Water & Wastewater Asia May/June 2024

MAY / JUNE 2024 

www.waterwastewaterasia.com

Since its founding on 12 May 2009, PWNT has 

provided innovative water treatment technologies 

for clients who require high quality drinking water 

output with low long- term operating costs. 

Through extensive R&D programmes, we 

have developed efficient and sustainable solutions in 

water treatment based on suspended ion exchange 

(SIX®), In-Line Coagulation (ILCA®), ceramic 

membrane applications (CeraMac®) and advanced 

oxidation - applications that can be used for a wide 

variety of water sources. 

Celebrating 

Successful Water 

Innovations & 

Partnerships 

All our solutions offer lower life-cycle costs, greater 

efficiency and much lower environmental impact. We 

work closely with our clients to create optimal results 

and strongly believe in partnering with highly 

recognised universities and globally respected 

companies. 

Celebrating our 15th anniversary, we invite you to 

learn more about our history of successes and 

innovative technologies at: 

www.pwnt.com 

We take this opportunity to thank our Clients, Partners 

and Staff for our successes worldwide, including: 

CeraMac® C-90 : Hampton Loade WTW, South Staffs 

Water, United Kingdom, 210 MLD (56 MGD) 

Once completed in late 2024 , this will be the world’s 

largest ceramic membrane WTW 

CeraMac® C-90 with Ozone : Choa Chu Kang WTW, PUB, 

Singapore, 180 MLD (47.6 MGD) 

The world’s largest ceramic membrane WTW to-date 

SIX® and CeraMac® C-90 

Andijk III WTW, PWN, 

The Netherlands, 

120 MLD (32 MGD) 

SIX®, ILCA®, and CeraMac® C-90 

Mayflower WTW, South West Water, 

United Kingdom, 

90 MLD (23.8 MGD) 

PWNT Holding B.V. - KvK No: 62905910 

Nieuwe Hemweg 2, 1013 BG Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

T: +31 314 749 000 | E: info@pwnt.com 

CeraMac ® C-19 

Bonnycraig WTW, Scottish 

Water, Scotland, 

4.5 MLD (1.2 MGD) 

CeraMac ® C-37 

Sonnenberg WTP, 

ewl energie wasser luzern, 

Switzerland, 

30 MLD (8 MGD) 

© PWNT, 2024

BORN WHERE VALUES 

ARE VALUED. 

THE 6X ® – THE NEW 

RADAR LEVEL SENSOR 

VEGA Instruments (SEA) Pte Ltd 

25 International Business Park, #04-52 German Centre, Singapore 609916 

• Tel: +65 65640531 • Fax: +65 65675213 

• Email: sales.sg@vega.com • Website: https://www.vega.com/en-sg 

Visit us at Singapore International Water Week 2024. Booth: B2-N07

CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

15 

22 

33 

04 Editor’s note 

05 News 

52 SWA newsletter 

74 What’s next? 

76 Advertisers’ index 

SINGAPORE FOCUS 

11 Revolutionising water 

quality monitoring and 

management 

IN CONVERSATION WITH 

13 “Wastewater as a mirror of 

society” 

16 Delivering digital 

transformation in Beijing 

and beyond 

18 Grundfos: 40 years of 

pioneering water solutions 

in Singapore 

20 “Our success is built on 

partnership” 

21 “At least 70 million 

Americans get their water 

from a system where toxic 

PFAS are found” 

24 “China has taken a strong 

stance on wastewater 

treatment” 

IN THE FIELD 

27 Davao city, Philippines, 

moves to fixed network 

leakage monitoring 

29 A blueprint for Environment 

Act water quality monitoring 

— River Kent project in the 

UK 

31 Managing pressure in 

Mongolia with new and 

existing automatic control 

valves 

FOCUS 

33 GeneCount Nitrifiers 

Collection provides new 

insight into wastewater 

analysis 

38 The sustainable benefits 

of ceramic membranes in 

water treatment processes 

40 Combatting wastewater 

spillages with reliable 

flow measurement and 

analytics 

43 Smart water solutions’ 

common myths debunked 

45 Neptune’s performance 

in industrial wastewater 

treatment 

HOTSEAT 

48 PUB celebrates winners of 

three water awards 

50 Veritas Water’s pragmatic 

approach to reducing NRW 

losses 

ON OUR RADAR 

56 Fight corrosion in concrete 

potable water structures 

with MCI 

57 Cla-Val’s Cla-Tools: Free 

software suite to analyse 

valve assets 

SHOW PREVIEW 

60 Singapore International 

Water Week 2024 Special 

71 Pump and Valves Indonesia 

2024 for the pump, valve 

system and equipment 

industry 

SHOW REVIEW 

72 Webinar: Enabling smart 

water operations with 

Yokogawa’s future-ready 

digital platform 

2 Water & Wastewater Asia | May-June 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE 

Make waves and make way 

for Singapore International 

Water Week 

The biennial Singapore International Water 

Week (SIWW) is finally upon us. This edition 

of Water & Wastewater Asia is a special 

one, covering a global water event on home 

ground. In the buildup to this event, I had 

the opportunity to speak to Lee Kuan Yew 

Water Prize (LKYWP) 2024 laureate Prof 

Gertjan Medema, attend the Singapore 

Watermark Awards (SWMA) and network 

at the recent AsiaWater tradeshow in Kuala 

Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Selected out of 88 nominations this year, 

Prof Medema is the 10th recipient of the 

LKYWP honoured for revolutionising 

the application of wastewater-based 

epidemiology (WBE) in detecting virus in 

wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic 

(p. 13). Before learning about his work, 

I did not think twice about the waste 

flushed down the toilet. However, Prof 

Medema sees wastewater as a reflection 

of society, telling us a lot about the health 

of our bodies. Instead of overlooking 

these insights, he uses wastewater as 

a metric to detect diseases in it. In his 

words, wastewater surveillance is “seeing 

the bottom of the iceberg”. The laureate’s 

discovery shifted my perspective, and I am 

sure it will make you think twice when it 

comes to human ‘waste’. 

The SWMA is part of part of PUB efforts to 

water demand management, and I spoke 

to Amazon Global water sustainability 

lead Will Hewes, Mee Toh School principal 

Wang-Tan Sun Sun and SSMC CEO Lim 

Soon about achieving the nation’s highest 

accolade. Flip to page 48 to find out how 

each of these organisations advances 

water sustainability in their own unique 

ways. 

I met a few familiar faces at AsiaWater last 

April, who will also be attending SIWW. In 

this special issue, WWA has featured 13 

water companies that will present at the 

water expo, showcasing its technology and 

projects. For instance, Gardner Denver has 

its next generation BM-200 high speed 

MagLev blower, which is said to be quieter, 

with energy-saving operation throughout 

the entire flow range. Local startup 

TeamSolve will present Lily, its artificial 

intelligence (AI) assistant/ co-pilot, at the 

ImagineH20 pavilion. AERZEN will also 

present its integrated blower solutions for 

wastewater technology. You can read this 

exclusive show preview from page 60-69. 

As we make way for the global platform 

to share and co-create innovative water, 

coastal and flood solutions, the industry 

continues to be one that pushes boundaries, 

foster collaboration and advances the water 

sustainability agenda. I cannot wait to see 

what will make waves next. 

Amira Yunos 

Amira Yunos 

Assistant Editor 

PABLO SINGAPORE 

William Pang • Publisher 

williampang@pabloasia.com 

Amira Yunos • Assistant Editor 

amira@pabloasia.com 

Pang YanJun • Business Development Manager 

yanjun@pabloasia.com 

Goh Meng Yong • Graphic Designer 

mengyong@pabloasia.com 

Shu Ai Ling • Circulation Manager 

ailing@pabloasia.com 

PABLO BEIJING 

Ellen Gao • General Manager 

pablobeijing@163.com 

PABLO SHANGHAI 

Daisy Wang • Editor 

pabloshanghai@163.net 

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4 Water & Wastewater Asia | January-February May-June 2024 2023

NEWS 

Singapore wins 

two awards at Global 

Water Awards 2024 

Aerial view of Changi 

WRP (Image: PUB) 

Singapore’s national water agency 

PUB snagged two awards at the Global 

Water Awards 2024 held in London, UK 

on 16 Apr 2024. Singapore’s Changi 

Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) was 

conferred the ‘Wastewater Project of 

the Year’ award, while the Jurong Island 

Desalination Plant (JIDP) clinched the 

distinction award in the ‘Desalination 

Plant of the Year’ category. 

The Global Water Awards is presented 

annually to recognise the most 

important achievements in the 

international water sectors. In a 

statement, PUB chief executive Ong 

Tze Ch’in said, “We are grateful for 

this recognition by the global water 

industry, as it affirms PUB’s continuing 

journey of innovation and excellence.” 

CHANGI WRP 

Changi WRP was conferred the 

‘Wastewater Project of the Year’ award 

in recognition of its innovative practices 

in reducing its physical footprint. It is 

one of the largest and most advanced 

water reclamation facilities in the 

world. This is PUB’s second win in this 

From left: Christopher Gasson, managing director of Global Water Intelligence; Low Pei Chin, chief 

engineer, water reclamation (plants) department, PUB; Gerry O’Toole, director of water, Jacobs; 

Susan Moisio, global vice-president – water, Jacobs 

category following the Ulu Pandan 

Integrated Validation Plant in 2018. 

Commissioned in 2008 as part of the 

Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) 

Phase 1 project, the plant boasts a 

compact design as it was constructed 

partially underground. At Changi WRP, 

the used water treatment facilities are 

stacked to optimise space, allowing it 

to occupy a third of what conventional 

WRPs would require. 

Its Phase 2 expansion project, which 

is scheduled for completion by 

end-2024, will increase the plant’s 

used water treatment capacity 

from 176MGD to 246MGD — the 

equivalent of more than 440 

Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

The increase in capacity will be 

achieved through the construction 

of a fifth treatment train, a 

separate wet weather facility 

(WWF) and the installation of 

advanced membrane bioreactor 

(MBR) equipment. 

Upon completion, Changi WRP will 

be Singapore’s largest MBR facility. 

MBR is a three-in-one solution 

that combines conventional 

bioreactors, secondary 

sedimentation tanks and 

microfiltration (MF)/ ultrafiltration 

(UF) in one single stage. This 

allows downstream NEWater 

processes to be simplified with 

reverse osmosis (RO) membranes 

and UV disinfection, negating the 

need for MF. The filtrate obtained 

from MBR is also of higher quality, 

improving the overall lifespan of 

RO membranes and producing 

less biosolids. This will help PUB 

achieve a more efficient and 

reliable used water treatment 

process, while also optimising 

Water & Wastewater Asia | May-June 2024 5

NEWS 

the subsequent NEWater treatment 

process. 

The other nominees in ‘Wastewater 

Project of the Year’ category were 

Romania’s Glina Wastewater Treatment 

Plant (WWTP) expansion, the Shenzhen 

Fuyong WWTP (Phase 2) in China and 

Kuwait’s Umm Al Hayman WWTP. 

JIDP 

Singapore’s latest and fifth desalination 

plant, the JIDP — which opened in 2022 

— picked up the distinction award in the 

‘Desalination Plant of the Year’ category, 

losing out to Saudi Arabia’s 3A Jubail 

Independent Water Plant. 

JIDP’s co-location with the Tembusu 

Multi-Utilities Complex (TMUC) allows it 

to share resources with the power plant 

in TMUC. JIDP draws electricity directly 

from the adjacent power plant at TMUC, 

reducing the energy consumption 

by 5% as compared to conventional 

desalination plants, translating to annual 

energy savings sufficient to power 

nearly 1,000 HDB households. 

Modular systems were created in 

different areas of the desalination 

process and prefabricated offsite to 

simplify and speed up the completion 

of JIDP. The operations at the plant are 

highly automated to reduce operator 

workload, allowing for more streamlined 

operations that can be controlled 

from the main control room. JIDP also 

incorporates advanced water treatment 

equipment and membrane technologies 

such as dissolved air flotation, UF, 

and RO, enabling the plant to further 

optimise the desalination process. 

The other nominees for this award, 

which recognises a desalination plant 

for the most impressive technical or 

ecologically sustainable achievement 

in the industry, are Mexico’s Cabo San 

Lucas Plant and the Shoaiba 4 seawater 

reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility in Saudi 

Arabia. 

SINGAPORE’S WATER 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

Used water treatment and desalination 

are key elements of Singapore’s 

integrated water management. 

Singapore has closed the water 

loop through the treatment of used 

water for NEWater production, 

while desalinating seawater is one 

of Singapore’s four national taps. 

NEWater and desalinated water 

— the republic’s third and fourth 

national taps introduced in 2002 

and 2005 respectively — are 

weather-resilient sources that 

strengthen water security amid 

climate change. PUB chief executive 

also added that with climate change, 

PUB will need to continue improving 

the nation’s water infrastructure and 

operational efficiency. 

Aerial view of JIDP 

(Image: Tuas Power) 

Marc Luttikhuis steps down as CFO at NX Filtration 

Global provider of direct 

nanofiltration (NF) technology for 

water NX Filtration has announced 

that CFO Marc Luttikhuis will step 

down as per 30 Jun 2024. 

board Carolina Wielinga said, “We are 

grateful for Luttikhuis’ contributions 

to the growth and professionalisation 

of NX Filtration’s finance function over 

the past two years.” 

Luttikhuis and the supervisory 

board have jointly decided that 

he will pursue his career outside 

NX Filtration. Chair of its supervisory 

“We are looking forward to soon 

announce his successor to shape the 

next stages of NX Filtration’s growth 

journey,” she added. 

CFO Marc Luttikhuis 

will step down as per 

30 Jun 2024 (Image: 

NX Filtration) 


NEWS 

Hydroleap partners with Biocare in Philippines 

Singaporean water technology 

company Hydroleap has partnered 

with Biocare Health Resources, 

an in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) 

distributor in the Philippines. 

Hydroleap will power CYCLEAN — 

a flagship product of Biocare’s new 

environmental division ENVISOL 

— which is a chemical-free 

wastewater treatment that meets 

regulatory effluent standards, 

minimises environmental impact, 

and advances sustainable water 

management across various 

industries in the Philippines. 

This collaboration is a first for 

Hydroleap in the Philippines, as it 

deploys advanced electrochemical 

solutions for efficient wastewater 

treatments across the country. 

In collaboration with Biocare, 

Hydroleap will bring these 

technologies to the grassroot 

levels impacting local 

communities. Utilising electrical 

energy to remove contaminants 

from water and wastewater, it 

also aligns with environmental 

regulations in accordance with 

the Department of Environment 

and Natural Resources (DENR) 

administrative order of 2016-08. 

centres, and hospitality companies. 

Backed by investors including 

Real Tech Holdings, Mitsubishi 

Electric, Wavemaker Partners, 500 

Global, Singapore government and 

the state government of Victoria, 

Australia, Hydroleap embraces 

the use of low-energy consuming 

deep technologies for water and 

wastewater treatments in the 

industrial sector of the Philippines. 

Conventional methods of wastewater 

treatments involve the use of 

inefficient and labour-intensive 

legacy practices involving the use 

of chemicals that are harmful to the 

environment. 

Unfortunately, industrial and refuse 

often end up in the tributaries 

and major waterways causing 

adverse environmental and social 

effects. The Philippines is facing 

a water crisis with some 11 million 

families lacking access to clean 

water. Industrial operations, 

including pharmaceutical and 

medical facilities and commercial 

buildings, consume large amounts 

of freshwater and generate 

massively polluted wastewater, in 

the process, increasing the strain 

on already limited water resources. 

Effective wastewater treatment and 

management for water-intensive 

industries is thus, one of the key 

aspects of tackling the issue. 

CEO and founder of Hydroleap Dr 

Mohammad (Moh) Sherafatmand 

said that the intent in this 

partnership with Biocare to bring 

its electrooxidation (HL-EO) 

and electrocoagulation (HL-EC) 

technologies to the Philippines is “is 

to leverage industry best practices 

in water and wastewater treatments 

to help alleviate the water stress in 

the country”. “Coupled with Biocare’s 

commitment to sustainability 

and providing local insights, we 

hope to set new benchmarks in 

water conservation efforts in the 

Philippines,” he added. 

Through solutions that are 

automated, robust and 

cost-effective, Hydroleap’s 

electrochemical techniques can 

reportedly reduce up to 95% 

pollutants present in industrial 

wastewater and lessen the water 

discharges by 80% in the cooling 

towers. 

This proactive approach to 

environmental stewardship 

demonstrates how partnerships 

between technology companies 

and industry leaders can lead to 

positive outcomes for communities 

and the environment. 

Biocare will further extend 

the market for Hydroleap to 

healthcare establishments 

such as government hospitals, 

barangay clinics, and mobile 

hospitals; F&B establishments 

from small cafes to MNCs; retail 

From left: Alexander 

Crisostomo, 

president of Biocare; 

Jennifer Crisostomo, 

vice-president 

for operations 

of Biocare; Dr 

Mohammad (Moh) 

Sherafatmand, 

founder and CEO of 

Hydroleap; Carla Yco, 

product manager 

for Biocare and 

project manager for 

ENVISOL 


NEWS 

Nanostone Water secures US$30m 

for global expansion in water 

filtration solutions 

Water technology and solutions 

company Nanostone Water (NSW) 

has secured a US$30m investment 

to accelerate its expansion 

worldwide. This investment will help 

NSW transform both municipal and 

industrial urban water treatment, 

where declining water quality and 

physical space limitations challenge 

traditional infrastructure and 

methods. 

