News from clients

 With sector-wide recognition that a step-change is required to deliver the environmental improvements required by all stakeholders, a new year brings fresh opportunities for supplier and water company collaboration, writes David Frost, chief executive of Ovarro.
 
A smarter approach to network management is now non-negotiable for the water and wastewater industry, which has historically been conservative in the adoption of data-led solutions. The good news is that at all levels, this is now clearly recognised; commitments have been made and mechanisms put in place to enable innovation and collaboration in 2022.
 
During 2021 it became clear that communities have ever-strengthening connections with their local water environment.  Any detrimental impact this industry, or any other, may have on the quality of rivers and seas is no longer acceptable in the eyes of customers.
 
This is reflected in the intense scrutiny from regulators, politicians and the media we have seen over the past 12 months, most recently in the Parliamentary Committee on Water Quality in Rivers, in measures set out in the Environment Bill and the government’s Storm Overflow Evidence report.
 
Ofwat’s PR24 performance commitment document PR24 and beyond, published in November 2021, recognises that an outcomes-based approach to PR24 will include pollution incidents and environmental performance.
 
The Environment Agency’s latest environmental performance report  also made clear its expectation for a “trend to zero serious pollutions”. The agency says it will always seek to hold those responsible for environmental harm to account, with the report noting fines for environmental offences were starting to reach the same level as the highest fines for crimes in financial services. 
 
We can expect more scrutiny in the year ahead - customer priorities are changing and expectations will only increase, as concluded by research published by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), in July 2021. 
 
Ovarro has worked collaboratively with utilities to monitor their water and wastewater networks for more than 30 years. It is these close partnerships that allow our R&D teams to respond to specific industry needs and challenges, meaning we are able to support utilities with their environmental protection commitments.
 
One way in which we are doing this is through BurstDetect, a cloud-based early-warning system that detects rising main sewer bursts. This new technology was developed in collaboration with UK utilities, in direct response to the urgent challenge to reduce pollutions. Cost-effective and sustainable, the technology transforms existing data into actionable insight, while increasing real-time and predictive capabilities.
 
Across all areas of business and operations, having the correct technology and processes in place will set the stage for the water sector to regain customer and regulatory trust and,  most importantly, ensure greater protection of treasured watercourses not only in 2022, but for decades to come.
 
For more information: Ovarro.com/BurstDetect

Renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur and bestselling author Paul Hawken has been announced as a keynote speaker at global water technology event BlueTech Forum 2022.
 
A respected global voice on environmental sustainability and climate change, Hawken has consulted with heads of state and industry leaders and has spoken about his work on media platforms worldwide. He has written eight books that have been published in 50 countries, selling more than two million copies.
 
His latest, Regeneration, Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, published in September 2021, offers a visionary new approach to climate change. It is accompanied by online platform Regeneration.com, that has the most complete listing of climate solutions in the world.
 
Hawken says: “Our approach to reversing climate change differs from other proposals. It is based on the idea of regeneration. Our concern is simple - most people in the world remain disengaged, and we need a way forward that engages the majority of humanity.
 
“Regeneration is an inclusive and effective strategy compared to combating, fighting or mitigating climate change. Regeneration creates, builds and heals. Regeneration is what life has always done, we are life, and that is our focus. It includes how we live and what we do everywhere. We have a common interest, and that interest can only be served when we come together.”
 
Hawken’s solutions-led vision aligns with the theme of BlueTech Forum 2022 - Radical Collaboration for Regeneration. The forum, hosted by BlueTech Research, takes place in Vancouver, Canada, on 7-8 June.
 
BlueTech Research founder and chief executive Paul O’Callaghan said: “What struck me about Paul’s work, is the message of hope and optimism.
 
“His seminal work, Drawdown, was a practical can-do guide on ways to reverse global warming. Positive and solutions-oriented, it resonated very strongly with me, so I reached out to Paul to discuss how we can take a similar approach to solving the water crisis.
 
“I was delighted and honoured when he graciously accepted our invitation to provide a keynote address at BlueTech Forum. The audience represents a powerful community of change-makers and this keynote will send a very intentional message.” 
 
Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, with nearby Science World as the reception venue, forum organisers are building an immersive and inspiring experience to bring the story of water to life and ensure enduring impact.
 
The interactive programme will include workshops, end-user sessions, roundtable discussions and the BlueTech Innovation Showcase, with sessions centering on key research themes such as water quality, decentralised innovations, creative communications, circular cities and the road to zero.  Guests will have the opportunity to participate in in a hands-on team activity, involving the creation of nature-based solutions, to leave a lasting positive impact on the water environment of Vancouver.
 
 
More information is available at https://www.bluetechforum.com/

Smart water network specialist Orbis Intelligent Systems is growing its team with the appointment of Kevin Brook as sales director. Orbis and sister company Aquam Water Services have developed a range of technologies that offer real-time data on consumer water usage, network efficiency and pipeline condition that can be used to optimise networks.
 
