Australia’s water sector is facing unprecedented challenges and innovation holds the key to building a resilient and sustainable industry.
Climate change, population growth and increasing industrial demands are placing immense pressure on the nation’s water resources. Meeting these challenges requires a fundamental shift towards smarter, more sustainable water management practices. This includes improved monitoring and maintenance, efficient demand management, and a greater focus on the circular economy and future energy solutions.
A recent initiative from Veolia Water Technologies Ireland offers a great example of how advanced monitoring technology can significantly improve water treatment efficiency and reduce waste.
Smart thinking
Although the project was based in Ireland, the principles are directly applicable to the Australian context.
In both countries alike, traditional chlorine detection methods often rely on reagents, leading to inaccuracies and increased maintenance. To overcome these limitations, Veolia implemented Burkert’s online water analysis system, specifically for chlorine detection.
With precise, real-time monitoring, the Burkert system offers a reagent-free alternative that result in more accurate, reliable data and reduced operational costs.
This improved monitoring not only enhances the quality of treated water but also enables proactive maintenance, a critical component of a sustainable water management strategy.
Early detection of anomalies like chlorine breakthrough allows for timely intervention, preventing damage to downstream processes like reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of purified water.
The real-time alerts and remote monitoring capabilities provided by the system further enhance operational efficiency – which is particularly relevant in for Australia’s own essential service providers, many of which operate extensive networks across the nation’s vast distances.
A well-rounded approach
Beyond precise monitoring, a circular economy approach to water management is crucial.
This involves minimising water loss, maximising reuse and recycling opportunities, and reducing the environmental footprint of water treatment processes.
While Veolia’s project primarily focused on chlorine detection, the company was indirectly supporting this approach by optimising the performance of the granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration system.
Efficient GAC filtration not only improves water quality but also extends the lifespan of the filters, minimising waste and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Demand management also plays a vital role in sustainable water practices. By implementing smart metering systems and employing data-driven strategies, utilities can effectively manage water consumption, reducing overall demand and minimising wastage.
Data from the Burkert system could be integrated into a broader demand management program, providing valuable insights to inform water allocation decisions and optimise network operations.
Looking ahead, future energy considerations are increasingly important, and the energy intensity of water treatment processes presents a significant environmental challenge.
Exploring renewable energy sources to power these processes and integrating energy-efficient technologies can substantially reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of the water sector. This might include solar-powered water treatment plants or using energy recovery systems to harness waste heat.
Veolia’s case study highlights how smart monitoring solutions like the Burkert system offers a path towards a more efficient, reliable and sustainable future for Australia’s water utilities.
The principles of proactive monitoring, optimised filtration, demand management and responsible energy use are all key to creating a resilient and environmentally conscious water sector. By embracing innovation and adopting a holistic approach, Australian water utilities can navigate the challenges of the future and ensure the long-term security of our precious water resources.
For more information, visit burkert.com.au