Its CEO Jürgen von Hollen said, 

“This investment highlights our 

investors’ confidence in our 

business performance and growth 

potential based on our unique and 

compelling market position.” 

True North Venture Partners is 

investing $30m to support NSW 

growth plans. Through its investment 

in its ceramic membrane technology, 

True North aims to transform the water 

treatment landscape by providing 

cost-effective municipal and industrial 

water filtration solutions that are 

robust, safe, and efficient in treating 

the most challenging water sources. 

Mike Ahearn from the venture 

added, “Our investment reflects a 

Leveraging this investment, NSW is set to advance 

its ceramic membrane technology, tackling water 

contamination in space-constrained urban settings 

(Image: NSW) 

strong commitment and belief in the 

company, its ambitious plans, and the 

execution expertise of the Nanostone 

team under Jürgen’s leadership.” 

Brioche Pasquier entrusts 

Veolia with new wastewater 

reuse unit 

French industrial pastries company Brioche 

Pasquier has partnered with utilities 

company Veolia to meet its wastewater 

reuse needs at its site in Les Cerqueux, 

France. The new installation, operational 

since September 2023, allows for the reuse 

of 3m 3 /hr of wastewater as cooling water for 

its cooling towers. 

Brioche Pasquier has entrusted Veolia Water 

— a Veolia subsidiary specialised in water 

treatment for industries for over 30 years 

— with the implementation of a packaged 

treatment plant to reuse the wastewater 

it generates. Veolia will operate it for two 

years. 

The facility, located at Brioche Pasquier 

HQ in the Pays de la Loire region, allows 

the manufacturer to be 100% compliant 

with water quality requirements in the 

food industry. Serving as a pilot unit for 

Hydrex water 

treatment chemicals 

(Image: Veolia) 

its other production sites, the water 

treatment solution is instrumental in 

Brioche Pasquier meeting its sustainable 

development goals (SDGs), limiting its 

impact on the water resource by reducing 

its consumption. Overall, this installation 

is said to save 85% of the drinking water 

used for cooling the factory, which 

represents 18,000m 3 /yr. The treated 

wastewater that is not recycled in the 

plant is used for agricultural irrigation. 

With a capacity of 3,000L/hr, the facility 

features a customised pretreatment using 

filtration and a reverse osmosis (RO) stage 

including a Sirion Advanced Pro, allowing 

for the production of high-quality industrial 

process water, eliminating up to 98% of 

dissolved inorganic materials and more than 

99% of dissolved organic materials, colloids 

and particles. Veolia’s Hydrex chemicals which 

optimises the performance of utilities and water 

treatment assets, complete the unit. 


NEWS 

Ecolab partners with ITE to 

harness water management 

knowledge for data centres 

in Singapore 

ITE CEO Low Khah Gek and Ecolab senior vice-president and market head of South East 

Asia Gregory Lukasik signed a MoU on 29 Apr 2024 (Image: Ecolab) 

Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, and 

Institute of Technical Education (ITE) have 

signed a Memorandum of Understanding 

(MoU) to collaborate on knowledge transfer, 

education, and hands-on experience in the 

field of water management and sustainable 

operations. 

Nalco Water will deliver lectures on data 

centre specific topics such as water reclaim, 

reuse, and recycling, as well as sustainable 

design, maintenance practices, and artificial 

intelligence (AI) in data centre operations. The 

partnership entails a knowledge exchange 

programme, with learning opportunities and 

practical water management applications. 

Nalco Water will provide a learning online 

portal accessible to students and will 

include training modules covering water 

fundamentals, water safety, safe chemical 

handling, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, and 

analytical field testing. The programme will 

benefit current student engineers working in 

the data centre industry. 

Gregory Lukasik, senior vice-president and 

market head of South East Asia, Ecolab, 

said, “Ecolab recognises the vital role 

of data centres in supporting the digital 

infrastructure. In Singapore, our expertise 

helps data centres implement water-efficient 

technologies and sustainable practices, 

aligning with the nation’s commitment 

to water conservation while meeting the 

demands of a digital-driven economy.” He 

added that the partnership with ITE will 

cultivate the next generation of talent in water 

management and environmental sustainability. 

For ITE CEO Low Khah Gek, this collaboration 

aims to catalyse positive change across the 

industry and society by providing some 200 

‘work-study diploma’ trainees with access 

to educational resources and hands-on 

experiences in sustainable water management 

and water auditing. 

The Singapore Green Plan 2030 supports 

collaboration between private organisations 

and institutions to drive innovation in data 

centre technologies and enhance overall 

sustainability, according to Poh Li San 

— Member of Parliament representing 

Sembawang West and Deputy Chairperson of 

Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) 

for Sustainability and Environment. 

Xylem recognised for US$1bn revolving 

credit facility in sustainable finance 

Global water technology group Xylem has 

been recognised for its $1bn revolving 

credit facility in sustainable finance. 

Awarded ‘Sustainability-linked loan of the 

year, Americas’ by Environmental Finance 

magazine, the credit facility ties the 

facility fee and interest rates to Xylem’s 

performance against its 2025 sustainability 

goals. 

Targets include measuring and reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) across 

the company’s operations and supply chain, 

and enabling customers’ carbon footprint 

reduction with Xylem products. 

Xylem established leadership in sustainable 

financing in 2019 when it executed its 

$800m revolving credit facility — the first 

of its kind in the US general industrial 

sector. In 2020, the company adopted a 

green finance framework, under which it 

completed a $1bn green bond offering. 

The proceeds of the bond were allocated 

to green projects that improve water 

accessibility, water affordability, and water 

systems resilience. In 2021, Xylem launched 

an ESG-linked demand deposit account 

with Goldman Sachs, tying the interest 

earned on deposits to progress against its 

2025 sustainability goals. 

Environmental Finance commended Xylem 

for its comprehensive supply chain impact 

and overall sustainability progress. ING, 

one of a syndicate of lenders that arranged 

the credit facility, also noted the company’s 

sustainability leadership. 

“Xylem is at the leading edge of sustainability, 

and this award is a testament to that,” 

Ana Carolina Oliveira, head of sustainable 

finance Americas at ING, said. “The company 

continues to raise the bar, increase ambition, 

and deliver positive impacts at the corporate, 

supplier, and customer levels.” 

Claudia Toussaint, senior vice-president, 

chief people and sustainability officer at 

Xylem said, “In addition to addressing our 

company’s footprint, we see enormous 

opportunity to advance customers’ 

sustainability progress through technology. 

In doing so, we drive value for our customers 

and their communities, and for our capital 

market participants.” 

Xylem will release its 2023 sustainability 

report in May. 


NEWS 

SUEZ signs contract for 

wastewater treatment 

with Maynilad to clean 

Manila Bay, Philippines 

Under the auspices of the Philippine 

government, French based utility company 

SUEZ and Maynilad — the Philippines’ largest 

private water concessionaire — will spearhead 

a wastewater treatment project, establishing 

the Central Manila Sewerage System (CMSS) 

water reclamation facility to fast-track Manila 

Bay’s rehabilitation. 

Launched in January 2024 and set to 

commission in 2027, the CMSS project aims 

to enhance the lives of around 1 million people 

across a 2,820-hectare area. 

The project will leverage SUEZ’s technologies 

— Cyclor Turbo — in the treatment process. 

These compact technologies will support the 

facilities within a limited space to save land 

while also reducing overall environmental 

footprint through low power consumption. 

(Image: SUEZ) 

“The CMSS is one of the major projects 

that Maynilad is pursuing in line to help 

rehabilitate and protect the Manila Bay,” said 

president and CEO of Maynilad Ramoncito 

Fernandez. “Through this monumental 

undertaking, we aim to enhance quality 

of life by ensuring cleaner waterways and 

healthier communities.” 

Manila Bay is said to be at the centre of 

economic activity in the country. However, 

years of untreated sewage discharge and 

accumulation in the bay have rendered it one 

of the country’s most polluted water bodies. 

Located in the port area of Manila, the 180 

million litres per day treatment facility will 

ensure that the treated wastewater will 

comply with Philippines’ Department 

of Environment and Natural Resources 

(DENR) effluent regulations, comparable 

to EU standards. The rehabilitation 

will also impact Laguna lake which is 

connected by the Pasig river and a key 

source of drinking water for millions in 

the region. 

In addition, SUEZ will undertake the 

rehabilitation of the decades-old 

Tondo sewage pumping plant, and a 

conveyance system will be constructed 

as part of the CMSS to convey raw 

wastewater from customers to the 

treatment facility. 

LANXESS new ion exchange resin for water softening 

LANXESS is adding Lewatit S1567 Scopeblue 

to its portfolio of ion exchange resins. The 

strongly acidic cation exchange resin — which 

the specialty chemicals company produces in 

a solvent-free process — is used for softening 

drinking water in industrial plants and in 

standard household filter cartridges. 

The monomer used in Lewatit S1567 

Scopeblue is styrene — which is derived 

from renewable or waste-based feedstocks 

— namely tall oil fatty acids. This makes it 

possible to replace more than 90% of fossil 

raw materials and reduce the CO2 footprint 

by up to 76% compared with conventionally 

produced resins. 

The LANXESS site in Bitterfeld, Germany, 

received ISCC PLUS certification in January 

2024, a requirement for offering the resin as 

a Scopeblue variant. 

The LANXESS Liquid Purification 

Technologies (LPT) business unit has 

been offering various Scopeblue grades in 

addition to its conventional Lewatit resins 

since November 2022. For this purpose, 

the ion exchange resin production at the 

Leverkusen site was ISCC PLUS certified at 

the beginning of 2022. The current product 

range includes three weak acid cation 

exchangers (WAC) based on acrylate and 

one strong acid cation exchanger (SAC) 

based on polystyrene. 

Dr Stefan Neufeind, head of LPT technical 

marketing, said, “With our new Scopeblue 

products, we are, for the first time, offering 

Lewatit S1567 Scopeblue is characterised by its high 

resistance to disinfectants (Image: LANXESS) 

ion exchange resins with improved carbon 

footprint, underlining our role as a pioneer in 

climate-friendly solutions.” 



Revolutionising water quality 

monitoring and management 

NEED OF REAL-TIME AND 24/7 

INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE 

Industrial activities across diverse sectors, 

ranging from mining and metallurgy 

to electronics and manufacturing, rely 

heavily on the utilisation of heavy metals. 

These metals — including nickel, lead, 

mercury, cadmium, and chromium — serve 

indispensable roles in numerous processes. 

However, their discharge into sewage 

systems can precipitate adverse 

consequences. Heavy metal-laden effluents, 

if left unchecked, pose risks to aquatic 

ecosystems and public health. Additionally, 

high concentration of heavy metals into the 

sewage system constitutes the leading cause 

for disturbance of wastewater treatment 

processes. Any unforeseen upsets in the 

water reclamation plant (WRP) process due 

to toxicity may cause adverse effects to the 

downstream processes such as NEWater 

plants and may also violate the effluent 

discharge limits at the outfall. Hence, the 

development of upstream toxicity sensors 

before toxic compounds are released into 

the biological treatment process at the 

WRPs is of prime interest, which could 

avoid or minimise the adverse effects on 

the biological activity in an activated sludge 

process caused by influent toxicity. 

Monitoring heavy metal discharge in 

real-time also helps industries assess and 

manage potential risks associated with their 

operations. By having up-to-date information 

on water quality, companies can implement 

proactive measures to prevent accidents 

or mitigate the consequences of any 

unforeseen events. To this end, EnvironSens 

— National University of Singapore (NUS) 

spin-off — have developed an intelligent 

integrated biosensor (I2BioS) system which 

detects toxicity in used water. I2BioS is 

developed as a sustainable source control 

method for online and continuous monitoring 

of toxicants in the used water network. 

Working process of I2BioS 

ENVIRONSENS SOLUTION 

EnvironSens solution, I2BioS, operates based 

on the principles of bio-electrochemistry, 

offering a unique approach to detecting 

heavy metal contamination in water sources. 

According to Dr Shailesh Kharkwal, 

co-founder and CEO of EnvironSens, the 

electrochemically active bacteria on the 

anode surface of I2BioS metabolise organics 

and produce electrons. The flow of these 

electrons between the anode and cathode 

surfaces through an external circuit generates 

an electric current, which is measured as 

the voltage output. When the bacteria are 

exposed to toxicants, this normal electron 

transport metabolism is inhibited, leading 

to an immediate drop in voltage signal. This 

characteristic enables I2BioS to provide 

easy-to-measure signals and fast responses, 

offering early warnings for the detection of 



1 

accidental or illegal discharge and protecting 

downstream biological treatment at WRPs. 

The standalone I2BioS system — a global 

technology — provides an end-to-end 

solution for utility operators. It detects 

toxic contaminants in trade effluents 

using embedded algorithms, facilitates 

instant toxic sample collection through 

a designed in-house autosampler, offers 

online surveillance with transmitting alerts, 

and provides online data. EnvironSens has 

undergone extensive R&D, as well as field 

trials, to develop and deploy I2BioS industrially. 

In the initial phases of development from 

2010-2013, spike tests were conducted at 

NUS laboratory, followed by validation at 

the Tanjong Penjuru pumping station from 

2013-2015. In the subsequent phase from 

2015-2018, a compact version of I2BioS was 

developed and installed at 15 industrial trade 

effluent sites in Singapore. 

EnvironSens was established as a startup 

in 2018 to commercialise the technology 

through a larger-scale demonstration project 

involving 100 units of commercial I2BioS 

systems across the island. During this project, 

the system’s design, algorithm, and cost 

were further improved. The skid mounted 

lab-scaled I2BioS developed in the initial 

phase was refined into a standalone compact 

system after technological and design 

improvements. In 2021, EnvironSens secured 

a commercial project from Singapore’s 

National Water Agency PUB to install an 

additional 75 I2BioS units, along with a 

five-year operation and maintenance (O&M) 

plan. The installed I2BioS units have reported 

1 Newater House 

operates nearly 

autonomously 

2 One of the installed 

I2BioS units at 

SAWACO Vietnam 

numerous incidents of heavy metal discharge 

limit breaches into the sewage network, 

alerting PUB officers. Additionally, I2BioS 

is integrated with a web-based Internet of 

Things (IoT) dashboard for real-time access 

to information from sensors installed at 

various industrial sites, enhancing operational 

efficiency and maintenance processes. 

OVERSEAS PROJECTS 

EnvironSens — with its heavy metal sensor 

I2BioS — has garnered interest from water 

utilities worldwide. Government organisations 

such as SAWACO in Vietnam, Manila Water in 

the Philippines, the National Mission on Clean 

Ganges in India, and the Ministry of Ecology 

and Environment in China have expressed 

interest in adopting I2BioS for their respective 

projects. 

EnvironSens has made strides in its overseas 

ventures, having completed trials in Vietnam 

and China. These trials have demonstrated 

the effectiveness and reliability of I2BioS in 

detecting heavy metals in water sources. 

Currently, the company is engaged in 

ongoing discussions for the implementation 

of commercial installations with these 

organisations. The adoption of EnvironSens 

technology by such entities underscores its 

efficacy and potential to address pressing 

2 

environmental challenges, particularly in 

ensuring the safety and quality of water 

resources. This international recognition 

and interest further solidify EnvironSens’ 

position as a leader in environmental sensing 

technology. 

LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE 

PROSPECTS 

EnvironSens’ collaboration with various 

stakeholders including government 

organisations, water utilities, and research 

institutions have facilitated knowledge sharing, 

access to resources, and broader acceptance 

of innovative solutions. Technology plays a 

role in transforming water quality monitoring 

and management practices. EnvironSens 

recognises the power of technology in 

providing real-time data, early warning 

systems, and remote monitoring capabilities, 

enabling proactive decision-making and 

resource allocation. The company is poised 

to make a global impact by applying lessons 

learned from overseas projects to address 

water quality issues worldwide. By expanding 

its reach and collaborating with international 

partners, EnvironSens aims to contribute to 

sustainable water management practices on a 

global scale. 

Images: EnvironSens 



“Wastewater as 

a mirror of society” 

Prof Gertjan Medema, principal microbiologist at the KWR 

Water Research Institute and Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 

(LKYWP) 2024 laureate, curbs COVID-19 spread in the 

community through wastewater surveillance. 

By Amira Yunos 

UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY 

CONNECTS WATER AND HEALTH 

SECTORS 

Dutch microbiologist Prof Medema 

is the 10th recipient to receive the 

LKYWP, which honours outstanding 

contributions by individuals or 

organisations towards solving 

the world’s water challenges by 

developing or applying technologies, 

policies or programmes which 

benefit humanity. He was selected 

out of 88 nominations this year. 

