Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) will introduce advanced technologies in water distribution management to reduce leakage across its water network.
The initiative is a key element of the company's broader transformation roadmap, announced to coincide with World Water Week, taking place from 25-30 August 2024.
Cutting-edge technology
As part of its efforts to minimize water wastage, EtihadWE will deploy the latest technology, including SmartBalls and data loggers. These tools are designed to provide real-time alerts of potential leaks in the water distribution network. Equipped with sensors, SmartBalls travel within the pipelines and relay information about potential leaks, while data loggers continuously monitor the water flow and detect anomalies that could be indicators of a leak.
To further enhance leak detection, EtihadWE plans to install additional meters and reduce its coverage area. This approach, known as district metering, will enable more accurate leak detection by dividing the network into smaller zones. By closely monitoring these zones, even underground leaks can be quickly identified and addressed.
Addressing Non-Revenue Water (NRW)
As a desert country with limited freshwater resources, efficient water management is crucial in the UAE. A key focus is reducing non-revenue water (NRW) – water that is lost before reaching the customer due to equipment failures, inaccurate meter readings, etc. NRW represents a major challenge as it involves water that has already been desalinated and is in transit, and is poorly accounted for in terms of volume and revenue.
Alignment with the UAE Water Security Strategy
This effort is in line with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative, which emphasize sustainable and responsible water management. EtihadWE's NRW reduction efforts are a direct response to these national strategies and aim to increase the sustainability of the country's water resources.
The company is also nearing completion of a large-scale rollout of smart meters, furthering its goal of efficient water management and improved customer service.
Committed to water safety and efficiency
Eng Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of Etihad WE, commented: “Our plan to reduce non-revenue water is an essential part of our ambitious five-year transformation roadmap. By investing in cutting-edge technology and improving infrastructure, we aim to strengthen our network across the Northern Emirates and contribute to the UAE's national water security and sustainability goals.”
COO Engineer Abdullah Al Kemeili added: “The implementation of advanced monitoring and control technologies is essential to have proactive and accurate data on leakage rates. This is an important step in evolving our water management system and enhancing water security.”
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