
Top Water News (3rd week of Jan 2024)
DEWA’s Smart Ball technology saves 243 million gallons of water and AED 9.66 million in 2023

DEWA uses innovative technologies to detect leaks in water pipelines, saving 243 million gallons of water and AED 9.66 million in 2023. The Smart Ball technology detected 81 leaks, reducing operational expenses and preventing water wastage.
DEWA also utilizes the smart grid and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to monitor and control the water network in Dubai remotely. The Smart Ball system consists of a small sphere with an acoustic sensor that detects leaks and anomalies in the water network.
DEWA has achieved competitive results in reducing water network losses compared to North America.
source: DEWA
Saudi Arabia’s NWC has completed the operation of 8 new stations to purify drinking water

The National Water Company (NWC) has completed the operation of 8 new drinking-water purification stations in the King Fahd suburb of Al-Bayda Governorate in the Eastern Province. This is part of a project to improve water quality and increase coverage with desalinated water in the Eastern Province.
The company is evaluating the efficiency of these stations and monitoring the flow and pressure of desalinated water in targeted districts. Approximately 75,000 people will benefit from the cleaning stations in King Fahd suburb. NWC is also working on constructing 7 more drinking water treatment stations in other locations to reach a total production of 76,600 cubic meters of desalinated water per day.
This project aligns with the national water strategy and supports the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. It aims to meet the region’s demand for desalinated water until additional volumes are pumped through water quality improvement projects planned to be received from the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) in the next two years.
source: NWC
World Bank approves $231 million project to improve water quality in Viet Nam

The World Bank approved the Binh Duong Province Water Environment Improvement Project, which aims to improve water quality and wastewater treatment for over half a million residents in southern Viet Nam.
The project, with a total investment of $311 million, will increase wastewater services in high-density urban areas, aiming to reduce pollution in the Sai Gon and Dong Nai River systems.
The project incorporates resilient and sustainable infrastructure designs, energy-efficient solutions, and principles of the circular economy. The Government of Viet Nam will provide the remaining $80 million for the project.
source: The World Bank
Dubai Municipality to award sewerage and stormwater project in early 2024

Dubai Municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department is set to award a construction contract for the “sewerage and stormwater drainage systems for industrial communities” in the first quarter of 2024.
The project includes areas such as Al Khabaisi, Umm Ramool, Al Qusais Industrial First, and Ras Al Khor Industrial First and Second, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The construction will involve pipelines, manholes, house connection chambers, stormwater drainage network, and sewer connections for existing septic tanks, with restoration of affected roads and services.
source: Zawya
ADS announces relationship with Rainwater Management Solutions

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) and Rainwater Management Solutions (RMS) have formed a strategic relationship to advance sustainable stormwater solutions in the United States and Canada. The collaboration combines ADS’ expertise in managing the entire lifecycle of rainwater with RMS’ innovative water harvesting solutions.
This partnership aims to deliver end-to-end stormwater treatment system solutions for commercial and residential customers. The collaboration addresses the challenge of water scarcity and aims to provide comprehensive water management solutions.
Both companies will leverage each other’s products to design specialized solutions for various markets. The collaboration is expected to drive the conservation of billions to trillions of gallons of water in North America in the years to come.
source: ADS
VAPAR secures AUD $5 m from Autodesk, PureTerra Ventures and existing backers to drive expansion

Xylem commits to advancing Italy’s sustainable water future through Publiacqua contract


U.S. EPA announces $3 million in grants to establish National Stormwater Centers of Excellence

The U.S. EPA is offering $3 million in grants to establish Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technologies, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Come innovate in Brazil’s water sector with Isle and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)!

Isle Brasil presents a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized technology companies looking to make an impact on the water and wastewater utilities in Brazil.
AECOM announces major recruitment drive to bolster environmental, water, and energy projects

Wavin appoints new Vice President for Northern Europe

Northumbrian Water’s award winning project hits an impressive milestone
Northumbrian Water’s ‘Bin The Wipe’ team has removed one tonne of wipes from the North East sewer network, equivalent to over 200,000 unflushable wipes. The project was launched in 2020 after finding that 64% of sewer blockages were caused by wet wipes.
The team has exceeded the target of reducing blockages by 40%, with recent reductions of 79% in North Tyneside and 77% in Washington.
The project aims to prevent wipes from causing blockages and sewer flooding. The team uses innovative tools to identify the source of the wipes and educate households about the issue.
Over 433,000 households have been reached, resulting in up to a 91% reduction in wipes in hotspot areas. The success of the project has led to a national ‘Bin the Wipe campaign’ launched in 2023.
source: Northumbrian Water
Itron expands production of Aquadis+ volumetric water meters

Itron is expanding the production of its Aquadis+ volumetric water meter to Southeast Asia, with manufacturing now taking place in Indonesia. This expansion aims to better serve customers in the Asia Pacific region, including Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The Aquadis+ meter is known for its long-term performance, efficiency, and accuracy in measuring water volumes.
By manufacturing the meter closer to its customers, Itron aims to reduce delivery time and environmental impact while increasing pricing adaptability. This move also aligns with Itron’s commitment to its customers in the region and supports the transition to smart metering.
source: Itron
EPA makes available $3M to establish stormwater Centers of Excellence
