 26 We speak with Walid Khoury, emerging opinion leader in LinkedIn, to discuss the challenges the water treatment sector is facing.

Pg. 58 A close look at a green infrastructure project: the Herne Hill and Dulwich Flood Alleviation Scheme in Southwark, London (UK).

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CONTENTS NUMBER 03 - SEP 2020 THE MAGAZINE FOR THE KEY PLAYERS OF THE WATER SECTOR

#SWMM3 SPONSORED BY AQUALIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SPEAKERS' CORNER

TALKING ABOUT WATER (MIS)MANAGEMENT Pg.118 We speak to Steve Metcalfe, Head of Communications at WSUP, on giving institutions the resources to solve problems themselves.

INTERVIEW

INFRASTRUCTURE IS TURNING GREEN Pg. 56 We discuss the present and future of green infrastructure to manage urban hydrology and stormwater with Dr. John Gulliver.

ALMAR WATER SOLUTIONS . . . . . 5

RANKING

SMART WATER MAGAZINE RANKING Pg. 10 We launch a tool that will measure and order the influence of organizations in the water sector according to transparent criteria.

PEOPLE

PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC. . . . . . . . 12

Pg. 94 This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stockholm Junior Water Prize was awarded to Hiroki Matsuhashi and Takuma Miyaki for their method to control soil runoff.

INTERVIEW

CHOOSING TO INVEST IN WATER Pg. 20 From investing in and supporting water companies, to helping forge strategic partnerships: XPV Partners are committed to making a difference.

HIDROCONTA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

OPINION

KEYS TO BUILDING RESILIENCE IN AFRICA Pg. 117 Ahead of World Water Day 2022, dedicated to groundwater, Dr Karen Villholth writes about the importance of this water source in Africa.

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SWM RANKING Smart Water Magazine (SWM) launches a Ranking to measure the inďŹ&#x201A;uence of organizations and professionals in the water industry. organizations in the water sector to be measured and ordered according to transparent criteria. on the web, the number of SWM Likes and the contents in Smart Water Magazine Monthly. through a mathematical algorithm that takes into account the content published during the 365 days prior to the calculation date and will be updated every month, coinciding with the visits to the web are extracted from Google Analytics, while the amount of SWM Likes are directly counted and can be seen in How are SWM points earned? Each content published on the web by an entity or blogger gets 1 point for every 10 page views; also, for each SWM Like it gets 2 points, which become 5 in the event that the user who grants corresponds to an estimation of the average audience generated by the monthly magazines. It should also be mentioned that

SWM publishes content of all kinds: by companies, public administrations, international organizations, associations, foundations, etc. In addition, SWM bloggers publish their articles in a personal capacity on a wide variety of topics. For all >> Companies >> Blogs all the participating entities are compared regardless of their type. Registered users of SWM can click on the blue heart of any

to their name on a blue circle.

How are SWM points earned?

SWM Points

SWM Like

Page views

Verified users

SWM Points

SWM Point

Page views

Non-verified users

SWM Alliances A blog that is linked to an entity will contribute only 50% of its points to that entity

250 SWM Points

50%

*The ranking order is established by a unit of measurement created for this purpose: SWM Points. *A specific content piece can obtain a maximum of 1,000 SWM Points. *The maximum number of content pieces in SWM Monthly that will be considered for the calculation is 16.

TOP 10 - COMPANIES RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

COMPANY

SWM POINTS

1.213 points 959 points 752 points 696 points 495 points 477 points 403 points 348 points 324 points 291 points

Schneider Electric ACCIONA Membracon Almar Water Water Solutions Idrica SUEZ Isle Utilities Miya Frost & Sullivan Thames Water

TOP 5 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONS

TOP 5 - BLOGS

Gov. Hong Kong (WSD)

264 points

Karl-Uwe Schmitz

852 points

US EPA

254 points

Graham Mann

511 points

RIVM Netherlands

114 points

Madhukar Swayambhu

497points

US NASA

96 points

Kristin Savage

430 points

DEWA Dubai

71 points

Robert Brears

397 points

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BUSINESS

INTERVIEW

NICO SAPORITI & GEORGE BUTLER SENIOR INVESTMENT OFFICER, GLOBAL WATER SPECIALIST, WATER AND HYDROPWER AT IFC - WATER AND SANITATION SPECIALIST AT IFC.

“To achieve the SDG 6 targets by 2030, annual investments need to increase by US$150 billion p.a.” As a member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) encourages private-sector development across less developed countries. Since 1956, IFC has leveraged $2.6 billion in capital to deliver more than $285 billion in financing for businesses in developing nations.

Z Currently, the majority of the World Bank Group’s activities in the water sector are destined to supporting publicly run water utilities, either through loans, technical assistance or grants; however, in some circumstances, private tenders or private-public partnerships (PPPs) can provide safe water to more people more

"Most WSS are operated by public entities where the major challenges lie in attracting enough funding and expertise to the sector" 14

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Olivia Tempest

quickly and efficiently than state operators can manage on their own. And this is when IFC comes in. The institution facilitates partnerships between private operators and governments to provide the necessary funding, know-how and innovative technologies to improve water access and services. To get an inside view on IFC’s role in addressing the global water issues of today, we spoke with Nico Saporiti, Senior Investment Officer, Infrastructure and Transaction Advisory, and George Butler, Water and Sanitation Specialist, both working at IFC. Firstly, we would like to briefly know your career path and your

current role in the International Finance Corporation (IFC). NS: I grew up in Northern Italy, not far from Milan. My playground was a system of irrigation and transportation canals which had been built in the 13th and 18th century: they inspired me to become a Civil Engineer and to specialize in Water. After graduating from university, I worked as water distribution network modelling and NRW consultant in the North of England; after getting a diploma in accounting and finance, I initially transitioned to an international business development role for various European water and power utilities and then specialized in infrastructure project finance.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC)

I joined the Latin America Team of the World Bank in 2003 and subsequently moved to the transaction advisory team of the IFC, where I am now the Global Water Sector specialist. GB: I was raised in Northern Nigeria and Ireland, both with water challenges so that may have influenced my choice of career! Like Nico, I am a civil engineer, specializing in public health engineering. After a few years as a military engineer, I delivered Water and Sanitation Services (WSS) projects around the world for Black & Veatch (consultants), CDC (UK development funding agency), OFWAT (UK economic regulator) and finally 10 years as the director for asset management for Northern Ireland Water. I joined IFC in 2015 as a global water specialist. While most of the World Bank Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities in the water sector involve

supporting publicly run utilities, the IFC enables partnerships between governments and private operators. Why is a private investment also key to achieving SDG 6 in emerging markets? Adequate water and sanitation services (WSS) are critical for development: people need water for life, as inadequate WSS causes increased costs to society from sickness, mortality, and loss of productivity. Globally, 660 million people lack adequate water services and 2.4 billion lack access to improved sanitation, leading to poor health and environmental conditions. There is currently a large investment gap: increased water demand driven by population growth, urbanization, climate change, and increased agricultural/ industrial use. This will continue to widen the gap between available supply and demand. To achieve the SDG 6 targets for clean water and sanitation by 2030,

annual investments need to increase by US$150 billion p.a. to an estimated US$410 billion p.a. Yet most WSS are operated by public entities where the major challenges lie in attracting enough funding and expertise to the sector. There is a major need to mobilize increased private sector investment. How do you think COVID-19 will impact the water and sanitation sector? We have had mixed reports about the medium-term impact of COVID-19 on the sector. One undoubted short-term im-

"IFC has launched an initiative to develop a product to scale up its engagement in the municipal wastewater treatment and reuse sectors"

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INTERVIEW pact is the message to “Wash your Hands” which had thrown an unprecedented focus on the need for a readily available clean water supply. Hopefully, this will be an upside from the pandemic as to the importance of clean water and sanitation. The jury is out on the medium-term impact on utilities, and the answer is probably “it depends”. Many countries and municipalities have adopted measures to ensure customers are not disconnected during the pandemic and reduced payments from the poor. Also, where industries have closed due to COVID-19, the revenue from water supplies has been lost. Both have caused short term revenue losses, but for IFC clients this has not been a major issue and not as bad as was initially expected. So, for many water utilities, the medium-term impact will probably depend on the balance between domestic and industrial clients, and the proportion of revenue coming from poor customers. The revelation for sanitation has been the understanding that COVID-19 outbreaks can be anticipated from testing for COVID-19 nucleic materials in sewage. This may challenge the analytical capacity in some emerging markets but what a neat idea! Before we get an effective vaccine, the solution to preventing COVID-19 flare-ups may be in sewage testing. How is IFC responding to the coronavirus pandemic in this sector? IFC is a development institution which seeks to work with private and municipal clients to deliver solutions, often combined with investments. IFC is supporting existing municipal and private-sector clients with short-term liquidity problems linked to COVID-19.

"The increasing appetite from governments to implement PPPs relates mostly to capital intensive and technologically advanced projects" 16

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We are also providing Advisory and Investment support to new clients who want to strengthen their resilience in the water sector, especially relating to the increasing risk of drought. As mentioned earlier, the raising of the profile of water for handwashing is one of the few positive aspects which has come out of the pandemic. Hopefully, it will give the WSS sector a higher profile with politicians and decision-makers to improve access and meet the SDG 6 goals.

The IFC mentioned in a recent report that the health crisis may help boost the application of automation and remote-control processes in the water industry. What work is the IFC carrying out in this respect? Yes, there is an old saying “Needs Must” and the pandemic has required more utilities to manage their systems remotely. The sector is relatively conservative to embracing new technologies, partly linked to the importance of public health, but the need for COVID-19 risk

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC) management has made utilities realize the potential benefits of system automation. A wise old Operations Director I knew said: “what gets measured gets done”. Increasing automation invariably increases the quality of useful data which is beneficial to the efficient management of a water or sewerage network. IFC is working with clients and leading consultants in the water sector to improve information systems and make better operational and strategic decisions. Whether this is improved non-revenue water control, or

more efficient pumping regimes, or better remote-control processes, it makes a more effective utility. In March, the IFC announced it will double its annual investment program to $48 billion by 2030 and triple its annual investments in the world’s poorest and most fragile countries. How much of this investment program will be dedicated to the water sector? IFC does not have specific sector quotas. As we work towards trebling our in-

vestment volume, we expect significant growth in water sector investments. The aggregate effects of population growth, urbanization, environmental pollution, and climate-change-induced water scarcity combined with the need to feel the existing demand/supply and coverage gaps point to an increased need for investments in this sector. At the same time, however, we continue to observe a dearth of well-prepared projects and bankable opportunities. As mentioned earlier, the ability to respond to the specific sector challenges and reach the above-mentioned SDGs will depend on the capacity of member countries to crowd-in more private resources. Success will depend on the ability of governments to develop the enabling environment and incentives to push the boundary lines between public-private participation. In addition, success in the WSS sector will depend on increased efficiency and investment in publicly owned utilities. Within the World Bank Group’s Maximizing Finance for Development strategy, IBRD helps strengthen public institutions and build capacity for private participation and financial sustainability, while IFC brings private capital and global experience. In the context of climate change, some experts believe that we need to move away from the ‘single-use’ engineering approach to more circular water systems. What is your assessment? Is the IFC re-examining the economics, engineering, and water management paradigms?

"We are also providing Advisory and Investment support to new clients who want to strengthen their resilience in the water sector"

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INTERVIEW Population and economic growth are driving a rapid rise in demand for water resources. As a result, 36% of the world population already live in water-scarce regions. In low- and middle-income countries, rapid urbanization has created various water-related challenges, including degraded water quality and inadequate water supply and sanitation infrastructure services, particularly in expanding peri-urban and informal settlements. As cities continue to grow, there is a need to minimize resource consumption and focus on resource recovery, following principles of the circular economy. A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. As the demand for water increases and new sources of supply become more expensive to develop, there is an increasing need to use water more than once during the hydrological cycle. Wastewater is and should be considered a valuable resource from which energy and nutrients can be extracted, as well as an additional source of water for agricultural, industrial and potable uses. Reuse of treated wastewater can provide significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. When compared to alternative sources of water supply such as desalination or water transfer, water reuse often requires lower investment costs and energy, also contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reused wastewater is effectively a reliable water supply, independent from seasonality and weather variability and able to cover water demand peaks. Wastewater can be treated up to different levels of quality to satisfy demand from different sectors and processed in ways that support the environment. Wastewater treatment reduces downstream pollution by reducing or improving the quality of effluent discharge to surface waters and frees scarce freshwater resources for other uses, or environmental preservation. Improved wastewater management offers a double value proposition. While financing sanitation

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There is a need to minimize resource consumption and focus on resource recovery, following principles of the circular economy infrastructure and recovering its costs is a challenge in most emerging markets (many utilities do not collect sanitation tariffs that cover the costs of operation and maintenance, not to mention capital investment or future expansion), one of the key advantages of adopting circular economy principles in the processing of wastewater is that resource recovery and reuse can transform sanitation from a costly service to one that is self-sustaining and adds value to the economy, as the additional revenue streams can help cover operation and maintenance costs. IFC has considerable experience advising and financing circular projects such as the one in New Cairo (a wastewater treatment plant with agricultural reuse), the Clean Ganga program (which includes some industrial reuse projects) and the ongoing Durban (industrial) Water Reuse plant. Leveraging this experience, IFC has recently launched an initiative to develop a new product to scale up its engagement in the municipal wastewater treatment and reuse sectors globally, by offering a complete advisory and investment solution to municipal clients and state-owned-enterprises. Governments are increasingly turning to public-private partnerships

(PPPs) to finance and operate bulk water supply and wastewater treatment. Why do you think this is? The increasing appetite from governments to implement PPPs relates mostly to capital intensive and technologically advanced projects, with limited direct interface with end-users, such as – for example – the design, financing, construction and operation of wastewater treatment and reuse plants, or of desalination plants. The implementation of such projects under a PPP model is an effective tool to mitigate risks and minimize the lifetime cost of service, ensuring the long-term technical and financial sustainability of the service. What are the latest trends in PPPs in the water supply and sanitation sector? IFC being a development finance institution, our countries of operation and clients face very specific and often daunting challenges, which may not be relevant for more advanced economies, such as – for example – increasing access to basic water and sanitation services. According to the World Bank’s Private Participation in Infrastructure database, in 2019, 51 water projects were closed. Water sector investments through PPPs saw a 5% increase (to US$4.0 billion)

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC)

over 2018 levels and a 13% increase over the five-year average. We are observing increased acceptance of PPPs as a viable alternative for public entities to procure the development of water and sanitation infrastructure. Larger countries are benefiting from the increased efficiencies of programmatic approaches and standardization (e.g. India’s “Clean Ganga” program). PPPs are being used also to deliver services in segments of the water value-chain – such as NRW reduction - that

were previously considered an exclusive “core” activity of public utilities. For the public sector, our municipal clients in cities have a greater awareness of the impacts of climate change. This translates into a pressing need to develop infrastructure to increase their resilience and reduce environmental pollution. As a result, we observe an increased appetite to incorporate clean energy generation and resource recovery in their projects. The concept of a circular economy has come into mainstream thinking in the water sector.

IFC is also supporting increased efficiency in the water sector by leveraging technology. As mentioned previously the water sector can be conservative in adopting new ways of working while there are significant opportunities to reduce the cost of services, for both water supply and wastewater treatment. Some of these benefits will come from technology, such as the wider use of membranes for treatment, and others from improved workforce management, driven by better operational data.

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INTERVIEW

Sam Saintonge PARTNER AT XPV WATER PARTNERS

“We are seeing an acceleration in the adoption of digital solutions that allow utilities to make better decisions regarding, opex, capex, and compliance”

XPV Water Partners is a specialized private equity firm investing in companies that make a positive impact on water resources Z Cristina Novo Pérez and the related processes, applications, and industries that it enables.

ater has an impact on everyone and every industry, as nothing can happen without water resources. Recognising this pivotal role of water resources, the experienced water entrepreneurs, operators, and investment professionals at XPV Water Partners are committed to making a difference in the water industry. The firm invests in and supports water companies, helping them forge strategic partnerships, open new markets, and build a stronger customer base. We interview Sam Saintonge, partner at XPV Water Partners about the role of smart technology and priorities in the water sector.

As a member of a small team, I had a chance to get involved with a little bit of everything over the years. These days, as a Partner at the firm, I’m responsible for leading a team that makes new investments – this means doing our research to identify new themes we want to invest in, developing relationships with business owners, performing due diligence on investment opportunities, and ultimately making those investments. I also sit on a number of our portfolio companies’ boards of directors and in that capacity, I support those companies in their continued growth.

Firstly, we would like to briefly know your career path and your current role in XPV Water Partners. I joined the three founding Partners of XPV as the first employee right after I finished my undergraduate degree.

Where in the world does your company and its partners work? We are based in Toronto, Canada and have made direct investments in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Our portfolio companies are active on all continents.

"This crisis will accelerate the adoption of certain types of solutions as utilities grapple with tighter budgets and reduced crew sizes"

What trends do you expect with regards to the adoption of smart technologies by the water industry in the post-pandemic world? I think this crisis will accelerate the adoption of certain types of solutions as utilities grapple with tighter budgets and reduced crew sizes (whether those are temporary or more permanent re-

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mains to be seen). For instance, we are seeing an acceleration in the adoption of digital solutions that allow utilities to make better decisions regarding, opex, capex, and compliance. More specifically, companies that allow utilities to leverage advances in hardware, software, and telemetry are able to provide utilities with a “force multiplier” effect which allows them to do more with the same amount of resources. There are also companies that can help utilities address specific COVID-19 issues such as microbiological testing in water, sewage, and the environment. What could be effective ways to scale up and mainstream new technology solutions in the water sector? Companies that are successful at widely deploying new technology solutions are those that have the patience to create solutions to existing challenges, build credible references, take the time to ensure that they can scale up effectively, and build a reputation of standing behind their solutions with good service. To achieve this, companies need to find the right mix of employees that share this vision, identify early adopters who can oftentimes help improve the product, and they also need to find a way to finance the company until it becomes profitable.

SAM SAINTONGE Water scarcity, emerging contaminants and wastewater management are some of the priority issues for the water sector. What trends do you expect to see in the future in these areas? There is an increasing realization that all these issues are interconnected. Take scarcity and wastewater management, for instance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can help address both issues with a comprehensive wastewater reuse program at the industrial, commercial, and municipal levels. This can include combining remote sensing capabilities with weather forecasting and

new treatment technologies to work in synchrony. Emerging contaminants and how/when to tackle them are a bit more of a regional issue. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also seeing a shift away from traditional approaches of tackling issues by building more infrastructure to more nimble approaches that look to retrofit existing infrastructure or use existing resources more effectively with the adoption of new enabling technologies. What do you think about the role of business models versus the role of

technology in terms of enabling water circularity and sustainability? Some great technologies have never had a chance to achieve mainstream adoption because they were not supported by a viable business model for this industry. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no silver bullet when it comes to business models, but ultimately any business model that will succeed in the long term needs to be able to balance meeting customer needs while keeping employees happy and generating enough profits to sustain the company.

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FEATURE

IDA HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

THE IDA GENEALOGY - PART 1 Z

Dr. Jim Birkett - IDA Honorary Council Member, Past President and Board Director

Lido in Paris, 1982. Various committees of IDEA, NWSIA, and the WC were working out the details of the joint "1st World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse" in Florence in 1983. Working inwards from the left are: Abdul-Gaffar Jamjoon, Farouk Ghandour, Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, Frau Schubl, Bob Mattair, guest, Leon Awerbuch, guest, Bill Hanbury and Kris Buros. On the right are: a Saudi gentleman, Isam Jamjoon, guest, Herb Sliger, Pat Burke, Neil MacArthur, Jim Birkett and Nabil El-Ramly.

Reflections on the beginning of the desalination and advanced water treatment industry, and how IDA played a critical role in the global movement to enact sustainable water solutions. IDA’s “Genealogy” Most members are probably aware that the International Desalination Association (IDA) was officially formed in the 1980s through the merger of the Water Supply Improvement Association (WSIA) and the International Desalination and Environmental Association (IDEA). But how did this come to pass? What is IDA’s ancestry? This paper summarizes the important points.

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“In the Beginning….” Prior to 1985, there were three entities promoting conferences on desalination, to wit: The Working Party on Fresh Water from the Sea (WP), IDEA and NWSIA/WSIA. (The first named was a special committee organized periodically by the European Federation of Chemical Engineering to organize conferences on the subject matter.) Each of these groups had an interesting history of its own.

The Principal Entities The WP was organized as a result of the success of “The 1st European Symposium on Fresh Water from the Sea”, held in Athens in May/June of 1962 and sponsored by the European Federation of Chemical Engineering. Following the symposium, its organizers proposed the formation of a regular committee (the Working Party (WP)) to organize subsequent events. It met for the first time

IDA HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS in Milan in 1965 and proposed that a “2nd Symposium on Fresh water from the Sea” be held in 1967, again in Athens. Subsequent conferences were held in Dubrovnik (1970), Heidelberg (1973), and Sardinia (1976), Gran Canaria (19??), and Amsterdam (1980). The principal individual coordinating all this was Professor Anthony Delyannis of the University of Athens. To this point the WP had acted independently of other organizations. This was about to change but we will pick up the WP thread again later in this article. The IDEA developed from an earlier organization, the Association of Caribbean Desalination Plant Owners and Operators (ACDPOO), founded in 1973 at Grand Bahamas Island. Its purpose was “opening channels of communication between plant owners and operators……consultants and equipment manufacturers”. The second meeting of the association was on Antigua in 1974 with increasing attendance. Because of the expansion of interest beyond the Caribbean, ACDPOO assumed a new name, the International Desalination and Environmental Association (IDEA). Its next meeting was held in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1975 with a further broadening of international attendance and interest. Subsequent conferences were held in Mexico City (1976), Tokyo (1977), Nice (1979) and Bahrain (1981). Throughout this period, the leading figure in the IDEA had been Dr. Robert Bakish of Fairleigh- Dickenson University. IDEA had also, up to now, operated independently of any other organization. This was about to change, and we will pick up the IDEA thread later. The WSIA (originally named NWSIA) was formed as a result of budget changes at the Office of Saline Water (OSW), US Department of the Interior. The Office had been authorized by the US Congress in 1952 to fund research for the development of desalination technologies “to make the deserts bloom” and indeed had invested tens of millions of dollars by

Reverse osmosis desalination plant.

the early 1970s. However, a new US administration decided to drastically cut its budget and the then Director of OSW, Pat O’Meara, organized a conference in Anaheim, California, in 1972 to study the challenges arising from such budget cuts. One result was the recommendation for creating a national desalting association to provide a focus of attention and to provide a vehicle for lobbying Congress to continue funding the desalination effort. Thus, the National Water Supply Improvement Association (NWSIA) was formed in February of 1973, its constitution specifying three categories of

membership. Division I included representatives of public entities, Division II included manufacturers, suppliers and major consulting firms and Division III included academics, researchers, and other interested individuals. The Board

"By the mid-1970s there was a proliferation of conferences covering desalination, including AquaTech Amsterdam and for-profit groups"

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FEATURE

Latin Quarter, May 21, 1983. At the club Paradis Latin, following a day of IDEA/WSIA merger talks. Identifiable from the left are Leon Awerbuch, Jim Birkett, Bob Mattair, Herb Sliger, Miriam Balaban, Kris Buros and Nabil El-Ramily. At the end of the table sits Pat Burke. Identifiable from the right are H.E. Isam Jamjoon, Neil McArthur, Arther Harris, Jean-Jacque Libert (with his ever-present cigarette!) and Floyd Meller.

of Directors was originally composed of six, two and three Directors from each division, respectively. (This composition was intended to forestall dominance by commercial interests although the number of Division II members was eventually increased to six). The first annual meeting and conference was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in June of 1973 and the first Directors and Officers elected. At that meeting the membership of NWSIA stood at 137. Subsequent conferences were held in Newport Beach, Cal-

After several long and passionate meetings, the Boards of IDEA and WSIA and the "merger committee" finally reached agreement 24

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ifornia, (1974), Ocean Reef, Florida (1975), Oklahoma City (1976) , San Diego (1977), Sarasota, Florida (1978), New Orleans, Louisiana (1979), San Francisco, California (1980) and Washington (1981). Attendance and membership increased apace as did the number of foreign participants. As a result, the organization changed its name to the less restrictive Water Supply Improvement Association (WSIA). The 11th annual conference in Honolulu, Hawaii (1982) sported the new name plus the inclusion of a “Trade Fair” as a nod to the increasing number of exhibits. The guiding hand through the early years of NWSIA was that of William Warne. Also present was Patricia Burke, first simply as a representative of Avco Corporation but mostly as Conference Chairman and eventually Executive Director. For all this period, WSIA had acted independently of other groups. Let us now bring them together.

