How could new technology tackle the age-old problem of water loss?

Enhanced monitoring and advanced modelling systems are allowing water providers to improve the resiliency and flexibility of today’s water networks.

This isn’t just about conservation; utilities around the world are increasingly needing to implement solutions to reduce ‘non-revenue water’ (NRW), which is water lost in the system before reaching paying customers.

The graphic below shows the wide range of technologies used to limit water loss, whether by detecting leaks or managing pressure to reduce the risks of leaks and bursts in the first place.

Given the range of technologies above, what might a fully integrated and future-proof system really look like? We believe it will be net zero, smart and self-sustaining:

• Net zero: Powered by 100% renewable energy, many of the areas across the globe that are potentially most impacted by climate change and water scarcity are also those which have the potential for high levels of solar and wind power generation. By bringing together the latest efficiencies in renewables and technologies like high-efficiency RO for desalination, the opportunity exists to dramatically alter the landscape for water availability worldwide.
• Smart: Truly smart systems can target levels of efficiency and loss prevention that would be unimaginable historically. In many global cities, 30-60% of all water is lost due to old or faulty infrastructure. Smart systems being deployed today are targeting a loss rate of 3%, a step change in efficiency.
• Self-sustaining: By managing the full cycle of water usage, including recycling wastewater for reuse, it is possible to create closed systems that maximise overall efficiency. These networks will create additional valuable outputs: salts or other minerals from seawater such as sodium hydroxide and gypsum, or fertiliser or energy from biomass. Capturing the potential in these outputs can create additional value for a system and promote long-term self-sustainability.

The above is an extract from our new whitepaper, Clean water technologies: overcoming the challenge of a drier world. Read the whitepaper to learn more about global water scarcity, and the cutting-edge technologies offering potential solutions.