Making Every Drop Count: Smart Water Management Approaches

United Arab Emirates | Friday, 8 September 2023

The increasing demand for water in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has put a strain on its already limited water resources. A quick look at the big picture of the GCC’s water highlights some important facts: Much of the water supply is provided using unsustainable methods, water loss in transmission is significant, and a high percentage of water extracted from the ground is used for irrigating water-thirsty plants! With the increasing growth of the GCC population, it is crucial to adopt more innovative and sustainable approaches to efficiently manage and safeguard the region’s water supply.

Let’s begin with water loss. Globally, the average treated water loss in transmission is about 30%, which falls short of the "Best Practice" target level of 10%. According to the World Bank, the percentage of water loss in transmission across the GCC region varies between 15% to 60%, with an average of more than 35% of treated water being lost before reaching its final destination. In terms of volume, a 2020 statistical assessment equates this to over half a million cubic meters of water lost from transmission and distribution networks alone.

Water loss, also known as non-revenue water, is divided into real losses, including incidents such as water leakage or pipe breaks, and apparent losses related to issues such as lack of measurement, unmetered connections, metering inaccuracies, or theft. Although these represent different causes of water loss, many of the solutions to address them remain the same. In the GCC, real losses constitute the larger percentage of the overall loss, but both elements must be addressed to improve the current situation.

From a financial perspective, assuming that this water would ultimately need to be replaced by desalinated water, the resulting loss could be a significant amount of lost revenue for water distribution companies, along with additional costs for necessary repairs or potential associated contamination events arising from the loss of pressure in the pipes.

However, the financial cost is only one factor of the total loss, as the replacement for this water is typically produced in energy-intensive desalination plants that have a significant carbon and environmental footprint. The secondary impacts of this additional water could even be a disruption to marine life from intakes or brine release, as well as those impacts associated with the chemicals used in the treatment process. Therefore, while the financial cost of water loss is significant, the overall cost of these losses is potentially massive.

According to the World Bank, the percentage of water loss in transmission across the GCC region varies between 15 to 60 per cent, with an average of more than 35% of treated water being lost before reaching its final destination.

So how can we improve the current situation smartly?

To improve the current situation, we need to approach the challenge in multiple ways, depending on the status of the networks (i.e., whether the networks are in operation or still in design).

Within the GCC, a vast number of new networks are being constructed to achieve various ongoing developments and visions. As a priority, every new transmission network must include permanently installed automated leak detection using technology such as acoustic or thermal sensors (heat-sensing fibre optic cables that identify temperature changes caused by water leakage and affecting the ground underneath the pipe) to allow rapid identification and repair of leaks. In addition, real-time flow monitoring at each end of the line, connected and synchronised through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, will also help identify any water loss in the line, allowing for quick remediation at the point of loss.

Throughout the design and construction process of pipes, reservoirs, and pumping stations, compliance with international codes and the application of proper quality procedures are essential. Simple debris left in a joint during the construction of a water-retaining structure can waste vast quantities of water over the asset's lifetime.

Identifying losses in existing networks may sometimes be more challenging. However, with the introduction of smart technology, these losses can be tracked to confirm whether they are real or apparent.

At reservoirs and pumping stations, simple algorithms integrated into SCADA systems can assess the levels in the reservoirs against the incoming and outgoing flows, as well as monitor the ground around the external edges of the structures using automated sensors.

Within the pipes themselves, solutions such as in-pipe acoustic resonance technology can be applied. This technology uses a sensor that travels inside the pipe with the flow, using acoustics to identify changes in sound and anomalies in the pipe wall, allowing further physical investigations to take place.

Other options include the use of noise correlators. These have recently been significantly improved in quality and, after being used in Germany for over 50 years, are now being used by a number of the UAE water providers. Noise correlators are non-destructive and non-invasive, using multiple microphones with acoustic technology to pick up the noise impact of leaks and determine their distance, hence pinpointing the leaks for repair. Similar technology can be used at specific isolation valves to listen for passing valves or unexpected water movement in the pipe.