The Delicate Minuet toward Merger By the mid-1970s there was a proliferation of conferences covering desalination, not only those of the entities described above but other groups including AquaTech Amsterdam and various for-profit groups. Individuals from the major players began to talk to each other informally about ways to minimize or eliminate overlap. It was evident that some level of cooperation was better than outright competition. The first real example of the former was the “1st World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse”, held in Florence in 1983. The WP and IDEA shared the technical organization and WSIA was responsible for the industry exhibition. Not only was the conference an overall success but for the first time all three groups worked together toward a common goal. The upshot was that a committee was formed, co-chaired by H.E. Isam Jamjoon (President of IDEA) and Herb Sliger (Presi-

IDA HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

IDA WC in Yokohama, 1993. Five past-president plus the then current president (Jamil Al-Alawi, Bahrain, center). Front row - Jim Birkett, Jamil Al-Alawi, Floyd Meller / Back row - Adil Bushnak, Randy Truby, Leon Awerbuch.

dent of WSIA) and charged with presenting its recommendations for formal merger or any other option at the May, 1984, WSIA International Conference in Orlando, Florida. The committee met several times, including in Paris in the fall of 1983, and assigned Leon Awerbuch (WSIA) and Kris Buros (IDEA) the formidable task of writing a constitution describing a new organization of which all parties could approve. It soon became apparent that the WP did not fit into the mold of a conventional association. It had no members per se, only regular attendees at its conferences; on paper it consisted only of an organizing committee, periodically appointed. Yet its supporters were numerous and loyal. In the end the WP stepped away from the merger discussions yet remained open to cooperation opportunities in the future. Things came to a head at the Orlando WSIA conference in May of 1984. Af-

ter several long and passionate meetings (one lasting until 3 am), the Boards of IDEA and WSIA and the “merger committee” finally reached agreement on an operating definition and constitution of a new organization to be known as The International Desalination Association (IDA). This was announced to the attendees at the Conference banquet. During the summer of 1984 all members of IDEA and WSIA had an opportunity to vote on the proposition. It was enthusiastically passed and on January 1, 1985, IDA officially came into existence. A “new” NWSIA was also formed as a regional affiliate of IDA to accommodate former WSIA members who wished to maintain a national US focus. Floyd Meller and Neil McArthur, representing WSIA and IDEA respectively, were appointed as interim Co-Presidents until the first IDA conference in Bermuda in November, 1985. During the intervening summer, IDA’s first Board of Direc-

tors was nominated and elected by ballot. The first IDA Officers would be elected at the Bermuda conference and meeting. The Bermuda “2nd World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse”, 1985, was organized by the nascent IDA and co- sponsored by the WP. On that occasion IDA solidified its future administration through the election of its first slate of Officers and committee chairmanships. Dr. Jim Birkett, previously a Director of both IDEA and WSIA, was chosen as President, with Adrian Veenman as Vice President.

The IDEA developed from an earlier organization, the Association of Caribbean Desalination Plant Owners and Operators (ACDPOO)

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INTERVIEW

WALID

KHOURY LEADING WATER STRATEGIST

“I am trying to emulate on LinkedIn what I am good at in the real world” Z

Alejandro Maceira -

Nicole Husseini Obeid

Launched in 2003, LinkedIn is a growing employment-oriented online service where certain water professionals have decided to share their ideas and concerns in the sector, becoming global influencers. I had the opportunity to meet Walid Khoury a few months ago thanks to his intense activity on the social network LinkedIn. Since then, I have been able to enjoy his knowledge, his creativity, his ability to weave networks and, in short, his passion for water. There are now more than 20,000 of his followers on this platform, where his approach has been completely disruptive, and where he has achieved unprecedented interaction with leading professionals from around the world.

With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, being responsible for the business development of important companies in the Middle East and Africa, Khoury has an important background that allows him to detect which are the key issues and which people and organizations have the capacity to solve them. In this interview, we review his career and his unstoppable rise as one of the great world leaders in the water industry.

"COVID-19 will be remembered as a disruptive force, having pushed a traditionally conservative industry to embrace the latest technologies"

Firstly, Mr Khoury, could you give us a summary of your career so far? I’ve been in the water industry for 20 years now. I started my career as a field engineer, and from there evolved into sales, then leadership roles. I worked predominantly for Fortune 150 companies running businesses across the Mid-

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dle East and Africa. The most rewarding part has been the last 10 years building diverse and inclusive organizations, deploying innovative processes, while crafting and executing growth strategies. I have been active in water treatment and water quality, in municipal and industrial segments, which helped me acquire a well-rounded experience in the water space. The world is currently suffering from the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic. How is it affecting the water industry? What changes do you foresee? The water industry is facing challenges in the short term. Budget cuts mean governments and industries have less money to spend on water and are prioritizing other expenditures, primarily in healthcare, and then finding ways to

WALID KHOURY

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INTERVIEW boost and kick-start the economy. Water investments are left behind. So, water companies need to optimize their cost structure now while keeping investing for the long term. I think COVID-19 will be remembered in history as a disruptive force to the water industry, having pushed a traditionally conservative industry to work remotely, find ways to deal with problems, and embrace the latest technologies. Whoever was reluctant to invest in automation is now rethinking their strategy as the recent events proved that utilities who had some forms of automation have been more successful during the lockdowns. Automation is the building block for what can come next. A precursor for digital water, machine learning, digital twins, Artificial Intelligence. Our industry and regulators are risk-averse, and this has forced them to take risks, embrace change, and rethink their priorities. Many cities around the world have implemented surveillance programs to detect the virus in their wastewater. Do you think that these projects can provide a new long-term niche for water companies? While wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been going on for more than 20 years especially in The Netherlands, it wasn't widespread globally. With the pandemic, there was more awareness that we could tell which communities are infected with COVID-19 by testing their wastewater. So, all around the world, we started seeing more sample collection and analysis. This was a catalyst for niche companies to develop further their

"The talent pool is shrinking. We need to fast track talent development to be able to keep up with all the emerging challenges" 28

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existing product lines (samplers, online measurement, digital water). I can name a few companies who jumped in and have been quite successful in capturing market share and benefiting from the crisis. Governments have also stepped in. I was involved in projects in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, and the efforts are global with investments in the USA, Spain, and Australia going on as we speak, to name a few. I suspect this will continue since now there is awareness on how sewer surveillance can help predict an outbreak in a specific neighbourhood, residential compound, or even university campuses, for example. Much of your career has been in water treatment. What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry is facing right now and what technologies are emerging to solve them? I see two main challenges: talent and innovation adoption. For the talent part, more emphasis should be placed on collaborating with students early on in their journey and bringing them on board, so they join the water industry. Especially when we are losing lots of expertise with people retiring and not being replaced. The talent pool is shrinking, and we need to fast track talent development, as an industry, to be able to keep up with all the emerging challenges. Luckily, the advancement and evolution of e-learning are helping to fast track the learning curve for many young engineers who are joining the industry. While there has been lots of innovation in the water sector, regulators have forced end users to stay away from adopting new technologies. AI and big data present a large opportunity for innovation but if you can't hook your system to the cloud, for example, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leverage this at a global scale. As a conservative industry, we are still scared to share our data and connect water plants to the cloud. This might be understand-

able, as we need to double down on cybersecurity, but again, other industries have been leveraging cloud computing and predictive analytics faster than the water industry. Until regulators adopt an open mindset, we will struggle to deploy all the innovations and make them commercially viable. There are also emerging pollutant challenges (THMs, PFAS, microplastics) but we keep finetuning the treatment technologies and these challenges are all addressable, with the right investments.

WALID KHOURY The water sector has long been committed to the digitalization of its operations, but it is still lagging behind other industries such as energy. What priorities do you think are necessary for this digital transformation? Regulators have a role to play as mentioned earlier. We don't have a shortage of innovation. We lack adoption. Digital water has a tremendous role to play. There have been many published cases where digital has made an impact on the industry. We must just double

down and let the industry adopt innovation. We see this happening in the private sector. Thousands of cooling tower water treatment programs, for example, are monitored remotely 24/7. So, digital transformation is feasible and can be implemented. In recent years, you have led Danaher's Water Quality Platform in the Middle East and Africa. How would you define the water management situation in this geographical area?

The MEA region is very fragmented with pocket areas behaving completely differently than others, even cities within the same country. You have rich governments with comprehensive water management policies, and others lacking strategic intent. Others are struggling to meet basic sanitation needs, corruption remaining one of the key drivers for poor efficiencies. Wars, economic collapses also add more to the uncertainties, driving further challenges. Governance is lacking in many parts

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INTERVIEW

of the Middle East and Africa. Nevertheless, the market overall remains an attractive one, and companies who invest long term will reap the rewards. Urbanization, demographics, industrialization, and job creation are all positive factors that will shape the industry and drive further investments into the sector for years to come. Hundreds of millions of people are still without access to clean water and billions without access to sanitation. What policies could be implemented to achieve the UN SDGs on water in this decade?

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I studied the trends driving water and sanitation in developing economies. It is quite complicated and there is no quick fix. Worse, the water challenges will increase due to rapid urbanization and industrialization that are both expanding without effective water governance. Lack of budgets is adding to the water woes. For this, I believe privatization is the solution since governments don't have the money or the processes to tackle the challenges. On top of this, bureaucracy is overwhelming. We would need development banks to support the privatization process, like the AfDB, IFC, ADB, and so on. Circular water needs to become more

predominant, where we bypass building large scale plants, with all the transport infrastructure associated with such massive projects where water is pumped miles away and then pumped back again for treatment, with a large energy footprint. Renewables will also help address power shortages and alleviate water treatment interruptions across the continent. In the long term, I am positive since there is awareness about how important water is, and the younger generations will step in and are willing to make a change. You have achieved great results in building and managing diverse and inclusive

WALID KHOURY

Water challenges will increase due to rapid urbanization and industrialization that are expanding without effective water governance

teams. What do you think are the keys to advancing towards this goal? Diversity and inclusion are the way forward. Apart from being the right thing to do, they do contribute to the bottom line. Customers are diverse and we need diverse and inclusive teams to understand their needs and innovate accordingly. To be successful, diversity and inclusion need to become the DNA of the organization. Leaders across all levels need to embrace it, working diligently upfront to make it happen, walking the talk, because you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fake it. I focused on driving gender in the Middle East, against all established biases. We increased the women work-

force ratio from 14% to 50% in an industry where globally female engineers and managers are only around 22%. If this can be done in the Middle East, it can be done anywhere else in the world. And across all dimensions of diversity (gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, etc). We need to scout for talent early ahead, before the need, so when there is a job opening, we already have a diverse slate of candidates to interview. This doesn't happen overnight. It requires a massive amount of work and leadership commitment. Diversity alone is not the answer. We need to drive inclusion to retain diverse talent and help them thrive. Amending existing workplace policies, driving career progress, and learning opportunities can help tackle inclusion. You have recently stood out as a great opinion leader in the social network LinkedIn, achieving enormous influence. How would you define your strategy in this social media and what results are you achieving? On LinkedIn, I am trying to emulate what I am good at in the real world: networking and creating opportunities for people to talk to each other. Since COVID-19 impacted my ability to travel, I started rallying people around - online. I encouraged

great minds, leaders in the industry, to interact together by asking them questions about challenging water issues. I joke that people who read my followers' comments will have a crash course on water. With 20,000 followers, my network is becoming a global platform with people from all the continents interacting 24/7, sharing best practices, and real-life examples. I am having a double-digit compounded monthly growth in profile views since May. So, it is working, and I am hoping that I can continue rallying water people around. The more people from the industry interact together, the more they share knowledge and learn, the better it is for our industry and then together, we all rise. Finally, what are your plans in the professional field? I am taking my time before deciding my next move. I am now halfway into my career and I don't want to rush in (you might call this a mid-life career crisis). I am getting proposals within MNCs again, being asked to be the channel partner in the MEA region for companies trying to enter the market or not satisfied with their existing partners. Also, I am working on some consultancy requests. People are calling me now an influencer in the water space, but I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stretch.

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ON THE COVER

For years, there have been alleged talks, backbiting and clashes between Suez and Veolia over market share. But on August 30, Veolia made an official move on Suez, its biggest adversary. Z

Olivia Tempest

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SUEZ & VEOLIA

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ON THE COVER all began on a hot and humid Friday morning, July 31, when the French electric utility company Engie announced a “revue stratégique”, a strategic review of its services activities, including a plan to sell some of its assets that had most suffered during the coronavirus crisis. When asked about the company’s 32% stake in Suez water and waste group, Engie CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu said that all options “were open.” This announcement was the beginning of a new saga between two colossi and long-time rivals, Veolia and Suez, for the control of France’s water supply dominion. Veolia, which had in 2012 quashed merger talks proposed by its smaller rival Suez, suddenly envisaged a scenario it had not even contemplated seven months previously when the company presented its strategic plan for 20202023. And so it was that Antoine Frérot, CEO of Veolia, filed on Sunday, August 30, an offer to buy 29.9% of Suez’s shares held by Engie. But with what purpose? If the proposal is finally accepted by Engie, Veolia would then file a voluntary tender offer for the remaining Suez shares. “This historic opportunity will enable us to build a French world champion in ecological transformation while accelerating international development and strengthening the new entity’s capacity for innovation,” said Frérot on August 30. To build a world champion, size matters. Veolia currently has 180,000 employees, generating 27 billion euros

If the proposal is finally accepted by Engie, Veolia would then file a voluntary tender offer for the remaining Suez shares 34

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(nearly US$40 billion) of turnover for a gross operating result (Ebitda) of 4 billion euros (US$4.7 billion), according to Les Echos. Suez, in its turn, employs 89,000 people, with a turnover of 18 billion euros (over US$21 billion), for an EBITDA of 3 billion euros (US$3.5 billion) in 2019. These two giants together would have a turnover of 41 bil-

lion euros and would be present in all five continents. During the announcement, Antoine Frérot added that: “By combining the very solid skills of Suez and Veolia, this transaction would be able to significantly accelerate the development of the new entity in the face of growing competition, and would enable the in-

SUEZ & VEOLIA ket. “Even if Suez and Veolia merged, the entity would represent less than 5% of the world market.” Nevertheless, Regnard believes that the tie-up would allow the two companies to strengthen their international presence, particularly in Asia and the United States. A necessary move if Veolia is looking to grow since, in France, the transnational company would face competition issues as well as a mature market. Suez, taken by surprise Bertrand Camus, CEO of Suez, caught off-guard by Veolia’s offer, has energetically refused the possibility of a tie-up between both multinationals and has launched a counterattack to the ambush. In an interview with the French daily Le Figaro on Sunday, September 6, Camus said: “Veolia’s proposal is an aberration for Suez and disastrous for France.” “Suez does not need to get married: we are already the world leader in water distribution, serving 145 million people,” added Camus. In his opinion, this proposal is an “opportunistic financial operation” that underrates Suez assets and “underestimates competition issues and execution risk.” “Veolia’s proposal plans to dismantle 40% of our business in France. The 500 million in savings it envisages will have an impact on thousands of jobs in France as well as for all our clients around the world.” Cédric Tassin, coordinator of the CFDT at Suez, told Les Echos that he estimates that Veolia's offer could result dustry in France, Europe and the world to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century.” Antoine Frérot, CEO of Veolia, said on a call with journalists that he was particularly worried about competition from China, where water companies are growing quickly and branching out overseas, as well as infrastructure funds

buying up assets. “We will one day very certainly see a global Chinese player emerge,” he said. However, Xavier Regnard, an analyst at Bryan, Garnier & Co., told French media that the term used by Frérot “world champion” should be put into perspective. The market for environmental services is a fragmented mar-

Frérot said on a call with journalists that he was particularly worried about competition from water companies from China

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ON THE COVER

Certain third parties with stakes in both or either Veolia or Suez have backed the giant’s offensive, including Caisse des Dépôts

in the loss of “at least 2,000 jobs" only in France. This job loss would derive in part from competition issues between the almost duopoly of Veolia and Suez in France. In this context, the CEO of Veolia announced the company had identified an acquirer for Suez’s French water activities, Meridiam, a French infrastructure management company. “All of Suez's French water activities, as well as the engineering and R&D teams related to this division, would be acquired by this long-term French buyer.” According to Frérot, Meridiam would provide Suez Eau France with access to the financial resources it needs to realize its growth potential and industrial ambition.

Suez’s CEO has energetically refused the possibility of a tie-up between both giants and has launched a counterattack to the ambush 36

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Nonetheless, the sale of Suez’s water activities would be the loss of a strategic sector for Veolia. Suez’s water sector accounts for 55% of the Camus-led firm’s revenue and 41% of Veolia - previously named Générale des Eaux-‘s revenue. If the proposal should go through, some 4 to 5 billion assets would have to be sold. In its most recent statement, Suez not only pointed out that the price offered by Veolia to Engie wholly undervalued Suez, but that Veolia’s takeover project came with major antitrust and regulatory issues in France and abroad. “It would lead to a break-up of Suez group with substantial asset disposals that would put the Group’s footprint and technological know-how at risk.” In relation to selling Suez’s water sector to Meridiam, the group also said that the process lacked clarity and did not provide the necessary level of credibility to comply with antitrust rules and reassure its clients. Suez fights back In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche on Sunday, September 13, Philippe Varin, Chairman of Suez, con-

firmed that the firm was working on a counter proposal. “The management is working on an alternative solution that the Board of Directors of Suez is encouraging. The work is in progress.” To attract other investors to buy Engie’s 32% stake, Suez needs to raise its shares’ value. To do this, BFM Business reports that the company is accelerating its strategic plan, focusing on the sale of certain ‘weaker’ assets. For the past year, the group has been reluctant to trade in its American subsidiary Suez Water and Spanish subsidiary Agbar. However, according to certain sources, the American branch could be up for sale soon for around 2 billion euros (nearly US$2.4 billion). In this respect, the company announced on Friday, September 11, an agreement to dispose of its entire stake of 53.51% in the Chilian water and wastewater company Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios de Los Lagos (ESSAL) for US$ 92.3 million to Canadian Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (APUC). The group is also promising to pay an exceptional dividend on a significant portion of the €3 to €4 billion in revenue from asset sales. This is a means of encouraging potential investors to offer a price at least equal to the €15.5 per share offered by Veolia. This new scheme will then be presented to Engie, which will have to ask Veolia for more time in order to study the new measures in depth. This setback will provide Suez with a window to put together a solid offer to buy Engie’s stake. Any possible investors? The French private equity firm Ardian confirmed last week that it was in discussions not only with Suez but also with Veolia regarding the sale of Engie’s stake in Suez. “Ardian is talking with all parties but there is absolutely no concrete operation underway (…), there is no agreement signed with anyone, neither Suez nor Veolia,” said a spokesperson of Ardian to Reuters.

SUEZ & VEOLIA

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ON THE COVER

Antoine Frérot, CEO of Veolia.

This announcement was made after the French digital daily La Lettre A wrote on Thursday, September 10, that the infrastructure funds Ardian and Antin were putting together a white knight bid for Engie’s stake in Suez. Two attractive investors that would satisfy the French government’s wish to have a majority French ownership. Antin Infrastructure Partners, based in Paris, is a leading independent private equity firm that recently announced the purchase of a majority interest in Miya Group. Ardian, on the other hand, is a French world-leading private investment house with assets of US$100 billion.

To attract other investors to buy Engie’s 32% stake, Suez needs to raise its shares’ value by accelerating its strategic plan 38

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Bertrand Camus, CEO of Suez

The perception of other stakeholders Certain third parties with stakes in both or either Veolia or Suez have backed the giant’s offensive. Last week, Caisse des Dépôts (CDC) CEO Éric Lombard, with a 5.7% stake in Veolia and a 1.5% stake in Suez, said during an online press conference that “the creation of a national champion seems a good thing in our opinion(…) It is possible that a friendly deal may be in the works.” Meanwhile, the French government, which owns 23.6% of Engie, initially showed support for Veolia’s offer by saying that the proposed deal “makes sense.” Prime Minister Jean Castex said that any proposal should preserve jobs and avoid the creation of monopolies in water and waste and that he would prefer having a French investor in Suez to avoid “a loss of sovereignty in this strategic industry.” Bruno Le Maire, Finance Minister of France, added that the country will impartially examine Veolia’s offer for Engie’s stake in Suez and any other proposal that might come up.

However, on Monday, September 14, Le Maire advised both companies on France 2 television to calm down and find a solution in the row over the control of Suez. “Let’s not offer to the rest of the world the spectacle of a battle between two beautiful French industrial companies.” “This conflict is useless and we must find a way that will allow both parties to benefit from this operation.”“The role of the state is to make sure there is no useless war in French capitalism but the creation of value and jobs for all,” he said. And Engie? For its part, Engie is not yet convinced. Not because it does not think a French leader in ecological transformation is not an “attractive” idea, but because of the amount of the proposal. On Friday, September 4, the Chairman of Engie, announced that 2.9 billion euros ($3.4 billion) were too low a bid for the company’s 29.9% stake in Suez. “The value of Suez is higher than the basis of these discussions,” as shown by

SUEZ & VEOLIA

French Finance Minister Le Maire advised both companies to calm down and find a solution in the row over the control of Suez Éric Lombard, CEO of Caisse des Dépôts (CDC).

the 5.7% jump in Veolia shares Monday, August 31. Clamadieu added that Veolia should offer a higher bid for the Suez shares and that he did not discard “other proposals for the shares.” Repercussions in the international arena In Spain, Veolia’s proposal could either mean the acceleration of the sale of Suez's stake in Aguas de Barcelona (Agbar), with the stepping up of the SUEZ 2030 strategic plan by the French utility, or it could be delayed even further if the takeover of Suez by Veolia is successful, as it will be up to Veolia to decide on the potential sale of Agbar. At the beginning of July, Bertrand Camus, CEO of Suez, had said to Bloomberg that at the moment, the firm had no plans to sell Agbar and that an announcement of a possible divestment would be made during the second half of 2020. In July, Camus had also predicted an improvement in the water business for the second half of 2021 after the decline caused by the health crisis, which would

have led to the postponement of the sale of Agbar. Advised by Rothschild and Société Générale, Suez had been preparing to begin the process of selling Agbar on June 25, with the intention of complying with the request that the activist fund Amber Capital proposed last year to improve its profitability levels with the arrival of Bertrand Camus as new CEO of Suez. The sale of 100% of Agbar is valued at 3 billion by the activist fund Amber Capital (12 times EBITDA). A large part of the water company's value is currently held by Aguas Andinas - the Chilean subsidiary - and the price of the potential divestment would therefore depend on whether it is included. In a letter sent to Suez last year, Amber Capital said that Agbar had reached a level of maturity that suggested a limited industrial angle for the French company to exploit in the future. The sale of Aguas de Barcelona would therefore be a great opportunity to reposition the company and increase its profitability ratios and capitalization.