Awarded for his contributions in 

wastewater-based epidemiology 

(WBE), Prof Medema’s research 

has revolutionised the application 

of WBE for virus detection in 

wastewater during the COVID-19 

pandemic. “It is humbling to [receive] 

such a prestigious award, because 

I see there is a recognition [in] this 

research that is turning into public 

health practice,” he said. 

He will receive the prize — an 

award certificate, a gold medallion 

and a cash prize of S$300,000 by 

the Temasek Foundation — from 

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President 

of the Republic of Singapore, at an 

award ceremony on 18 Jun 2024. 

The 62-year-old will deliver a keynote 

lecture on 19 Jun 2024, during the 

Singapore International Water Week 

(SIWW) 2024. 

His discovery, however, began 

unexpectedly. 

According to the professor, he was 

amazed that the concept of detecting 

COVID-19 — a respiratory virus — 

in wastewater worked. The initial 

concern was that the coronavirus 

was waterborne, but this was quickly 

disproven. Research had already 

been ongoing for enteric viruses 

such as polio, so this discovery drove 

his team to explore further, and it 

was rapidly picked up by the global 

scientific community. 

Prof Medema and his team 

collected wastewater 

samples across the 

Netherlands to test for 

the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 

recognising the need 

for early detection 

and monitoring in 

the community. 

The virus was 

detected in the 

wastewater of 

several cities 

before cases 

were reported 

through 

clinical testing 

in those cities. 

“Take a composite 

sample of a community 

Prof Gertjan 

Medema 

Principal 

microbiologist 

at the KWR 

Water Research 

Institute and 

LKYWP 2024 

laureate 



that is served by a wastewater 

treatment plant and analyse it for 

this coronavirus.,” Prof Medema said. 

“The wastewater is a reflection of 

what is happening in the population; 

a mirror of society and a source of 

information on the virus.” 

Through his work in the application 

of WBE for virus detection in 

wastewater during COVID-19, 

wastewater surveillance has 

been established as a vital tool in 

safeguarding public health. His first 

publication had over 1,400 citations 

and more than 34,000 views from 

2020-2023. 

Furthermore, wastewater has been 

tested for SARS-CoV-2 in at least 

72 countries at over 4,000 reported 

sites, with Prof Medema himself 

connected to about 30% of these 

programmes directly. 

Reflecting on this breakthrough 

during the pandemic, Prof Medema 

said, “It was science in a pressure 

cooker where everything — from 

academia to application — happened 

so fast and needed to happen so 

fast, which was amazing to see.” 

“Wastewater surveillance is a 

renewal of the link between water 

and public health,” he added. “Not 

as a transmission route, but as an 

information source, and the bonds 

between the two sectors are crucial 

for further developing this system.” 

“EVERYBODY GOES TO THE TOILET 

BUT NOT EVERYBODY GETS 

TESTED” 

According to Prof Medema, 

wastewater surveillance is a rapid, 

non-invasive and unbiased metric 

to monitor an outbreak across 

a population. “With wastewater 

monitoring, we are given early 

warnings of virus emergence in the 

Wastewater surveillance is a renewal 

of the link between water and public 

health; not as a transmission route, 

but as an information source. 

Prof Gertjan Medema 

Principal microbiologist at the KWR Water Research Institute and 

LKYWP 2024 laureate 

community, and we can observe the 

trends of the virus transmission in 

the community,” he said. 

For him, wastewater is a population 

metric that allows one to see under 

the radar. At the tip of the iceberg is 

hospital data that one can analyse 

based on deaths and ICU occupancy, 

followed by test data which people 

with symptoms are tested. However, 

the virus has been elusive, especially 

for people with asymptomatic 

symptoms and those who do not 

show up for COVID-19 testing. 

“But they did go to the toilet and their 

virus did end up in the wastewater 

From left: Ryan Yuen, 

managing director, 

SIWW; Ong Tze-Ch’in, 

chief executive, PUB; 

Prof Gertjan Medema, 

LKYWP 2024 laureate; 

Dr Pang Chee Meng, 

director, water quality 

department, PUB 



which we could pick up,” Prof 

Medema said. “We could see the 

bottom of the iceberg by looking 

into wastewater.” 

IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA 

Today, many countries are 

adopting this surveillance 

infrastructure to monitor 

additional infectious diseases. 

The laureate advises the World 

Health Organization (WHO) in 

evaluating scientific evidence and 

developing international guidelines 

for wastewater surveillance. 

He serves as an advisor for the 

European Commission on drinking 

water directives and water reuse 

guidelines. 

At the start of the COVID-19 

pandemic in Singapore in 2020, 

the National Environment Agency 

(NEA’s) Environmental Health 

Institute (EHI), in collaboration 

with PUB, Singapore’s national 

water agency, and others explored 

wastewater monitoring as an 

epidemiological tool and early 

warning system for outbreaks. 

Today, the wastewater sampling 

network covers more than 500 

sites across Singapore, with 

wastewater surveillance applied 

to monitor Zika transmission in 

February 2024. 

Prof Medema and his team plan 

to extend his research to detect 

illicit drug and chronic diseases in 

wastewater. In the Netherlands, the 

National Institute of Public Health 

is looking at its use to monitor 

virus such as polio, measles and 

influenza. 

He also leads a network of 

researchers and practitioners 

dedicated to using WBE as a tool 

for public health surveillance with a 

global wastewater observatory for 

pandemic preparedness. 

“If there are so many people 

that have embraced wastewater 

surveillance around the world, an 

observatory [would allow us to] see 

what is happening with infectious 

diseases around the world,” he said, 

adding the potential development of 

a tool to forewarn a next pandemic. 

“It is about bringing data together to 

harness the power of collaboration 

between the water sector and the 

public health sector.” 

For Prof Medema, one challenge 

of water surveillance is reaching 

to other parts of the world where 

resources are different. “That 

is where I see the money from 

the prize will be,” he said. “We 

will use it in our support to WHO 

for capacity building, especially 

in lower income countries, on 

the application of WBE for virus 

detection in wastewater.” 

Images: SIWW 

Ong Tze-Ch’in, 

chief executive, PUB 

congratulates 

Prof Medema 



Delivering digital 

transformation 

in Beijing and beyond 

Digital solutions demonstrate the potential to transform water systems. Beijing 

Drainage Group (BDG) — a contributor in Xylem’s recent paper: ‘Ripple Effect 

– A Movement Towards Digital Transformation’ — is part of the movement 

towards digital transformation. Xylem president of China and Asia Shuping Lu 

spoke to Yongtao Ge, BDG director of operations, about its strategies. 

BDG digital programme supports Beijing’s carbon neutrality targets of achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 

and becoming carbon neutral by 2060 (Image: BDG) 

Many utilities still struggle to embrace 

the power of digital. As you look across 

the global water industry, what are the 

main issues we face in accelerating 

transformation? 

Yongtao Ge: Digital transformation is not 

new. It has been on the agenda for more 

than a decade. However, few utilities have 

tapped into its potential, and many still 

lack an understanding of how to harness 

the power of digital to address challenges 

unique to their operations. As a result, 

they are hesitant in their approach. A 

lot of the issues come down to one 

fundamental question — “What exactly 

do you want to achieve?” An overall, big 

picture idea of the operational problem 

you are trying to solve is essential, but 

many water utilities are ambiguous 

about this. Without clarity, there is no 

strategy to underpin an effective digital 

journey. You need to have a framework. 

Only then can you collaborate with 

technology providers to design and 

implement smart solutions that drive 

transformation forward. 

BDG was one of the first utilities in China 

to propose the concept of an integrated 

treatment plant network. Can you describe 

your approach to digital and the importance 

of collaboration? 

Ge: When we started our three-year digital 

action plan for our sewage treatment plants 

back in 2016, there were few examples to 

learn from. As the project evolved, we looked 

at international best practices, leaning into 

the experiences of different utilities from 

around the world. We also developed close 

relationships with companies like Beijing 

Enterprises Water group, Beijing Capital 

group, Shenzhen Water and Environment 

group, and of course, Xylem. By combining 

our expertise, experiences and resources, 

we could move further, faster, and make real 

progress towards achieving a ‘treatment 

plant of the future’. We have already created 

different digital platforms to manage 

everything from flood prevention to chemical 

dosing for water treatment. We are still 

only at Smart Water 1.0, but with further 

innovation and collaboration, we can quickly 

move to version 2.0, 3.0, and beyond. 

How did you implement your digital action 

plan — what steps were involved? 

Ge: It took us three years to implement our 

digital action plan, but every step has been 

worth the investment. We started in 2019, 

and initially spent six months laying out 

what kind of smart water management we 



BDG has reduced 

energy consumption at 

its Wujiacun treatment 

plant by up to 15%, 

becoming a benchmark 

for low-carbon treatment 

plants in Asia 

(Image: BDG) 

“We have a lot done, but 

there is more to do. For 

us, innovation does not 

stop — it is a journey of 

continuous exploration 

and turning small 

ripples into big waves.” 

Yongtao Ge 

Director of operations, BDG 

needed — that initial idea of knowing and 

understanding the problem to be solved. We 

then curated a team of experts from across 

the business — people who were highly 

skilled in things like equipment management 

and automation control. We understand the 

importance of putting people at the centre 

of our digital strategy, and by including them 

at the ideation stage, they played a vital role 

in shaping the process. Then, we carried 

out a feasibility study. These were ideas and 

smart water management concepts that our 

team had identified, but we still had to find 

a way to implement them. So, we recruited 

a number of partners with a wide variety of 

capabilities to help us design and deploy the 

right solutions to realise our vision. It took 

more than a year, but we finally finished it in 

2022. We have a lot done, but there is more 

to do. For us, innovation does not stop — it 

is a journey of continuous exploration and 

turning small ripples into big waves. 

of the role digital can play in becoming 

more sustainable. For example, before we 

implemented our digital programme, the plant 

had a daily processing capacity of 80,000 

tonnes. Now, thanks to advanced solutions, 

we have increased our capacity by 20%. The 

plant can now process up to 10,000 tonnes 

per day. This level of optimisation is crucial 

to the sustainable operation of our treatment 

plant. We know we have the capacity to 

handle more pollutants and waste materials 

than ever before, which minimises risks to the 

environment. By combining digital technology 

with energy efficient equipment, we have 

also reduced energy consumption by 10-15%. 

As a result, our Wujiacun facility has become 

a benchmark for low-carbon treatment 

plants, and we plan on adopting similar 

approaches at our Fatou and Jiuxianqiao 

plants in the coming years. 

What is next for BDG in terms of advancing 

carbon neutrality goals through digital? 

Ge: BDG was the first utility in China to 

commit to ambitious carbon neutrality 

goals. Our roadmap consists of three parts 

— reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 

2025, reducing carbon intensity and carbon 

emissions by 40% by 2035, and achieving 

total carbon neutrality by 2050. We are on 

track to reach our 2025 goal this year — 

one whole year ahead of schedule. We are 

also building China’s first ever carbon neutral 

standard water reclamation plant. When it 

is completed, it will be the world’s largest 

treatment plant of its type, with a capacity 

to process up to 200,000 tonnes per day. 

For us, every lever we can pull to reduce our 

carbon emissions — no matter how big or 

small — paves the way for others to follow 

suit. 

BDG shows the value in taking an 

incremental approach to digital 

transformation. From a sustainability 

and carbon neutrality perspective, what 

other benefits has digital transformation 

provided? 

Ge: Sustainability plays a significant role 

in driving digital transformation. We have 

shaped our digital programme to support 

Beijing’s carbon neutrality targets of 

achieving ‘peak carbon’ emissions by 2030 

and becoming ‘carbon neutral’ by 2060. Our 

Wujiacun sewage plant is a great example 

Yongtao Ge 

Director of operations, BDG 

Shuping Lu 

President of China and Asia, Xylem 



Grundfos: 

40 years of pioneering water 

solutions in Singapore 

Grundfos group president and CEO Poul Due Jensen reflects on his family 

legacy, and how the world’s first water solutions company with approved 

net-zero Science-Based targets will continue to invest in R&D, 

partnerships, and talent. 


GRUNDFOS’ FAMILY LEGACY 

In 1984, Grundfos was the first 

international pump company to 

be established in Singapore. As a 

third-generation leader, CEO Jensen 

said that it was his father who 

internationalised Grundfos. “Taking 

that small little company that his father 

started into becoming the world’s 

largest pump manufacturer, that is 

legacy,” he said. With a global mindset, 

Grundfos saw opportunities in a city 

that was growing and planned to 

establish a hub for South East Asia. 

Today, its new Singapore Innovation 

Hub unveiled in November 2023 

brings Grundfos’ R&D capabilities 

closer to customers and the market, 

while serving as a platform for 

collaboration with industry partners, 

customers, and researchers to 

codevelop energy and water efficient 

smart solutions, particularly in 

cooling applications. 

The company’s solutions have also 

enabled landmarks such as Gardens 

by the Bay (GBTB), Marina Bay Sands 

(MBS) and Resorts World Sentosa 

(RWS) integrated resorts to optimise 

water and energy use. Grundfos’ 

solutions have also empowered over 

300 buildings to achieve gold rating 

and above under the Building and 

Construction Authority (BCA) Green 

Mark certification scheme. 

Starting with a small number of 

15-20 employees, Grundfos has 

grown to close to 200 employees 

in Singapore today. According to 

Jensen, Grundfos’ international 

Grundfos celebrates 

its 40th anniversary 

in Singapore 

(Image: Grundfos) 



Taking that small little company that his 

father started into becoming the world’s 

largest pump manufacturer, that is legacy. 

Poul Due Jensen 

Group president and CEO, Grundfos 

office here in Singapore is one of 

the most diverse. There were 25% 

women leaders in 2023, based on 

its sustainability report. “I noticed 

that the ethnic and gender diversity 

here is enormous, and young female 

talent is growing significantly,” he 

said. 

For the CEO, it has been Grundfos’ 

philosophy to hire local people, 

adding that the future is built by both 

the existing efforts of its team and 

the young talents brought into the 

industry. “They carry the blood, DNA 

and legacy of Grundfos. That is how 

we are growing and grooming the 

next generations to come.” 

“NO GREEN WITHOUT BLUE”: 

SUSTAINABILITY IN SINGAPORE 

AND BEYOND 

Grundfos managed to reduce 

its total CO2 emissions by 9.5% 

year-on-year (YOY), as well as 

reduce its own water withdrawal 

by 7% in 2023, based on its 

sustainability report last year. For 

Jensen, the water-energy nexus 

drives the future. “No green without 

blue,” he said, referring to the blue 

economy that cannot be overlooked 

in the green transition for a more 

sustainable global economy. 

Grundfos’ business model adopts 

pump circularity — which collects 

obsolete pumps and recycles as 

high a percentage as possible. Last 

year, Grundfos received 134,098kg 

of pumps through the takeback 

scheme, which represented a 

109% increase on 2022 figures. 

According to the CEO, there is 

a need to take pumps back as 

CO2 is released to demolish 

these products. Thus, to protect 

the environment, the end-of-life 

pumps are disassembled and 

sent for recycling, with some 

components separated and 

preserved so they can be reused 

in future products. “We have 

customers now requesting circular 

products, which is a sustainable 

way of working,” he said. 

Its takeback scheme also creates 

jobs for people with disability. “We 

have 2.8% of our staff working 

with some form of disability, some 

of whom are also helping with the 

dismantling of these products,” 

Jensen said. “Our people in the 

takeback programme can make a 

huge difference with what they do.” 

In Singapore, Grundfos 

collaborates to cocreate water 

and energy efficient smart 

solutions. “Innovation is the 

fundamental piece that will fill the 

future cocreation of our solution,” 

Eric Lai, its regional managing 

director, industry – APAC and 

country director for Singapore, 

said. “We are working closely 

with government agencies and 

institutes of higher learning 

to cocreate water and energy 

efficient solutions, focusing 

on cooling application, given 

Singapore’s and South East Asia’s 

tropical summer climate.” 

Grundfos Singapore’s country 

director also added that working 

with polytechnics and universities 

in Singapore will train young 

engineers with a mindset to develop 

sustainable solutions for the future. 

As an industry partner to Singapore 

Polytechnic (SP), Grundfos provides 

counsel on achieving a green 

campus, codeveloping smart 

solutions that support industries 

in their sustainability drive through 

collaboration, talent development, 

and sustainability education. 

Similarly, Grundfos’ partnership with 

Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) also taps 

on expertise to support sustainable 

urbanisation in South East Asia. 

Moving forward, Jensen’s vision is 

about setting higher standards for 

water and energy to help drive a 

better world. With a revamped brand 

promise established two years ago, 

its new endline ‘Possibility in every 

drop’ expresses the company’s 

collective belief to respect, protect 

and advance the flow of water. As 

a solution technology provider, its 

products — through technology and 

innovation — make the difference. 

“Every time one of our products is 

installed, we do make a difference to 

the world,” the CEO said. 

Poul Due Jensen 

Group president and CEO, Grundfos 



“Our success 

is built on partnership” 

SUEZ is on a mission to help the dynamic South East Asia landscape be 

more agile, resilient and innovative, according to Farchad Kaviani, managing 

director of South East Asia, SUEZ. He adds that partnership and knowledge 

transfer is a key strategy in this region. 