At the distribution level, the establishment of DMAs (District Metering Areas), either during network design or developed retrospectively, when combined with smart property meters and connected SCADA systems, will allow real-time monitoring of the networks and assist in the identification of any non-revenue water in the distribution systems, including non-physical causes.

By integrating these options with the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based on real-time monitoring and the advancement of Digital Twins, network operators can transition to predictive maintenance. This involves identifying potential risk areas within networks and critical infrastructure. Consequently, any situations that could result in breaks or water loss, such as elevated water pressures, can be recognised and pre-emptively addressed before these breaks arise.

As a priority, every new transmission network must include a permanently installed automated leak detection system using technology such as acoustic or thermal to allow rapid identification and repair of leaks.

How else can we use technology to help mitigate water scarcity in the region?

Water in the GCC region is not always readily available at the required demand point, resulting in long transmission mains with inherent risks of water loss. This raises the question of why we are not exploring ways to produce more water locally or decentralise our water systems.

One such solution that the industry has been developing is the concept of "air to water" collection systems, which gather water from the air or morning dew using panels or nylon/polypropylene nets capable of collecting moisture. While these technologies are still in their early stages, they could potentially prove to be a great solution for some remote communities, reducing pumping costs and associated losses.

As a decentralisation tool, the localised retreatment of greywater must also be seen as critical. This not only reduces the per capita demand for the community where it is applied but also avoids additional pumping costs for water transportation to a treatment plant and unnecessary upgrades of installed networks while also minimising water losses during transportation from a treated source. In the Middle East region, treated greywater can be used for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing in suitably designed buildings, as well as car washing, patio washing, plant watering, or any other similar uses.

What are the main success factors that are critical for reducing the reliance on desalination in the GCC?

The main success factor will involve creating a much more circular water economy at the local level, whether for domestic, industrial, or agricultural water use. Achieving this will require financial support and fostering a broader understanding of the benefits of reducing water demand, encompassing both long-term financial gains and immediate sustainability and environmental benefits.

While many people possess the understanding and aspirations, they often find themselves constrained by financial limitations. In the energy industry, photovoltaic panels have been introduced to individual homes through subsidies, and similarly, in the water industry, we must consider providing subsidies for enhancing water systems and reducing water demand. Although new ideas and approaches might necessitate significant upfront investments, they often lead to cost savings over time due to improved water availability.

Despite the region's typically sparse rainfall, it is essential to conduct proper assessments to determine how rainwater can be retained and reused. In certain regions like parts of India, mandatory systems have been introduced to replenish aquifers during wetter seasons, ensuring that water remains accessible for extraction and treatment during dry periods. Although this approach might not be applicable to the entire GCC, some areas might find it beneficial to replenish the decreasing water availability from the ground.

The balance between education and regulation must also be carefully considered. While regulations can have a substantial impact and significance, their effectiveness is undermined without proper implementation. Frequently offering educational opportunities to homeowners, farmers, and industries will be equally valuable, as individuals can voluntarily adopt more sustainable solutions. With most people having access to personal technology, this can be an effective means of spreading these concepts to a wider audience at minimal costs.

To conclude…

Technology is integrated into everything we do. The introduction of simple solutions could reduce water demand in the region by as much as 25% for losses in networks or an additional 30% through the wholesale introduction of greywater. As new solutions underpinned by emerging technologies become more accessible, it’s essential to assess how we can use technology in the reduction of water demand through smarter, more circular approaches to water management.

Helen Bali is WSP in Middle East’s Head of Water. She leads a diverse team of water experts and engineers across the region to help governmental and non-governmental organisations develop and deliver smart water systems. Helen’s focus is on sustainable solutions that can address the water scarcity challenges in the region while also leveraging emerging technologies to improve water efficiency and reduce waste.