Will Engie pick Suez or Veolia? With all eyes on the Engie, Veolia and Suez chessboard, the global water industry must now wait to see the outcome of a move that could transform France’s water sector. With time running out, Suez must present Engie with an attractive proposal with a possible alliance with Ardian and Antin for the electric utility’s 32% stake in Suez to save the company from being dismantled in France. Veolia, on the hand, must increase its initial offer to convince Engie that its proposal is the most attractive on the market. Follow the details in www.smartwatermagazine.com

The French private equity firm Ardian confirmed last week that it was in discussions not only with Suez but also with Veolia

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WATER & NEWS

BUSINESS

SAUR ACQUIRES NIJHUIS INDUSTRIES TO FORM A LEADING PLAYER IN INDUSTRIAL WATER Complementary technologies and client portfolios: a transforming milestone for Saur and a new step in Nijhuis’ history of excellence

This acquisition is a major step into the transformation of Saur towards a more international group, with a strengthened technological, innovative, and digital differentiation and a stronger growth profile thanks to a leading position in the Industrial Water business. Under the leadership of Nijhuis’ current CEO and CFO, the new platform resulting from the combination of Nijhuis Industries with Saur industrial businesses, namely Saur Industries, Unidro and Econvert, will become a leading player in Industrial Water with a complete range of technologies and capacity to serve its customers worldwide, with combined annual revenues of about €200m today and the plan to exceed €300m by 2022. Solid synergies are expected from the pooling of complementary technolo-

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gies, client portfolios and geographical presences, while integration process will preserve entrepreneurial spirit and agility of the combined Industrial Water platform. In addition, the Group’s support will allow the combined Industrial Water platform to provide large longterm operation & maintenance (O&M) services, additional rental capabilities as well as financing solutions. Nijhuis’ unique consultative approach and cutting-edge proprietary technologies, allowing efficient and sustainable water treatment and smart process monitoring and control, will strengthen Saur’s existing offering in the French municipal and industrial water market, while its international presence, with Sales & Services Centres in the Netherlands, the UK, Poland, Germany, Russia, the UAE,

KSA, Singapore, Chile, Mexico and the USA, will represent a strong basis for an accelerated development of Saur in the international markets and a true investment in Saur’s growth strategy. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Nijhuis Industries is a provider of EPC turnkey solutions and systems, O&M services as well as rental solutions in the field of industrial water and wastewater treatment with more than 350 highly qualified employees worldwide and references in about 130 countries. Nijhuis has managed to double its revenues from 2017 to 2019 to €90m. The company has a strong track record of serving blue chip clients in various market segments, including Food & Beverage, Personal Care & Pharmaceuticals, Refinery & Chemicals and Renewable Energy, Infrastructure & Utilities, with the aim to reduce environmental footprint, optimize reuse of water and heat, recover energy and resources helping their clients to stay compliant to the ever demanding effluent requirements and improving efficiency and productivity. Together with Unidro’s and Econvert’s existing strong management teams, Menno Holterman, Nijhuis’ current CEO, will lead Saur Industrial Water division headquartered in the Netherlands, while Ronald Ruijtenberg, Nijhuis’ current CFO, will become the Industrial Water CFO. With the support of Saur’s majority shareholder EQT, the acquisition was signed on 16th June 2020 and is expected to be completed in H2 2020 after antitrust clearance.

ANTIN TO BUY PART OF MIYA FROM BRIDGEPOINT FOR NEARLY €700 MILLION

WATER COMPANIES IN UK RECORD LOWEST LEAKAGE LEVELS FROM PIPES

The British fund had decided to sell its stake in the infrastructure sector, an opportunity that attracted multiple expressions of interest

The performance information comes from the Discover Water website

International private equity group Bridgepoint is finalizing the sale of part of its water management business, Miya, to the French fund Antin. According to Spanish financial daily Cinco Días, the British fund will keep part of its shares in Miya and Antin will purchase the remaining shares for around 700 million euros (approximately US$824 million). A year since Bridgepoint acquired Miya from the business arm of Arison Group, Citi was hired to find an attractive buyer for its growing asset. Miya was founded in 2008 by Israel-based Arison Group. A world-leading water services company, it focuses on efficiency and has extensive experience in the management of public services and water treatment. After the acquisition of Indaqua — Portugal's largest private wa-

ter operator — in 2016, it is present in the Iberian Peninsula through its subsidiary Miya Portugal. During a difficult period for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Bridgepoint decided to sell its stake in a sector which still attracts investors, the infrastructure sector. Cinco Días informs that the sale of Miya received multiple expressions of interest a few months ago. Finally, five bids were selected to advance to the final phase, which included Antin, EQT (through its French subsidiary Saur), BlackRock, KKR and Aqualia, owned by FCC and the IFM fund. With a few details still to be determined, it would seem that Antin has been selected for the purchase of Miya, which sources say offered the highest bid from the beginning of the process.

Water companies have reduced the amount of water leaked from pipes by 7% to the lowest level since records began in the mid-1990s. The overall volume of water being leaked has fallen by 216 million litres per day – enough to fill 86 Olympic size swimming pools – to 2,954 million litres. This improved picture on leakage is part of an update to the Discover Water website which also reveals that: (1) water quality continues to be maintained at a high standard, passing 99.96% of quality tests; (2) supply interruptions are down from an average of 13 minutes in 2018/19 to 12 minutes in 2019/20; (3) the amount of water used per person in England and Wales has fallen slightly, from 143 litres to 142 litres per day; and (4) sewer flooding increased by 14%; while some companies saw a reduction, other parts of the country were more affected by extreme weather in the last year. Reducing leakage presents a significant technological challenge, and with 346,455 kilometres of water pipes, enough to go around the world eight and a half times, water companies are adopting some of the latest technology and innovation to reach every leak. Even though there has been an improvement in leakage overall, there is still more work to do to meet industry-wide targets to reduce it by 16% by 2025, with a further reduction to half the current levels of leakage by 2050. As part of the sector’s Public Interest Commitments (PIC) set in 2019, water companies have pledged to triple the rate of leakage reduction by 2030.

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WATER & NEWS

BUSINESS

BRAZIL APPROVES NEW SANITATION BILL, EASING PRIVATIZATION The bill will allow more investment by private actors in the sector, something sponsors hope will expand the coverage of services

The Brazilian Senate passed a bill in June to facilitate the privatization of stateowned water and sanitation firms and draw more private investment for this suffering sector, reported Macaubusiness.com. Sponsors of the bill said that the proposal aims to improve water services to the 35 million inhabitants who still lack access to safe drinking water and 100 million whose sewage gets dumped raw, without being treated. The opposition maintains, however, that it places an essential service in the hands of private companies at a very delicate moment and when other countries who have privatized their water supply systems are lamenting it. The bill, which cleared the lower house in December, passed by a vote of 65 to 13 in the Senate, must now be

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signed by Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil, who said this bill was a top priority for the country. Senator Tasso Jereissati of center-right party PSDB, promoter of the bill said to Macau Business: “Nearly half the population of this country lacks basic sanitation. They have cell phone coverage, but they’ve been left with their feet in an open sewer.” “There are multiple benefits to universalizing water and sanitation services by 2033. Sanitation has a multiplier effect that creates jobs, health, education and improves people’s lives.” The Brazilian government assesses 700 billion reals ($130 billion) will be needed to meet that goal. Brazil’s water and sanitation infrastructure is the last primary infrastructure that has not been privatized.

Fitch Ratings released a non-rating commentary on the new Brazilian water-wastewater framework. The company believes that the approval of the new regulatory framework for the basic sanitation sector in Brazil poses challenges for companies in the sector but should not pressure their ratings in the short term. The pressure for the expected increase in investments to expand the coverage of services must be diluted over the years and allow operators covered by Fitch to adjust to this new reality. However, operational efficiency, investment capacity and the ability to access adequate funding, via debt or equity, will gradually gain more importance, so as not to bring risk to companies of losing of important concessions for their cash generation and pressure ratings. Fitch also considers positive the appointment of the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA) for a more active role in the sector and supports the expectations of lowering the current moderate regulatory risk. Fitch estimates that the long term for operating targets achievement is, overall, manageable to the 12 companies evaluated by the agency, considering that investments may be diluted in the period without significantly pressuring its credit indicators. Companies with the ability to leverage without putting pressure on their current rankings will also be better positioned to face increased demand for investments or capture opportunities for new acquisitions.

WATER TREATMENT

INTERVIEW

MS VERONICA

MANFREDI

DIRECTOR FOR QUALITY OF LIFE IN DG ENVIRONMENT, EUROPEAN COMMISSION

We have some major industrial champions in this field and the need for water technologies is growing Last May the European Parliament approved the Water Reuse Regulation to prevent water shortages in the EU. It is an important milestone to promote water reuse for agricultural purposes in all EU countries.

Cristina Novo PĂŠrez

eclaimed water has been reused for irrigation in water stressed countries for some time, both in Europe and elsewhere. Expected water shortages as a result of climate change and population growth call for solutions to increase the water supply, including unconventional sources of water. Water reuse is one of such solutions to relieve pressure on freshwater sources. The new European Water Reuse Regulation defines minimum requirements for reclaimed water for the first time, to ensure safe water reuse that protects people and the environment. It is expected to expand the reuse of treated wastewater in Europe while supporting the circular economy. We interviewed Ms Veronica Manfredi, Director for Quality of Life in the Environment Directorate-General

"Water reuse is linked with the European Green Deal agenda, in particular with the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy" 44

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to hear the European Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view on how the new regulation will change the water reuse landscape in Europe. The Water Reuse Regulation will reinforce confidence among consumers in the internal market that foodstuff produced with reclaimed water can be trusted as all members abide by the same minimum parameters. What needs to be done to increase public acceptance and awareness of the benefits of water reuse? I expect the public perception to increasingly shift between now and 2023, the year in which the Water Reuse Regulation will enter into force. The droughts and heatwaves we experience on an increasingly regular basis in the EU are playing a role in letting people realise that they need to use water more efficiently is a reality. Farmers, in particular, are in the front line when it comes to addressing water stress. However, consumers may still have misgivings about foodstuff produced with reclaimed water. The Water Reuse Regulation acknowledges this and introduces provisions requiring Member States to organise awareness-raising

campaigns and provide accurate and transparent information on water reuse to the public. The European Commission has also an important role to play to ensure that awareness is raised and public perception improved: after all, water reuse is tightly linked with the European Green Deal agenda, in particular the Circular Economy Action

VERONICA MANFREDI the consumers, reassured by the science-based approach. We should learn from the experience of Member States that are already using reclaimed water, such as Spain, Cyprus and Malta to mention a few, as well as from our global partners with valuable experience in the area, for example, Singapore and Israel, where water reuse is practised on a large scale.

Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy, as well as the Zero Pollution ambition for Europe, to be seen in strong interplay with our overarching Climate-Neutrality goal. Our continuous efforts to stay abreast of the latest scientific and technological developments in this field can definitely contribute to gain the confidence of

Do you think the new Regulation will serve as an incentive to invest in the implementation of water reuse technologies? I certainly do. By harmonising standards, the Regulation will encourage the water reuse practice and facilitate its up-take, even in those Member States that do not currently practice it. It gives a strong signal: we need this water now and we will in the future. The Regulation also responds to the need to further shift towards a circular economy that makes efficient use of resources. The current COVID crisis underlines more strongly than ever the need for safe access to water everywhere and in all circumstances. Better analys-

ing waste-waters, and further treating them, also makes us collectively stronger: today, thanks to an EU-wide pioneer project coordinated by the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joint Research Centre, we are even able to establish the presence of the virus in wastewater and identify critical hotspots, launch alerts and take the necessary measures. The key message of better-valuing water and using it more efficiently thanks to latest technologies is fully in line also with the recent findings of the Evaluation of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which have prompted the ongoing legislative review also of that Directive, intrinsically linked to the Water Reuse Regulation. I do believe that the EU water treatment sector will witness a boost in this decade, as our modernized EU legislative framework (including the just revised Drinking Water Directive) will require maximum efforts to enhance safe access to water and stimulate a more circular use of this finite resource, thus prompting innovation. Of course, every water project needs to be specifically tailored to the local context where it is to take place. Man-

We should learn from the experience of Member States that are already using reclaimed water, such as Spain, Cyprus, and Malta

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INTERVIEW aging risks to health and the environment will be key to the successful deployment of water reuse. In conjunction with technological efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of EU drinking water supply, I do expect smart water technologies to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and smooth running of the water reuse practice for agricultural irrigation purposes, so as to deliver real-time information and immediately spot any possible safety risk. Technology providers and water operators will thus have a major role to play, especially in the context of the EU’s post-COVID 19 recovery. Let me stress here that the EU already provides concrete support for the development of innovative technologies in the water treatment sector: for example, through the LIFE programme, the EU has co-funded projects such as: LIFE Biosol: aimed at developing an ecological process, called “bio-solar purification”, for the treatment and reuse of urban waste-water and the recovery of organic waste. LIFE Bitmaps aimed at developing a new process for treating effluents from electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, to reduce pollution at source. LIFE Impetus: aimed at better tackling pharmaceutical compounds in urban wastewater. The Regulation is seen as an important milestone in the transition towards a circular economy. Do you think this might help water reuse projects access funding streams earmarked for promoting the circular economy strategy?

"By harmonising standards, the Regulation will encourage the water reuse practice and facilitate its up-take: it gives a strong signal" 46

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VERONICA MANFREDI

I expect smart water technologies to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and smooth running of water reuse for irrigation

Water efficiency and water reuse are indeed an important part of the EU’s circular economy strategy. Correctly applying the new rules and pursuing efforts to re-use water also for purposes other than agricultural irrigation will remain important priorities for the Commission throughout this decade. The EU budget for 2021-2027 will be an opportunity to finance sustainable water management and the European Green Deal Investment Plan will mobilise EU funding, public and private investments for the “green and digital” transition. Properly designed water reuse projects should certainly be able to access appropriate funding streams. In addition, the Recovery Plan for Europe, set up to address the economic ravages of the COVID crisis, has included €750 billion via the Next Generation EU instrument, thus reinforcing the Cohesion Policy, the rural development and the research programmes. The agreement of the EU leaders on 21 July has paved the way to adopt this unprecedented EU budget. The European Council highlighted the potential of Next Generation EU and MFF funding to leverage private capital and called on all Member States to use their Recovery and Resilience Plans to

boost greener and more circular investments too. Water availability issues are common in areas with little rainfall, where water reuse is already widespread in Europe, but also densely populated areas. Do you think the new Regulation will lead to increased uptake in areas of Europe where it is not currently contemplated? The aim of the Regulation is to stimulate the uptake of water reuse across the EU and there is interest in the practice also in Member States that have so far been less prone to droughts. With climate change, the usual rainfall patterns are already changing. Even if, in some areas, the annual amount of rainfall might remain similar or even increase, we know we will be facing seasonal changes in the availability of water and we are already expe-

"Efforts to re-use water also for purposes other than irrigation will remain important priorities for the Commission this decade"

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INTERVIEW

We will arrive at a situation where farmers will re-use water because it makes economic sense, not only because other sources are scarce

riencing extremes, with very dry spells and then heavy rainfall causing flooding. Water reuse is a useful tool to address such extremes, within the integrated water management required by the EU Water Framework Directive. I trust we will eventually arrive at a situation in Europe where farmers will re-use water because it makes economic sense, and not only because other sources become scarce. Furthermore, water reuse has enormous potential for applications other than agricultural irrigation. In fact, the Water Reuse Regulation explicitly recalls the possibility for Member States to employ reclaimed water for other uses, such as in the industrial sector or for urban purposes. The Commission is already exploring such potential, notably through the new Circular Economy

"The risk management provisions of the Regulation allow the national authorities to set additional safety requirements, if and where needed" 48

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Action Plan, the Building Renovation wave and through the ongoing review of the Industrial Emissions Directive, for enhanced water efficiency in industrial processes. What do you expect to be the impact on research and innovation pertaining to water reuse technologies and managing the risks of reuse? For water reuse to be successful, we need it to be safe and both environmentally and economically viable. Research and innovation are essential to guarantee both safety and viability. The provisions on risk management set out in the new Regulation rely on innovation to develop technologies enabling real-time monitoring, spotting malfunctions or irregularities early on. Research and innovation will also pave the way for energy-efficient and low-emission technologies. The Horizon 2020 research programme has dedicated funds in the field of water technologies. For example the Work Programme 2018-2020 identified water as one of the priority areas: it focused on resource efficiency and made specific reference to water-smart technologies, to the climate-water-energy-food

nexus, to innovative solutions in water management and treatment, through both digital and nature-based solutions. In line with the European Green Deal ambitions, the Commission’s commitment to water innovation will continue, especially under the new EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe, running from 2021 to 2027. The “Orientations towards the first Strategic Plan for Horizon Europe” envisage further research on water, including on water reuse. Does the Regulation allow for updates to incorporate any future knowledge regarding risks posed by contaminants of emerging concern? It will be possible to update the Regulation in light of new knowledge on contaminants of emerging concerns, but this will require the Commission to propose an amendment to be negotiated through the ordinary legislative procedure, which may take some time. The Commission had originally foreseen in its proposal the possibility of keeping the Regulation up to date through a delegation of powers, but the co-legislators decided against this. That said, the Commission will keep abreast of developments and swiftly act, if needs emerge. At the same time, the risk management provisions of the Regulation allow the national authorities to set additional safety requirements, enabling them to incorporate the latest knowledge to more swiftly tackle local concerns, if and where needed. To expand this practice in Member States, the water sector will need qualified professionals. To what extent do you think expanding water reuse will support the creation of green jobs? I do believe that an expansion of water reuse will let new professional figures emerge, not only in the reclamation plants themselves but also in the broader water reuse chain. I am thinking for example of advisory services to farmers, of water distributors, managers of urban greening projects…

VERONICA MANFREDI This need for new professional figures is strongly supported by the recently published European Skills Agenda, a five-year plan to help individuals and businesses embrace the twin green and digital transition, key in the post-COVID recovery for Europe. The new Regulation aims to stimulate and facilitate water reuse for agricultural irrigation. Do you see a future for potable water reuse in the EU? Treating wastewater to drinking water standards is possible and is already done in other parts of the world –Singapore for example. It is early to say whether we will, one day, re-use water also for drinking purposes in the EU. For the time being, we focus efforts on keeping EU water law in line with latest scientific knowledge and exploring the use of reclaimed water in other sectors, such as in industry or for the irrigation of urban green areas. The new Drinking Water Directive will enter into force later this year and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is being reviewed. The circumstances - and perceptions – on water reuse might evolve quicker than one may think. At this stage, securing a good uptake of the new Water Reuse Regulation and promoting a wider agenda of water efficiency also for industries and households will already do wonders, I believe. Other regions of the world have been exploring the potential of water reuse to address water scarcity for years. Do you think the EU can lead in this field? It is true that, as the EU, we are not first movers when it comes to water reuse although some of our Member States have been practising it for years already, and with excellent results. There are third countries from which we can learn a lot. Yet, we have some major industrial champions in this field and the need for water technologies is growing. So yes, in my opinion, EU industry and technology providers can play a leading role in this area.

What do you think will be the role of water reuse in Europe as an alternative water supply option to address water scarcity in comparison with other options such as desalination or increasing water use efficiency? These options and technologies are all useful tools to address water scarcity. No single solution is a silver bullet. Water reuse is, for example, less energy-intensive then desalinisation. However, there may be sites where water reuse is not a possibility and desalination may come to play a role. All in all, I do see a very bright future for re-using water – in agriculture, in industry, in domestic appliances, inspired by what our ancestors used to do for millennia be-

fore us. Only if this century’s mankind rises to the challenge of reusing water safely and sustainably, helped by better science and technology, will we manage to face the climate change impacts and reduce them – eventually living within the boundaries of our planet, without over-shooting them.

"The expansion of water reuse will let new professional figures emerge, not only in the reclamation plants, but also in the reuse chain"

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INTERVIEW

DR BERND MANFRED GAWLIK

We had to forge a Community of Practice beyond the obvious research networks, involving the water utilities and connect this community to the policy-making process

SCIENTIFIC PROJECT MANAGER, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE, EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The European Commission has created a pan-European Umbrella Study to better understand the limitations and challenges of using wastewater as a reliable indicator of the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the population.

Cristina Novo Pérez

The results obtained by research groups across Europe indicate that monitoring wastewater to detect RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2 is a viable method to survey the presence of the virus in the population. The European Commission is leading an inclusive and open approach to review critical issues with private and public entities that are part of the EU Umbrella Study. We speak with Dr Bernd Manfred Gawlik, Scientific Project Manager at the Joint Research Centre, to learn more about this international collaboration initiative. Firstly, we would like to know briefly your career path and your current role in the European Commission. I have an Engineering degree from the French Higher Institute for Industri-

"The Umbrella Study seeks to gather together the tremendous knowledge production undertaken by the scientific research community" 50

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al Chemistry and a PhD. in Natural Sciences from the Technical University of Munich. I was recruited by the European Commission in 1999 to work as a scientist on environmental monitoring with a focus on standardisation and metrology of environmental measurement and testing. Today, I’m a Scientific Project Manager at the European Commission's Science Service, the Joint Research Centre, where today I coordinate the JRC Task Force on Water Quality. In this function, I closely interact with the broadest range of water stakeholders. My recent focus of work is on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus in the Mediterranean and beyond with a focus on water quality as the forgotten aspect. Can you tell us a bit about the current status and future plans of the EU Umbrella study on SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in wastewater? Can you tell us about international collaboration efforts beyond Europe? The EU Umbrella Study on SARS-CoV-2 monitoring was initiated jointly with the Dutch Water Research Institute KWR and the German RWTH University as

well as the European Water Sector and other leading partners in order to connect the numerous research initiatives in Europe emerging in spring. The Umbrella Study cannot replace the tremendous knowledge production undertaken by the scientific research community at national, regional or local scales, but it seeks to gather together this knowledge and ensure that the scientific voice is being heard. How so? First, we set up a de facto intercalibration process allowing existing studies to compare and discuss approaches, but also to enable interested countries and municipalities to test it. This means that we had to forge a Community of Practice beyond the obvious research networks, involving the water utilities and connect this community to the policy-making process while promoting dialogue between water and health. Thanks to the data and information being generated we are now in a position to agree on the feasibility of a Pan-European system as well as on entailed costs for what can best be described as a “Sewer Sentinel System for SARS-CoV-2”. This requires international knowledge brokering, in which we can learn from experiences from beyond Europe, e.g.

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BERND GAWLIK

INTERVIEW

We are collecting, documenting and communicating applications of wastewater surveillance and raising awareness in the health community

Australia, Canada or Turkey, but also ensures that we work in coordination with the Global Health Community under the leadership of the WHO and also outreach to the World Water Quality Alliance led by UNEP. As a matter of fact, we are breaking new ground here with regards to new models of inclusiveness, openness and knowledge transfer. What are the uncertainties involved in establishing a relationship between viral detection in wastewater and population-relevant information? How are they being addressed? Well, the first obvious uncertainty relates to the different approaches used in sampling, measurement and testing itself. What we do see, however, is that differences are less dramatic than we had

"The technology is ready from a scientific perspective, but it is crucial to build the necessary communication and governance channels" 52

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thought at the beginning and the normative power of facts leads to some common “do’s and don’ts” which we are trying to channel into a guide for operators. What is more difficult, is the uncertainty related to the correlation of sewer surveillance data to epidemiological information obtained by swab tests, serology or tracing apps. We know that wastewater responds much faster to viral occurrence in a population, but we are not certain how much faster. In addition, the viral load in wastewater is not only related to those residents who are connected to the sewer, but also to commuters or travellers using the sewer. What does this mean? Strictly speaking, wastewater can tell us very accurately that risk of “second wave” events is increasing in a sewer catchment area, but we cannot easily forecast if this will lead to higher infections in the area or elsewhere. Each municipality is different and of course, you cannot compare the situation of, for instance, a country like Luxembourg with an incredibly high number of commuters, to the situation on a Greek island living from tourism. Wastewater surveillance is complementary to the other approaches – it does not replace them.