160-YEAR-OLD COMPANY, 70 YEARS IN 

ASIA 

When asked about his observations in the 

region, Kaviani — who has been living in Asia 

since 2007 — said, “If I have to summarise 

in one sentence, I would say a remarkable 

evolution of the water sector in South East 

Asia.” 

Since 1953, SUEZ has underlined its 

commitment by bringing sustainable water 

management and environmental services to 

the region. According to Kaviani, the region 

has big potential. Despite facing increase in 

water pollution due to population growth and 

rise in industrial activities, the SUEZ leader 

said that his company is responding to meet 

the higher demands in water resources here. 

“We are doubling our efforts in several 

countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, 

Indonesia and Thailand,” he said, adding 

that there is a need for diversification of 

the water sources in this region in issues of 

desalination, stormwater management, and 

flood management. 

“For me and for us, the only way to tackle 

the regional problems is to have a look in the 

whole value chain,” Kaviani said. Knowing 

all the components of the value chain helps 

SUEZ to better serve its clients. According 

to the managing director, the complexity 

of these requirements such as needing the 

plant to be compact and energy-saving, for 

instance, requires an integrated solution. 

“Sustainability is one of the pricing issues, 

along with innovation and R&D,” he said. 

The director pointed out that the cost of 

operations due to old technology used in 

South East Asia is a major problem. “In some 

areas, you can reach 30-40% water loss due 

to water leaks. Our technologies help detect 

and repair the leak to better manage this 

issue,” he said. 

Furthermore, to meet the new stringent 

water regulations today, water authorities 

in South East Asia have incorporated both 

SUEZ technologies and its integrated 

approach. “It is not just about digital 

solutions. It is also the way to operate the 

plant, the way to optimise the plant, the way 

to upgrade the plant.” 

“How do we help authorities fight against 

water pollution? How do we propose reliable 

infrastructure which will also face the needs 

of tomorrow?” These questions guide the 

SUEZ leader to tackle water challenges in 

South East Asia. 

Beyond innovation, SUEZ is also looking 

closely at the industrial park market to meet 

the demands of water treatment due to 

population growth in South East Asia. For 

example, there is a boom of industrial parks 

development in Vietnam. “SUEZ has about 

20 industrial parks in Asia in operation today 

where wastewater is managed at different 

scales based on our customers’ needs,” he 

said. “We also have industrial projects in 

major cities like Shanghai and Chongqing.” 

“All over South East Asia, we are looking 

to invest, build and operate these water 

treatment plants and of course, bring 

solutions to preserve resources and treat the 

pollution both in upstream and downstream,” 

the managing director said. 

SUEZ PARTNERSHIP CULTURE 

Another critical factor to push his aspirations 

in the region is partnership. “Being a trusted 

partner is very important for us to continue 

[serving] the region,” Kaviani said. “We have 

been able to build partnerships with our 

[Asian] clients — industries, municipalities, 

and authorities — and we help them grow and 

resolve the issues they are facing today.” 

“If you look on the Internet, there are hundreds 

of companies providing solutions for water 

and wastewater,” he added. “But what is 

differentiating us is that the willingness to be a 

partner to build something together. This is the 

only way to tackle the needs that technology 

alone cannot solve. It is one of the tools, but 

we need to sit and build it together.” 

Farchad Kaviani 

Managing director, South East Asia, SUEZ 



“At least 70 million 

Americans get their water 

from a system where toxic 

PFAS are found” 

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalised its 

anticipated maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS 

in drinking water. This update will have lasting effects on public 

drinking water providers nationwide, as well as in other countries 

developing their own PFAS standards. 

By Mike DiGiannantonio, attorney, SL Environmental Law Group, 

and Ken Sansone, senior partner, SL Environmental Law Group 

What are the EPA drinking water 

standards for PFAS? 

Mike DiGiannantonio: While long 

expected, the announcement of 

the EPA’s final national drinking 

water standards for PFAS will 

pose challenges for public water 

systems throughout the country. 

Complying with these rigorous 

standards will entail costs, likely 

stretching well into the future as 

these entirely manmade ‘forever 

chemicals’ continue to persist in the 

environment. We remain committed 

to assisting our water utility clients 

in their efforts to ensure that the 

manufacturers of these chemicals, 

and the products containing them, 

bear as much of these costs as 

possible. The finalisation of PFAS 

MCLs is the latest step in the EPA 

PFAS strategic roadmap — a plan the 

agency created to guide its efforts 

to manage these contaminants in 

water and the environment. The new 

EPA water regulation designates 

both non-enforceable MCL goals 

(MCLGs) to protect public health and 

enforceable MCLs for specific PFAS 

compounds. The final levels are seen 

in Fig. 1. 

What are the implications of the finalised 

MCLs for drinking water systems? 

Ken Sansone: Now that the rule has been 

promulgated, water systems must follow 

Fig 1 



a five-year implementation timeline. 

It is important for utilities to begin 

planning and responding as soon as 

possible, as monitoring windows will 

begin immediately. Initial monitoring 

for PFAS in drinking water must be 

completed between 2024 and 2027. 

If a utility has already conducted 

PFAS testing under EPA’s fifth 

unregulated contaminant monitoring 

rule (UCMR5) or other monitoring 

rules, it may be able to save time and 

resources by using the previously 

collected data to satisfy the EPA’s 

initial monitoring requirements. 

During the next phase, which will 

span 2027-2029, water systems 

will have to publish their initial 

monitoring results in consumer 

confidence reports (CCRs) — also 

known as annual water quality 

reports — distributed to all 

ratepayers. Regular monitoring for 

compliance must also begin at this 

time, with testing results published 

in each year’s CCR. In addition, any 

violations of monitoring and testing 

requirements must be reported 

through public notices during this 

period. 

In 2029, PFAS MCL compliance 

will be fully enforced. Public 

notice will be required for any 

Whether a water provider is part of the settlements 

or decided to opt out, it is advisable to act quickly 

to avoid missing out on funding opportunities and 

protect its community’s water quality. 

Mike DiGiannantonio 

Attorney, SL Environmental Law Group 

MCL violations by this time, and 

quarterly monitoring requirements 

will continue to ensure ongoing 

compliance. After the initial 

monitoring period, some utilities may 

be able to reduce their compliance 

monitoring schedules to once per 

year or once every three years, 

depending on their previous 

sampling results. 

How widespread is PFAS 

contamination in public drinking 

water? 

DiGiannantonio: Due to the ubiquity 

of PFAS in industrial and consumer 

products and their resistance to 

biodegradation, these chemicals 

have infiltrated drinking water 

supplies throughout the country. The 

EPA estimates that at least 70 million 

Americans get their water from a 

system where toxic PFAS are found 

at levels that require reporting, 

and that 4,100-6,700 systems will 

need to install new PFAS treatment 

systems, find new water sources, 

or take other action under the new 

drinking water standards. 

Considering the widespread 

presence of these contaminants, it is 

important for water systems to take 

swift action to assess their PFAS 

situation if they have not yet done 

so. By starting now, utilities can take 

action to ensure compliance with the 

new EPA drinking water standards, 

protect public health, and mitigate 

financial repercussions. 

What is the cost of regulatory 

compliance? 

Sansone: If testing reveals the 

presence of regulated PFAS 

compounds in drinking water 

sources, that source is not alone. 

It is advisable for water systems 

with PFAS detections to begin 

seeking sources to cover the cost of 

advanced water treatment solutions 

as early as possible, as funding 

opportunities may be missed. 

The costs of PFAS water treatment 

can be significant. The EPA 

has forecasted the nationwide 

compliance costs for water 

providers at around US$1.5bn/year. 

Potential expenses include 

upskilling operators, installing new 

treatment technology, and retaining 



consulting engineers. Several 

federal initiatives may help soften 

the blow of this financial impact. 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure 

Law (BIL) has allocated $9bn 

for communities with drinking 

water impacted by PFAS and 

other emerging contaminants. An 

additional $12bn in BIL funding is 

available for general drinking water 

improvements. Unfortunately, the 

national cost estimates and the 

allocated funds do not quite match. 

Who will pay for cleanup? 

DiGiannantonio: Many water 

systems across the country 

have opted to seek to hold PFAS 

manufacturers responsible for 

their role in contaminating drinking 

water. Through the legal process, 

water providers can seek to 

protect the rights of their utilities 

and ratepayers, recovering the 

funds needed to build new water 

treatment facilities, monitor 

contaminant levels, and pay for 

other management needs. The 

current 3M and DuPont PFAS 

settlements for public water 

providers are one potential source 

of funding. However, the process 

can be complex and lengthy, and 

settlement payouts may not address 

all legal claims and funding needs. 

For utilities that opted out of the 

settlements, litigation against 

3M and DuPont will be the only 

avenue to recover costs from these 

manufacturers. 

— water providers will not receive 

settlement payments and will be 

ineligible to pursue litigation against 

3M and DuPont over PFAS water 

contamination. It is advisable to seek 

legal counsel from a law firm with 

experience in water contamination 

litigation to explore all available legal 

options, avoid potentially costly 

mistakes, and determine the best 

path forward. 

What is the potential for new 

regulation and how that process 

could play out at both the state and 

federal level? 

Sansone: As the milestones in the 

EPA PFAS strategic roadmap are 

completed, including anticipated 

finalisation of national PFAS 

regulations, clean water agencies’ 

leaders may be wondering how 

the new rules will affect them and 

what they can do to prepare. Once 

enacted, the EPA’s latest regulatory 

developments are expected to 

impact not only drinking water 

providers but also the publicly 

owned treatment works (POTWs) 

that manage wastewater across the 

country. 

The EPA has designated the 

common PFAS compounds 

perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) 

and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid 

(PFOS) as ‘hazardous substances’ 

under the Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability 

Act (CERCLA), more commonly 

known as the Superfund. The EPA 

hazardous material designation 

would increase transparency 

around the releases of these 

chemicals to help hold polluters 

accountable for contaminations. 

In addition, the EPA has also 

proposed adding PFOA, PFOS, and 

seven more PFAS compounds to 

the list of ‘hazardous constituents’ 

under the Resource Conservation 

and Recovery Act (RCRA). 

The combined effects of these 

regulations would create a financial 

burden for many POTW systems. 

By staying up to date on regulatory 

developments and exploring 

potential treatment options and 

funding sources, POTWs can be 

ready for the changes to come. 

Whether a water provider is part 

of the settlements or decided 

to opt out, it is advisable to act 

quickly to avoid missing out on 

funding opportunities and protect 

its community’s water quality. 

This is especially time-sensitive 

for those systems that are part 

of the settlements: if claims are 

not submitted by their deadlines 

— which are expected to be set 

for the second half of June 2024 

Ken Sansone 

Senior partner, SL Environmental Law Group 

Mike DiGiannantonio 

Attorney, SL Environmental Law Group 



“China has taken 

a strong stance on 

wastewater treatment” 

Energy Recovery’s China sales director Ping Zuo gives her insights into the 

growth of the wastewater market in China, breaking into new markets, and 

how her customers’ needs vary across China and beyond. 

Ping Zuo and 

members of Energy 

Recovery’s water 

business unit at the 

Energy Recovery 

2023 Winter Gala 

You have been in the water industry 

for over 20 years, what changes 

have you seen in that time? 

Ping Zuo: I joined Energy Recovery’s 

sales team 18 years ago and 

worked for a water technology 

Original Equipment Manufacturer 

(OEM) before that. Back then, 

there was more of an emphasis on 

seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) 

desalination, and the Chinese 

government announced strong 

policies around carbon emissions. 

We saw a growing interest in 

our PX Pressure Exchanger to 

bring down energy costs and 

those emissions. Now, China 

has also taken a strong stance 

on wastewater treatment and 

manufacturing, so there has 

been a big growth in wastewater 

treatment, and a variety of new 

markets are opening up. We have 

seen success in lithium mining 

and batteries, for example, and 

there are many other new verticals 

that we believe will be a source of 

growth in wastewater treatment. 

Can you tell us more about the 

impact of wastewater regulations in 

China? 

Ping: The regulations had a 

substantial impact; China has been 

strengthening its water programme 

for some time now, so there has been 

a holistic shift towards protecting 

and increasing our water supply. 

Wastewater regulations are just 

one part of that, but it has been 

effective at motivating customers to 

incorporate wastewater treatment 

into the overall manufacturing 



process. End users are not only 

developing their wastewater 

treatment operations, but they are 

also moving towards minimal liquid 

discharge (MLD) and zero liquid 

discharge (ZLD) and that trend will 

have a major positive impact on our 

local water supply. 

When the market shifted, how 

did you take advantage of the 

opportunity and introduce your 

products to a new customer base? 

Ping: When you are entering a 

new market or region, getting the 

first reference is critical to gaining 

customers’ trust. We work closely with 

all of our partners, from customers to 

consultants to engineers, but part of 

our initial strategy was to go directly 

to the end user to educate them on 

our PX Pressure Exchanger and its 

energy saving benefits to generate 

interest. Once we were able to get 

the end user on board, we worked 

with consultants and designers on 

the primary design to demonstrate 

how to incorporate the PX and utilise 

it in their system. We worked with the 

plant designers on everything from 

the model, design, troubleshooting, 

and reviews to make sure that 

projects are a success. 

It is important to make a good first 

impression and protect your relationship 

with the customer so that you can 

demonstrate the product’s benefits in a 

real-world application. 

Ping Zuo 

China sales director, Energy Recovery 

Ping Zuo presenting 

at the 2023 Qingdao 

international water 

conference and expo 

The first reference is especially 

important. In desalination we had an 

established reputation, but a lot of 

our wastewater partners were not 

familiar with us. So, every time we 

introduce a new product or enter a 

new market, it is important to make a 

good first impression and protect your 

relationship with the customer so that 

you can demonstrate the product’s 

benefits in a real-world application. 

In the case of the PX, the product 

significantly reduces energy 

consumption while preserving system 

reliability, meaning that customers 

can cut their energy costs, reduce 

their carbon emissions, and preserve 

system uptime. It has benefits to their 

bottom line and helps them meet 

environmental regulations, so once we 

proved that the product performed as 

well as we claimed, customers started 

to believe in the value of the product 

and continue using it. Plant engineers 

are risk-averse and if they know that a 

system or a product works well, they 

will reuse it in the future. 

As the wastewater treatment 

industry has grown, has that 

changed the way you approach your 

job? 

Ping: Our energy recovery devices 

and pumps work in both desalination 

and wastewater treatment 

applications — the products and 

the benefits do not change 

regardless of the application. 

But in wastewater treatment, 

the feedwater varies a lot from 

plant to plant, much more than in 

desalination, and the plant design 

tends to be more complex. When 

we expanded our sales team here 

in China, we sought individuals who 

understood membrane technology 

well. Now, our team has a lot of 

expertise with membranes and 

can engage with our customers 

on a detailed, technical level. It 

also gives us insight into emerging 

verticals so we can root out new 

opportunities and know about 

projects that are being developed. 



engineering, procurement and 

construction (EPC) on this project 

to demonstrate the benefits of our 

energy recovery devices, and they 

were open to it and decided to go 

ahead with incorporating our energy 

recovery device into this reclaimed 

water plant. The ERDs worked great 

and we were able to collaborate 

with our customers on several more 

facilities in the years since. 

Due to the emphasis on reclaimed 

water in Taiwan, oftentimes the 

total dissolved solids (TDS) of the 

feedwater at these plants is very 

low and the pressure range can 

be as low as 10bar or even less, 

so end users and EPCs often think 

they do not need an ERD. But with 

these initial references, we have 

been able to demonstrate that even 

at low pressure, you can still get a 

Ping Zuo and 

members of Energy 

Recovery’s China 

sales team at a 

trade show 

Your work spans a large amount of 

territory. What are the differences 

you have seen across different 

regions? 

Ping: The technology and the types 

of treatment processes can vary a 

lot based on region. Our product 

line encompasses a wide range 

of operating conditions, which 

depend on the type of RO system 

that a plant is using. We are seeing 

RO technology spread quickly, but 

different regions are moving at 

different speeds and focusing on 

different operating conditions. 

There can also be regional 

differences in regulation that 

influence the type of plants that 

are being built. For example, in the 

north of China, there are a lot of 

MLD and ZLD plants being built 

right now due to stricter MLD and 

ZLD requirements. But when you 

go further south, there are almost 

no ZLD plants. Taiwan also does 

not have many ZLD plants, but they 

are starting to focus on moving 

towards ZLD, so we are starting to 

see some growth there. Previously, 

Taiwan put more of an emphasis 

on reclaimed water projects, so we 

initially had more success with our 

energy recovery devices (ERDs) for 

low-pressure applications. 

Can you give us an example of a 

project you worked on that you are 

proud of? What were the hurdles 

you overcame and how did you 

approach them? 

Ping: I am proud of our first project 

in Fengshanxi, Taiwan. It was a 

great first reference for us and 

our entry into Taiwan and South 

Korea. In Taiwan, there has been 

more emphasis on water reuse 

for municipal water supply, which 

typically uses low-pressure systems 

below 20bar, the market in Taiwan 

was not familiar with energy 

recovery devices. 

