4 min read
The issue of water security and supply across Australia is one of the most hotly debated and discussed environmental concerns.
Let’s consider some of the characteristics: record-low low rainfall, consistently above-average temperatures, dwindling rural water supplies, algal blooms, mass fish kills and water quality concerns in regional waterways.
All of this, combined with a growing demand on water supplies for agriculture, industry and sprawling urban and regional population growth, places immense pressure on the safe and reliable supply of potable and agricultural water for Australian communities.
Simultaneously, critical water infrastructure, built decades ago as town planning programs across the nation were in full swing, require significant capital investment to remain fit for purpose, are optimised and meet ongoing operational performance requirements.
It poses the question: are we at a tipping point?
Are environmental, economic and social impacts threatening the viability and future of Australia’s water networks, and the communities in which they serve? It’s an equation policy-makers at a local and federal level are still yet to deliver a futureproofed, let alone consistent, plan for.
With an optimistic lens, it’s a challenge that Veolia Australia and New Zealand sees plenty of opportunities within.
True collaboration between water authorities, utilities and operators to implement the right solutions as part of a holistic and considered approach will be instrumental in effectively addressing water security, supply and affordability. Let’s also consider the digital era we are now firmly embedded in. At a time when almost anything can be tracked in real time: meal deliveries, flights, that last minute grocery order, why not apply the same logic to water distribution?
Veolia is working with global and local customers to unleash the full potential of real-time data and analytics. Through Waternamics, codeveloped by Veolia as a platform to integrate all data sources managed by a water utility, utilities can benefit from an unparalleled level of situational awareness, whereby they are presented a global overview of operations.
Similarly, Veolia’s SWARM Buoy device conducts live measurements of water oxygen levels and uses a mathematical model to convert these measurements into an algal concentration. Meanwhile, machine learning has proven its worth in alternative industries and Veolia is currently exploring how these innovative techniques can help water utilities to improve their operations. These types of applications can help water utilities increase efficiencies and improve customer experience.
By working as a trusted partner, Veolia’s role is to provide clients with a vast network of technical solutions which can also supplement and provide alternative water sources to relieve pressure on natural water storage.
Are you ready to rethink water?
If so, Veolia has a range of solutions designed to meet your operational priorities.
Speak to one of our experts today. Contact us at https://www.veolia.com/anz/contact-us