We are collecting, documenting and communicating about successful applications of wastewater surveillance and attempting to raise awareness also in the health community. Wastewater does not lie, and it is an accurate mirror of what is going on in the sewer catchment. We just have to learn to read this information encoded in it. Is the availability of epidemiological data that can be compared with wastewater data an issue? To a certain extent, yes, obviously. Why? Because epidemiologists want to have proof that viral RNA in wastewater correlates with epidemiological behaviour. But what you truly need is not only the epidemiological information related to swab and blood testing but also, for instance, with regards to how many people are in an area at a certain time or what the meteorological conditions at the moment of sampling are. On the other hand, imagine if one had only sewer-derived information? Wouldn’t that help one as an epidemiologist to better understand better what is going on? Recently wastewater samples from the Paris and Montpellier sewage systems showed increases in SARS-CoV-2 RNA after the end of the lockdown in France. The increase does not correlate with infection rates. Do you think wastewater surveillance efforts are ready to predict a comeback of the disease? This is no surprise. We do have cases now that demonstrate that this happens and is usually followed by a “second wave” event, e.g. as was seen in A Coruña, in Spain. Virus detected in early July, an outbreak in early August. Unfortunately, we still prefer to kill the messenger, rather than acting on the news. This is the current dilemma we face. Somehow, it all seems too easy to work, but it does. Thus, the retrospective investigations conducted, for instance, by the Health Authorities in Italy, the Netherlands or

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BERND GAWLIK

INTERVIEW Spain revealed that the virus was present in wastewater much earlier than had been identified at the time of the reported outbreaks. To answer your question, yes, the technology is ready from a scientific perspective, but it is crucial to quickly build the necessary communication and governance channels. Some countries such as the Netherlands or Austria are much faster at this than others. Proof of concept studies have provided estimates of the prevalence of infection using modelling approaches. Local news (for example, in Yosemite, California) have reported such estimates of prevalence. Do you think these data are currently accurate enough to be communicated to the public and health officials? I would make here a difference between the public and the health officials. I know that this is a delicate question since the public has a right to know, but I would suggest first to create the link with the health authorities, who oversee the situation and who can interact best with water utilities. Isn’t it better to investigate a leaking pipe rather than to wait for a pipe to burst? This is the same. If the virus is absent from your wastewater, you are on the safe side, but when you start to see it, obviously something is happening. Do you really want to wait for an accurate result, or do you take measures to investigate further? What is your assessment of the potential cost and effectiveness of a wastewater surveillance system versus extensive individual testing to estimate disease prevalence in a community? We are still in the phase of assessing costs but it would appear, to date, that for instance, a fully-fledged rollout in a country such as Germany or Italy would be approximately 10-15% of the costs employed for the development and deployment of a tracing app. However, what does this mean now? Is the tracing

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I would suggest first to create the link with the health authorities, who oversee the situation and can interact with water utilities

app redundant? Should we stop individual tests? Here the answer is clearly no. Wastewater surveillance is an additional information source, not an alternative one. In cases where resources do not allow extensive individual testing, e.g. in less favoured economies, it might be a good start, but it cannot replace individual testing. I would even go a step further by saying that the true value of the sewer surveillance will become visible in the time after COVID-19. Why should we deny ourselves the access to the information encoded in sewage, which can tell us so much about public health, behaviour or other future emerging issues? We already use sewer surveillance to trace Polio. Why not “Building Back Better” and make sewer surveillance a regular routine? That would be truly innovative and shed a completely different light on what is sewage, i.e. not waste but a resource. When do you think there might be widely available standardised protocols for wastewater monitoring to relate results to the burden of disease in a wastewater catchment?

The number of scientific publications employing, for example, machine-learning techniques is growing fast, and hence it will not be long before acceptance also grows among epidemiologists. The fact that countries such as the Netherlands or Austria are following the Australian way and introducing SARS-CoV-2 Sewer Sentinels systematically, confirms this. I do not, however, believe that “standardisation” of methods is the right way to go. We need to allow different approaches and methodologies, which are tailored to local needs. What we need is an agreed framework for quality assurance and control, accompanied by some sound guidance for operators and utilities. This is what we aim to deliver using the EU Umbrella Study by the end of this year.

"I would even go a step further by saying that the true value of the sewer surveillance will become visible in the time after COVID-19"

OPINION

DR JOHN KISSI

PROJECT LEAD, SOUTHWARK COUNCIL (LONDON, UK)

MICHAEL GREEN

FLOOD RISK ENGINEER, SOUTHWARK COUNCIL (LONDON, UK)

GREENER DELAWYK PROJECT London is synonymous with water. From the River Thames garden bioretention system, which was planted with shrubs and flowing through its city centre, to the lakes and tributary flowers by residents. The rain garden provides both attenuation streams stretching across the suburbs. and water quality treatment by filtering stormwater through But as the city has become more urbanised, there are fewer soils, before releasing it slowly into the sewer system. green spaces to absorb water when it rains. Instead of slowExisting footpaths were also upgraded with permeable resin ly being absorbed into the soil, now, when it rains, runoff is bound surfaces, whilst hardstanding areas were depaved and reflushed rapidly into the ageing sewer network which can be- placed with planting, allowing direct rainfall to infiltrate, and come overwhelmed during storms, leading to surface water reducing runoff rates. This included planting a new 36 m2 wildflooding. Many of London’s rivers, like the Effra and Peck in flower meadow, a 20 m2 lawn, as well as removing hardstanding south London, were also culverted – buried and hidden under- areas between existing beds and replacing with 74 m2 of new ground – in the early 1800s. Instead of conveying runoff dur- lawns with enhanced planting. ing storms and providing wildlife habitats, these ‘Lost Rivers’ Delawyk Crescent is located in a Critical Drainage Area have been relegated to the city’s sewer system. (CDA), where managing surface water flood risk is a priority. But building ever larger sewers is expensive and unsustaina- By providing local-scale stormwater attenuation, the Greener ble. So, in the London Borough of Delawyk scheme is helping to reSouthwark, the Council is taking duce peak flows of surface water The benefits of SuDS go beyond a Sustainable Drainage Systems entering the combined sewer sys(SuDS) approach to managing tem. At the other end of the scale managing flood risk, enhancing surface water by working with, or are larger projects that Southwark biodiversity, and delivering mimicking, natural processes to is developing at Peckham Rye Park slow down and clean surface water. and Common, using green engilocalised air quality and Southwark Council initiated the neering in the form of earth bunds microclimate improvements Greener Delawyk scheme in partto protect local properties from nership with the London Wildflooding by holding back 15,000 life Trust and the Delawyk Crescent Residents Association to m3 of surface water. implement green infrastructure, including SuDS, at a CounBut the benefits of SuDS go beyond managing flood risk. cil-owned housing estate. Delawyk Crescent is dominated The design focused on enhancing biodiversity and also delivers by impermeable surfaces and the existing green spaces which localised air quality and microclimate improvements, helping consisted of grass verges could do with some enhancement. By to reduce the urban heat island effect. The new multifunctionretrofitting multifunctional SuDS features and using depaving, al spaces have improved Delawyk Crescent for both residents the scheme has helped to create greener spaces for residents and and wildlife, whilst design consultations and planting events wildlife to enjoy, whilst reducing flood risk locally. The scheme brought together local people and promoted social cohesion. consisted of three main elements: a rain garden, de-paving and The scheme was supported with a £50,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s Greener City Fund and £5,000 from Southwark a mini-wildflower meadow, and permeable paving footpaths. By installing approximately 270 m2 of new SuDS and en- Council’s Cleaner Greener Safer Fund. Considered ‘radical’ onhanced green spaces, the scheme has delivered substantial ly a few years ago, SuDS are now on their way to becoming the benefits via relatively small-scale interventions. For instance, a new norm and Southwark is currently developing more of such downpipe draining a roof was diverted into the new 37 m2 rain schemes across several housing facilities in the borough.

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INTERVIEW

DR JOHN S. GULLIVER

Professor. Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo- Engineering. University of Minnesota

“The capital costs of green infrastructure are a fraction of underground grey infrastructure” Dr Gulliver is a professor at the University of Minnesota, carrying out his research at St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, an interdisciplinary fluids research and educational facility of the University of Minnesota.

Z Cristina Novo Pérez Last June the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) awarded John Gulliver this year’s Hunter T. Rouse Award for more than three decades of career, bringing water quality into the field of hydraulic engineering, educating engineering students, writing and editing several prominent books and generally contributing to engineering practice. Trained in chemical and civil engineering, Dr Gulliver’s research interests include environmental fluid mechanics, chemical transport and fate in environmental systems, and flow and mass transport at hydraulic structures. We had the chance of speaking with him on what it meant to receive the hunter T. Rouse Award and discussed the present and future of green infrastructure and stormwater management.

The integration of water quality into hydraulic engineering began in the mid-1960s with people like Heinz Stefan, Donald Harleman, Gerald Orlob and Jorg Imberger. I know that I have missed a few. My contemporaries, like Jacob Jirka and Forrest Holly, continued this trend. Water quality is now fully integrated into the field of hydraulic engineering, with names like environmental hydraulics or ecohydraulics.

"Green infrastructure is being utilized across the world for new projects, including large applications in New York and Philadelphia"

What does it mean for you to receive the American Society of Civil Engineers Hunter T. Rouse Award?

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Hunter Rouse was a giant of the hydromechanics field, where most of us have read his books and landmark papers. This award is also one of the oldest career awards in ASCE. It is very much of an honour to receive the Hunter T. Rouse Award. It has been said that you brought water quality into the field of hydraulic engineering. Do you think there is a need for further integration of engineering, environmental and socioeconomic aspects to increase our resilience to future challenges such as those brought on by climate change?

Green infrastructure could potentially generate water quality, socioeconomic and ecosystem benefits. To what extent is it currently used for managing urban hydrology and stormwater in the United States and worldwide? Green infrastructure is being utilized across the world for new projects, including large applications in New York and Philadelphia. People have looked carefully at the alternatives and found that the cost advantages are great.

DR JOHN S. GULLIVER How do green and grey infrastructure compare in terms of maintenance and monitoring needs to ensure performance? What about in terms of cost-effectiveness? Anytime that you must place something underground, such as grey stormwater infrastructure, it is quite expensive and disruptive. That is why many cities that have problems with combined sewer overflows are utilizing a solution with an extensive application of green infrastructure. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put stormwater into combined sewers, you will not have a combined sewer overflow. The capital costs of green infrastructure are a fraction of underground grey infrastructure. Of course, then there are the maintenance costs of green infrastructure. The challenge of green infrastructure is that it is placed in a diffuse manner throughout the watershed. There is not one plant with instrumentation and constant supervision, but multiple installations without anyone present that are visited only once or twice per year. It is a maintenance logistics challenge that engineers and scientists may not be prepared for. A well-organized maintenance operation will save a lot of headaches, but it cannot be an afterthought. We have developed a rule-of-thumb for green infrastructure: over the lifetime of a practice, operation and maintenance costs will be equal to construction costs after ten years for small practices (~$10,000 construction cost) and after 20 years for a larger practice (~$100,000 construction cost).

water infrastructure, such as the potential for phosphorous release from stormwater treatment wetlands and rain gardens. Could you comment on those? Sometimes green infrastructure is seen as a cure-all for any runoff pollution problem. However, there are many environmental pollution concerns and one green infrastructure practice cannot solve all of them. While wetlands and rain gardens have a great capacity to absorb toxic metals, they are not that good at dissolved nutrient reduction. Thus, if your goal is to reduce dissolved nutrient loading, you may want to try a different green infrastructure practice. Throughout your career, you have witnessed the emergence and development of a wide range of green infrastructure practices. Should we expect the development of additional innovative practices? Most certainly. Green infrastructure is still a fairly new field, covering a wide range of processes and new practices in pollutant reduction, measurement of performance, and maintenance logistics will be coming out continuously.

"Anytime that you must place something underground, such as grey stormwater infrastructure, it is quite expensive and disruptive"

What are the barriers to broader implementation of green infrastructure? There are two main barriers that I am aware of: 1) Most green infrastructure

involves infiltration into the soil. We need to get a better understanding of how to deal with the spatial heterogeneity of soil structure and how to simply characterize potential infiltration rates. Too many infiltration practices do not function as such on their first day of operation. 2) The logistics of an operation and maintenance program and the cost of dealing with a poorly organized operation and maintenance program, as mentioned above. Your research team has identified unintended consequences of green storm-

What do you think are the future research needs in stormwater management? We are still trying to effectively solve the retention of dissolved nutrients, which are the primary reason that our estuaries, lakes and rivers are still polluted. Second, the problem of chloride pollution from road salt in northern climates will require an innovative solution. Finally, more effective operation of a stormwater system utilizing weather forecasts is in our future.

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FEATURE

Dr John Kissi, Project Lead, Southwark Council (London, UK)

The Herne Hill and Dulwich Flood Alleviation Scheme is a green infrastructure project in the London borough of Southwark (UK) that provides a strong example of an approach to reduce flooding risk in urban areas. This award-winning scheme involved a public-private partnership between Southwark Council and Thames Water, with support from the UK Environment Agency. The SUDS project, which has received the ICE Engineering Award 2015, the EA Project Excellency Award 2015 (for partnership) and the British Construction Industry Awards 2015 (Sustainability), has been praised for the extensive stakeholder involvement with local interest groups, businesses and residents. The outreach efforts were central to gaining support for the scheme and ensuring the continued delivery of amenity and environmental benefits. The primary objective of Southwark Council and key partners: the Environment Agency and Thames Water, was to implement a sustainable scheme that delivers multiple benefits to the community, residents, businesses and other key stakeholders. These were surface water flooding alleviation, sewer flooding alleviation, improved amenity, environmental and biodiversity enhancement, reduced treated water usage in the park, together with low maintenance.

The scheme involved building earth bunds to intercept and temporarily hold up to 51,000 mÂł of water in 3 parks during severe storm events 58

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URBAN WATER

Tunnel built into the flood bund. Image: Southwark Council.

The scheme sought to alleviate flooding in the Herne Hill and Dulwich by maximising surface water storage in the open spaces; Dulwich Park, Belair Park and the Southwark Community Sports Trust grounds (SCST) for an event likely to occur once in 75 years. The scheme involved building earth bunds to intercept and temporarily hold up to 51,000 mÂł of water in the three parks during severe storm events. Stored water will be released into the sewer network when the peak of the storm is over. Three underground geocellular tanks connected to the sewer network provides water storage for day to day conditions. Filter drains at the toe of the bunds direct storm water to the storage tanks helping to improve day to day drainage within the parks. This integrated approach prevents surface water from the three parks draining into and overwhelming the sewer network and causing surface and sewer flooding of properties as experienced in the past. The scheme protects over 200 homes and businesses from surface water flooding and further reduces flooding to more than 440 properties in the wider area. Additionally, more than 100 properties are protected from sewer flooding with a likelihood of occurring once every 30 years.

This approach prevents surface water from overwhelming the sewer network and causing sewer flooding of properties as in the past

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FEATURE Since the scheme was implemented in November 2014, it has been tested a couple of times. Particularly, on 23 June 2016, there was a significant storm event that triggered more than 41 calls across the borough to the Fire Brigade for assistance over sewer and surface water flooding incidents but none in the Dulwich and Herne Hill area. Following reports of widespread flooding across the borough, one of the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations in the area sent an email to find out whether the Flood Scheme was responsible for their protection from flooding or it was just their luck. It was however clear that the scheme had worked as designed. By all standards, it was the area that should have experienced flooding being the lowest point of the borough and most at risk of flooding. On that occasion, there was a number of manholes in the parks surcharging and significant ponding in Dulwich Park which was what the scheme was designed to do. More recently, during the 2020 winter season, there was significant ponding in the parks as surface water was held from exiting the park and running into the sewers which could surcharge and cause sewer flooding. The Scheme was designed to be sympathetic to the character of the parks; it was designed with the view that when one visits the park after the scheme was implemented it will not be obvious that a flood alleviation scheme had been built there. The earth bunds were built into the landscaping of the park and play facilities such as tunnels, slides and climbing walls were incorporated to create the impression of a well-designed playground. The

It was designed with the view that when one visits the park it will not be obvious that a flood alleviation scheme had been built there 60

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scheme introduced more play equipment and enhanced amenity for children to enjoy. More visitors have been attracted to the playground and the facilities are fully utilised. The delivery team took advantage of the scheme to implement general environmental improvement measures including planting wildflower meadows. General drainage improvement incorporated in the scheme has enhanced the quality of grass growth and made the football pitches more playable during the winter season. This is in sharp contrast to what persisted before the scheme where football and cricket matches were often cancelled due to unplayable water-logged pitches. The scheme, therefore, improves the physical and mental wellbeing of the park users and the community at large.

Since the scheme was implemented there has been no need to top up the lake in Dulwich Park with treated water as surface water from the park is diverted to the lake. That used to be done in the past although very infrequently. The project was planned to be low maintenance with the pipe network designed to be self cleansing. General maintenance activities were incorporated into the routine maintenance activities of the parks. In July 2020, a comprehensive 5-year review of the scheme was undertaken and that confirmed that very little maintenance was required as seen in pictures of the underground tanks. The Southwark Council is confident that the project outcomes have reflected the objectives set out at the onset and meets the aspirations of the community.

Flood bund built into the landscape. Image: Southwark Council.

Wildflower meadow in detention basin in Belair Park. Image: Southwark Council.

URBAN WATER Tunnel built into the flood bund. Image: Southwark Council.

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INTERVIEW

The results of sewage DR KELLY HILL surveillance must be

considered in the context of epidemiological surveillance

RESEARCH MANAGER. WATER RESEARCH AUSTRALIA

Academics and authorities across the world are looking into wastewater based epidemiology as a tool to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 in the population and inform health measures to manage the pandemic.

Cristina Novo Pérez -

Pablo González-Cebrián

Wastewater monitoring research applied to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been underway for months now by research groups in many countries, and the methods have proven useful to detect the presence of infection by the novel coronavirus in the population. Many challenges remain before sewage surveillance can provide population-relevant information that can be interpreted and integrated with other sources of information to inform health policy. Collabora-

"The ColoSSoS methods, whilst novel with respect to SARSCoV-2, have built on extensive experience with sewage surveillance for other viruses" 62

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tion at all levels is key, and in this regard, the Australian “ColoSSoS” project has made great progress to track and monitor the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 and its persistence in that country’s sewerage network. We talked with Dr Kelly Hill from Water Research Australia to learn about their latest developments and the way forward in sewage surveillance. Firstly, we would like to know briefly your career path and your current role in Water Research Australia. After completing my Honours Bachelor of Science at The University of Northampton in England, I was sponsored by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Catchment Management at the University of Dundee in Scotland. In 2011 I was awarded a Schol-

arship from the International Centre of Excellence for Water and Resource Management (ICE WaRM) to do my MSc Research in South Australia. I have lived in Australia now for 9 years, and am Research Manager at Water Research Australia, where I have managed a portfolio of national water quality and wastewater projects for over 3 years. I am currently the Project Director for the national Collaboration on Sewage Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 “ColoSSoS” Project. Can you tell us a bit about the current status and future plans of the ColoSSoS (Collaboration on Sewage Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2) project? Can you tell us about any preliminary findings? The Collaboration on Sewage Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 (ColoSSoS) program is an accelerated research program,

DR KELLY HILL

with four expert task groups at its core covering the key elements needed in this type of research. These four expert groups are sampling, molecular analysis, data integration and interpretation and communication. The task groups contain experts nationally and internationally across water, health, research and consultancy. They feed into the state nodes, which were set up by Water Research Australia. The program has been set up in a State-based way to efficiently and effectively sample and test. The ColoSSoS methods, whilst novel with respect to SARS-CoV-2, have built on extensive experience with sewage surveillance for other viruses, such as norovirus, adenovirus and poliovirus. The methods are now considered sufficiently specific and robust that they can be used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA fragments (used as markers) in raw sew-

age and for ongoing sewage surveillance. The methods will continue to be refined with an aim to improve sensitivity and if possible to explore quantification of the virus in the longer term. Appropriate normative controls have been established to help provide information on result reliability. The controls are aligned with those used in clinical test settings. Inter-laboratory trials have taken place on multiple groups of samples and results are sufficiently consistent that they mutually support one another. During those trials, independent methods were used by different laboratories and this has included using three distinct WHO-recognised clinical primer/ probe sets (US CDC, China CDC and Hong Kong University). There has been evidence such as amplicon size and sequencing to confirm the reliability of the results. The results of sewage surveillance

must be considered in the context of epidemiological surveillance and therefore must belong to the jurisdictional health departments to avoid any misinterpretation or premature announcements out of context by academics or the media resulting in misplacement of public health response efforts. However, there are lots of excellent learnings from the project that can be shared, such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how to sampleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the findings of various molecular analysis method investigations,

"The methods will continue to be refined to improve sensitivity and if possible to explore quantification of virus in the longer term"

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INTERVIEW the interpretation of data and the key to understanding what it all means in terms of communications guidance. This is all being brought together in the soon-tobe-released Good Practices Guide for Sewage Surveillance of SARS- CoV-2 for members of Water Research Australia. You have been involved in the international initiative for SARS-CoV-2 monitoring employing sewers. Can you tell us about this collaboration? The ColoSSoS program is well underway, and a global first for leading the sewage surveillance initiative in close collaboration with health departments. This program is one-of-a-kind as it is driven and informed by jurisdictional health departments every step of the way. Its development has involved collaboration between leading experts in the different aspects of the work, necessary to have the quality outcomes we need. For example, the optimal location for sampling is determined by several factors and groups. It is led by Health departments who have the information of clinical case numbers, and expert knowledge of atrisk locations/communities to test. This is combined with water agencies who have expert knowledge of the sewer network and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; timings for collection of samples. This use of expertise, networking and relationships flow right through the core of this project using the most experienced laboratories and researchers who have been sampling at wastewater locations for decades, such as Australian Laboratory Services (ALS), those who have been analysing sewage for viruses and pathogens for decades, such

"The expert group for data interpretation and integration relies on expert epidemiologists to understand and interpret the data" 64

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The ColoSSoS program is oneof-a-kind as it is driven and informed by jurisdictional health departments every step of the way

as the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) and Sydney Water, and those who are nationally responsible for virus analysis and standard development, such as VIDRL and NMI, and the highly specialised Next Generation Sequencing for the confirmation of RNA fragment detection at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research (WEHI). The collaboration extends nationally and internationally, with organisations and health departments coming together to discuss and peer review at every step. An example of which is the collaboration with the Canadian Water Network (CWN), who are undertaking a similar program. We have developed our guiding principles of collaboration with CWN, as well as with the CWN Public Health Advisory Group who have been reviewing our data integration, and interpretation studies that have been developed by health departments.