But from 2016, the government 

also put more emphasis on 

reducing energy consumption 

so that opened the door for us 

as energy efficiency became a 

much bigger concern. We worked 

with both the end user and the 

notable reduction in energy costs 

by using an ERD. We also anticipate 

that TDS and energy costs will 

increase in the future, so the value 

of ERDs in Taiwan and South Korea 

will keep going up. 

Images: Energy Recovery 

Ping Zuo 

China sales director, Energy Recovery 


IN THE FIELD 

Davao city, Philippines, 

moves to fixed network 

leakage monitoring 

Installation of 320 Ovarro remote 

correlating loggers has taken place 

in Davao city in the Philippines, with 

a major leak detected just days later. 

The volume of water saved means a 

large-scale project to construct a new 

production well can be put on hold. 

Davao is the largest city on the island 

of Mindanao and the third largest in the 

Philippines. With a rapidly increasing 

population, the city is considered one of 

the country’s fastest economic growth 

areas. The population’s water supply is 

managed by Davao City Water District 

(DCWD), which has been challenged 

to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) 

losses by 1% per annum until it reaches 

a target of 20% NRW. Groundwater has 

historically been the city’s main source 

of water, but increasing pressures 

deriving from population growth and 

urbanisation means there is a need to 

limit abstraction and make supplies 

more sustainable. 

1 The team goes to the 

location and does 

not return until they 

have an explanation 

for the noise — 

usually uncovering a 

new leak 

2 Putting the 

Enigma3m to the 

test, the DCWD team 

dug up the road and 

uncovered a leak 

with an estimated 

flow rate of over 

1,000m 3 /day 

3 Davao is the largest 

city on the island of 

Mindanao and the 

third largest in the 

Philippines 

For utilities like DCWD, reducing demand 

for water by cutting NRW is a key part of 

long-term supply planning. The district 

has invested in advanced correlating 

noise loggers from Ovarro’s Enigma 

range — 260 of the Enigma3m model 

and 60 of the Enigma3HyQ model — as 

part of its drive to secure future water 

supplies. 

SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS 

The loggers have been provided and 

are supported locally by Ovarro’s 

partner in the Philippines, Eastasia 

Solutions Technologies Corporation. In 

the week after installation in mid-2022, 

the Enigma3m correlating loggers 

identified a point of interest in an area 

that had been scanned with ground 

microphones several times before, and 

where there was no surface evidence 

of any leak. 

Putting the Enigma3m to the test, 

the DCWD team dug up the road and 

uncovered a leak with an estimated 

flow rate of over 1,000m 3 /day. Once 

repaired, the surrounding suburb 

experienced a 15 pounds per square 

1 

inch (PSI) rise in water pressure. 

Further investigation by DCWD 

showed there had been no significant 

drop in pressure since records of 

pressure had been kept. This led 

DCWD to believe the leak could have 

been flowing for at least 10 years, 

costing them more than 25 billion litres 

in lost water. 

The savings for DCWD associated with 

repairing the leak are considerable. 


IN THE FIELD 

At more than 1,000m 3 /day, the volume 

of water saved allows DCWD to push 

back plans for the new production well, 

along with significant financial outlay. 

This may have included spending on 

licencing costs, construction of the 

well and any water treatment and 

storage facilities required, along with 

transmission pump and pipeline assets. 

Pausing the project means a significant 

reduction in cost and environmental 

impact for DCWD. 

not return until they have an explanation 

for the noise — usually uncovering a 

new leak. It is changing the way they 

look at leak detection, with positive 

results.” 

Ovarro channel sales manager Craig 

Abbott said, “DCWD’s installation 

of fixed correlating loggers is a first 

for the Philippines. The significance 

of their change in attitude cannot 

be understated. [The] team is 

transforming into a professional 

leak detection outfit that will benefit 

DCWD, their community and the 

local environment. They are setting a 

fine example for all Philippine water 

authorities to follow.” 

Images: Ovarro 

CORRELATING NOISE LOGGERS 

Enigma correlating noise loggers 

gather sound samples for analysis 

by for analysis by the cloud-based 

analytics tool LoggerVision, which 

allows users to visualise and review 

the data collected. The Enigma3m and 

Enigma3HyQ are designed for remote 

deployment, and use an integrated 

battery and 4G modem to provide daily 

samples of pipeline noise for up to five 

years. 

With 50 Enigmas in a district metered 

area (DMA), up to 1,225 correlations 

can be performed every day, analysing 

pipeline noise for evidence of leaks. 

A leak will generate vibrations in the 

pipe material that is collected by an 

Enigma3m via an accelerometer. In the 

case of softer plastic materials, noise 

attenuates quickly, so an Enigma3HyQ, 

with its integrated hydrophone is 

preferred. Daily analysis excludes any 

ambient interference and pinpoints 

significant noise sources between 

loggers to provide the precise location 

of leaks in water distribution networks. 

2 

CHANGE IN APPROACH 

The engineer in charge of DCWD’s 

active leakage control team told Ovarro 

he had seen a change in approach 

towards leak detection in his crew. He 

explained that his team had previously 

walked the streets of Davao city with 

ground microphones. He said, “Now, 

with a precise point of interest and 

evidence from the Engima3m loggers, 

the team goes to the location and does 

3 


IN THE FIELD 

A blueprint for Environment Act 

water quality monitoring — 

River Kent project in the UK 

“Multiparameter water quality monitors 

were installed upstream and downstream 

of a temporary discharge from United 

Utilities’ wastewater treatment works in 

Kendal to ensure that it did not negatively 

impact the water quality of the River Kent. 

“Each monitor measured the key water 

quality parameters including dissolved 

oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, 

turbidity and ammonium. In this project, we 

were also required to measure un-ionised 

ammonia, because of its potential effects 

on sensitive migratory fish species such as 

Atlantic salmon and sea trout.” 

Passing through the Lake District National 

Park, the River Kent flows for around 

20 miles into Morecambe Bay. The River 

Kent is designated as a Site of Special 

Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area 

of Conservation (SAC). In the section of the 

river, two protected species: bullhead and 

white clawed crayfish are monitored. 

Kendal WwTW temporary outfall (Image: APEM) 

A continuous water quality monitoring 

project has been completed on the River 

Kent near Kendal, in the UK’s Lake District. 

The monitoring was implemented for United 

Utilities by the environmental consultancy 

APEM, with Meteor Communications 

responsible for instrumentation installation 

and calibration, as well as real-time 

web-based data provision, event 

visualisation and reporting. 

“Monitoring was required to help protect 

water quality during the operation of a 

temporary outfall pipe,” said Joe Allaby, 

APEM principal aquatic scientist. “The 

monitoring programme was a success, 

and I believe that water companies 

will be interested in this project 

because it represents a blueprint for 

the requirements of Section 82 of the 

Environment Act 2021. 

KENDAL WWTW OUTFALL 

As the main treatment facility for the 

Kendal area, the wastewater treatment 

works (WwTW) services a large residential 

and tourist population equivalent of around 

90,000, discharging to the River Kent. Prior 

to December 2015, the effluent outfall 

pipe from the plant passed under the river 

adjacent to the WwTW and discharged 

approximately 1.3km downstream, but this 

pipe was destroyed by the flooding that 

followed Storm Desmond in 2015. United 

Utilities therefore constructed a temporary 

outfall structure to maintain the ongoing 

operation of the works. 

The temporary outfall was located much 

closer to the works, in an impounded reach 


IN THE FIELD 

upstream of a weir, where flow rates were 

lower. Consequently, the Environment 

Agency required as a condition of the 

permit for the temporary outfall, that 

United Utilities carry out upstream and 

downstream continuous water quality 

monitoring. 

The environmental consultancy APEM was 

tasked with the monitoring and protection 

of the River Kent at Kendal whilst the 

temporary discharge was in operation. 

“At first, this mainly involved ecological 

investigations to check the health of the 

river,” added Allaby. “However, in 2022, 

continuous multiparameter water quality 

monitoring systems were installed to 

provide access to continuous data 24/7. 

This included an upstream monitor, and 

two downstream monitors; one in slack 

water and the other in turbulent water, to 

give us a complete picture of any potential 

water quality effects from the temporary 

discharge.” 

WATER QUALITY AS A SERVICE 

APEM’s expertise was employed in the 

identification of suitable monitoring 

sites, and Meteor Communications was 

contracted to install and maintain the 

monitoring stations under a ‘water quality 

as a service’ (WQaaS) contract. The 

scientist said, “It would have been possible 

to purchase the monitoring equipment, but 

WQaaS is ideal for temporary contracts, 

because Meteor is then responsible for 

maintaining the equipment.” 

Under a WQaaS contract, Meteor 

Communications installs the monitors 

and then visits the site every 4-6 weeks 

to swap in pre-calibrated sondes. 

Meteor’s monitoring stations, known as 

environmental sensor networks (ESNETs) 

— are fully equipped with solar panels and 

remote communications technology — so 

that collected data can be automatically 

transferred to the MeteorCloud platform, 

which provides secure data visualisation, 

analysis and alarms. 

ESNET systems are available in kiosk 

or portable formats, and sondes can be 

located in-river or within flow-through 

chambers measuring water which is 

pumped from the river. The Kendal 

sondes were located in the river, 

fixed securely to local infrastructure. 

Continuous water quality monitoring data 

are stored in the sondes and transferred 

every 30mins to the MeteorCloud web 

portal, providing APEM, United Utilities 

and the Environment Agency with 

real-time access to water quality data. 

Continuous water quality monitoring 

enables the detection of water quality 

incidents as well as the detection of 

trends. “In the past, our consultants 

have used portable instruments, but 

we are increasingly being asked for 

continuous data,” said APEM’s Jack 

Hambridge. “So, our partnership with 

Meteor Communications has worked 

well, delivering accurate reliable data for 

us and our clients. 

“In addition to the quality of the 

instruments, what sets Meteor apart 

is their calibration service. They have 

invested in a calibration laboratory and 

a team of field engineers, capable of 

servicing large numbers of sondes so 

that data are accurate and the ESNET 

systems are maintained in optimal 

condition.” 

PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE 

Meteor Communications was 

responsible for maintaining the 

condition of the monitoring equipment, 

and checking the validity of the data 

to ensure a continuous dataset was 

provided for almost two years. APEM 

also checked the readings three 

times per day, every day, as part of 

its proactive maintenance service — 

which, if measurements exceed pre-set 

values — could also include mitigation 

measures such as aeration and fish 

rescue. 

With the benefit of Meteor’s monitoring 

systems, APEM also provided United 

Utilities with weekly water quality 

reports, and incident notices with 

visual checks when any of the pre-set 

measurement values were breached. 

“This was important for all stakeholders,” 

added Allaby. “Continuous monitoring 

with real-time access to data meant that 

the water utility, the regulator and local 

residents could all rest assured that river 

water quality was being maintained, and 

that a rapid response would be available 

if an alert was issued.” 

Meteor Communications managing 

director Matt Dibbs said, “This project 

exemplifies everything that a water 

utility would need to comply with Section 

82 of the Environment Act, and with over 

700 ESNET systems already installed 

across the UK, we have the scale of 

operations to help utilities comply with 

their obligations. 

“In applications such as this, it is great 

to see consultants using their expertise 

to leverage the value of continuous 

water quality data. However, our water 

quality monitors are being used in 

many different water quality monitoring 

applications beyond storm overflows. 

For example, ESNETs are also used for 

final effluent monitoring and catchment 

surveys, as well as short-term 

investigations and research projects.” 

RESULTS 

With almost two years of continuous 

monitoring upstream and downstream 

of the temporary discharge at Kendal, 

the data demonstrated that there were 

no significant detrimental effects on 

water quality. “We did detect occasional 

breaches of the values that we set 

as early warning levels for response,” 

added Allaby. “However, these were 

usually found to be due to sediment, or 

due to a dissolved oxygen dip during 

warm periods in the summer. 

“For us, the continuous dataset was 

essential because it gave us peace of 

mind when things were going well, and 

provided an early alert when conditions 

changed, and a rapid response was 

necessary.” 


IN THE FIELD 

Managing 

pressure in Mongolia 

with new and existing 

automatic control valves 

By Glynn Nuthall, managing director, Asia-Pacific region, Cla-Val 

Shipment of pressure 

relief valves (PRVs) for 

Ulaaanbaatar, Mongolia 

Climate change and rapid urbanisation 

are threatening fragile water resources 

in Mongolia where more than half the 

inhabitants have no access to clean water, 

according to Mongolia Water Authority and 

the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

All surface water in Mongolia is covered 

by ice for up to six months of the year so 

groundwater is the primary source of water 

for major urban areas, and it is expected that 

climate change will affect these resources 

throughout the country in the coming years. 

These effects have been compounded 

by rapid urbanisation reducing water 

availability for both domestic and industrial 

use. The population is growing from 2.9 

million in 2019 to 3.4 million today with a 

steady incline. This situation is serious in 

the capital city of Ulaanbaatar where nearly 

40% of the population resides. 

Globally, Mongolia is one of the 60 countries 

with limited water resources. Its total 

water consumption is approximately 

564 million m 3 per year and over 80% is 

consumed by the industrial and agricultural 

sectors, leaving 20% for domestic use. If 

only 20% is left for domestic use going 

forward, the country will not be able to 

provide sustainable water resources for 

its population. In Ulaanbaatar, the daily 

consumption is only about 5-10L per capita 

per day and few are connected to the city’s 

water distribution network. 

Currently, water is being withdrawn faster 

than the rate of discharge in the city 

where groundwater tables have shown a 

marked decline in the past 50 years. The 

temperature increase in the last 20 years 

has been 2.14°C and the desert area has 

increased by 21% in the last 20 years. 

Changes to dry and harsh winters and hot 

dry summers are reducing river flows and 

groundwater tables. 

As a result, UNEP identified increased 

investment and rehabilitation of existing 

water supply networks as a key component 

of improving the management of water 

supply utilities. A major rehabilitation of 

Ulanbataars water supply was initiated, 

and critical to that was water flow and 

pressure management using a range of 

automatic control valve solutions by 

Cla-Val. 


IN THE FIELD 

Installing new PRVs in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 

A total of 18 Model 340-02 Series rate of 

flow control valves with sizes ranging from 

150-500mm were installed inside the capital 

of Ulaanbaatar. They are designed to balance 

the flows across the network to ensure that 

everyone who needs water gets it. The valves 

have an electronic actuated differential 

pressure pilot that can be set and adjusted 

remotely. The pilot uses a 12-24 VDC and 

consumes little power, making it an ideal 

control system for remote valve sites that 

may even be solar-powered. In addition, 11 

Series 390-02 valves from 200-400mm were 

installed in the Ulaanbaatar piping system to 

balance the pressures across the network. 

The city also had 25-year-old automatic 

control valves that were still operating 

efficiently. By adding new technology with 

the latest CRD-34 motorised pilots, the city 

was able to achieve complete control of the 

entire system. These electronically actuated 

pilots were added to the existing Cla-Val 

390 Series valves that maintain downstream 

pressure and require this pressure to be 

changed from a local or remote location. 

This option was an effective solution for 

lowering costs associated with ‘confined 

space’ requirements by eliminating the need 

for entry in the valve structure for set-point 

adjustment. It is also ideal for pressure 

management and can be programmed to 

minimum nighttime and optimum daytime 

pressures. Remote set-point command 

signals can be from any supervisory 

control and data acquisition (SCADA)-type 

control system using an analogue 4-20mA 

signal, by contact closure for clockwise 

and counterclockwise rotation, or through 

Modbus RTU. 

Series X117 Valve Position Transmitters were 

also used to, deliver accurate data for SCADA. 

The electronic components are enclosed in a 

rugged, sealed aluminium and stainless-steel 

housing and is mounted externally on the 

cover of the main valve. An extension of the 

valve stem projects outside of the cover at 

the centre boss and is mechanically linked to 

the electronic components with an extensible 

wire rope. 

As the valve stem rises and lowers, the 

transmitter provides an output signal in direct 

proportion to the position of the valve. An 

internal spring maintains constant tension 

on the wire rope for virtually no lag in output 

through the valve stroke. 

By upgrading existing infrastructure, the city 

has effectively added smart infrastructure 

with minimal cost. The application of the 

flow control valves has enabled the city to 

obtain a much more even distribution of flow 

throughout the network, with all pressure 

valves having the actuated pilots the city can 

alter the flow set points, particularly during 

times of high demand such as the spring 

festival. 

Control of pressure has dramatically reduced 

non-revenue water (NRW) loss and line break 

frequency. The injection of new technology 

and the addition of more automatic control 

valves have provided the city with another 

25 years of trouble-free performance and 

reduced the amount of time personnel spent 

in the field managing the valves. 

