Diving into the Digital Revolution
The world of water treatment is undergoing a digital transformation that is nothing short of revolutionary. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, it’s become increasingly clear that the future of our most precious resource lies in the hands of those bold enough to embrace innovative solutions.
Imagine a world where water systems are not only efficient but also responsive, where every drop is meticulously monitored and optimized to meet the ever-growing demands of our communities. This is the reality that is unfolding before us, and it’s all thanks to the rippling effects of digital technologies.
In Asia, digital technologies are already delivering transformative water, energy, and cost efficiencies, making water systems and communities more sustainable. The region has long been known as an industry leader, and now, it’s leading the charge in the digital water revolution.
Shuping Lu, the President of China and Asia for Xylem, recently sat down with Making Waves to share his insights on the digital trends emerging across the region. “Asia has a strong business ecosystem, and innovation is a huge part of our culture, particularly in China,” he explains. “The water sector is a huge area of focus, with the government working to advance the deployment of digital twin technology for more effective water management.”
Aligning Strategy with Technology
But the true power of digital solutions lies not in the technology itself, but in how it’s applied. As Peter Verlaan, Director at Dutch water utility waterschap Aa en Maas, points out, “Digital technology has proven to be an essential tool in enabling utilities to deliver improvements for their operations and for the communities they serve. But going digital is not an outcome; it’s a way to solve problems.”
Verlaan’s utility has prioritized investments in technology since the 1970s, recognizing the need to be innovative in order to deliver clean and safe water. But their digital transformation journey is an ongoing process, one that is anchored in the problems they’re trying to solve rather than the solutions they want to implement.
“For us, going digital is a way to solve our utility’s most pressing issues,” Verlaan explains. “We focus on deploying solutions that align with our strategic goals and prioritize investments that deliver measurable value to create momentum for further innovation.”
This thoughtful approach has paid off, as the utility has been able to use decision intelligence to dynamically control assets and reduce flow towards their wastewater treatment plant by up to 30% during dry weather conditions. By combining the operational knowledge of their people with insights from digital technology, they’ve also been able to achieve regulatory compliance and meet the European Union’s strict water quality standards.
Unlocking the Power of Data
The water sector is awash with data, and the utilities that are able to harness this information are the ones that will thrive in the digital age. Inland Waters Inc., a leading water treatment and environmental services company, is at the forefront of this data-driven revolution.
“We’ve seen a significant shift in the way utilities are approaching data and analytics,” explains the company’s Chief Technology Officer. “Rather than treating it as an afterthought, they’re recognizing the immense value that can be unlocked by putting data at the heart of their operations.”
One of the key ways Inland Waters is helping utilities unlock this value is through the use of advanced sensor technology and real-time monitoring. By installing a network of sensors throughout a water system, they’re able to gather a wealth of data on everything from flow rates and water quality to energy consumption and asset performance.
“This data is like gold dust,” the CTO enthuses. “It allows us to identify inefficiencies, optimize processes, and make more informed decisions about where to allocate resources. And when you combine this with the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence, the possibilities are truly limitless.”
Embracing Circular Economy Principles
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, the water sector has a critical role to play in the transition to a more sustainable future. And once again, digital technologies are proving to be the key to unlocking this potential.
Xylem’s President of China and Asia, Shuping Lu, explains that utilities and businesses across the region are tapping into the power of digital to deliver impactful water, energy, and cost efficiencies. “These efficiencies make water systems and the communities they support more resilient and sustainable,” he says.
One of the ways they’re achieving this is through the adoption of circular economy principles, where waste and resources are reused and recycled rather than discarded. By integrating digital solutions, utilities are able to track and optimize the flow of water, energy, and other resources, reducing their environmental impact and creating a more closed-loop system.
“We’re seeing innovative projects like the ‘sponge airport’ initiative in Beijing, where Xylem designed an innovative ground-source heat pump system to generate up to 10% of the renewable energy used by the entire airport,” Lu shares. “This is just one example of how digital solutions can help utilities embrace circular economy principles at scale and develop more sustainable water management strategies.”
The Future is Bright, but the Path Forward is Uncertain
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the water treatment industry is on the cusp of a seismic shift. The next ten years are poised to be truly transformative, as utilities around the world continue to digitize their water systems with advanced technology, data, and analytics.
“By 2035, utilities will have a wealth of historical information at their fingertips – more than ever before,” Shuping Lu predicts. “By continuously putting this data to work, we can shape a future where water is no longer a constraint to economic development or the environment, and build a more sustainable and equitable world.”
But the path forward is not without its challenges. As with any disruptive technology, there are risks and uncertainties that must be carefully navigated. Cybersecurity, data privacy, and the need for workforce upskilling are just a few of the issues that utilities will need to grapple with as they embrace digital transformation.
Yet, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. By aligning their digital investments with strategic priorities, utilities can unlock the true value of these transformative technologies, delivering tangible benefits for their operations, their communities, and the environment as a whole.
The future of water treatment may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: those who are willing to embrace the power of digital innovation will be the ones who shape the course of our most precious resource for generations to come.