What are the uncertainties involved in establishing a relationship between viral detection in wastewater and population-relevant information? How are they being addressed? The uncertainties of the relationship between viral detection in wastewater and population-relevant information are significant, and situation and context-dependent, and therefore we have been extremely careful in the engagement of experts for each step of the process. Understanding this relationship is complex, and the expert task group for data interpretation and integration relies on those expert epidemiologists, both environmental and clinical to understand and interpret the data. There are still many questions about the potential utility of wastewater surveillance for early detection of the fragments, including the assessment of how well sewage surveillance can accurately identify the pres-

DR KELLY HILL

ence or absence of infectious cases in a catchment, and over what period since infection or onset of symptoms and the distance from the sampling site. This is not the end of the story and by no means the full picture. A key challenge is how to interpret sewage sampling results, for example considering variations in faecal shedding, viral degradation within sewage systems and related transit times, temperature and other variables. The data will be analysed in connection with other sources of information, as you mention. The sources of information include swab testing, serology, molecular epidemiology, contact tracing (identifying contacts), distancing information (lockdown measures, physical distancing requirements), and even border controls (international, interstate, intrastate), to name just a few! Therefore, the core group analysing the results and making sense of them are the only ones who

should be attempting to do this, and that is the jurisdictional health representatives and their COVID task force colleagues. Recently wastewater samples from the Paris and Montpellier sewage systems showed increases in SARS-CoV-2 RNA after the end of the lockdown in France. The increase does not correlate with infection rates. Do you think wastewater surveillance efforts are ready to predict a comeback of the disease? It is hard for me to comment on the wastewater sample monitoring results coming out of Paris and Montpellier, without an understanding of the research, how it has been conducted or used. To attempt to understand if these findings correlate to infection rates or not would be speculation at this stage. Some studies, like those in the Netherlands, have shown that fragments of the virus have been found before known

clinical cases arise. I think we are many years from being able to rely solely on the surveillance efforts of wastewater as an indicator of the presence of infection in the community, as I mentioned, the data really needs to be understood in the full context of what we are dealing with; it is a hugely complex environment and we should be commending our health departments for seeking every avenue possible to understand the spread of the virus for the protection of public health. However, it is possible. The use of sewage

"The data will be analysed with other information: swab testing, serology, molecular epidemiology, contact tracing, distancing information"

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INTERVIEW

We are many years from being able to rely solely on the surveillance efforts of wastewater as an indicator of infection in the community

surveillance for detection of Polio identified the transmission of the virus in the community as recently as 2013 in Israel, through a sewage monitoring protocol which was created in 1989. Proof of concept studies have provided estimates of the prevalence of infection using modelling approaches. Local news (for example, in Yosemite, California) have reported such estimates of prevalence. Do you think these data are currently accurate enough to be communicated to the public and health officials? I think my previous explanations answer this. The significance of fragment detection in sewage should be determined by the health department specialists who have the greatest understanding of the

"The significance of fragment detection should be determined by health specialists with the understanding of the whole suite of interactivity" 66

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whole suite of interactivity going on, and caution should certainly be exercised on any result not driven by, or informed by the health departments. There is hope for the future of sewage surveillance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, as we currently use it for polio and other viruses. The hope is that we develop a system of rapid mobilisation for any future outbreaks of novel viruses by conducting these proof of concept and integrated research studies properly, with caution and expertise. What is your assessment of the potential cost and effectiveness of a wastewater surveillance system versus extensive individual testing to estimate disease prevalence in a community? The cost is high for the initial development of a wastewater surveillance system, largely due to the high cost of consumables that are needed to undertake the analysis required to detect the fragments of virus in sewage. It is useful to note that one sewage sample can cost 10-100x that of one clinical sample, however, taking one test at a wastewater treatment plant could cover 200,000 people. The cost-benefit is complex to understand as it is entirely dependent on

the situation, the interpretation and integration of the result with clinical, health and population relevant data. We must not, however, disregard the potential for wastewater-based epidemiology. The cost may be high now, but, if done correctly, could be hugely valuable with the potential for early detection of cases, which could prevent outbreaks and spread of illness, both in real-time during this pandemic, and looking into the future. The thing to remember is not, what is the most costly, or inexpensive solution, but what tests can we use, and how can we use them, to provide the greatest value, so that we can continue to provide the most appropriate and careful attention to public health protection and safety. When do you think there might be widely available standardised protocols for wastewater monitoring to relate results to the burden of disease in a wastewater catchment? Specific to SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the applicable COVID disease in the community, the Water Research Australia project partners work based on the information provided by the expert task groups that is being developed into the current â&#x20AC;&#x2122;best practicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guidance. There are common protocols used among ColoSSoS partners for sample collection and storage, and common methods, primers, and reagents being used for molecular analysis. The key part of the project, the data interpretation and integration is still underway. It is a hugely valuable and important task and the expert epidemiologists are undertaking it with care and caution. In general terms, the relationship of wastewater monitoring to the burden of disease is not a new phenomenon and has been used worldwide to monitor the eradication of poliovirus. There are over 100 types of pathogenic viruses from human and animals that end up in sewage, and so there are many expert virologists and molecular biologists who have been detecting and monitoring viruses and pathogens in

DR KELLY HILL wastewater for decades. The task for Australia, and indeed, the world, is to ensure that what we do now, is well considered, driven and understood by the end-users (health), and well informed, through integration with data from other sources. The risks are high, for those who are not experts conducting these tests and publicly releasing results that are not appropriately validated and not presented in the context of the response deemed by health officials to best protect public health. We acknowledge that it is common practice in the research community to race for answers in the face of such a devastating new disease, however, we are confident that the robust, comprehensive and collaborative approach taken in the ColoSSoS project will provide profound and long-term benefits to the Australian community.

The thing is not what is the most costly or inexpensive solution, but what tests can we use and how to provide the greatest value

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WATER & NEWS

WATER TREATMENT

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY PURIFIES WATER USING THE POWER OF SUNLIGHT New technology uses sunlight to obtain drinking water through an adsorbent-based process using metal-organic frameworks A global research team has been able to transform brackish water and seawater into safe, clean drinking water in less than 30 minutes using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and sunlight. In a discovery that could provide potable water for millions of people across the world, researchers were not only able to filter harmful particles from water and generate 139.5L of clean water per kilogram of MOF per day, but also perform this task in a more energy-efficient manner than current desalination practices. The World Health Organization suggests good quality drinking water should have a total dissolved solid (TDS) of <600 parts per million (ppm). Researchers were able to achieve a TDS of <500 ppm in just 30 minutes and regenerate the MOF for reuse in four minutes under sunlight. This world-first research was published in the prestigious journal Nature Sustainability. Lead author Professor Huanting Wang from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Monash University in Australia, said this work opened up a new direction for designing stimuliresponsive materials for energy-efficient and sustainable desalination and water purification. “Thermal desalination processes by evaporation are energy-intensive, and other technologies, such as reverse osmosis, have a number of drawbacks, including high energy consumption and chemical usage in membrane cleaning and dechlorination.” “Sunlight is the most abundant and renewable source of energy on Earth. Our

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development of a new adsorbent-based desalination process through the use of sunlight for regeneration provides an energy-efficient and environmentally-sustainable solution for desalination.” Metal-organic frameworks are a class of compounds consisting of metal ions that form a crystalline material with the largest surface area of any material known. The research team created a dedicated MOF called PSP-MIL-53. This was synthesised by introducing poly (spiropyran acrylate) (PSP) into the pores of MIL-53 – a specialised MOF well-known for its breathing effects and transitions upon the adsorption of molecules such as water and carbon dioxide. Researchers demonstrated that PSPMIL-53 was able to yield 139.5L of fresh water per kilogram of MOF per day, with a low energy consumption. This

was from desalinating 2,233 ppm water sourced from a river, lake or aquifer. Professor Wang said this highlights the durability and sustainability of using this MOF for future clean water solutions. “This study has successfully demonstrated that the photoresponsive MOFs are a promising, energy-efficient, and sustainable adsorbent for desalination,” Professor Wang said. “Our work provides an exciting new route for the design of functional materials for using solar energy to reduce the energy demand and improve the sustainability of water desalination.” “These sunlight-responsive MOFs can potentially be further functionalised for low-energy and environmentally-friendly means of extracting minerals for sustainable mining and other related applications.”

EGYPT TO BUILD 47 DESALINATION PLANTS IN THE FOLLOWING 5 YEARS

ACCIONA STARTS HIGIA, A STUDY FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF COVID-19 IN WASTEWATER

The Egyptian government will open the desalination sector to private actors and start a plan to build 47 plants in five years

The research will quantify viral generic material in sewage

Egyptian authorities announced that the country will implement a fiveyear plan worth 45.18 bn Egyptian pounds (approximately US$2.8 bn) to construct 47 desalination plants, according to Afrik21. The media reports that the Egyptian government wants to rely on private actors, through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Egypt is located in an arid to semi-arid zone, which already relies on seawater desalination for its drinking water supply. The main objective of the 5-year plan is to produce 2.44 million m³ per day by 2025. The operations will be monitored by the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), the General Organization for Physical Planning, and the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater (HCWW).

The programme first aims to improve the water supply in underserved areas, especially in North and South Sinai, the Red Sea and Matrouh. To do so, 19 seawater desalination plants will be built, with a cumulative capacity of 312,000 m³ per day, at a cost of 6.84 bn Egyptian pounds (US$428.6 m). The second stage will involve the construction of 7 seawater desalination plants, to produce 335,000 m³ per day, with an investment of 6.6 bn Egyptian pounds (more than US$413 m). The third part of the project will include 19 reverse osmosis plants, with a capacity of 1.29 million m³ per day, and an investment of 29.64 bn Egyptian pounds (US$1.85 bn). Lastly, the fourth phase of the project will see the construction of 2 desalination plants, with a production capacity of 100,000 m³ per day.

ACCIONA has implemented HigiA, a study that will provide a periodic analysis of samples of wastewater for the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study will take place over the new few months in the Spanish localities where ACCIONA undertakes the end-to-end management of the water cycle. The system will monitor the evolution of infections and the transmission of coronavirus. Monitoring the presence of the virus in wastewater is a feasible and economic alternative in comparison with the costs involved in carrying out screening tests for the whole population. Various studies have indicated that the coronavirus leaves a genetic trace that stays in the body of infected persons for 20 days and is then expelled. This means that if more people are infected in a particular area, the amount of virus genome found in the wastewater in that area is correspondingly higher. The initial phase of the study involved selection of strategic sampling points, including buildings such as hospitals and nursing homes. Next, sampling at each of these places for three weeks is followed by a quantitative analysis. The mean figures obtained will determine the level of risk at each selected sampling point. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR tests will be carried out on a regular basis to monitor the circulation of the virus and determine whether the site in question is above or below the critical level. This means that a new outbreak of COVID-19 can be detected at an early stage, and the necessary measures taken.

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WATER & NEWS

WATER TREATMENT

RESEARCHERS TRACKING COVID-19 IN WASTEWATER COLLABORATE TO TRANSLATE DATA FOR US MUNICIPALITIES Experts will pool their experience to develop best practices and focus on interpretation and communication of the results The virus that causes COVID-19 – SARS-CoV-2 – passes through the body and ends up in sewage. Therefore, cities across the United States already have facilities that could help officials track the spread of the disease locally: sewage treatment plants. Monitoring the concentration of the virus in wastewater has the potential to be more comprehensive than individual testing, and can signal when a hotspot is developing. However, deploying sewage surveillance programs for SARS-CoV-2 is complex in practice, requiring not only wastewater sampling and analysis, but also data interpretation and communication of results to public health officials who can act on it. Researchers at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Stanford University and the University of Notre Dame are collaborating to create a “start-up blueprint” for municipalities that plan to implement SARSCoV-2 sewage surveillance. It would address dual challenges: implementation of best practices for sample collection, analysis, and interpretation, and speedy and appropriate translation and communication of results to public health decision-makers. The project extends translational work being conducted in partnership with the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) by, respectively, Sandra McLellan, professor in the School of Freshwater Sciences at

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the University of Wisconsin, and Andrea Silverman, assistant professor of civil and urban engineering at NYU Tandon. A central goal of the collaboration is making data from their research usable to health authorities and policymakers. McLellan is involved in implementing a surveillance program that generates SARS-CoV-2 data for the state of Wisconsin. Silverman is working with the NYC DEP to implement a wastewater monitoring program in NYC that can quantify genetic markers for SARSCoV-2 and potentially other human pathogens. The program will standardize methods and develop quality controls at the NYC DEP’s laboratory at the Newtown Creek Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Brooklyn, to evaluate samples from NYC’s 14 wastewater treatment plants.

“The pandemic response is constantly evolving, and data and knowledge for decision-making is lacking,” said McLellan, the lead investigator. “This project will bridge the gap between rapidly evolving research in wastewater surveillance and the public health entities that can use this information to better respond to this threat.” The proposal will focus on two key objectives: (1) to support the ongoing initiative led by Silverman in partnership with the NYC DEP, to develop and implement NYC’s SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring program; (2) to convene a national panel of experts from academia, wastewater utilities, and health departments who would devise a process for translating the data for public health use and develop communication networks needed to convey the data between city and state agencies.

DIGITAL

FEATURE

DIGITALISATION WILL ALLOW US TO REINVENT SUSTAINABILITY IN THE WATER AND WASTEWATER SECTOR The companies in the water and wastewater sector play a key role in building a sustainable future; but to do so, they must renovate themselves, claim that responsibility within the community and make it visible with the help of new technologies. We live in a society that is increasingly more aware of the impact we have on the environment, particularly the younger generations: they are expected to continue to modify their behaviour accordingly. Industry companies, and specifically the water and wastewater sector, have a fundamental role when it comes to addressing the growing demand. In this regard, reinventing sustainability in water cycle management entails optimising energy efficiency, increasing circularity through connections with other sectors and providing incentives for decarbonisation, as well as being deeply involved with the community where one operates.

Reinventing sustainability in water management entails energy efficiency, increasing circularity and incentives for decarbonisation 72

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In this framework, let us not forget that producing, pumping, treating and transporting water consumes 8% of the global energy. Therefore, helping water stakeholders to manage their energy needs efficiently is a big step towards sustainability. To this effect, energy management, reducing consumption, and improved visibility of operations are essential. Likewise, reducing water losses, ensuring water quality and optimising the use of hydraulic and treatment infrastructure are crucial to sustaining efficient resource use throughout the water cycle. How can this be achieved? The pillars that drive efficiency and sustainability in the water sector are the energy transition and the digital transition. Distributed energy generation through renewable sources, microgrids and storage increases the flexibility and resilience of facilities and reduces CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it contributes to the emergence of the prosumer (producer and consumer) and, with them, new ways to get and manage energy, new stakeholders and business models.

On the other hand, the digital transition in the sector is driving the capacity to achieve sustainability targets through optimised supply chains and processes, mobility solutions, remote asset and equipment management, electrification â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and thereby, the decarbonisation of the energy supply in generation, transport and production â&#x20AC;&#x201D;, circular operations and traceability. Sustainability is at the core of Schneider Electric's strategy and mission. As an example of our commitment, we have adopted a collaborative approach to environmental solutions, developing products, solutions and services that can be used by sector companies in any

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

of the phases of their journey towards sustainability. Moreover, we have created EcoStruxure, the best solution to encourage energy and operational efficiency in the water industry, and Energy and Sustainability Services (ESS) help our clients track their progress by quantifying CO2 emissions. We cannot forget Schneider Electric Exchange, which provides a crowdsourcing platform to generate innovative ideas and readily address business challenges. The digitalisation of the water and wastewater sector is a vehicle to tackle the UN Sustainable Development Objectives: ensure access to water and sanitation for all, preserve resources, protect

public health and enable more sustainable development. At Schneider Electric we contribute to achieving: SDG 6, helping to provide clean water and sanitation and supporting our clients with water and wastewater treatment, desalination, water networks and resources, water and energy resource conservation, etc., so that they can build, operate and maintain sustainable and efficient infrastructure.

There are many examples of the contribution of the company to achieve this objective. In the field of desalination,

our automation and energy management technology, powered by digital services, is used by the main construction companies and operators: 50% of the major plants in the world have been automated with this type of solution. Hence, in the Middle East and Africa, they have been used to provide clean water to communities that were experiencing water stress or to help restore water resources that were overexploited or depleted. For example, the Shuqaiq 3 plant in Saudi Arabia, being built by Acciona, is the first of the company's project references with the Foxboro distributed control system (DCS) for reverse osmosis desalination. Also, in Egypt, in the El Alamein plant, constructed by Aqualia, and the El Galalah plant, built by Metito — the largest reverse osmosis plants in the country — our solutions deliver significant CapEx and OpEx savings and 20% improvements in production efficiency. Concerning treatment plants, our technology will help to restore the quality of the Bogota river with the expansion of the Salitre II wastewater treatment plant, the largest in Colombia, being built by Aqualia. It incorporates our new digital services including EcoStruxure Asset Advisor and EcoStruxure Power Advisor to improve operational efficiency. Other recent success stories are the São Lourenço transposition and drinking water treatment project for Sabesp in Brazil, which guarantees water security in the São Paulo metropolitan area, the Las Sabanitas II drinking water treatment plant in Panama for Acciona, or the Goulburn wastewater treatment plants in Australia

The pillars that drive efficiency and sustainability in the water sector are the energy transition and the digital transition

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FEATURE

Our automation and energy management technology, powered by digital services, is used by the main construction companies and operators

for Sydney Water and Ciudad David in Panama for Suez. In the services area, we have signed, among others, a contract to save energy in a wastewater treatment plant in California, United States, where we guarantee energy savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of the improvements to be implemented, which will be financed with the savings from the project itself. In addition, we give visibility to real-time resource consumption at the company level with the EcoStruxure Resource Advisor platform. The result is water that is safe, reliable, sustainable and efficient. SDG 9, fostering innovation with more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, with our Smart Water offerings and our services, enabling the digitalisation of operations and assets.

For example, technologies such as augmented reality provided by EcoStruxure Augmented Operator Advisor allow operators to improve their efficiency. This

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solution is being implemented in a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia, where we also incorporate energy management solutions to increase production efficiency. Digital twins, such as AVEVA NET, by our technology partner AVEVA, contribute to the sustainability of the infrastructure or process, and thanks to digital solutions such as EcoStruxure Secure Connect Advisor it is possible to remotely manage and access assets while ensuring cybersecurity, something that has nowadays become crucial; this way, companies can continue with their operations without having to access their facilities. We have expanded our offering of asset maintenance and management services, with plans that include, among others, consulting expert support, predictive analysis tools and remote assistance by experts using augmented reality to solve problems, with no need to visit the facilities. Our EcoStruxure Maintenance Advisor maintenance system enables optimising the maintenance of our system to control the water supply and distribution in Amman, in Jordan, a system based on EcoStruxu-

re Geo SCADA Expert which provides drinking water to 4 million people. SDG 11, contributing to the development of smart cities and circularity through decarbonisation and Smart Water solutions.

Schneider Electric also contributes to increasing circularity and the green economy. Smart water is part of smart cities and the efforts to decarbonise, manage water resources and increase circularity. We may note the Smart Cities projects in Naya Raipur and Dholera, in India, as examples. In both cases, our

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

technology is in charge of the centralised management of all the water supply and sanitation infrastructure, as well as leak management and the optimisation of operations in the drinking water network. Our solution also manages city traffic and lighting. In Sabesp's Aquapolo water reclamation plant, the largest in Brazil and the fifth largest in the world, our solutions help to treat water to be reused for industrial purposes, thus freeing up resources to supply drinking water to more than 500,000 people. This project received the AMCHAM ECO 2018 award as an example of sustainability.

Thanks to the implementation of microgrids beside desalination or water treatment plants it is possible to have alternative renewable energy sources, and to manage them optimally to increase the energy autonomy and sustainability of the plants. To sum up, Schneider Electric provides its clients with technologies and services that accelerate connection and digitalisation, so that they can improve their efficiency, adopt new processes, and reach strategic sustainability objectives. In times of crisis such as the current one, applying sustainability and efficiency measures can help compensate the

loss of benefits, and bring us closer to a positive impact on profitability when the economic situation gets back to normal. And in the long term, every investment in sustainability means a better future for all.

In times of crisis such as the current one, applying sustainability and efficiency measures can help compensate the loss of benefits

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INTERVIEW The Internet of Things, digital twins, smart water meters and other innovative technologies deliver countless benefits for utilities and cities around the world, from cost savings to water conservation. Even more so now during the health crisis when workforces many times have had to work remotely. Cisco, a leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions is collaborating with water utilities and ecosystem partners globally to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that make a meaningful impact. To learn more about the company’s avant-garde technologies and its predictions for smart water technology in the coming years, we caught up with Sielen Namdar, Industry Solutions Executive with Cisco’s Connected Cities & Communities and leader of the company’s Global Smart Water Strategy. Firstly, we would like to briefly know your career path and your current role. In my role as Cisco’s Global Smart Water Lead, I was charged with building the smart water business when I was hired in 2018. Today our team is helping water utilities achieve their goals by leveraging digital technology to derive actionable intelligence and operate their facilities more efficiently. I also serve as the Chair of the Americas Partnership Group for Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN). Prior to 2018, I spent 20 years at Jacobs Engineering (legacy CH2M) where I developed industry sector partnerships and facilitated complex cross-business multidisciplinary teams to implement innovative and sustainable solutions

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SIELEN NAMDAR INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS/ SMART & CONNECTED COMMUNITIES EXECUTIVE AT CISCO

“One of the most important benefits of digital water is asset visibility and optimization” Cisco provides trusted solutions for smart water initiatives, including evolving technologies, secure data management and resilient ecosystem development.

Z Olivia Tempest for water utilities. I also co-founded CH2M’s Smart Cities Initiative, working in collaboration with agencies, technology leaders, and ecosystem partners. I’m a Professional Civil Engineer and hold bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from the University of Washington. For the past year, I have been serving as a coach and mentor for the Seattle Leadership Tomorrow Program, a civic leadership organization focused on exploring strategies for positive change that cross sectors and silos to foster healthy communities. You recently said that by not having technology, “it’s almost like driving in the fog and not seeing what’s around you.” However, the health crisis has made the smart water market unclear. What are your predictions for the future? The state of the smart water market is clear from Cisco’s interactions with water utilities. What we see is a renewed urgency to build and implement smart water technologies. According to Bluefield Research in the COVID-acceler-

ated growth scenario, the US and Canada digital water market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% between 2019 and 2030, compared to 6.5% in Bluefield’s pre-crisis Steady Flight forecast. During the pandemic it has become clear that the utilities that have invested in digital technology including IoT networks and robust cybersecurity protocols have fared much better as they have had to switch to remote workforce and remote operations overnight. In addition, COVID-19 has necessitated utilities to operate and maintain their facilities 24/7 with reduced revenues due to cities shutting down and moratoriums on water utility shutoffs due to non-payment. These have resulted in water utilities recognizing that prioritizing and investing in smart water technologies is one of the key foundations of building a resilient future. One of the most important benefits of digital water is asset visibility and optimization, which can bring the much-needed ROI to water utilities in these challenging times and beyond.