Images: Cla-Val 

Glynn Nuthall 

Managing director, Asia-Pacific region, Cla-Val 


FOCUS 

GeneCount 

Nitrifiers Collection 

provides new insight into 

wastewater analysis 

In the intricate process of biological 

wastewater treatment, nitrification 

— the conversion of ammonia into 

less-harmful nitrates by a diverse 

community of microorganisms known 

as nitrifiers — plays an outsized 

role. Yet, despite their essential 

role in removing pollutants from 

wastewater, nitrifiers are notoriously 

difficult to monitor and are highly 

susceptible to upsets. “If an operator 

looks at a sample of the contents of 

the bioreactor through a microscope, 

they may or may not be able to 

know if nitrifiers are present,” said 

Dave Mason, senior operations and 

maintenance (O&M) technical advisor 

for Veolia Water Technologies and 

Solutions. “Microscopic examination 

of the bioreactor can be very tricky.” 

While measuring ammonia levels in 

effluent is crucial for maintaining 

regulatory compliance, detecting 

elevated levels is like spotting flames 

once a building is already on fire: it 

does not provide any advance warning 

of the underlying issue. Stepping in 

to fill this technological gap is the 

LuminUltra GeneCount Nitrifiers 

Collection, the first self-serve tool to 

measure and quantify nitrifiers with 

same-day results — due to the power 

of quantitative polymerase chain 

reaction (qPCR) technology. 

While second generation adenosine 

triphosphate (ATP) testing can 

quantify the total microbial 

population and health in a sample, 

it does not specifically differentiate 

nitrifier activity. The 16S rRNA gene 

sequencing provides a complete 

breakdown of all bacteria and 

archaea in a sample, but requires 

laboratory analysis and does not 

offer real-time feedback. 

If nitrification does not occur or is 

incomplete, ammonia levels will 

remain high in treated wastewater. 

In many parts of the world, the 

complete conversion of ammonia 

to nitrate is critical to meeting 

regulated discharge permits. It 

is also crucial to protect local 

ecosystems. “Ammonia is toxic 

in aquatic environments,” Mason 

added. “Either organisms die 

because they are poisoned by the 

ammonia, or they die because it 

creates an environment where they 

basically suffocate due to oxygen 

depletion.” 

NITRIFIERS AND FRAGILE 

MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEMS 

Nitrification is a critical process in 

the nitrogen cycle, involving the 

conversion of ammonia to nitrate 

through a series of biological 

transformations. This process is 

primarily mediated by a diverse 

William Wilkinson, 

equipment services 

engineer, prepares 

a qPCR reaction 

for LuminUltra’s 

Canadian HQ 


FOCUS 

community of microorganisms, 

including ammonia-oxidising 

bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidising 

archaea (AOA), nitrite-oxidising 

bacteria (NOB) and complete 

ammonia oxidisers (Comammox). 

“These nitrifiers are the unsung 

heroes of wastewater treatment,” 

said Jeremy Duguay, applications 

scientist with LuminUltra. “In 

addition to their role in oxidising 

ammonia to nitrate, they contribute 

to the overall microbial diversity 

within wastewater treatment plants 

(WWTPs).” 

quantify the abundance and activity 

of nitrifiers would give wastewater 

operators the ability to identify 

potential issues early on and take 

corrective measures to maintain 

treatment efficiency. 

INTRODUCING THE GENECOUNT 

NITRIFIERS COLLECTION 

qPCR — the technology underpinning 

LuminUltra GeneCount Nitrifiers 

Collection — is a DNA-based testing 

method that enables the rapid 

detection and quantification of 

microorganisms. Once little-known, 

its prominence and recognition 

skyrocketed during the pandemic 

due to widespread use as a 

diagnostic tool for detecting 

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes 

COVID-19. 

qPCR technology is now being 

deployed in industrial settings 

as varied as Legionella detection 

in cooling towers and stagnant 

water, identifying microbiologically 

influenced corrosion in oil and gas 

applications, and now, wastewater 

treatment. “Most people using 

A diverse microbial community 

is essential for system resilience 

and stability, with different 

groups performing various 

treatment functions. Establishing 

healthy nitrifier populations 

ensures successful downstream 

collaboration with other 

microorganisms, like denitrifiers, 

to remove pollutants and ensure 

treatment effectiveness. 

Mason also said that it is important 

to recognise the complexity 

of biomass community in the 

wastewater bioreactor tank too, and 

not only the population of bugs in 

an ecosystem that matters. “Once 

you lose nitrifying organisms, they 

are very hard to restore,” he added. 

Autotropic organisms like nitrifiers 

grow very slowly and are extremely 

sensitive to their environment, 

needing proper temperature, proper 

pH, proper food and nutrients, 

enough time to react and multiply, 

and the absence of inhibiting 

substances. 

“If nitrifiers are not present, I 

cannot do anything to make them 

immediately present,” Mason said. 

“Even after inoculation, it can take 

a long time for them to reach a 

threshold that would be able to 

oxidise all the ammonia that comes 

into the system.” Being able to 

1 

2 

1 A diverse 

microbial 

community is 

essential for a 

WWTP system 

resilience and 

stability 

2 Pat Whalen, 

chairman and 

CEO, with 

Christy Bitcon, 

vice-president, 

administration 


FOCUS 

LuminUltra assays are testing for microbes 

they do not want,” Duguay said. “This is 

an outlier — the nitrifiers panel finds the 

organisms that we want and need to have 

in processes.” 

The GeneCount Nitrifiers Collection is a 

qPCR assay panel of five different assays 

designed to quantitatively detect and 

estimate the abundance of key nitrifying 

microbial groups: AOB, AOA, NOB group 

one including Nitrospira, NOB group two 

including Nitrobacter, and Comammox. 

“LuminUltra launched two decades ago 

with innovative solutions for biological 

wastewater treatment applications,” 

added Dr Jordan Schmidt, senior 

director of technology and innovation at 

LuminUltra. “This innovation continues 

that tradition of delivering tools that 

provide rapid, accurate, and actionable 

feedback for customers that are impacted 

by microbial activity.” The immediate 

feedback provided by the nitrifiers 

assays gives operators insights into 

the abundance of the key microbial 

populations responsible for the treatment 

process, he added. 

Increases or decreases in the abundance 

of specific nitrifying groups can indicate 

changes in the nitrification efficiency 

of treatment systems, whether due to 

loading imbalances, influent toxicity, or 

other factors. With results available in 

a matter of hours, actions can be taken 

to remediate and optimise the process 

based on these key process indicators. 

PURPOSE-BUILT QPCR ASSAYS 

The effectiveness of the qPCR method 

in detecting nitrifying microorganisms 

hinges on the careful design and 

validation of specific primers and 

probes targeting unique genetic markers 

associated with these organisms. The 

qPCR development process begins 

with an exhaustive literature search to 

identify the most relevant nitrification 

targets. These targets then go through 

an extensive in-silico analyses to identify 

the most specific and sensitive targets 

for detection. Final candidates are 

chosen, and rigorously tested in the 

lab to the most stringent performance 

characteristics, providing validated qPCR 

assays that are purpose-built for their 

application. 

The GeneCount Nitrifiers Collection is 

part of LuminUltra GeneCount portfolio, 

which includes devices, assays, 

preservation and purification kits needed 

to launch in-house molecular testing. 

LuminUltra qPCR equipment packages 

— like the 16-well GeneCount Voyager 

thermocycler — allow all five nitrifier 

assays to be run on the same sample. 

GeneCount technology is also suitable for 

rapid detection of other microorganisms 

in water-related applications, with a range 

of assays validated on difficult industrial 

sample types. 

New tools like the nitrifier assay are allowing 

operators to make data-informed decisions 

to maintain compliance and achieve process 

optimisations on a level never seen before. 

“Operators can run their analysis and review 

results, all in as little as 3hrs,” Schmidt said. 

“This rapid turnaround allows operational 

adjustments to be made immediately.” 

The nitrifiers panel is also available 

through a mail-in service that leverages 

LuminUltra GeneCount qKit Preserve, 

a sample preservation kit that ensures 

sample integrity is maintained until testing 

is conducted. The kit ensures that the 

microbial community present in the sample 

remains unchanged from sample collection 

to analysis, with no need for overnight or 

cold chain shipping. 

“By simplifying complex laboratory 

workflows traditionally reserved for 

microbiologists, LuminUltra is empowering 

industries to take control of their microbial 

environments,” Schmidt added. “Our mission 

is to be the first line of defence against 

microorganisms, and through fast and 

simple solutions, we are making that vision a 

reality.” 

Images: LuminUltra 

3 The 16-well LuminUltra GeneCount Voyager 

allows all five nitrifier assays to be run on the 

same sample 

4 Product manager Grace Graham prepares a 

qPCR run with LuminUltra GeneCount Voyager 

3 4 


SOME 

CALL 

IT 

TECHNICAL 

DATA. 

Want to know what’s behind 

VEGAPULS 6X, or better understand 

why it fits so well into your application? 

The table provides the most important 

technical data. You can find out more facts 

and values at www.vega.com/radar 

WE CALL 

IT 

INNER 

VALUES.

-196 

MEASURING RANGE 

MEASUREMENT ACCURACY 

PROCESS TEMPERATURE 

+450 °C 

120 m 

±1 mm 

-1 +160 bar 

PROCESS PRESSURE 

VEGAPULS 6X 

Frequency 

80 GHz, 26 GHz, 6 GHz 

Beam angle From ≥ 3° 

Process fitting 

Version 

Antenna material 

Seal 

Housing 

Protection class 

Threads from ¾", flanges from DN20/1", hygienic connections 

Integrated antenna, horn antenna, lens antenna, parabolic antenna 

Ceramic, PEEK, PFA, PP, PTFE, PVDF, 316L/Alloy 

EPDM, FFKM, FKM, graphite, PEEK 

Plastic, aluminum, stainless steel 

IP66/IP67, IP68 (1 bar), IP69K, Type 6X 

Output signal 

Other properties Functional safety SIL (IEC 61511), IT security (IEC 62443-4-2) 

Gas Ex, Dust Ex, Overfill protection 

Food/pharmaceutical certification, Ship approval 

*Note: not all options are fully available 

VEGA Instruments (SEA) Pte Ltd 

25 International Business Park, #04-52 German Centre, Singapore 609916 

• Tel: +65 65640531 • Fax: +65 65675213 • Email: sales.sg@vega.com • Website: https://www.vega.com/en-sg 

Visit us at Singapore International Water Week 2024. Booth: B2-N07

FOCUS 

The sustainable benefits 

of ceramic membranes in 

water treatment processes 

By Reinout Holland, head of business development, PWNT and 

Dr Holly Shorney-Darby, head of technology application and piloting, PWNT 

also extends to ancillary 

equipment, promoting the 

selection of long-lasting materials 

and robust infrastructure. 

A typical WTW asset lifetime 

is 60 years and its design life 

requires the consideration of 

the lifecycle of the embodied 

materials. Ceramics and steel 

— the primary materials in the 

Ceramac membrane systems 

that utilises the Metawater 

membrane — boast long lifecycles 

which minimise the need for 

replacements, reduce carbon 

footprint, and eliminate plastic 

waste of polymeric membranes 

over the lifecycle of the asset. 

Consideration of materials’ 

end-of-life scenarios is crucial for 

evaluating the lifecycle analysis 

(LCA) and carbon footprint 

PWNT CeraMac 

vessels being installed 

at South Staffs 

Water’s Hampton 

Loade WTW, UK, which 

will be the world’s 

largest ceramic 

membrane WTW when 

completed in Q4 2024 

(Image: PWNT) 

The utilisation of ceramic 

membranes in water treatment 

processes presents an opportunity 

for enhancing sustainability, 

reducing carbon footprint and 

efficient resource recovery. As 

ceramic membranes gain popularity 

worldwide, their impact on design 

and operational planning is evident. 

Several key factors highlight the 

benefits of ceramic membranes 

such as robustness and durability of 

the materials, material selection and 

lifecycle impact, energy efficiency 

and operational optimisation, 

construction methods and modular 

design, scaleup and maintenance 

efficiency. 

Ceramic membranes offer durability 

compared to polymeric membranes. 

For example, the Metawater 

membrane has a track record of 

over 20 years of service life. With 

applications in over 180 water 

treatment works (WTW) worldwide, 

this longevity necessitates a 

shift towards non-replacement 

membrane over the assets’ 

lifespan, reducing overall material 

consumption and waste. The 

robustness of ceramic membranes 

during the design process of 

a new WTW. Materials like 

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 

glass reinforced plastic (GRP) are 

notoriously difficult to recycle and 

often require thermal destruction 

at the end-of-life disposal. With 

ceramics and steel, the recycling 

and upcycling options are already 

established. 

The microfiltration (MF) 

membranes of Metawater 

typically operate at low 

transmembrane pressures (TMP), 

allowing for filtration and the 


FOCUS 

utilisation of available head or 

gravity-fed systems. With the 

trend of going to narrower pore 

size like tight ultrafiltration (UF) 

which require much higher TMPs 

to be effective, one must consider 

that the energy component of 

the footprint over the lifespan 

of a water asset is often more 

than 95% of the total carbon 

footprint. UF typically requires 

20% more energy use than MF 

whilst the water quality benefits 

are negligible, so this should 

be considered in choosing a 

membrane filtration system to use 

in drinking water treatment assets. 

With the shift towards zero carbon 

footprint for utilities worldwide, 

cleaning approaches with a 

substantial reduction in chemical 

use are important. The production 

and logistics of chemicals factor 

into the carbon footprint of a 

WTW operation. With ceramic 

membrane filtration, strategies 

include the use of ozone for 

fouling control and sustainable 

flux maintenance that contribute 

to the reduction of cleaning 

chemicals and their disposal after 

use. 

Off-site construction of ceramic 

membrane systems offers energy 

efficiency and staff safety 

advantages, reducing on-site 

construction time and associated 

carbon impacts. Modular designs 

for WTWs facilitate scalability 

and ease of maintenance, 

enhancing operational efficiency 

and minimising environmental 

footprint from the build phase well 

into the use phase of an asset. 

Ceramac membrane systems 

demonstrate scalability from pilotto 

large-scale installations, with 

fewer maintenance requirements 

due to their robust performance. 

Ceramic membranes do not 

experience loss of integrity due 

to fibre breaks. This reduces 

manpower and maintenance 

costs over the system’s lifespan, 

as labour intensive pinning of 

membranes is eliminated. 

A unique characteristic of 

ceramic membranes is their high 

tolerance to solids in the feed. 

A new application of ceramic 

membranes is the recovery of 

sand filter backwash water. 

The sand filters typically lose 

about 10% of the yield through 

their regular backwash. The 

application of ceramic membrane 

filtration can enhance recovery 

and provide a good concentrate 

for reuse of the iron oxides in 

building materials, for example. 

Another interesting option is 

phosphate sorbent material as a 

reuse in wastewater treatment. 

In regions where water recovery 

is a priority, a two-stage ceramic 

membrane process can be 

applied where the concentrate 

of the first stage is fed into a 

second stage ceramic membrane 

filtration, typically boosting 

recovery to greater than 98%. 

While capital costs for ceramic 

membrane systems may initially 

appear high, their long-term 

sustainable benefits — including 

robustness, scalability, and 

operational efficiency — 

warrant consideration in project 

evaluations. As the water 

industry continues to prioritise 

carbon neutrality, ceramic 

membranes emerge as a viable 

solution offering tangible 

environmental benefits and 

operational advantages. 


FOCUS 

Combatting wastewater 

spillages with reliable flow 

measurement and analytics 

By Erik Larsen, strategic marketing manager for Aquatic Informatics 

As weather severity increases 

around the globe, heavy and more 

regular rainfall events are giving 

rise to greater and more sudden 

volumes of runoff leading to 

overwhelmed sewage networks and 

increased instances of spillage into 

streams and rivers. UK regulators 

are stepping up compliance 

requirements for such effluent 

spillages resulting in more water 

companies requiring, and improving, 

flow monitoring programmes to gain 

a better understanding of how their 

assets are performing. 

To keep wastewater flowing through 

these pipelines, whilst maintaining 

environmental compliance, OnSite 

Central provides specialist flow 

monitoring services. This includes 

the installation of loggers and 

sensors to gather large amounts of 

field data combined with in-depth 

analysis to provide water companies 

with operational insights when and 

where they need it most. 

Jack Tingle, data analyst for OnSite 

Central, said “In the last couple of 

years, within the UK utilities sector, 

we have noticed a shift in demand 

from short-term flow surveys to 

permanent level monitoring. With 

data loggers now being more 

affordable and available alongside 

stricter regulatory demands, water 

companies are installing their own 

devices at a scale never seen before 

in the UK. These devices bring large 

amounts of data into supervisory 

control and data acquisition 

(SCADA) systems, but customers 

are having difficulty processing this 

data to deliver valuable insights.” 

After several iterations, OnSite 

currently uses the Aquarius data 

platform. Asmat Akhtar, data 

supervisor for OnSite Central, 

added, “It is proving to be reliable, 

and the programme’s Application 

Programming Interface (API) has 

enabled us to integrate tools that we 

have already developed containing 

valuable existing data. For example, 

we have an application that our 

crews use to do their job in the field, 

by connecting to Aquarius, crews 

can seamlessly view that data and 

garner insights to perform their jobs 

more efficiently and more effectively, 

without any human intervention.” 