Brook, who has already taken up the role, said, “I’m very excited to be a part of the new Orbis team, which is delivering smart technology solutions. We have the tools ready to make a positive impact on water balance in the distribution network by providing the critical data required by utilities.”
 
Accurate data acquired through Orbis Intelligent Systems’ suite of smart technologies can help water utilities target maintenance programmes and reduce leakage, water discolouration and pressure abnormalities, reducing risk of service failure. They can also alert on network tampering and illegal usage, and measure customers’ water consumption.
 
Brook is an experienced sales director with a strong track record in the water technology sector over a 25-year career.
 
Phil Walker, chief executive of both Orbis and Aquam Water Services, which also offers a standpipe hire service to UK utilities, said, “This is an exciting time for Orbis as we support utilities and municipalities globally via our range of innovative data-rich technologies. I couldn’t have more confidence in Kevin as the right person to take our ambition forward.”
 
Orbis Intelligent Systems and Aquam Water Services merged in 2020 under the ownership of Cadence Equity Partners. Orbis is a US-registered company based in San Diego CA, supplying products and services to the US market. Research & development and manufacturing for the European market is based at the head office of UK-registered sister company Aquam Water Services in the city of Derby.

• British Water continues “transformative” mentoring partnership
• Christmas reception brings women together
• Leadership coach Sheila Campbell-Lloyd and Jacobs director Susan Moisio to speak

 
British Water’s unique Women on Water campaign continues to build momentum, with the renewal of a successful mentoring programme and the announcement of an in-person networking reception.
 
The trade association has, for the second year, signed up as a member of the pioneering 30% Club, a cross-company mentoring programme which aims to support the career progression of women in business. This follows the success of the first round of mentoring sessions in 2020, an experience which one mentee described as “transformative”.
 
Ten more mentors and 10 mentees selected by British Water are in the process of being matched by programme delivery partners Moving Ahead. The 2021 scheme is taking place under the Mission INCLUDE programme, launched by the 30% Club to broaden its focus beyond gender, with targets centred on bringing greater ethnic diversity to top management positions.
 
British Water led the industry by launching Women on Water in 2018, to support women with their careers and personal development. Mentoring has been a key element of the campaign.
 
Thompson said: “We joined forces with the 30% Club in 2020, with support from Xylem, and have had fantastic feedback from our first cohort of mentors and mentees.
 
“Inspiring, transformative, invaluable and empowering - these were just some of the terms used by our mentees to describe what the experience meant to them.  One mentee even told us she had been promoted thanks in part to the interview training her mentor had given her.
 
“This kind of outcome is exactly why we joined the programme and is why we are proud to have signed up for another year - and by opting to be part of Mission INCLUDE, we have opened up the opportunity to all under-represented groups across all levels.”
 
The 30% Club is a global campaign led by chairs and CEOs taking action to increase gender diversity at board and senior management levels.
 
Women from both the first and second cohorts of mentors and mentees will be guests at British Water’s Women on Water Christmas reception, which takes place in London on 9 December, hosted by new sponsor, global solutions provider Jacobs.
 
The event will provide opportunities to network and increase connections, with a keynote to be delivered by leadership coach Sheila Campbell-Lloyd, managing director of Inner Works coaching consultancy, who will present on “finding your voice”.
 
Jacobs global water director Susan Moisio will also be among speakers. She said: “Jacobs is committed to enabling diversity and equality globally. Through our strategic relationship with British Water, we are delighted to support Women on Water and its vision of ‘empowering empowered women’.
 
“This important industry initiative aimed at increasing opportunities for women and those from under-represented groups directly aligns with Jacobs’ business imperatives and is something I am very passionate about. The Christmas reception will provide a valuable platform for the Women on Water community to reconnect in person, hear inspiring stories, meet career allies and celebrate achievements.”

Global organisations that have blazed a trail of innovation to conserve and enhance water resources and embed sustainable processes have been recognised for their pioneering work.
 
Corporations including Carlsberg and Google, along with organisations such as utilities, have been named as recipients of the 2021 Lighthouse Awards. Now in their second year, the awards come from the Brave Blue World Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to scientific and educational water-inspired storytelling.
 
The winning Lighthouse organisations, named so because they are shining a light for others to follow, have developed new ways of using technology, finance or partnerships, including circularity in their practice, to reduce their impact in water-stressed regions, or build resilience in their local water systems.
 
Brave Blue World Foundation founder Paul O’Callaghan said: “The Lighthouse Awards honour the pioneers who are embracing water innovation to make tangible changes within their organisation or community.  It is also an opportunity for us to raise greater awareness of the remarkable work happening in the global water community.
 
“The achievements of our 2021 recipents show us what is possible when bold ambitions are supported and enabled. We are proud to celebrate the stories of these visionaries who are showing us the way to a sustainable water future.”
 
The award selection process, carried out by adjudicators from technology market intelligence company BlueTech Research, was based on a number of criteria and split into project themes.
These included blue-green infrastructure, water reuse, partnerships & communication, nature-based solutions, regeneration, water catchment and circular economy.
 