SIELEN NAMDAR

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INTERVIEW

It is imperative for water utilities to perform a thorough assessment of their systems and assets and understand their vulnerabilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most water utilities have put continuity plans in place. How do you think digitalization is helping companies continue to deliver water and wastewater services? Operating and maintaining water facilities 24/7 has been a challenge in the current environment. For example, several water agencies across the US such as Knoxville County Utility, opted for sheltering in place at the water facilities as the pandemic unfolded, creating â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Quaranteamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, assuring business continuity and availability of clean drinking water. This has worked in the short term. As requirements for balancing the health of the workforce and operations continuity persist, utilities are revisiting their resilience and continuity strategies, and leaning into enabling secure remote op-

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erations using technology. Digital technology not only enables water utilities to monitor and control their assets remotely in a secure manner, but also enables real-time visibility that can help operate and maintain their facilities more efficiently and cost-effectively. What types of digital tools are advanced companies implementing and what is your advice for those just getting started in their digital journey? Some of the key digital water solutions that are being implemented include advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), water loss detection, water quality monitoring, SCADA modernization and cybersecurity, condition-based monitoring, and digital twins. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very excited that Cisco offers these solutions to our utility customers enabling them to leverage real-time data to derive business intelligence, optimize assets, increase efficiencies, and build resiliency. The important thing is to get started, no matter how small. Utilities can identify their key areas of challenge and goals that they want to achieve, then build small pilots for specific use cases. The pilots can then be scaled across the utility to make a meaningful impact. Cisco offers two

sources of funding to accelerate adoption of smart water. We partner with water utilities and build innovative pilots leveraging these funds, setting the stage for future scaling of these solutions globally. Security is a major factor for water utilities. What are the key approaches for water utilities to identify cyber vulnerabilities? And do you think the water industry is prepared to deal with digital threats? Cybersecurity is a major challenge and top of mind for water/wastewater CIOs. Implementing intelligent water/Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in addition to the recent need for remote workforce/ remote operations have resulted in water systems not being airtight, opening the door to substantial cyber risks. It is imperative for water utilities to perform a thorough assessment of their systems and assets and understand their vulnerabil-

SIELEN NAMDAR What trends do you think will define smart cities these coming years? Smart cities implementation will undoubtedly be accelerated post COVID-19, and most likely cities will take a holistic approach to define how to meet the needs of their communities using digital technology, from utilities, transportation, public safety, and environment, to education, healthcare, and social equity among others. The key element to consider is that business as usual is no longer sustainable for cities and communities. There is not enough funding to solve all challenges through building new grey infrastructure, and a large percentage of public sector staff is about to retire in the next five to ten years leaving a large knowledge gap. Smart cities technologies have the power to help optimize assets, bring business insight to decision-makers, contribute to increased efficiencies, and bridge the social equity gap leading to healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient communities.

ities, followed by devising a robust plan for ensuring cybersecurity throughout their digital implementation efforts. Protecting assets requires a holistic defence-in-depth security approach that addresses internal and external security threats. Zero-trust networking is an effective model that addresses this challenge. The idea that just because one has access to the network, does not mean that one inherits trust. When it comes to Industrial Control Systems (ICS), it is paramount to minimize exposure. Having a clear and well-defined separation of the Operations Technology (OT) environment, enterprise network, and the cloud enables utilities to employ broader protections in each part of the network. How does Cisco’s intent-based approach transform organisation’s network and data centers? As users, devices, and distributed applications have grown in number, the net-

working environment has become exponentially more complex. Intent-based networking (IBN) transforms a hardware-centric, manual network into a controller-led network that captures business intent and translates it into policies that can be automated and applied consistently across the network. The goal is for the network to continuously monitor and adjust network performance to help assure desired business outcomes. Cisco is a leader in this field. Cisco Network Assurance Engine (NAE) transforms operations in data center networks to a fundamentally more proactive model. Built on Cisco’s patented network verification technology, it is the most comprehensive assurance engine that mathematically verifies the entire network for correctness, giving operators confidence that their network is always operating consistent with intent.

As well as leading Cisco’s Global Smart Water business, you are also chair of SWAN. Could you tell us a bit about this endeavour? Yes, I’m honoured to serve as SWAN’s Americas Chair of Partnerships. Our goal is to accelerate smart water and wastewater development in North and South America through the SWAN Forum’s collective industry expertise and collaborative partnerships. This is achieved through joint-workshops, webinars, conferences, and collaboration with water utilities, national water associations such as WEF, AWWA, NACWA, and universities and research organizations.

"During the pandemic, utilities that have invested in digital technology including IoT and cybersecurity protocols have fared much better"

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OPINION

DR YIANNIS KOMPATSIARIS PROJECT COORDINATOR AT AQUA3S

DIGITAL WATER: BECOMING THE NEW NORM Even though the water sector has already taken some steps aqua3S: aqua3S aims to create much-needed standards to suptowards its digitalization during the last years, there are still port water authorities in their endeavour to follow a common a lot of issues to be tackled that will further improve water’s path towards strategies and methods that will assist them in quality and security. Towards this direction, new low-cost ensuring high-quality potable water for their citizens. To do so, sensors are being introduced that can provide effective and aqua3S is creating new, innovative sensors for enhanced threat timely identification of substances in the water, thus con- detection and will combine them with already existing market tributing to proactive crisis management solutions. To ad- sensors that are currently in use and have proven to be efficient. dress these issues, new standards are being drafted acting as To enhance and validate the collected data, aqua3S is also colguidelines for the water companies that comply with them lecting information from UAVs and satellites, as well as focused to ensure the distribution of high-quality potable water. social media posts that are reporting a relevant event. All this Within this context, a group of 5 EU funded projects, fo- interconnected data is then projected into a single, interopercusing on water safety and security, has been formed called able platform that can raise alerts in case of anomaly detecDigitalWater2020. tion, classify this anomaly under certain types of crises based Goals and objectives: DW2020 core members are aqua3S, on its severity level, forecast how water distribution networks Digital-Water city, FIWAREare going to perform under various 4Water, NAIADES and SCOREscenarios, based on previous expeaqua3S aims to create standards water, each of them focusing on a rience, and utilize this information different aspect of water security. to model the actions that should be to support water authorities The projects are looking to bring taken in such events. to follow a common path together the fragmented water A blink into the future: If sector in an attempt to exchange DW2020 succeeds to deliver stantowards strategies to ensure information, discuss the outdardization processes for operahigh quality potable water comes of each project and how tions and technology used in the they can be utilized, and address water sector, as well as to create a in an interoperable way today’s challenges. They also aim at user-friendly and interoperable platform that will be comcreating collaborations that will assist with managing and monly used by water stakeholders, then water will have finally protecting water resources. The first step towards digitaliza- stepped into the digital era. Drinking water will be as safe tion realized by the DW2020 members is the adoption of the as ever and the way will be paved to an interconnected and FIWARE platform and its application to all or part of their secure water sector. However, a great gap on the “security” pilot use cases. FIWARE is an open-source initiative that of critical water infrastructure will be created as this digitalidefines a set of standards for context data management in zation will inevitably lead to a necessity for higher level and order to facilitate the development of Smart Solutions for more complex security techniques against man-driven cyberseveral domains including Smart Cities, Smart Industry, attacks. Such an attack on an interconnected sector could have Smart Agrifood, and Smart Energy. Furthermore, the in- a tremendous effect on societies, be it in financial or human volved projects are closely cooperating for the development resources. Even though DW2020 is taking this aspect into of data models. These data models handle the different types serious consideration, this could encourage future researchers of data used or produced related to water quality and which to delve into more detail on how to counter this issue and be will be used by the FIWARE platform. able to fully enjoy the advantages of Digital Water.

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OPINION

JULIO DE LA ROSA ACCIONA ME BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR OUR WATER SOLUTIONS

THE DIGITAL TWIN, ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN ACCIONA’S COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGY While the concept of a digital twin has been around since 2002, The digital twin is integrated into ACCIONA’s Water Control it is only thanks to Building Information Modeling and the In- Centre (CECOA) with the same standards of cybersecurity and ternet of Things (IoT) that it has become cost-effective to imple- communications channel availability as those applied with other ment. A digital twin is a full virtual model of a process, product, plants. This means fast and flexible access to all functionalities. or service. This pairing of the virtual and physical worlds allows analysis of data and monitoring of systems to head off problems Digital systems integration before they even occur, prevent downtime, develop new oppor- When we talk about digitization, we must abstract a little bit tunities and even plan for the future by using simulations. of what can come thanks to the speed of change of technology. We have leveraged all the innovation processes done by ACI believe that AI has a lot of potential within desalination. CIONA and have implemented a digital twin in our SWRO Processes can be supported by systems that convert the operdesalination plant in Al-Khobar 1, Saudi Arabia, one of the ating year’s data into value information to generate intelligent largest in the country (210,000 m³/day). Among its advan- models. Machine Learning, Deep Learning and uses of neural tages are the remote management of the plant to analyze and networks and big data will generate improvements that will inoptimize productivity and avoid failures before start-up. teract with the control systems. The development of a digital I would also add other technolotwin has two main elements: gies already present in many projects. Leveraging all the innovation One related to the engineering BIM, using digital twins to analyze, design with regard to BIM syscheck and draw conclusions in the deprocesses by ACCIONA, we tems, which work directly to create sign phase, and of course connectivity have implemented a digital objects that provide valuable infortechnologies. I also consider that 5G mation and a collaborative platcan be disruptive in this and many twin in our SWRO desalination form for the entire project. sectors, but we must wait for a little plant in Al-Khobar 1 The other one is related to the to face it in closed systems such as incontrol system based on the most dustrial desalination-type production advanced sensors and instrumentation able to capture in re- facilities. Vocal assistants or IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) are al-time all the functionalities of the system to check the plant’s other technologies that will revolutionize the water market. response at any time. It combines technologies such as virtual In desalination, there is much that can be done concerning reality, augmented reality, IoT or Machine Learning. the use of technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechCreating a digital twin is complex and requires the integra- nology in processes. tion of different disciplines. Thanks to our joint work with SieI also see indications of the use of robots or intelligent autonmens, we have used SIMIT software, which allows real-time omous systems to develop repetitive, check-up or inspection simulations ranging from devices in the field to processes in a tasks in industrial environments and hazardous areas. water treatment plant. This creates a collaborative environment Keeping all of this in mind, we cannot forget that people are to carry out a virtual start-up and to have a safe and secure those who can implement and hinder a process of digitization. training station for operators.It also allows the comparison of The main obstacle to saving is the fear of change. the data created in the digital twin with those contained in the We need to beat the fear of connectivity with technology and control system. This facilitates the validation of operations, as good practices. Now, in many of the new projects and many of well as the optimization of operational possibilities. those in operation, cybersecurity is a priority at all levels.

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BORJA SANZ LLORENTE URBAN WATER BUSINESS AREA MANAGER AT HIDROCONTA S.A.

“Our vision is to use the communications system that best adapts to each project” Hidroconta manufactures water meters, water valves and remote-control systems for the irrigation and the urban water sectors, providing water management services internationally.

Águeda García de Durango Pablo González-Cebrián

reated more than 30 years ago in Spain, Hidroconta is a pioneering company in the research, manufacture and distribution of products for remote control and management of water resources. The versatility of the company’s products enables it to offer tailored solutions, adapted to the customer's needs. In this interview, we speak with Borja Sanz Llorente, Urban Water Business Area Manager at Hidroconta S.A. about the origin of the company and its present focus on the urban water sector.

as meters and hydraulic valves for control and regulation. Hidroconta was born to provide services to the irrigation sector, and in the past few years, we have focused on the urban water sector. In both sectors, we operate nationally in Spain and internationally in countries such as Morocco, Italy, United States, Saudi Arabia, as well as in South and Central America and in Asia, with a very interesting project in Vietnam. More than 70% of Hidroconta’s turnover is from international business, so we have a broad worldwide presence and experience to support our work.

First of all, we would like to know more about the origin of Hidroconta. What are your main activities and products? In which sectors and countries does the company operate? Hidroconta is a company with more than 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of equipment to control irrigation and water supply networks, such

"Hidroconta was born to provide services to the irrigation sector, and in the past few years we have focused on the urban water sector"

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INTERVIEW

We understand that in the digital era we are in, the water sector has to take a leap forward in terms of the digitalisation of assets

How has the company evolved in the urban water sector, and what is its global vision of this market? The evolution of our urban water business results from the development of certain types of meters with their corresponding certifications, but our focus on urban water has mainly stemmed from the digital transformation and the integration of an added value into traditional equipment. We understand that in the digital era we are in, the water sector has to take a leap forward in terms of the digitalisation of assets. The digitalisation of the water sector is happening more slowly than in other sectors and it is quite behind, as it is a traditional sector where there is still a lot to be done in this area. In this urban water market, what is the role of Hidroconta's products?

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Hidroconta wants to have a very important role in the urban water sector, focusing on the technological leap both regarding metering methods and communications, including the best IoT system for each project, adapting it to the client's demands. This qualitative leap and a firm focus on technology are essential to give proper value as the sector deserves. What is the added value of creating an electronics department for the products by the company? Having our own development team is very important, and more so when it involves staff specialised in the water-IoT nexus. Development involves complex design, testing and manufacturing processes, so flexibility and dynamism are very important given how fast the world of technology and communications is changing nowadays. Creating this department was a turning point in Hidroconta's strategy because of the technology and the added value contribution to the company's products and their evolution. We currently have about ten people working on R&D and the development of new IoT technologies adapted to our products. In this section of the company, we have software

and hardware developers and experts in communications technologies. In this regard, what do the digitalisation of consumption data and the urban focus bring to existing products and software? The flexibility of the design of all electronic hardware and the dynamic evo-

BORJA SANZ

lution of software and apps, together with the interoperability with market platforms means ours is a fully open and transparent contribution to the water sector market. I believe there should not be black boxes in the market and that each user, operator or manager should have adequate tools to be as autonomous as possible

and modules that enable future expansion without having to be limited to a single supplier. Hidroconta is already developing links between market platforms to move forward in this regard and currently, with the technology we have, we should not set any barriers or obstacles to the interoperability of all technology in the market.

"Creating an electronics department was a turning point in Hidroconta because of the technology and value added to our products"

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INTERVIEW

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BORJA SANZ

Thanks to the flexibility of our equipment, we develop interoperability to facilitate the clients’ visualisation and control of data

Can you tell us about the development process of products for remote reading and district metered areas in water distribution networks? Our starting point was datalogger type of equipment for remote control used in large irrigation systems. Using this experience, the designs evolved so the equipment evolved and new equipment was created, such as communications modules for remote reading, either integrated into our meters or not. In terms of software, we adapted our tools to urban water concepts, working on data analysis and new graphical designs, focused on understanding urban water. Furthermore, thanks to the flexibility of Hidroconta's equipment, we develop interoperability and connections between platforms to facilitate the clients’ — both managers and end-users — visualisation and control of data obtained from the assets installed in the water network. To this effect, which of Hidroconta's products linked to projects would you highlight? I would like to highlight 3 products used in 3 different projects. The Centinel R400 ultrasonic meter was used in a project with Acciona in Toro (province of Zamora, Spain) involving district metered areas (DMAs) and remote reading in 4 different-type municipal DMAs. The project also includes developing water balances for each of the DMAs. We are also implementing this ultrasonic Centinel equipment with NB-IoT in a pilot project with Acciona in Yuncos

"There should not be black boxes in the market and each user, operator or manager should have tools to be as autonomous as possible"

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INTERVIEW (province of Toledo, Spain), for an urban domestic DMA. The second equipment to highlight would be the IRIS communications module which we have deployed in a remote reading project in the MonteAlina housing development in Madrid, with 440 units of this communications module with Sigfox technology. In this case, the client's existing meters were used; it is an integrated project involving the digitisation of consumption data from district meters and water abstractions, carrying out water balances for the global water supply as well as for each district. The DEMETER Datalogger equipment has been used in several DMA projects in the province of Valladolid, and several municipalities in the region of Castile-La Mancha, the latter with the company Hidrogestiรณn. In this DMA work, not only are water flow data collected, but also data on water quality and pressure in the different districts. What is Hidroconta's vision concerning the different types of communications technologies and which ones does the company have available? What criteria or tools do you use to adapt them to each project? At Hidroconta we work with different types of communications technologies, from GPRS and proprietary LoRa, to what we call cutting-edge remote reading systems such as Sigfox, LoRaWan or NB-IoT. Our vision is to use the communications system that best adapts to each project. We even believe that in some projects it may not be possible to use a

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single communications technology and using several ones to complement each other may be necessary. The criteria we use to choose the communications technology for each project depends on many factors. From factors such as the existing networks in a specific location, the terrain, types of meter box, locations in basements, building walls or others, meter casing, etc, as well as factors such as data communication capacity, MIMO frequency and response capacity of the communications technology for issues as important as alarms related to different concepts. All of this, together with the financial cost of communications and the demands of each client regarding these aspects mean that the choice of communications technology for each project needs an in-depth study. There is a complex set of factors to be analysed for each specific project: that is our understanding at Hicroconta. There is always some degree of standardisation, but it is good to be flexible for each project, adapting to every situation. Finally, what is your vision of the digitalisation of the urban water sector? My vision, as a water sector and digital transformation professional, is that given the evolution of the sector, users must demand information with their quality criteria and in a way and at the time that is suitable for them. From that point on, any of the technologies mentioned will be valid if they meet the criteria demanded, at a price that is justified. We should not see digitalisation only in financial terms concerning the equipment used, but also as the investment and analysis that we will do with the data. Knowing how to use and analyse the information is the most valuable thing we have in terms of obtaining a payback from a digitalisation project. We can apply the data to improve preventive maintenance and anticipate events, for the correct maintenance of our assets in the water supply network.

BORJA SANZ

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WATER & NEWS

DIGITAL

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEARNS CONTINENTAL HYDROLOGY A new method can quantify changes in global continental water storage using Earth observations and hydrological models The complex distribution of continental water masses in South America has been determined with a new Deep-Learning-Method using satellite data. Changes to water masses which are stored on the continents can be detected with the help of satellites. The data sets on the Earth’s gravitational field which are required for this, stem from the GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite missions. As these data sets only include the typical large-scale mass anomalies, no conclusions about small scale structures, such as the actual distribution of water masses in rivers and river branches, are possible. Using the South American continent as an example, the Earth system modellers at the German Research Centre for Geosciences GFZ, have developed a new Deep-Learning-Method, which quantifies small as well as large-scale changes to the water storage with the help of satellite data. This new method cleverly combines Deep-Learning, hydrological models and Earth observations from gravimetry and altimetry. So far it is not precisely known how much water a continent really stores. The continental water masses are also constantly changing, thus affecting the Earth's rotation and acting as a link in the water cycle between atmosphere and ocean. Amazon tributaries in Peru, for example, carry huge amounts of water in some years, but only a fraction of it in others. In addition to the water masses of rivers and other bodies of fresh water, water is also found in soil, snow and un-

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derground reservoirs, which are difficult to quantify directly. Primary author Christopher Irrgang and his team developed a new method in order to draw conclusions on the stored water quantities of the South American continent from the coarsely-resolved satellite data. “For the so called down-scaling, we are using a convolutional neural network, in short CNN, in connection with a newly developed training method”, Irrgang says. In order to learn the connection between continental water storage and the respective satellite observations, the CNN was trained with simulation data of a numerical hydrological model over the period from 2003 until 2018. Additionally, data from the satellite altimetry in the Amazon region was used for

validation. What is extraordinary, is that this CNN continuously self-corrects and self-validates in order to make the most accurate statements possible about the distribution of the water storage. In the future, large-scale as well as regional analysis and forecasts of the global continental water storage will be urgently needed. Further development of numerical models and the combination with innovative Deep-Learning-Methods will take up a more important role in this. Aside from geophysical investigations, there are many other possible applications, such as studying the impact of climate change on continental hydrology, the identification of stress factors for ecosystems such as droughts or floods, and the development of water management strategies for agricultural and urban regions.

WIRELESS DEVICE MAKES CLEAN FUEL FROM SUNLIGHT, CO2 AND WATER A new wireless device uses a cobalt-based catalyst to mimic plant photosynthesis and obtain energy as formic acid, a storable fuel Researchers have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity. The device, developed by a team from the University of Cambridge, is a significant step toward achieving artificial photosynthesis – a process mimicking the ability of plants to convert sunlight into energy. It is based on an advanced ‘photosheet’ technology and converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and formic acid – a storable fuel that can be either be used directly or be converted into hydrogen. The results, reported in the journal Nature Energy, represent a new method for the conversion of carbon dioxide into clean fuels. The wireless device could be scaled up and used on energy ‘farms’ similar to solar farms, producing clean fuel using sunlight and water. Harvesting solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into fuel is a promising way to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuels. However, it is challenging to produce these clean fuels without unwanted by-products. “It’s been difficult to achieve artificial photosynthesis with a high degree of selectivity, so that you’re converting as much of the sunlight as possible into the fuel you want, rather than be left with a lot of waste,” said first author Dr Qian Wang from Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry. “In addition, storage of gaseous fuels and separation of by-products can

be complicated – we want to get to the point where we can cleanly produce a liquid fuel that can also be easily stored and transported,” said Professor Erwin Reisner, the paper’s senior author. In 2019, researchers from Reisner’s group developed a solar reactor based on an ‘artificial leaf ’ design, which also uses sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to produce a fuel, known as syngas. The new technology looks and behaves quite similarly to the artificial leaf but works in a different way and produces formic acid. “We were surprised how well it worked in terms of its selectivity – it produced almost no by-products,” said Wang. “Sometimes things don’t work as well as you expected, but this was a rare case where it actually worked better.”

The carbon-dioxide converting cobalt-based catalyst is easy to make and relatively stable. While this technology will be easy to scale up, the efficiencies still need to be improved before any commercial deployment can be considered. The researchers are experimenting with a range of different catalysts to improve both stability and efficiency. The current results were obtained in collaboration with the team of Professor Kazunari Domen from the University of Tokyo, a co-author of the study. The researchers are now working to further optimise the system and improve efficiency. Additionally, they are exploring other catalysts for using on the device to get different solar fuels. “We hope this technology will pave the way toward sustainable and practical solar fuel production,” said Reisner.

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WATER & NEWS

DIGITAL

DIGITAL DEWA PARTNERS WITH GROUP 42 TO BOOST AI AND CLOUD INNOVATION IN THE UAE The partnership will support the implementation of digital services and further innovation around artificial intelligence technologies Digital DEWA – the digital arm of DEWA, announced a strategic partnership with Group 42, an Abu Dhabi based leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing company. As a Dubai 10X enabler, Digital DEWA ensures a leading role in the adoption of digital technologies with its four pillars; Solar Energy, Energy Storage, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Services which makes it the world’s first digital utility utilising autonomous systems for renewable energy, storage, expansion in AI adoption, and digital services. This in turn, supports the Dubai 10X initiative to propel Dubai into the future, positioning it 10 years ahead of other global cities. The partnership with Group 42 enables Digital DEWA companies – Moro Hub, InfraX and DigitalX – to introduce and implement digital and data transformation initiatives. It aims to foster new services around AI and enhance innovations across Digital DEWA’s service portfolio. Commenting on the collaboration, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, said, “At Digital DEWA, we work according to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the city of the future. We are also committed to strengthening the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and increase its contribution to a knowledge-based national economy that depends on innovation and future technological applications.” He added:

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“The partnership with G42 will strengthen Digital DEWA offerings, as they can now extensively collaborate on technological endeavours, to co-create services in the clean energy and IoT, leverage AIled solutions for government entities and enterprises across different sectors as well as explore the commercial and operational feasibility of such opportunities.” The new services will be hosted on Moro Hub and G42 cloud infrastructure to ensure data security and superior customer experience. The services will be managed in Moro Hub’s Smart Cities Command and Control Centre. At the signing ceremony, Peng Xiao said, “We are thrilled to team up with Digital DEWA and play a key role in the digital transformation objectives and initiatives of the country. Our expertise

in the fields of AI, Big Data Analytics and cloud computing, combined with our specialised industrial know-how, allow us to develop progressive and holistic solutions to problems in every sector, empowering businesses to transition to digital environments effortlessly. The UAE government is committed to the digital growth and development of the nation, and we are proud to contribute to this goal in every way possible.” Regional clients can look forward to service innovations addressing several market segments such as AI Research & Development, Cloud and Data Centre services, Industrial solutions, AI Video Analytics as a Service, Healthcare solutions such as COVID-19 detection and diagnostic devices, technical support, professional and other digital services.

JORDAN RELEASES AN APP FOR WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES A new mobile app supported by UNICEF will help improve water conservation The Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan launched last July a new smartphone application called “Water App” in association with UNICEF Jordan. The ministry explained in a statement that the application’s main objective is to ease and streamline procedures for water and sanitation services. Thanks to the app, information on the measures adopted by the ministry will be easily accessible to all citizens. It provides technical, media and educational support, spreading awareness messages

and showing the latest news from the water sector. The Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud and UNICEF Jordan Deputy Representative Ettie Higgins released this new phase of e-services, which is part of the ministry’s digitalization plan, to provide easier access to water services, the statement read. “The pandemic has proven the efficiency of Jordan’s institutions in the context of digital transformation which has achieved many accomplishments”,

said the minister. And he added: “The water sector has picked up the pace in order to expand its e-services to be managed remotely at all times and under all circumstances, raising productivity and achieving effective control.” The app is available both in English and Arabic and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store. Services included in the app will allow inhabitants to inquire about their water bills, report water thefts and apply for new subscriptions for water and sanitation services.