Flow monitoring equipment measures 

the depth of flow and velocity in 

pipelines, which, when combined 

with metadata such as rain gauge 

information, can be used by hydraulic 

modelling engineers to assess the 

hydraulic performance characteristics 

of a particular pipeline. Reliable data 

enables asset owners to be more 

proactive when alerted by unusual 

flows, for example, implementing 

timely targeted mitigation measures 

due to a more accurate and informed 

prediction of outcomes. OnSite 

transfers data into Aquarius from a 

combination of customer’s SCADA 

systems, and logger manufacturer 

platforms. The Aquarius software can 

process these large amounts of data 

efficiently, perform quality assurance 

(QA) and quality control (QC) — and 

using complex algorithms, provide 

Automation enables 

OnSite to maintain a 

relatively small team, 

producing big results 

(Image: Aquatic 

Informatics) 


FOCUS 

meaningful information in a visually 

easy-to-understand format. 

“Another benefit of Aquarius is that 

we have access to a responsive 

support team. We also use 

support to help with changes that 

expand our capabilities, and it is 

encouraging for us to keep pushing 

the parameters of possibilities 

collaboratively — we know there 

will always be room to grow,” said 

Akhtar. 

DRIVE FOR AUTOMATION 

Where possible, Akhtar’s team 

automates functionality. For 

instance, if a data feed coming in 

from a site looks poor, a reporting 

tool in Time-Series will identify that 

something does not look right. By 

checking a few boxes, it generates 

a schedule for the crew with a 

snapshot graph and instructions. 

Some of the instructions are 

automatic, like if a sensor loses 

connectivity, it automatically polls 

Time-Series and pushes those 

results to the team. This kind of 

automation enables OnSite to 

maintain a relatively small team, 

producing big results. Anytime 

the team can avoid manual data 

entry, they do, as it removes the 

possibility for human error and frees 

up personnel to spend more time on 

performing analysis that can lead to 

action and planning. 

“For a person to manually set up 100 

newly installed loggers in a software 

programme is tedious and requires a 

lot of time,” said Tingle. “We want our 

people to spend time looking at the 

data, not doing administrative tasks. 

As we are already collecting the 

information digitally by our survey 

teams, we have developed a process 

to transfer that existing data into 

Aquarius. By using the programme 

API, we are able to provide the 

platform with data we have already 

collected. With one click, in a few 

seconds, we can get all the site data 

populated in Time-Series — it is 

ready to go.” 

QUALITY-ASSURED DATA IN 

WASTEWATER IS CHALLENGING 

Measuring flow in wastewater is 

challenging because the precision 

of any measurement is heavily 

dependent on the fluid properties. 

Flow conditions can be quite 

different in wastewater lines with 

often shallow turbulent water, which 

is difficult to measure. Wastewater 

pipelines can also have a lot of solid 

materials and detritus that can get 

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FOCUS 

caught on sensors, or lead to 

sewage blockages. Results can 

vary dramatically from one day 

to another. To address this, the 

software has a unique portfolio 

of tools for error detection, data 

cleansing and flagging, automatic 

bias corrections, and rating shift 

management. Much of these 

automated procedures eliminate 

the majority of tedious manual 

data workup processes. With 

streamlined QA/QC capabilities 

and a rich audit trail, OnSite can 

rely on the information to be 

accurate, timely, and defensible. 

Modelling needs from short-term 

surveys that may require around 500 

loggers, is not much different from 

long-term monitoring that can have 

10,000 loggers, but managing the 

data requires high-speed processing, 

automation, organisation, and 

storage. The new programme allows 

the OnSite analytics team to sort and 

layer data sets on top of each other 

and choose a variety of graphing 

tools to provide a rich story behind 

the numbers. 

Akhtar added, “We can now get a 

graphical representation of a year’s 

and provide live reports, empowering 

stakeholders with timely information 

for decision-making. 

As the wastewater industry and 

technology continues to evolve, 

cloud solutions can keep up with 

the changes in the background 

and alleviates OnSite from having 

to maintain their own servers and 

software updates. “[As] Aquarius 

is hosted in a secure environment 

with the latest in data security, we 

are immediately security compliant 

which is a requirement for our 

customers,” said Akhtar. 

worth of data in 3-5sec which helps 

Tingle added, “The new 

programme gives us a lot more 

confidence in our data reports, 

which is not easy in wastewater 

applications in an uncontrollable 

environment. Better data leads to 

better decision making.” 

OnSite has a plethora of 

sensors to measure and monitor 

parameters in wastewater 

pipelines and is currently 

investing in non-contact radar for 

measuring flow and velocity. This 

is a technology where the lack 

of an intrusive sensor can help 

improve data quality and in turn 

reduce the number of confined 

space entries into a hazardous 

environment. 

with quick analysis. Then using the 

web portal, we can share this data 

so it is easy for customers to see 

and understand.” 

STREAMLINING ACCESS TO DATA 

THROUGH AN ONLINE PORTAL 

OnSite is in the early stages of 

using WebPortal, which enables 

stakeholders to access their data 

online from any connected device. 

Tingle’s team manages how this data 

gets used and by whom. Information 

can be displayed on custom 

dashboards or maps, show alerts 

As wastewater systems and 

regulators around the world step 

up the monitoring of spillage into 

the environment, having access 

to reliable data will help keep 

wastewater flowing and identify 

solutions for increasing capacity 

to ensure all effluent makes it to 

treatment plants first. Water agencies 

around the world rely on Aquarius to 

manage their data and keep it safe. 

“We like to try new things and push 

the boundaries of analytics. Aquarius 

keeps our data safe and on track,” 

said Tingle. 

OnSite has a 

plethora of sensors 

to measure and 

monitor parameters in 

wastewater pipelines 

(Image: Aquatic 

Informatics) 

MODELLING MASSES OF DATA 

OVER TIME 

By monitoring flow over longer 

periods, OnSite now has a history 

in Aquarius for events such as 

dry or wet periods. It is able to 

average out what optimal flow 

rates to expect if values drop 

outside of those ranges, and can 

set an alert to flag a potential 

issue. Historic data amplifies the 

value of today’s data both for 

prediction and identification of 

probable causes for unusual or 

poor data. 


FOCUS 

Smart water solutions’ 

common myths debunked 

By Remi Thelisson, head of digital transformation, Asia-Pacific, Veolia Water Technologies 

The world is facing challenges with 

managing water resources. Rapid 

urbanisation, industrialisation, and 

climate change have put a strain on 

traditional water and wastewater 

management methods. In this 

landscape, smart water solutions have 

become indispensable for companies 

to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, 

and ensure regulatory compliance. 

These technologies facilitate real-time 

monitoring, predictive maintenance, 

and data-driven decision-making, 

fostering sustainable practices and 

resilience in the face of changing 

climate conditions. However, it is 

imperative to recognise and address 

prevailing misconceptions that may 

impede progress. 

MYTH 1: SMART WATER 

SOLUTIONS ARE VULNERABLE TO 

CYBERSECURITY THREATS 

As water and wastewater treatment 

processes become increasingly 

connected to the cloud, concerns 

over potential malicious cyberattacks 

have intensified. Contrary to popular 

belief, these digital tools do not usually 

introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

Many solution providers have 

established robust cybersecurity 

procedures. Today’s smart water 

treatment solutions are designed with 

high-level end-to-end cybersecurity 

protocols, adhering to international 

security standards. Solution providers 

like Veolia ensure confidentiality, 

integrity, and availability of sensitive 

information. 

Veolia’s cybersecurity programme 

for Hubgrade is an integral part 

of dispelling the misconception 

of vulnerability. This programme 

encompasses physical, 

administrative, and logical security 

domains, ensuring a multifaceted 

approach to safeguarding sensitive 

data. In addition, Hubgrade’s security 

policies, standards, and procedures 

are built upon internationally 

recognised security standards, with 

a particular emphasis on adherence 

to the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity 

framework. 

For instance, sensitive information 

can be protected by limiting 

access to authorised individuals 

with security mechanisms such as 

encryption at rest and in-transit, data 

access control with usernames and 

passwords, and secured physical 

devices. Furthermore, many smart 

water solutions can now guarantee 

that information remains true and 

correct to its original purposes. 

Mechanisms such as data encryption 

and hashing are implemented to 

ensure that information is received 

exactly as intended by the creator. 

Cloud infrastructure can be 

leveraged to enhance the availability 

of data. Dedicated network and 

web application firewall devices 

also guard against downtime and 

data inaccessibility resulting from 

malicious actions like distributed 

denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. 

Cybersecurity and customer data 

protection are critical considerations 

when deploying smart solutions. 

Continued advancements in 

technologies, standards, and 

processes allow plant owners to enjoy 

Hubgrade is a smart 

water management 

system that 

empowers operators 

to optimise water 

treatment processes 


FOCUS 

the benefits that come with smart 

water solutions while ensuring critical 

water resources remain secure. 


SOLUTIONS ARE COMPLEX AND 

COSTLY TO IMPLEMENT 

Another unfounded myth is that 

implementing smart water solutions 

is a complex and costly endeavour. 

Advancements in technology have 

made the implementation of digital 

solutions more accessible — with 

technology providers offering 

scalable solutions to various budgets 

and operational scales. While there 

may be an initial investment, the 

benefits generally far outweigh 

costs. Improved efficiency, reduced 

long-term operational expenses, and 

enhanced regulatory compliance 

contribute to a compelling ROI in the 

long run. These smart solutions can 

help plant operators ensure more 

predictable outcomes, which translate 

to increased profitability and end user 

satisfaction without the hefty outlay. 


SOLUTIONS ARE UNRELIABLE — 

THE RISK OF FAILURE IS TOO HIGH 

The myth that smart water solutions 

are unreliable, allowing more room 

for failure, is another widely held 

1 

misconception. Operators remain 

central to the decision-making 

process. Far from replacing human 

decision-making, these technologies 

empower operators to make more 

and better-informed decisions, 

supported with actionable information 

derived from real-time data. The 

transformative potential of these 

solutions also lies in their ability to 

revolutionise water management by 

optimising energy and chemical use 

efficiency, preventing non-compliant 

water loss, and enhancing predictive 

maintenance measures. 

WATER MANAGEMENT WITH 

HUBGRADE 

Smart water solutions can offer 

user-friendly and comprehensible 

data, as well as a unified platform 

for plant operators to evaluate, 

monitor, and improve process 

performance. This enhances 

managerial supervision of a plant and 

the outcomes it achieves. Advanced 

technologies, like artificial intelligence 

(AI) and machine learning (ML), can 

help to analyse data gathered from 

sensors that monitor the biological 

composition of wastewater. Many 

of these tools are also able to 

automatically finetune treatment 

parameters, such as minimising 

aeration or optimising chemical 

usage. 

1 With Hubgrade, 

operators 

can achieve 

efficiency, 

ensuring 

responsible 

management of 

water resources 

2 Today’s smart 

water treatment 

solutions are 

designed with 

high level of 

end-to-end 

cybersecurity 

protocols 

2 

Veolia’s Hubgrade is a smart water 

management system that empowers 

operators to optimise water treatment. 

With digital tools that integrate data 

analytics, AI, and real-time monitoring, 

Hubgrade supports operators in 

achieving efficient and responsible 

management of water resources. As a 

global group in water and wastewater 

treatment solutions, Veolia remains 

dedicated to dispelling these myths 

and paving the way for a future where 

water resources are managed with 

efficiency and sustainability. 

Images: Veolia 


FOCUS 

Neptune’s performance 

in industrial wastewater 

treatment 

By Eulis Ester, product manager for Neptune and Abaque 

To help optimise water 

treatment operations, 

facility managers must 

identify and incorporate 

the proper pumping and 

polymer make down 

systems 

INTRODUCTION 

The need to find ways to properly treat 

and dispose water that has been fouled 

helped the water and wastewater 

treatment industry grow to billions in 

revenue in the US, and to an annual 

rate of growth of 3-4.5%. In industrial 

applications, water can be taken from 

a nearby river and used for boiler or 

cooling-tower makeups. In the oilfield, 

water that is used or produced during 

the drilling and recovery process can 

be treated and sold to farmers for use in 

field irrigation activities. An integrated 

wastewater treatment system, with many 

different types of equipment working 

hand-in-hand — specifically metering and 

peristaltic hose pumps, and polymer make 

down systems — can be used in a straight 

line treatment process. This will deliver the 

most cost-effective and efficient way to 

treat industrial wastewater, all while making 

it safe for disposal or reuse in any additional 

activities. 

THE CHALLENGE 

Most of the water used or produced in 

industrial applications contains some level 

of solid particles. These particles should 

not be consumed, but particle-laden water 

also cannot be used, for example, in a boiler 

that provides steam to a turbine during 

power generation, lest the turbine become 

fouled and damaged. 

Recognising the presence of particulates 

in water and successfully removing them, 

however, are two different things. Some 

of the particles — which can be anything 

from bacteria and plant material to dirt or 

minuscule pieces of crushed stone — are 

so small that their response to gravity is 

very low. In other words, they do not fall 

through water at a consistent rate because 

their mass is so small and not impacted 

by gravity. This means that it may take 

hours, days or even weeks for the particles 

to settle as little as a foot. This is an 

unacceptable and unpredictable settling 

rate for a water or wastewater treatment 

system, so the particles need some help in 

settling or clumping. 


FOCUS 

To speed along the settling or 

clumping process, the water 

treatment facility must turn to 

the introduction of a coagulant 

or flocculant that helps the tiny 

particles clump together in a mass 

that is called a ‘floc’, which is easier 

to remove. Two of the more popular 

types of coagulants and flocculants 

that are used in water and wastewater 

treatment are alum, or hydrated 

potassium aluminium sulphate, and 

ferric chloride, or iron (III) chloride. 

Alum has been used since Roman 

times to aid in the purification of 

drinking and industrial process 

water. Alum coaxes negatively 

charged colloidal particles to clump 

together so they will be able to be 

more easily removed from settling 

basins. Ferric chloride undergoes 

hydrolysis when dissolved in 

water, which gives it the ability to 

sufficiently form suspended solid 

particles into flocs. While effective 

in creating flocs, the flocs that are 

formed by alum and ferric chloride 

are held together rather loosely, 

which means that they can break 

apart if agitated as they settle 

in the clarifier or settling basin. 

Eliminating this breakup potential 

requires the introduction of a 

polymer solution that helps form 

more efficient flocs. The polymer 

takes the neutralised solid particle 

clumps and binds them together 

more tightly. Removing the sludge 

from the water requires a pump 

that can run dry and would not be 

affected by abrasive materials. In 

other words, a pump that has the 

capability to take whatever flows 

into it — no matter its makeup — 

and deliver it out the discharge side 

in that same form. 

THE SOLUTION 

Industrial water or wastewater 

treatment, then, is a three-stage 

process that must work hand-in-hand: 

initial floc formation with alum and 

ferric chloride, clump strengthening 

with polymer, and removal and 

disposal of the sludge. Not all 

manufacturers of wastewater 

treatment equipment are able to 

offer full lines of pumping and 

polymer-blending technology 

for the required water treatment 

applications. 

However, Neptune — a brand of 

PSG Dover — features full lines of 

pumping and polymer-blending 

technology for industrial water or 

wastewater treatment applications. 

This allows the water treatment 

facility access to a ‘one company, 

one source’ solution that covers its 

needs from start to finish. Specific 

water treatment technology from 

Neptune includes its MP7000 

series mechanical metering pumps, 

which is ideal for dosing alum and 

ferric chloride. These mechanically 

actuated pumps eliminate the use of 

contour plates on the liquid side of 

the diaphragm, resulting in a simple, 

straight-through valve and head 

design that allows improved flow 

characteristics. They have been 

designed to handle clear liquids with 

viscosities ranging from water-like 

to 2,500 centipoises (cPs),making 

them ideal for use in industrial 

water and wastewater treatment 

applications. The capacity of the 

MP7000 and MP7100 series 

pumps is manually adjustable 

via micrometer dial while the 

pump is running. This allows 

the pump to produce 

flow rates ranging from 

9-1,364L/hr at head 

pressures up to 16bar. 

The pump’s liquid ends 

are constructed of polyvinyl 

chloride (PVC), 316 stainless 

steel or Kynar. Washdown duty 

and explosion-proof motors, 

as well as variable frequency 

drive options, are also 

available. The pumps are 

also self-priming. 

Another Neptune water treatment 

technology is its Polymaster polymer 

activation and blending system. The 

Neptune Polymaster is a simple, 

automatic and economical solution 

for diluting, mixing and thoroughly 

activating emulsion, dispersion 

and solution polymers, including 

new-high-molecular-weight products. 

With the motorised Gatlin mixer 

and distribution head, Polymaster 

provides better mixing capabilities 

and a higher degree of activation 

compared to similar machines. 

By hydraulically segmenting the 

polymer into ultrathin film platelets, 

the polymer surface area exposed 

to the dilution water is maximised 

without affecting the degree of 

Mechanically 

actuated diaphragm 

metering pumps offer 

suction lift capabilities 

and the ability to 

handle liquids that 

off-gas for chemical 

handling applications 


FOCUS 

1 

2 

activation. Offering manual stroke 

length control, automatic 4-20mA 

speed control and models available 

for up to 189L/min dilute solution 

at concentrations from 0.1-2%, 

Polymaster provides a solution for 

polymer activation and blending 

without any blades to damage 

the fragile polymer chains. With 

a compact, lightweight design, 

accessible front panel components 

and automatic shutdown and alarm 

prompted by the loss of dilution 

water, the Polymaster is designed 

for easy installation, operation and 

maintenance (O&M). 

