Pioneering technological innovations, along with collaborative partnerships, are leading the way in addressing the current global water crisis. ATi UK’s Director, Garry Tabor, discusses the most creative approaches that are proactively safeguarding water quality for customer use.
Managing the quality of water from Source to Tap is the core responsibility of the water industry. Public health and regulatory compliance are of paramount concern, with customer complaints and emerging quality issues informing new key performance indicators.
Water companies are not only trusted to deliver water that is consistently safe for drinking, aesthetically acceptable and of high quality, they also need to manage complex interactions between chemistry and energy consumption.
Guardianship
The entire water industry has been entrusted with the responsibility of supplying vital water and wastewater services to communities, safeguarding water at all points on its journey from Source to Tap. We are also responsible for continually developing innovative solutions, with increased pressure from government regulators and stakeholders to manage these systems efficiently, effectively and in a transparent manner.
Until recently, utilities lacked the tools to manage our ageing water system and proactively manage water quality from source to the end user. However, advances in digital technologies are now enabling better knowledge, system hygiene, more efficient monitoring, diagnostics and more targeted investments, along with intelligent system management.
Source To Tap Water Quality Solutions
Through ATi UK’s ongoing Source to Tap philosophy, we are more committed than ever to continue developing new and innovative solutions to ensure the guardianship and protection of water. This commitment has led to us to being the only company able to provide an intelligent and sustainable Source to Tap journey, thanks to our industry-leading range of water quality monitors, including the pioneering MetriNet – the first smart, modular multi-parameter monitor for distribution networks. These solutions provide no-compromise water quality monitoring in service reservoirs, pipes, valves, meter chambers and hydrants, along with measuring right through to the end user.
Intelligent solutions create real-time awareness of water quality throughout the cycle and suggest optimal control mechanisms to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality water, reducing the risk of compliance violations and customer complaints.
Surveying Networks with ‘Lift & Shift’ Technology
Utilising this technology, a pioneering new project is currently underway, which has seen a major water company investing in ATi’s surveying ‘Lift and Shift’ tools, NephNet, ChlorNet and SiteBox. This equipment is deployed in various controlled problem areas, with the data helping to identify problems and pinch-point locations. Following data analytics, the ‘Lift and Shift’ equipment can then be moved to the next priority area, while permanent solutions using MetriNet, in partnership with close technology providers, are then installed. The permanently installed MetriNet and collaborative technology solutions then use dedicated apps to pull the data from each area together to deliver real insight and value.
Embracing these new technologies and employing them in legacy infrastructures will help water companies extract deeper insights on their pipeline networks and enhance operational efficiencies. Collaborative, intelligent, networked systems will not only help identify issues such as leaks, but will also improve operational tactics, promote conservation and help minimise consumption.
Strategic Approach
Due to this pioneering approach, ATi is trusted by UK water companies to deliver reliable, accurate and low maintenance process water control, with long running framework agreements in place. This strategic approach is providing water companies with high-powered, smart tools to ensure the energy-efficient delivery of high-quality water to the community.
This joined-up solution is designed to offer customers simplicity, range, low risk and sustainable water quality from Source to Tap, continuing to make a lasting difference in the lives of the communities that water companies serve.
These solutions also help utilities make progress on the problems that matter most: water accessibility, environmental sustainability, resilience and affordability. It gives decision-makers a structure for environmental issues, collaboration and sharing information for setting priorities.
Moving forwards, the industry needs solutions that allow water suppliers to effectively monitor pipelines in real time. ATi UK has developed and identified how data from these smart sensors can give water companies a much-needed boost in their efforts to move towards a truly smart water quality network.