KURITA AND FRACTA LAUNCH JOINT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR WATER TREATMENT The companies pool together their technologies and expertise to improve water facilities Kurita Water Industries has launched Meta-Aqua Project jointly with Fracta, a subsidiary and AI startup based in the United States. The companies will work on the digital transformation and development of AI and IoT products for the water treatment industry. To mobilize this project, Fracta established Fracta Leap last May, which specialises in digital technologies used in water treatment. The Meta-Aqua Project aims to build innovative digital solutions for water treatment by integrating Kurita's tech-

nologies and expertise in water treatment with Fracta's advanced technologies and expertise in AI. Using machine learning, simulation technologies, and other technologies, the companies will provide leading-edge technologies to improve operation efficiency and smart management services in water facilities. In April 2020, Kurita established its Digital Strategy Division to promote its digital transformation, to break away from existing business processes and create new customer values. The Meta-Aqua

Project, launched as a part of these activities, is the first full-scale joint project between Kurita and Fracta. Established in 2015, Fracta operates a software service business, which utilizes AI to solve the problems caused by breaks and leaks in aging water mains in the US, the UK, and Japan. Fracta Leap holds similar aspirations, aiming to solve the issue of serious water shortages around the world by applying AI technologies to reduce the cost and extend the life of water infrastructure.

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PERSON OF THE MONTH

HIROKI MATSUHASHI AND TAKUMA MIYAKI 2020 STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE WINNERS

A popular part of World Water Week, which took place this year from the 24 – 29 of August, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a competition for students aged 15 to 20 who have developed school projects that can solve some of the world’s water problems. This year, the Prize was awarded to Hiroki Matsuhashi and Takuma Miyaki from Japan. Both students from Aomori Prefectural Nakui Agricultural Highschool designed a method to control soil runoff and increase food production, using the traditional Japanese soil solidification technology Tataki.

During a filmed presentation at SIWI, the students said: “This system is made of only inexpensive natural materials, so it is cheap and eco-friendly. We would like to spread this system to the world and solve water and food problems.” This year’s jury said that Hiroki Matsuhashi and Takuma Miyaki developed methods to make water conservation and soil management more achievable. “The winners effectively combined scientific knowledge and experimentation to revolutionize the way water is collected, used, and conserved for agriculture in arid regions.”

SDGs

FEATURE

HUMAN RIGHTS TO WATER AND SANITATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all is one of the main lines of work of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, more so in 2020, 10 years after the UN General Assembly recognized the human right to water and sanitation. Eliminating inequality and leaving no one behind must become a priority of nations and companies, who have to strive to achieve these goals in a world affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Paula Sรกnchez

Even though access to water, sanitation and hygiene is a human right, billions of people struggle to access basic services in their daily lives. This situation can be described in numbers: 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation services. Therefore, as 2020 marks ten years since the United Nations General Assembly recognised the human right to water and sanitation, the importance of access to safe water for all is reaffirmed. These rights are embodied in the sixth of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, part of the 2030 Agenda, which calls for ensuring water availability and sustainable water resources management.

Human rights to water and sanitation: a 10-year track record Contrary to what it may seem, although it is possible to ensure access the water, the truth is that maintenance, infrastructure and service assessment are often costly for the population involved, and therefore, they cannot always access this service. People with no access to improved drinking water sources are forced to depend on surface water sources or unprotected wells, without water quality standards that ensure the water is not polluted. The same thing happens concerning sanitation. The right to water and sanitation requires these services to be available and accessible, safe, acceptable and affordable to all, with no discrimination whatsoever.

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On the 28th of July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the United Nations General Assembly recognised the human right to water and sanitation, emphasising that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to achieve human rights. But to understand the path that led the Assembly to recognise that right, we have to go back to 2002, when during the 29th session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), the importance of free and universal water rights was emphasised, pointing out that everyone is entitled to have access to sufficient, safe, acceptable, accessible and affordable water. However, it was not until 2008 that the UN Human Rights Council designated the first independent expert on human rights to water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, who would later become the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation. Ten years have passed since then, and the recognition of this right has been an important milestone regarding the protection and achievement of rights related to water and sanitation. With this resolution, the Assembly calls upon States and international organizations to provide financial resources, capacity-building and technology transfer to help countries and provide

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all. The importance of the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 6 specifically aims to ensure water availability and its sustainable management and sanitation for all. In 2015, the United Nations Member States approved 17 Goals as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda establishes a plan to achieve these objectives in 15 years and is a universal call to action to end poverty, improve the lives of people and protect the planet. Within the 2030 Agenda, and stemming from the sustainable development strategy, there are some targets to be met, such as the eradication of poverty, gender equality, decent work, quality education, climate action, and clean water and sanitation. Precisely the latter one, SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, is considered a vital and fundamental right. However, to achieve universal access to water and sanitation, it is necessary to place this goal within the political agenda, and it is there where the special rapporteur comes into play, whose primary role is to keep water and sanitation in the political agenda, involving companies, civil society and the general public. In 2015, in his first report as the new Special Rapporteur on the human rights to drinking water and sanitation to the United Nations General Assembly, LĂŠo Heller established a framework to realise the human rights to water and sanitation. It was at that point that the United

On the 28th of July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the UN General Assembly recognised the human right to water and sanitation - MAGAZINE

FEATURE

In many countries there are still no safe sanitation services, nor facilities to allow obtaining water without having to travel a long way Nations Assembly designated the human right to drinking water and the human right to sanitation as separate rights. The inclusion of SDG 6 on the sustainable management of water and sanitation in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals implies that access to the resource must be universal, and expands the scope of this goal to be international in nature. This is important since, even though there has been substantial progress in terms of expanding access to drinking water and sanitation, across the world one in three people have no access to safe drinking water and two in five people do not have facilities to wash their hands with soap and water. Hand hygiene can save lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the vital importance of sanitation, hygiene and proper access to clean water to prevent and contain the spread of diseases and, as the World Health Organization indicates, hand washing is one of the most effective actions that can be implemented to reduce and prevent the spread of disease. Availability and access to water, sanitation and hygiene services are essential to fight against the virus and preserve the health and well-being of millions of people. Water and gender inequality Concerning the human rights to drinking water and sanitation - embodied in United Nations Goal 6 - one of the groups

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which are particularly vulnerable are women and girls. In many countries, there are still no safe sanitation services, nor facilities to allow obtaining water without having to travel a long way. It is them, women and girls, who are in charge of bringing water home and so they have to fetch it, a task that is often very risky. Moreover, taboos related to menstruation and the use of unhygienic sanitation practices mean important risks for the health of women. In this regard, we cannot lose sight of the aggravating circumstances of women and girls having to practice open defecation. Without improved sanitation, the facilities that separate human waste from human contact are unsafe. Thus, people

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS have no choice but to use inadequate communal latrines or practice open defecation. For women and girls, finding a place to relieve themselves outdoors, and waiting until night-time, can make them vulnerable to sexual abuse and assault. Furthermore, as a result of this lack of facilities, many girls quit school when they start menstruating, so the enrolment rate and access to education by women is low in many countries. To address the difficulties concerning access to drinking water and sanitation by women and girls, in June 2019 a new dimension on drinking water and gender was introduced within the goal of drinking water and sanitation for all. Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, therefore,

implies an effort by all agents involved. It requires all States to review water resource management, as well as the investment necessary to encourage quality infrastructure that is accessible to all. Only then will we secure the sustainable resources necessary to live together in a better world, with full availability of water and sanitation for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the vital importance of sanitation, hygiene and appropriate access to clean water to prevent disease

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OPINION

MS CHARAFAT AFAILAL & ENG. HASSAN ABOELNGA FORMER MINISTER OF WATER, MOROCCO. EXPERT ON WATER AND CLIMATE. VICE CHAIR OF MEWF, WATER SECURITY TASK FORCE MEMBER AT IWRA, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER OF SPECIALIST GROUPS AT IWA

COVID-19 UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR RETHINKING THE WATER, HEALTH, AND ECOSYSTEM SECURITY NEXUS The world has been hit by the COVID-19 crisis, described by ma- One Water One Health ny as the crisis of the century. The pandemic poses substantial risks Preventive hygiene remains the first individual action in the to already vulnerable people living in countries with severe devel- fight against the spread of the virus. Consequently, the WASH opment deficits, limited government capacity, water, and food sector (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) remains a key sector in insecurities, as well as and importantly, poor healthcare infrastruc- limiting the spread of the virus into vulnerable communities ture. Developing countries will suffer after the COVID-19 crisis, and in reducing its transmission in the zones housing affected where income losses are expected to be over US$220 billion just in people. 2020. Other data show that an estimated 265 million people could Moreover, the initiative “One Water One Health”, launched face acute food insecurity by the end of 2020, a year in which the by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, world is off track on most SDG targets relevant to water, food, raised awareness among decision makers as to the strong inand agriculture. As well as the failure to meet the Paris Agreement terlinkages between water, food and human health. Access to goals: to avoid a 2 degrees Celsius global temperature rise. freshwater, hygiene and sanitary services is still one of the preThis pandemic has highlighted an extremely basic reality, vention instruments against the sanitary crises caused by nubut which is often hidden: the security nexus between health, merous epidemics. humans, animals, and the environThe use of unsafe water also unment. These four pillars of our ecodeniably favours the quick spread COVID-19 has highlighted an system generated a precious planeof epidemics, through the direct tary balance, and damage to one of consumption of this water or via extremely basic reality, which its components can jeopardize the foods irrigated by this resource. is often hidden: the security planet and human well-being, resulting in uncertain and even devAn Emerging Nexus: Water, nexus between health, humans, astating consequences. Health and Ecosystem animals, and environment It is estimated that 60 per cent of From integrated water resources recently emerging human diseases management (IWRM) as a concept originate from animals. The COVID-19 crisis is the direct re- aiming to develop coordinated, decentralized and participative sult of the excessive destruction of the ecosystem via poach- management of water resources, to the “Water-Energy-Food ing practices, which are very widespread in certain parts of the and Ecosystem” nexus approach imposed by climate change world, and which has led to the unprecedented pandemic that challenges, taking into consideration the interlinkages with the world is facing today. other sectors, the governance of water resources unwaveringly The states through their different public services are called to constitutes a political, economic and social challenge for poliface this health war on different fronts: health, security, the sup- cy-makers and international bodies. ply of basic needs such as water, food, and energy. The health Water management tools should take into account the links crisis has demonstrated just how crucial adaptative capacities are with other sectors, beyond any hydrological borders of the reto get countries back on their feet at the least possible cost. The source. Public and private actors were pushed to develop new world has been tested over its response to the COVID-19 pan- skills and adjust the institutional and regulatory frameworks demic - and it has been found wanting. The resulting lack of vi- to improve the management of the water cycle, which had and sion and solidarity in times of crisis raises fundamental questions still shows numerous mutations, with new challenges posed by about national sovereignty as a priority to face the pandemic. climate change as well as the growth of the water demand.

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The management of this sanitary crisis has highlighted the J Mastery of scientific knowledge strong interdependence of the public health sector with water One of the key messages of this sanitary crisis is that state and its ecosystem. This finding pushes us to rethink the mode sovereignty does not only depend on power but also its sciof governance in order to ensure a solid convergence between entific and technical independence. Policy makers are called, the two sectors. today more than ever, to re-enhance and support scientific and National health policies could not be economically, socially, technical research. and ecologically efficient without putting the environmental diFurthermore, it would be valuable to think about the promension at the core of any of its strategies and action plans. Sus- motion of the institutional framework dedicated to research tainable development challenges and preserving the ecosystems and the development of scientific knowledge, to further the are crucial to human survival. This new “nexus” is emerging. understanding of the interaction between human health and Moreover, the coordination between the health sector and the ecosystem. the water sector is not a new issue. Public health services are called to intervene directly or indirectly in the management J Towards an eco-systemic approach of health policies of the water cycle in numerous parts of the world in many The current crisis has forced health decision makers to shift ways. Especially when it comes to the paradigm and has required the the quality control of water distribdevelopment of holistic approachThe management of this uted by different water suppliers, es to the management of sanitary for human consumption; the decrises, where the integration of ensanitary crisis has highlighted liverance of derogation in cases of vironmental aspects is a priority to the strong interdependence of non-compliance with drinking wanational health security. ter standards; and the prevention The management of this crisis the public health sector with plans against waterborne diseases. not only has to deal with its effects, water and its ecosystem Moreover, one of the lessons to but also with the research of an optake away from this global crisis is timal understanding and the masthe need to establish a new mode of coordination and foster tery of the links between a sanitary crisis and an environmental synergies between water, health and ecosystem imposed by crisis. This must be applied to the whole crisis management the emergence of this emerging “Health Water and Ecosys- process, from the detection, prevention, control, and the retem” nexus. duction of the disease, regardless of its dimension. Ultimately, efforts still need to be made concerning plans to take into conBuilding back better: Key actions for nexus security after sideration people’s environmental conditions, especially the COVID-19 access to basic services (water, sanitation, hygiene services, and J Risk management in public water networks waste management). The main water suppliers must set up a global approach to the COVID-19 is nature's wake-up call for all of us. Our actions management of the risks applied to all value chains including now will shape what comes after this crisis. We must use this non-traditional risks. opportunity to fight to achieve sustainable development and Risk management must include drinking water networks as security for all through the strengthening of community and well as wastewater plans and networks, known to be a potential system resiliency, as well as fostering new synergies and holistic vector of virus transmission. thinking about environmental security.

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FEATURE

THE SDGS IN THE WAKE OF THE PANDEMIC: GETTING BACK ON TRACK Every year since 2016, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Report reviews the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year, the report also looks at the initial impacts of the pandemic.

Cristina Novo Pérez

Five years after the adoption of the SDGs, the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020 was released last July. Prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with input from international and regional organizations and the United Nations system of agencies, funds and programmes, as well as other contributors, annual reports are part of a robust follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development. A framework of indicators, adopted by the General Assembly in July 2017, is used to monitor progress, inform policy and ensure accountability. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the data show that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals was not even, and the world was not on track to meet the goals by 2030. Regarding SDG 6, access to safely managed drinking water had improved, but progress was not happening at the necessary speed or scale. But this year the document also looks at the impact of COVID-19.

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The unprecedented health and economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 threatens both lives and livelihoods, affecting disproportionately the most vulnerable. The report estimates the livelihood of half the global workforce, who depend on the informal economy, has been severely affected, driving millions of people into extreme poverty: 71 million in 2020, the first rise in global poverty since 1998. But the report is very clear: “far from undermining the case for the SDGs, the root causes and uneven impacts of COVID-19 demonstrate precisely why we need the 2030 Agenda”. This year, as the United Nations commemorates its 75th anniversary, the current pandemic is a stark reminder of the need for cooperation across borders, sectors and generations. Countries face considerable setbacks in the midst of a global economic recession, political tensions and a trend towards reinforcing country borders. The response will decide how the world recovers, whether we can achieve the SDGs, and how we prepare for an even larger crisis: climate change. It’s time to strengthen and combine our efforts to build back better and find the way to transition to a better future. The UN highlights the importance of timely, quality, open and disaggregated data, as they are critical to understand and manage the effects of the pandemic

and to design actions in the short term so that countries can get back on track to achieve the SDGs. It claims that the lack of data in the first five years of SDG implementation since 2015 is holding back the responses to the health crisis; at the same time as the crisis itself disrupts data acquisition, and calls for investment in data innovations, and technical and financial support for national statistical offices. Health, water, and sustainability The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020 looks in detail at each of the 17 SDGs: the progress made towards meeting the objectives and the impact of the health

THE SDGS IN THE WAKE OF THE PANDEMIC crisis. And the report is adamant: with current rates of progress, SDG 6 targets will not be met by 2030. The pandemic has underscored the importance of SDG 6: water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH) are critical to protecting public health. The crisis calls for immediate action to improve access to these services to prevent infection and contain the spread of COVID-19. The document takes a closer look at WASH services in healthcare settings: in 2016, one in four healthcare facilities across the world lacked basic water supplies, and one in five had no sanitation services. Moreover, 40 per cent had no soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer

at points of care. Due to the pandemic international organisations have renewed the focus on WASH services. Also, countries themselves may reallocate their resources to improve access to safe water. Water is not only essential to health but also to reduce poverty, for food security, peace, ecosystems and education. SDG 6 includes targets on access to water and sanitation, but also on water quality, water-use efficiency and scarcity, integrated water resources management (IWRM), and protection of ecosystems. The world faces mounting challenges in relation to water stress, vulnerability to climate change and water scarcity, imple-

mentation of IWRM, and cooperation in transboundary waters. Looking at the broader water environment, target 6.6 aims to “protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes” by 2020, since ultimately, water-related ecosystems provide water services to society. Population growth, agricultural intensification, urbanization and industrial production degrade water bodies and threaten ecosystems and livelihoods. Human encroaching on natural ecosystems is regarded as one of the reasons for the increase in zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19. But the urge to get economic growth back on track in the wake of the pandemic could bring about greater exploitation of natural resources, furthering ecosystem degradation. It is thus not enough to push for economic growth, sustainability must be part of the equation. The pandemic has emphasised the need for improved water access and supply; together with the need for economic recovery and food security after the pandemic, it can lead to an increase in the water demand. Target 6.5 calls for the implementation of integrated water resource management at all levels, necessary in order to make the best possible use of water resources for the economy, society and ecosystems. Now is the time to realign priorities to cooperate and accelerate SDG action. As António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, put it in words, “Everything we do during and after this crisis must be with a strong focus on building more equal, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies that are more resilient in the face of pandemics, climate change, and the many other global challenges we face.”

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SDG

FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS TOOL ENABLES SDG REPORTING TO CONTINUE DESPITE COVID-19 The UNEP in partnership with Google and the European Commission develop the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer

A new tool to ease national reporting on freshwater ecosystems will allow governments – despite limited movement in many countries due to COVID-19 – to continue to meet their national environmental reporting obligations and stay on track to preserve and restore a healthy environment. Developed in April 2020 for the SDG6 global data drive by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with Google and the European Commission’s (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer is a free and easyto-use data platform providing up-todate, high-resolution geospatial data showing the extent to which freshwater ecosystems change over time. The site contains unique, first-of-a-kind water datasets through which users can visual-

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ize dynamic changes to permanent and seasonal surface water; reservoirs; lake water quality; wetlands and mangroves. “As the world deals with the devastation caused by this pandemic, it is important that countries continue to make progress on their environmental commitments, which ultimately have the potential to prevent future natural disasters,” said Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division. “We hope that this platform, which allows for continuity in reporting, will meaningfully contribute to decision-making to improve countries’ freshwater ecosystems.” Fresh water is essential for all aspects of life. Because decisions on freshwater are made by varying levels of government (national and sub-national government authorities), data on the freshwater ecosystems explorer can also

be visualized at different scales, from the national scale right down to small individual watersheds and lakes. UNEP is the UN entity mandated to support countries with monitoring and reporting SDG indicator 6.6.1, which tracks changes to water-related ecosystems over time. In 2017, following UNEP's request to all member states to provide national SDG indicator 6.6.1 data for the first time, this global data drive process revealed that less than 20% of member states were able to report on the changing extent of their freshwater ecosystems. The freshwater ecosystem explorer was conceived in response to this gap. The EC-JRC’s earth observation and environmental monitoring scientists had an integral role in designing and developing the indicators and interface of UNEP’s new freshwater ecosystem explorer. They provided a synopsis of water-related ecosystems using the Global Surface Water Explorer, a JRC-Google Earth Engine tool that maps and analyses the dynamics of global surface waters over time, and the Global Reservoir dataset, which provides maximum reservoir area for major reservoirs at a global scale. The new tool also uses the Copernicus Global Land Service’s Lake Water Quality product. “Over the last six years, this partnership has spanned developing the initial fundamental science, producing a global data product and collaborating with member states,” said Brian Sullivan from Google’s Earth Engine team.

SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY THAT OVER 500 DAMS ARE PLANNED WITHIN PROTECTED AREAS The first-ever global assessment details the number of planned and existing dams within protected areas More than 500 dams are planned or under construction within protected areas, according to a new study published in Conservation Letters. These findings raise red flags as dams can have detrimental impacts on livelihoods of local communities such as fishing and floodplain farming, species movements, sediment flows to downstream deltas and floodplains, and other critical river functions. “Rivers are the lifeblood of ecosystems. Any policy that aims to conserve nature must prioritize the free flow of rivers,” said Michele Thieme, lead author of the study and lead freshwater scientist at WWF. “Protected areas are a fundamental strategy for conserving biodiversity and services to people, but their design and management to protect freshwater ecosystems must be improved.” Freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically. Populations of freshwater vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) have seen an 83% decline between 1970 and 2014. One of the primary drivers of this decline are dams and other water infrastructure that impact the natural habitats of freshwater species like river dolphins, otters, migratory fish, and tens of thousands of other species. The paper also finds that over 1,200 large dams already exist within protected areas. Almost three-quarters (907) of these dams were built before protected area establishment. Anecdotal cases suggest that protection may be put in place to prevent sediment from filling

the reservoir and affecting energy or water supply, as well as recreational opportunities on the artificial lake created by the reservoir. There are also instances of governments redefining the boundaries of protected areas, and activities permitted within them, to legalize the construction of a dam within an existing protected area. When regulations on protected areas are loosened in such a way, protected areas lose their ability to conserve ecosystems. “The sheer number of dams that are planned within protected areas is alarming,” says Thieme. “Government and industry policies must prevent the development of dams planned within these areas.” The new study also underscores the importance of avoiding harmful rollbacks to protected areas, including

those that increase infrastructure development like dams. Rollbacks have been occurring even during the global pandemic, a time when the public cannot adequately participate in decision-making processes. Governments must stop these rollbacks, and can use economic recovery plans as an opportunity to increase and improve nature protections to help reduce future pandemic risk. With the falling price of wind and solar, governments should explore other alternative renewable energy sources to fulfill energy needs beyond damming rivers. A 2019 report, Connected and Flowing, details how the world can meet climate targets and protect rivers by shifting a portion of projected future hydropower development toward increased investment in wind and solar generation and carefully siting new hydropower projects.

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STRATEGIC FORESIGHT TO APPLICATIONS OF AI TO ACHIEVE WATER-RELATED SDGS

GLOBAL ACCELERATION FRAMEWORK TO SPEED UP WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL

The UNU-INWEH uses strategic foresight to study applications of AI to achieve water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Facing global access to water and sanitation by the end of the decade

A new report by the United Nations University Institute on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) uses strategic foresight to study applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report discusses motivations, applications, and opportunities related to the adoption of AI for sustainable development. AI can be used to forecast water-related disasters with higher accuracy, frequency, and lead time relative to non-AI methods, allowing for focused management of post-disaster activity. Applications of AI in water management have the potential to mitigate significant economic loss, preserve communities and ecosystems, and decrease mortality associated with water-related disasters.

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According to the report, policymakers should conduct holistic assessments of social, economic, and cultural factors before AI adoption in the water sector, as prospective applications of AI are case specific. Furthermore, to ensure positive development outcomes, policies regarding the use of AI for water-related challenges should be coupled with capacity and infrastructure development policies. UNU-INWEH highlights that to mitigate the predicted job displacement that will accompany AI-led innovation in the water sector, policies should direct investments towards enabling a skilled workforce by developing water sector-related education at all levels. And a council with representation from all stakeholders should be constituted at the national level.