The Lighthouse Awards were launched by the Brave Blue World Foundation in December 2020, following the release of its documentary Brave Blue World, which highlights the urgency of the global water crisis and the pioneers who are building sustainable solutions.  
 
The recipients of the Lighthouse Awards 2021 are:
 

• Anheuser-Busch InBev - Amunas: revaluing ancestral heritage to protect water in Peru
• Anglian Water - low-carbon sustainable agriculture
• Carlsberg  - the world’s most water efficient brewery  
• CEPT Rayapuram and DuPont Water Solutions - zero liquid discharge at Tirupur textile factory, India
• Google - seawater cooling system, Hamina Data Centre, Finland 

Honourable mentions:

• Totem Games - water 2050 video game
• Isla Urbana – rainwater harvesting in Mexico City’s informal settlements

Learn more about some of the inspiring 2021 Lighthouse winners in these case examples:
 
Winner: CEPT Rayapuram and DuPont Water Solutions
 
Project: Zero liquid discharge at Tirupur textile factory, India
 
The city of Tirupur is known as India’s leading cotton knitwear centre and textiles capital, accounting for over 90% of the country’s exports in this sector. In 2011, water issues reached a critical level in the region. The city’s inhabitants could tell which shades were in fashion from the colour of the river. The groundwater in the region was tainted and farmers were causing salinisation of the land from irrigation.
 
CEPT Rayapuram partnered with 12 others and embarked on a long hard road to solve water issues from the textile sector. They worked with DuPont Water Solutions to achieve zero liquid discharge to the environment. 
 
Textile wastewater is extremely difficult to treat and today CEPT Rayapurum meets 90% of its water needs from recycled water, while salts are also recovered and reused in the dyeing process.  This has led to savings on the volume of water used to wash and dye textiles and is relieving rivers of dye-polluted discharge, while protecting agricultural interests. This project has slashed the cost of environmental compliance and is a forerunner in setting a positive example in the region.
 
Winner: AB InBev
 
Project: Amunas – revaluing ancestral heritage to protect water in Peru
 
Over the past two years, multinational drink and brewing company AB InBev has begun the restoration of ancient water channels in Lima, Peru. These amunas, as the channels are called, are pre-hispanic water harvesting systems that may have been used by the Andean Wari culture as early as 700AD. AB InBev has undertaken this project to revalue the knowledge and legacy of Peruvian ancestors and ancient water systems.
 
The company’s ambition is to restore 67km of amunas which have been mapped out across the Lima highlands, a region with high water stress. In 2020, AB InBev successfully restored more than 4km; throughout 2021, they have completed restoration of another 10km, which is currently generating more than one million cubic meters per year in the Rimac basin, a critical potable water source for the Lima and Callao regions. The project also contributes to the hydraulic recharge of a local aquifer and is protecting the ecosystem by avoiding soil erosion, enhancing the soil profile and recovering native vegetation. 
 
The restoration of the amunas is done hand-in-hand with the community, creating jobs and strengthening its capacities in operation, maintenance and monitoring, as well as enhancing economic activities, such as agriculture, livestock and tourism. This project has taken a very holistic approach to water issues by contributing to Lima´s water security, economy and guaranteeing fresh water for future generations.
 
Winner: Carlsberg 
 
Project: The world’s most water efficient brewery  - Frederica, Denmark  
 
Carlsberg, the world-renowned brewer, has recently opened a water recycling plant which has made its Fredericia brewery in Denmark the most water efficient brewery in the world. In the Frederica brewery, 90% of the process water is recycled, this will halve water use from 2.9hl per hl of beer to just 1.4 hl/hl, saving around 500 million litres of water a year.
 
By processing the water to generate biogas and recirculating hot water, the plant is also expected to cut brewery energy consumption by around 10%. The learnings will support Carlsberg to reach its target to virtually eliminate water waste globally by 2030. 
 
This project is a moon-shot example of circular economy in food production where recycled water is used to clean production facilities and biogas is produced. Carlsberg understands that without water, there is no beer. This brewery is now coined the world’s most water efficient brewery and is without doubt the model of the future.
 
Winner: Google
Project: Seawater cooling system, Hamina Data Centre, Finland 
Tech giant Google is using seawater in the cooling system of its Hamina Data Centre to reduce potable water use. The Finnish site was originally a papermill, built in the early 1950s.


For this initiative, raw seawater is taken directly from the Gulf of Finland and run through a repurposed seawater tunnel – built for the original papermill. It then goes through heat exchangers which use direct exchange to dissipate the server load heat from the data centre. The seawater is then returned to a tempering building, which takes in fresh seawater, mixes it with the outgoing warmer water, returning it to the Gulf at a temperature similar to that at the inlet.
 
This process enables the site to use 100% natural seawater cooling, making it one of Google’s most advanced and efficient data centres globally. The project is one of several examples of Google analysing unique characteristics of data centre sites and looking at the geography, existing infrastructure and local climate to design a custom solution to ensure the most efficient cooling and power infrastructures possible. 
Inspiring stories from more of our 2021 Lighthouse organisations can be seen at https://www.braveblue.world/awards-2021