The Global Acceleration Framework for SDG 6 addresses an issue which cuts across many areas of the UN’s work. Developed by more than 30 UN entities and 40 international organizations, it outlines more efficient and coordinated support to countries to ensure global availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. “I am proud to see the launch of the Global Acceleration Framework,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Water is critical to deliver nearly all the other 16 SDGs. It is essential for resilience to climate change, and underpins UN efforts in peace, security, human rights, and development. However, water supply globally faces the “twin threats” of increasing demand and withdrawals, and the degradation of water sources due to climate change, pollution, and other factors. Meanwhile, progress towards achieving SDG 6 is off track. The UN estimates more than two billion people worldwide still do not have access to safely managed drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack safely managed sanitation. As countries grapple with a “dangerous recession” brought on by the pandemic, there is a need for better global coordination to use resources more efficiently. Under the Global Acceleration Framework, UN entities will commit to strengthening their collaboration and unify the international community’s support to countries, including through providing access to expertise and technical assistance. They have also committed to working better together to deliver SDG 6.

CLIMATE CHANGE

INTERVIEW

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MARK SMITH

MARK SMITH DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF

INTERNATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (IWMI)

“It continues to be surprising how limited the attention water receives in the global discourse on climate change” Based in Sri Lanka’s capital, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit research organization working on developing innovative, scientifically tested water management solutions for sustainable development.

Z Working towards a ‘water-secure world,’ IWMI, launched in 1984, works with governments, farmers, water managers, development partners and businesses to solve water-related issues and scale-up solutions. In June, the organization was awarded the 2020 Water Award from Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for its development of water solutions in support of some of the world’s poorest populations. Every year, the Monaco-based charity created by Prince Albert II of Monaco presents a yearly award to key figures for their exemplary action in favour of the environment and the protection of the planet. We had the chance to speak with Mark Smith, the newly appointed Director-General of IWMI, to discuss what it means for the group to win this prestigious award and its plans looking forward. What does it mean for IWMI to receive the 2020 Water Award from the Prince Albert II of Monaco?

Olivia Tempest

I think we can say on behalf of the whole water community how grateful we are that the Foundation recognises the global water challenge alongside biodiversity and climate. By conferring its Water Award, the Foundation raises awareness and ensures that water is more fully embedded in global dialogues on development, on climate, and conservation. And by conferring this award on IWMI, the Foundation inspires us and redoubles our commitment to delivering water solutions for sustainable development. The Foundation is dedicated to advocating for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development. We believe that water is central to these global challenges; they are causes that drive our priorities at IWMI. As a recipient of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Water Award, how do you think this will shed a light on water resource management for sustainable development?

It continues to be surprising how limited the attention water receives in the global discourse on climate change relative to its huge significance to the issues at stake. It’s largely through water that most people ‘experience’ climate change: through unpredictable rainfall, droughts and floods, and the disruption this is bringing and will bring to our food systems, drinking water supplies and our connectivity. Even the Paris Agreement on Climate Change all but ignores water. The good news is that the Global Commission on Adaptation launched at the UN Gener-

"COVID-19 underlines the importance of water for hygiene. And, in that sense the important message is the need for resilience in WASH"

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INTERVIEW al Assembly last year includes a chapter focussed on water, but this was only achieved after intensive lobbying. Recognition of IWMI’s work by the Prince Albert II Foundation underlines the importance of balancing all of society’s water needs at the same time, ensuring that the poorest people do not get left behind. It is, after all, the most vulnerable and the most marginalized that will suffer the worst effects of water shortages and water-related natural disasters, such as floods and drought. With most of the sub-Saharan African agriculture being rain-fed (meaning non-irrigated), the risks are clear, especially when you understand that the majority of that food production is by smallholder farmers. Human rights advocates warn that the global pandemic threatens efforts to end water poverty by 2030. What is your opinion? The SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 had already concluded that the world is far from reaching the goals defined for water and sanitation before the pandemic. So, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was already at risk. Billions of people still lack access to safe water and sanitation, resulting in needless deaths, chronic disease, missed education and reduced productivity. COVID-19 underlines the importance of water for hygiene. And, in that sense, the important message is the need for resilience in WASH. We need to sustainably manage the resource (water) in addition to delivering access (pipes and

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Farmer pumping groundwater for his field in rural Pakistan. Faseeh Shams / IWMI .

taps). We can ‘Build Back Better’ with WASH services that are designed to be more resilient to shocks including pandemics and of course climate change and more mindful of resource sustainability. So, whatever happens, we need to ensure that the water keeps flowing despite growing scarcity and shock-induced uncertainty. Recovery from the pandemic will also require effective water management that reinforces the stability of disrupted food systems. In some areas,

lockdowns have impacted agricultural cycles, interrupting supplies of inputs, depressing demand and keeping workers away from fields and factories. What measures and resolutions do you think are necessary to get the SDG 6 back on track? The pandemic is revealing the importance of resilience. Water resources management and water research will make important contributions to this agenda.

MARK SMITH behind, and set priorities for increased efforts and investments. The latest round of data compilation for SDG 6 – ‘water and sanitation for all’ – is the 2020 Data Drive. There are some data gaps that this aims to address. The IWMI e-flow model was adopted as the official global means for countries to report on levels of water stress within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6.4.2) “Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.” IWMI environmental flow (Eflow) assessments give quick, accessible information of the quantity, quality and timing of water flows needed to sustain a freshwater ecosystem. Flow estimations have taken on a strategic role in the efforts of developing countries to keep their rivers healthy and to plan the management of water resources in major river basins, and they have now also been launched onto the global stage. An important point is that whatever we do to get SDG 6 back on track we need to adopt an integrated systems approach with climate-resilient solutions that take into account water security together with food security, energy and health.

Firstly, we need to address weak and fragmented government structures in particular where pressures on water resources are greatest. We need good governance of water, implemented through effective institutions that assure participation, transparency, integrity and accountability. These institutions need investment and sustainable financing for infrastructure needed to bring safe water to people, to store, clean and recycle water, to manage water risks and the risks of water-related disasters, and to ensure the

sustainability of the source and ecosystems that supply water. We need to focus on more circular systems that effectively reuse wastewater. And we need to focus on more efficient use of water in agriculture. Saving just a fraction of agricultural withdrawals could significantly alleviate water stress in other sectors. Lastly, credible, and timely data are essential to the realization of the SDGs, as they help decision-makers to identify countries, people and sectors that are left

How do you think new technologies such as remote-sensing and data management solutions can help companies and communities better manage their water? Gaps in knowledge and information hold back the world’s ability to respond

"The Foundation is dedicated to advocating for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development"

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INTERVIEW

Recovery from the pandemic will also require effective water management that reinforces the stability of disrupted food systems

to growing water challenges and meet the SDGs. Water data are often insufficient, of uncertain quality, inaccessible or simply non-existent in many developing countries. Yet, technologies for data collection ‒ such as satellites, sensors and mobile phone applications ‒ are generating vast quantities of information on the world’s river systems, aquifers, watersheds and freshwater ecosystems, in addition to data on the ways in which these water systems are accessed and used by people. IWMI, with IHE Delft and FAO, has worked over the past 15 years to develop an innovative water accounting approach (WA+) based on the use of freely available Earth observation data, combined within an open-source, open access modelling framework.

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Water accounting quantifies how much water is available in a given area, how much is used and by what sector, and then how much is left for more productive use in agriculture and other sectors. Some form of water accounting is critical to manage the resource sustainably and to ensure that it is used efficiently and allocated transparently and equitably. IWMI has been working for many years on how wastewater can be safely used in agriculture. Could you tell us about some of the initiatives your organization is working on to create wealth from waste? To actively promote a waste-based circular economy, IWMI researchers have developed over 20 innovative business models for domestic waste and wastewater management which reduce waste volumes and burdens and increase resource recovery for developing countries, like rural-urban freshwater-wastewater swaps. Low-cost, technical approaches pioneered by IWMI, and already taken up by public-private partnerships (PPP), include safe water reuse for crop and fish farming and the transformation of faecal sludge and or-

ganic waste into fuel briquettes and organically certified fertilized pellets. At the global scale, IWMI has a long tradition in its support of WHO, USAID and FAO in the development of guidelines for safe wastewater re-use in agriculture, quantifying the benefits of farmer-led wastewater irrigation and exploring options for risk reduction from farm-to-fork. Could you tell us a bit more about IWMI’s Water Secure Africa Initiative?

MARK SMITH Farming in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. Hamish John Appleby / IWMI

The Water Secure Africa Initiative is a partnership between IWMI and Digital Earth Africa (DEA). It organizes decades of satellite data, updated daily, into an analysis- ready format referred to as an “Open Data Cube”. The African regional datacube represents a major step forwards by providing free and predictable ‘analysis-ready data’. IWMI is working with DEA and other partners around the cube to develop water resource management applications that will help end-users see practical benefits.

In particular, we are working with DEA to develop applications for water accounting as well as flood and drought management in some pilot countries. But there is huge potential to develop additional applications as well as spread the applications regionally in the coming years. Beyond developing our own applications and working with partners, IWMI sees large potential to support an already growing data innovation community in Africa to develop water-re-

lated applications that would benefit their own countries, communities, and businesses.

"Whatever we do to get SDG 6 back on track we need to adopt an integrated systems approach with climate resilient solutions"

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MAJORITY OF GROUNDWATER STORES ARE RESILIENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE New study suggests fewer resources are depleting than previously estimated, but authors urge caution

Fewer of the world's large aquifers are depleting than previously estimated, according to a new study by the University of Sussex and UCL. Groundwater, the world's largest distributed store of freshwater, plays a critical role in supplying water for irrigation, drinking and industry, and sustaining vital ecosystems. Previous global studies of changes in groundwater storage, estimated using data from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite mission and global models, have concluded that intensifying human water withdrawals in the majority of the world's large aquifer systems are causing a sustained reduction in groundwater storage, depleting groundwater resources. Yet this new study reveals that depletion is not as widespread as reported,

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and that replenishment of groundwater storage depends upon extreme rainfall that is increasing under global climate change. Lead author, Dr Mohammad Shamsudduha, Member of the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme at the University of Sussex, said: "The cloud of climate change has a silver lining for groundwater resources as it favours greater replenishment from episodic, extreme rainfalls in some aquifers located around the world mainly in dry environments. This new analysis provides a benchmark alongside conventional, ground-based monitoring of groundwater levels to assess changes in water storage in aquifers over time." This new study updates and extends previous analyses, accounting for strong seasonality in groundwater storage in

the analysis of trends. It shows that only 5 of the world's 37 large aquifers is undergoing depletion that requires further attention for better management. Co-author and Professor of Hydrogeology Richard Taylor from UCL Geography, said: "The findings do not deny that groundwater depletion is occurring in many parts of the world but that the scale of this depletion, frequently associated with irrigation in drylands, is more localized than past studies have suggested and often occurs below a large (~100 000 km2) 'footprint' of mass changes tracked by a pair of GRACE satellites." For the majority, trends are non-linear and irregular, exhibiting considerable variability in volume over time. The study shows further that variability in groundwater storage in drylands is influenced positively and episodically by years of extreme (>90th percentile) precipitation. For example, in the Great Artesian Basin of Australia, extreme seasonal rainfall over two successive summers in 2010 and 2011 increased groundwater storage there by ~90 km3, more than ten times total annual freshwater withdrawals in the UK. Elsewhere in the Canning Basin of Australia, however, groundwater depletion is occurring at a rate of 4.4 km3 each year, associated with its use in the extraction of iron ore. To avoid continued depletion of aquifers, the study promotes sustainable groundwater withdrawals through augmented replenishments from extreme rainfall and 'managed aquifer recharge' practices.

ICE SHEET MELT ON TRACK WITH ‘WORST-CASE CLIMATE SCENARIO’ Scientists finds that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are rapidly melting and raised the global sea level by 1.8 cm A recent report confirms that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, whose mass-loss rates have been rapidly increasing, are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's worstcase sea-level rise scenarios. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, compares ice-sheet mass-balance results from satellite observations with projections from climate models. The results come from an international team of scientists from the University of Leeds (UK) and the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), who are also part of the ongoing Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-Comparison Exercise (IMBIE). IMBIE is an international collaboration between scientists, established in 2011 as a community effort to reduce uncertainties in different satellite-based measurements of ice sheet mass balance, and is co-funded by ESA and NASA. Since the systematic monitoring of ice sheets began in the early 1990s, Greenland and Antarctica combined lost 6.4 trillion tonnes of ice between 1992 and 2017 – pushing global sea levels up by 17.8 millimetres. If these rates continue, it will expose an additional 16 million people to annual coastal flooding by the end of the century. Dr Anna Hogg, study co-author and climate researcher in the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds, said: "If ice sheet losses continue to track our worstcase climate warming scenarios, we should expect an additional 17 cm of sea level rise from the ice sheets alone.

That's enough to double the frequency of storm-surge flooding in many of the world's largest coastal cities." Tom Slater, lead author of the study and climate researcher at the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at the University of Leeds, comments, “Satellites are our only means of routinely monitoring these vast and remote areas, so they are absolutely critical in providing measurements which we can use to validate ice sheet models. “Satellite observations not only tell us how much ice is being lost, they also help us to identify and understand which parts of Antarctica and Greenland are losing ice and through what processes both are key in helping us improve ice sheet models.” IMBIE uses data from various satellite missions – including ESA’s ERS-1,

ERS-2, Envisat and CryoSat missions, as well as the EU’s Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission – to monitor changes in the ice sheet’s volume, flow, and mass. Ruth Mottram, co-author of the study and Climate Scientist at DMI, adds, “Data from ESA satellite missions have underpinned many advances in our understanding of ice sheet behaviour over the past three decades. ESA’s family of satellite radar altimeters: ERS-1, ERS2, Envisat and CryoSat have provided a long-term continuous record of ice sheet changes since the early 1990s.” ESA’s Marcus Engdahl adds, “Satellite observations are showing us that the ice sheets are reacting surprisingly rapidly to environmental change. It is vital that scientists have access to data from future satellite missions that can observe polar areas.”

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COVID-19 LOCKDOWNS DID NOT IMPACT CLIMATE CHANGE

INCREASED WATER RISK WILL GAIN IMPORTANCE FOR SOVEREIGN RATINGS

Even though greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell to unprecedented levels during the health crisis, the effect on climate was insignificant

Water risks to become a more important sovereign rating driver

The coronavirus pandemic won’t save the planet from its climate crisis. However, COVID-19 is a golden opportunity to consider green recovery plans alongside economic ones to help turn around global warming. A study published in the journal ‘Nature Climate Change’ found that the plummeting GHG emissions will do nothing to slow climate change unless we move away from fossil fuels. CO2 emissions fell by 17% daily around the world during the height of COVID-19. Using global mobility data on travel and work patterns from Google and Apple, researchers calculated how 10 different GHGs and air pollutants changed between February and June 2020 in 123 countries. According to the research, global temperatures will only be 0.01 °C

The increase in water risks, including water scarcity and extreme weather events like floods and droughts, is becoming a more and more important aspect when it comes to deciding a country’s sovereign rating. This entails a mounting pressure on countries to act on climate change. Water is essential for agriculture and industry, so water stress issues will affect countries’ economic growth. The World Bank estimates a decline in growth rates amounting to 6% of their GDP by 2050 in some regions of the world, stemming from water-related losses that impact agriculture, health, income, and prosperity. Fitch believes the difficulties can get worse in the regions currently affected and can expand to new ones. Some of the countries with higher risks derived from water stress and drought include Kuwait, the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah and Egypt. Meanwhile, those facing a high flood risk include Bangladesh, Rwanda, and Vietnam. Water risks can also affect public finances by raising spending pressures and generating contingent liabilities for sovereigns. They can catalyse domestic social tensions by affecting income distribution and food security. Mahmoud Harb and Kathleen Chen, from Fitch Ratings, said: “While disruptions from climate change are likely to manifest themselves only gradually over the coming decades, water risks already materialize on a sufficiently regular basis and large scale”. And added: “The relevance of water risks for sovereign rating is set to rise.”

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lower than expected by 2030 even if lockdown measures continue globally until the end of 2021. However, a solid green stimulus could keep Earth from going over 1.5 °C of warming by 2050. The paper explained: “The direct effect of the pandemic-driven response will be negligible. In contrast, with an economic recovery tilted towards green stimulus and reductions in fossil fuel investments, it is possible to avoid future warming of 0.3 °C by 2050.” “You need to reduce CO2 permanently to make a dent in global warming,” lead author Prof. Piers Forster from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom said. “CO2 is long lived in the atmosphere, so you effectively need to reduce emissions to zero for a long-time before you begin to cancel out the effects from decades of past emissions.”

OPINION

KAREN G. VILLHOLTH PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER, INTERNATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE (IWMI)

GROUNDWATER - A UNIQUE FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING RESILIENCE IN AFRICA The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) recognises A paucity of groundwater development in Africa is holding that water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable devel- back a real opportunity to address major development chalopment. Yet the UN SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 concludes lenges. African countries have not been the recipient of major that we are far from reaching this goal – and this was before government investments in irrigation. By comparison, India, COVID-19. In Africa, where climate change is particularly pro- Pakistan and China have implemented substantial national nounced, groundwater resources may offer a solution to build investments that have stimulated food security and economic resilience and progress towards the achievement of SDG 6. development. UN-Water has announced that the theme for World Water Day In sub-Saharan Africa many enabling factors for developing in 2022 is ‘Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible’. And, the groundwater are not in place including access to energy for International Water Management Institute (IWMI) convened, pumping water; national policies favouring groundwater detogether with many international partners, sessions at the virtu- velopment and management; hydrogeological expertise in, and al World Water Week to underline the need to sustainably realise practical experience of developing and maintaining groundwathe potential of groundwater to provide resilience to future shocks. ter infrastructure; access to cost-effective technology, such as Effective water supply and management shield farmers and ur- drilling equipment and pumps; pro-poor finance mechanisms; ban dwellers from creeping threats, and functioning value chains for such as climate change, but also food produced by groundwater. Effective water supply and fast-onset global disrupters like Solar power is increasingly viewed COVID-19. By enhancing resilas a shortcut for driving groundwamanagement shield farmers ience during droughts, floods and ter development. But a catalyst is and urban dwellers from other unanticipated events, water needed to support further developmanagement underpins health and ment through appropriate funding creeping threats, such as supports food security and livelior business models for smallholders, climate change and COVID-19 hoods. Conversely, limited water while assuring effective groundwater infrastructure and unreliable wamanagement that safeguards the reter availability and access act as risk multipliers, in particular where source for future generations. Groundwater development is also limited water development coincides with high rates of poverty. emerging as an option for non-agricultural uses, as in larger cities Across Africa, held within soil and rock beneath the sur- such as Cape Town and Dar es Salaam. face, groundwater provides fresh drinking water for around 70 Strengthening commitment and coalitions on the continent per cent of people. With its wide distribution and perennial across different scales and levels, spanning policy and research, availability, it is the chosen water supply for most rural com- and encompassing the WASH and groundwater resource manmunities, and, increasingly, for urban areas. As such, it forms agement sectors, can only enhance prospects for meeting SDG the backbone of water security, human health and climate re- 6. And since groundwater is closely linked to several other UN silience across the continent. goals – around food security (SDG 2), sustainable cities (SDG However around four in 10 people in sub-Saharan Afri- 11), climate adaptation (SDG 13) and environmental protecca still lack safe drinking water, while seven in 10 do not have tion (SDG 15) – its inclusion in continent-wide strategies has access to adequate sanitation: far below the global average. the potential to help keep Africa’s broader development on a Meanwhile, just 1% of cultivated land (2 million hectares) is ir- sustainable footing. This was a sentiment that resonated well rigated with groundwater in Africa, compared to 14% in Asia. with audiences at the World Water Week.

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SPEAKERS' CORNER

“WE TO KEEP COMMUNICATING “THENEED LOOMING WATER CRISIS MAY TO THE WATER CRISIS AND BE HIGHLIGHT HUMANITY’S MOST UNDERRATED SHOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE” CHALLENGE” Steve Metcalfe, Head of Partnerships & Communications at Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) Set up in 2005, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) helps transform cities to benefit the millions of people who lack access to water and sanitation. Head of Communications Steve Metcalfe tells us how innovative communication strategies, for example, ingenious games can promote understanding and encourage action in the water sector.

Olivia Tempest

How do you think communication in the water sector has evolved in recent years? Perhaps 10 years ago, the common image that people might have about water shortages was linked to disenfranchised rural communities struggling with access to water. Now, the story is about cities as well as rural areas - think water crises in Cape Town; or Flint, Michigan; or Chennai – all well covered in the media. This, in turn, relates water to issues of politics and economics. So, communications has to absorb all this and still present a clear picture of what’s happening. It’s not about water shortage so much, as water (mis)management. Why do you think it is important to communicate about water? The two biggest problems facing the world are COVID-19 and climate change. We know that the impacts of climate change are being largely felt through water, and that continuous wa-

ter supply and handwashing can significantly slow down the spread of COVID-19. These two facts alone should be enough to drive serious global action on SDG 6. And yet it is hard to see where that momentum is coming from. So, we need to keep communicating to highlight the water crisis and show what needs to be done. What are the most challenging aspects of communicating about Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor’s (WSUP’s) work? Often assumptions are made that we are facing an infrastructure problem – not enough pipes, dams, boreholes etc. Yes, that is partly right, but much more than that, there are major issues like skills, governance, and policies which need to be tackled. That’s one of the messages we try to reinforce. Bringing these areas to life in engaging communications can be a challenge. How do

you visually show the impact of a new policy? Capacity-building is a particularly opaque concept – but giving institutions the resources to solve problems themselves, without recourse to aid, is the absolute key to making change sustainable and something that WSUP invests a huge amount of time in. How do we bring this to life on our communications? Could you highlight one of your organization’s communication success stories? One of the things that WSUP is most proud of is that we really know how to create change in cities. We’ve been a driving force behind many real examples of progress in the sector. We used this insight to create a game, called The Bottom Line, which aimed to demonstrate in an interactive way the challenges faced by sanitation businesses, and the trade-offs needed between social impact, profit, and government

support. The game has been played thousands of times and was an engaging way of synthesising years of WSUP’s work into a five-minute experience for the viewer. Who or what organization inspires you when it comes to ways of communicating? I’ve always been a great believer in the power of stories to engage, promote understanding and encourage action. There is nothing like a film to really get under the skin of an issue and change how people think about a topic. The Stories of Change initiative run by the Sundance Institute and Skoll Foundation does an excellent job of supporting films which can drive social action - like Open Heart, which tells the story of eight Rwandan children who travel to Sudan for high-risk open-heart surgery. Another brilliant film is A Seed Of Maize, a thought-provoking short about the power of water access in rural Zambia.

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MEDIA LIBRARY BY: OLIVIA TEMPEST SOMETHING TO READ...

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING: When Mother Nature becomes your only family This surprising coming-of-age story and murder tale is Delia Owenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut novel. It takes place in the remote and wild marshlands of North Carolina. The desolate marshlands and its inhabitants become a safe refuge for a girl who loses her family and a place where dark secrets are well hidden. SOMETHING TO WATCH...

FROZEN 2: Water never forgets The importance of water becomes co-protagonist of this Disney 2019 musical fantasy film that explores fear of the unknown, the consequences of our actions and respect for the environment and other cultures.

SOMETHING TO ENJOY...

DRINK THE WATER: Dangers at sea This chilled tune by Jack Johnson was inspired by an accident the singer and surfer had while riding the waves where he wiped out and nearly drowned. However, he reflects on the danger of letting fear set in while surfing. He believes that surfers must commit with heart and soul, otherwise they are doomed to make a mistake out of fear.

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