Finally, its Abaque series peristaltic 

hose pumps can handle solid 

particles up to 15mm and soft 

particles as large as 25mm, ideal 

for sludge removal. They feature 

a seal-free design that eliminates 

leaks, which enables them to handle 

the wastewater industry’s pumping 

applications, from abrasive and 

aggressive fluids to shear sensitive 

and viscous materials. The pumps, 

which can run in either forward or 

reverse, are self-priming, dry running 

and offer suction-lift capabilities to 

9m, as well as the ability to run dry 

continuously without affecting the 

pump’s performance. Ductile iron 

1 Abaque peristaltic hose pumps play 

a pivotal role in sludge removal due 

to their ability to run dry and handle 

abrasive, particle-laden materials 

2 Gatlin provides a rapid, high energy 

initial introduction of polymer to water 

followed by a gentle low shear mixing 

in a multistage static mixer, used when 

activating all types of liquid polymer 

3 Neptune blending system features 

mechanical mixing through its Gatlin 

distribution head 

and steel construction let the pump 

produce discharge pressures as high 

as 15bar. The Abaque pump hoses 

are available in four materials of 

construction: natural rubber, ethylene 

propylene diene monomer (EPDM), 

Buna N, and Hypalon. 

CONCLUSION 

A wide variety of industries use 

millions of gallons of water and 

produce millions of gallons of 

wastewater every day. Properly 

handling and disposing, or reusing, 

this wastewater requires a number 

of stages that must work together 

seamlessly, from alum and ferric 

chloride introduction, to polymer 

injection, to sludge removal. Each 

stage requires a different type of 

technology, which can often have 

3 

the wastewater plant operator moving 

in many different directions to identify 

a solution. Neptune offers a one-stop 

shop for industrial wastewater treatment, 

with a ready supply of metering pumps, 

polymer make down systems and 

peristaltic pumps, all of which have been 

designed to work in hand-in-hand to 

create an efficient and cost-effective 

industrial wastewater treatment 

process. 

Imagers: Neptune 


HOTSEAT 

PUB celebrates winners 

of three water awards 


In March 2024, Singapore’s National 

Water Agency PUB announced 

the three winners of Singapore 

Watermark Awards (SWMA). 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

Singapore, Mee Toh School and 

Systems on Silicon Manufacturing 

Company (SSMC) clinched the 

nation’s highest accolade that 

honours organisations that advance 

the water sustainability agenda. 

AWS SINGAPORE 

Positioned within the top 10% 

of performers in the data centre 

sector, AWS Singapore has 

implemented a water-efficient 

cooling tower design for their 

data centres to reduce water 

consumption. AWS data centres use 

on average less than 0.19L globally 

to cool 1kWh of IT load, compared 

to the industry average of 1.8L 

for the same load, according to 

Amazon Global water sustainability 

lead Will Hewes. “Today, all AWS 

data centres in Singapore are 

running on NEWater,” he said. “AWS 

also piloted and deployed a water 

recycling system in Singapore 

which we co-developed with a local 

startup Hydroleap, and we plan to 

scale this across the Asia-Pacific 

region.” 

This co-ed primary school has 

hands-on water conservation 

initiatives such as its rainwater 

collection system, which harnesses 

rainwater for use in the cleaning 

of common spaces, watering of 

plants, and students’ projects. 

“In Mee Toh, what is unique is 

that we incorporate this into 

our environmental education 

programme, so we structure the 

curriculum around water,” principal 

Wang-Tan Sun Sun said. “We 

hope our students will grow up 

as responsible eco-stewards that 

champion for environment and 

water sustainability.” 

From left: PUB chief executive Ong Tze-Ch’in; 

AWS director for data centre operations, Singapore 

and Indonesia Simon Tan; Minister for Sustainability 

and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade 

Relations Grace Fu; Mee Toh School principal 

Wang-Tan Sun Sun; SSMC CEO Lim Soon; and 

PUB chairman Chiang Chie Foo (Image: PUB) 

SWMA is Singapore’s highest accolade that 

honours organisations that advance the 

water sustainability agenda (Image: PUB) 

MEE TOH SCHOOL 

On Mee Toh School campus, 

sensors are installed at taps 

and water coolers to reduce 

water wastage. To ensure that 

underground water leakage does 

not go undetected, operations staff 

monitor water usage by checking 

water meters daily. Between 2019 

and 2022, the school lowered their 

annual water consumption by 30%. 


HOTSEAT 

SSMC is a 

semiconductor 

wafer fab that makes 

integrated-circuit 

wafers for automotive, 

Internet of Things 

(IoT) and mobile 

communication 

applications 

(Image: SSMC) 

SSMC 

This is the second Watermark Award 

for SSMC, which was recognised for 

being a water saver champion in the 

semiconductor industry back in 2013. 

SSMC has achieved the highest 

recycling rates since 2015, at an 

average of 67% as compared to the 

industry average of 45%. “In SSMC, 

every drop of water that we use 

here is recycled about three times,” 

said CEO Lim Soon. They have 

achieved this through active water 

recycling strategies, such as using 

NEWater in 100% of their operations 

and innovating new wastewater 

treatment methodologies. 

However, this journey in water 

conservation has not always been 

smooth sailing, according to 

the CEO. The challenges were 

technical constraints, talent and 

the semiconductor business 

downcycles when the industry is on 

a cost-conservation mode. “Investing 

in water recycling technologies 

then becomes difficult because 

it competes with other priorities,” 

he said. “But in this long-haul 

journey, we have a clear vision on 

the importance of sustainability, 

both water as well as electricity. 

This clear vision has continuously 

kept us on this journey for the last 

more than 20 years.” The CEO also 

credited collective support from its 

board of directors, shareholders 

and employees, which brought this 

long-term vision to life. 

PUB INITIATIVES TO MANAGE 

WATER DEMAND IN SINGAPORE 

This year, there were 35 Water 

Efficiency Awards (WEA) winners 

from 12 sectors in Singapore and 

eight WEA (Projects) recipients. The 

biennial WEA recognises the top 

10th percentile of water-efficient 

performers in their respective 

sectors; and the inaugural WEA 

(Projects) recognises innovative 

projects which demonstrated 

remarkable improvements in water 

efficiency and project leadership. 

A total of 46 winners, ranging from 

manufacturing plants and data 

centres to commercial buildings and 

schools, received these awards. 

Minister for Sustainability and the 

Environment and Minister-in-charge 

of Trade Relations Grace Fu and 

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for 

Sustainability and the Environment 

and Transport Baey Yam Keng 

presented the awards during a 

ceremony at Gardens by the Bay 

on 26 Mar 2024. 

According to Minister Fu, these 

awards are part of PUB efforts 

to water demand management. 

Another PUB initiative to 

support businesses to become 

water-efficient is the mandatory 

water recycling for water-intensive 

sectors like wafer fabrication, 

electronics, and biomedical 

industries — which collectively 

account for 17% of the current 

non-domestic water demand. 

Furthermore, PUB has raised its 

Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) from 

S$1m to $5m, to provide increased 

financial support to businesses in 

their water recycling journey. “To 

date, PUB has awarded close to 

400 grants for water efficiency 

projects, which collectively save 

70 million litres of water each day,” 

she said. 


HOTSEAT 

Veritas Water’s 

pragmatic approach to 

reducing NRW losses 

Chan speaking at Ripple2Wave Incubator Demo Day 2023 

With order books at more than S$3m, 

Veritas Water has since achieved a 

compound annual growth rate of more than 

120%. The founder added that it is on track 

for business expansion in Cambodia, the 

Philippines, and Malaysia by 2026. South 

East Asia’s potable water treatment and 

distribution is a huge market, but its vast 

diverse and conservative culture have posed 

many challenges for many international 

companies. The founder said that compared 

to MNCs, Veritas Water is more agile and 

adaptable to clients’ issues and needs. 

Many concessionaire water providers are 

privately, or family-owned. Plant operators 

and technicians may have been working in 

the same plant decades ago, but even their 

subsequent generations are also working in 

the same treatment plant. 

Veritas Water founder Aloysius Chan was 

initially an engineer with PUB, Singapore’s 

national water agency, but he was keen 

to look at clean water supply solutions in 

South East Asia. Chan joined MNCs such 

as Xylem and Grundfos where he realised 

that quality water equipment and solutions 

usually came with a premium price tag. 

According to him, water supply is handled 

by many small to medium private operators 

in the region. “Although we wanted to 

provide quality water equipment and 

solutions at the best rates, these operators 

were not able to afford them,” Chan said. 

“Many innovative and costly solutions [are] 

initiated without fully understanding the 

real challenges from end users.” Hence, 

solutions do not perform optimally as they 

have not been applied correctly. 

In 2021, Chan established Veritas Water, 

which has benefited as an incubatee 

at Ripple2wave Incubator — an early 

stage startup incubator supported by 

Enterprise Singapore and PUB. His vision 

is to have a customer-oriented focus on 

water solutions in the region, in which 

relationship is fostered first, followed by 

open discussions to share solutions. 

This vision was put to test in 2022 

when a Sri Lankan customer requested a 

face-to-face discussion at a remote water 

treatment plant (WTP) site. The logistics 

to this rural site were challenging due to 

the fuel crisis in the country, with queues 

stretching miles without a guarantee of 

fuel available. “We had to engage two cars 

in two different locations a few days in 

advance. One to be stationed near the site 

for the return trip, and one to bring us from 

the airport to the site,” Chan said. “All the 

effort we took proved to be worthwhile. 

Not only did the client agree to the 

proposed solution, but mutual trust was 

also developed.” 

Although technical information is available 

through well-established internet networks, 

acceptance of newer technologies and 

investments are usually not prioritised. The 

introduction of technology has also been 

seen as a threat to employees’ livelihood. 

These ageing distribution networks have 

seen a considerable increase in connection 

points, some even quadrupling over 

the past years. Most adopt the solution 

of simply adding more pumps, without 

assessing and anticipating any other 

complications and revenue losses. Certain 

treatment plants have reached a stage 

where they are barely profitable. This in 

turn pressures water authorities to increase 

tariffs. A major but often neglected 

problem is non-revenue water (NRW) 

losses. Although there is no silver bullet in 

reducing NRW, minimising existing leaks 

and reducing new leaks in the network 

through pressure management is an 

internationally accepted approach. 


1 

3 

HOTSEAT 

2 

3 

1 Relationship of pressure and leak flow rate concept 

has been a widely accepted concept (Lambert, 

Allan. What do we know about pressure: Leakage 

relationships in distribution systems?) 

2 Setup for data collection within a network or DMA 

3 Vibration checks on water distribution pumps in 

Sri Lanka 

ROUNDING UP THE DATA 

“By reducing treated water losses through 

leaks within networks, one saves energy, 

water resources, chemical usage, and 

maintenance cost in their daily operations,” 

the founder said. A long-term plan of 

Veritas Water is to install digital water 

meters in strategic locations within a district 

metering area (DMA). Together with existing 

or new digital flow meters and pressure 

meters, key data is transmitted to a cloud 

management system. This collected data 

provides insight into network behaviour and 

usage pattern. 

The cloud-based data management 

system will consolidate the data and sort 

it according to time and usage patterns. 

With data collected over time, a ‘network 

persona’ will be generated, which is unique 

to the selected water network. Relying 

on data analytics, the distribution station 

pumps will be adjusted according to the 

‘network persona’. This new operation 

protocol would continue to be adjusted 

and finetuned through client feedback 

engagement sessions. The goal of the 

company is to accumulate as many ‘network 

personas’ as possible. Eventually, the 

company would be able to match proven 

‘network persona’ to a similar distribution 

network from its ‘personal bank’. Thus, this 

will reduce NRW losses with much less 

effort and time for future projects. 

“Although the time-based predictive 

approach does not fully optimise NRW 

losses, it is economical and applicable 

to many network systems commonly 

found in developing countries,” Chan 

said. “Moreover, it is more resilient 

and less sensitive to network changes, 

especially with less-organised operation 

environment prevalent in developing 

countries.” To ensure a higher chance 

of success, both end users and solution 

providers need to be motivated by 

common objectives and ownership. 

These people-to-people engagements 

will highlight potential system 

shortcomings in current setups, and 

discuss rectifications required. 

To overcome scepticism or a lack of 

motivation from water operators, it is 

essential to offer performance-based 

payment. “If there is [no] reduction in 

losses, we do not get paid. If NRW has 

been reduced, we will be paid a portion of 

the water tariffs,” added Chan. Apart from 

small investments in the initial stages, its 

clients have “nothing much to lose”, the 

founder said. “The company believes that 

by combining relevant technologies and 

commercial advantages, it is on the right 

path to providing piped drinking water to 

everyone.” 

Imagers: Veritas Water 

Aloysius Chan 

Director, Veritas Water 


NEWSLETTER 

OF THE 

SINGAPORE 

WATER 

ASSOCIATION 

BRINGING 

A NEW VIBRANCY 

TO SINGAPORE’S 

GROWING 

WATER INDUSTRY 

[Event] Singapore World Water 

Day (SWWD) ‘Save Water. Big 

ways, small ways. All OK!’ 

9 Mar 2024, Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore 

As part of a month-long celebration to showcase community 

efforts in building a sustainable water future for Singapore, SWA 

participated in the SWWD launch event 2024. Both President 

Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Sustainability and the 

Environment Grace Fu engaged with SWA staff and council at the 

SWA booth. The SWA booth was abuzz with excitement, with long 

queues at the ‘Fish for Facts’ game where knowledge meets fun! 

Participants had a chance to win items like yoga mats, stylish caps, 

travel adaptor, USB stick and for the environmentally-conscious — 

an eco-friendly bamboo pen.

[Event] Alliance for Water 

Stewardship (AWS) with Abbott 

and Coca-Cola Singapore 

15 Mar 2024, PUB Water Academy L2, Pierce 

auditorium, Singapore 

SWA hosted an AWS sharing session about water stewardship 

and sustainability. SWA welcomed speakers who shared their 

expertise in responsible water management: Jason Lu from 

AWS China, Teo Zi Yong from Abbott Manufacturing Singapore, 

and Ng Kai Sin from Coca-Cola Singapore. Their discussions 

revealed actionable strategies to safeguarding the planet's 

most precious resource. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the 60 

participants for their engagement and enthusiasm. This 

conversation was followed by a networking refreshment. 

Let's continue to champion sustainability and make a positive 

impact on the environment! 

[Event] SWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) 

mentorship programme, Workshop 2 

23 Mar 2024, AECOM, Singapore 

In tandem with SWWD, SWA kicked off its second workshop 

for the SWA mentorship programme. An initiative aimed at 

nurturing future leaders in the field of water sustainability 

and management, this programme guides and inspires the 

next generation of water stewards, equipping them with the 

knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle complex issues 

head-on. It also plays a role in addressing the challenges posed 

by climate change, a growing population, and geopolitical 

factors within the water industry. SWA extends its gratitude to 

the mentors and career trainers who have offered their time 

and expertise, the mentees for their dedication to making a 

difference, as well as AECOM for their support in providing 

facilities. About 130 mentors and mentees attended this event, 

culminating in a networking session and lunch.

[Event] Fifth meeting of SG Water Internationalisation Networking Club 

4 Apr 2024, McConnell Dowell, ESR BizPark, Singapore 

The fifth meeting of SG Water Internationalisation 

Networking Club (INC) convened with 24 attendees, featuring 

guest speakers. 

Sim Kwee Hock from Singapore’s national water agency PUB, 

InTec, shared about PUB's upcoming business meetings 

and its industry knowledge sharing sessions scheduled with 

regional utilities and government agencies. Neil O'Meara, 

regional manager of precontracts, South East Asia, McConnell 

Dowell, gave an overview of his company’s services and 

projects in Singapore and globally. 

This was followed by SWA vice-president of admin Vinod 

Singh. Karthikeyan Kandaswamy, director, conveyance and 

coastal resilience, Jacobs International Consultants, revealed 

Jacobs’s coastal local and international projects. CEO and 

founder of Refy Capital Ed Chin gave an introduction on 

SAC Capital products and services such as their tailored 

project financing solutions and tech platforms that provide 

automation and standardisation of legal documentations in 

project finance using artificial intelligence (AI). 

The meeting also included 2024 work plan for the group, 

culminating in a networking session with canapes dinner, beer 

and wine. SG Water INC is a peer interest group of companies 

in Singapore with support from SWA, PUB, Enterprise 

Singapore and a consultant advisory group. This initiative is 

part of the Alliance-For-Action (AFA) initiative and aims to 

create a collaborative platform to address global water-related 

challenges and foster international partnerships within the 

water sector.

UPCOMING SWA ACTIVITIES 

[Mission] Bangkok Business 

Mission 2024 

1-5 Jul 2024, Bangkok, Thailand 

Business mission highlights and why you should join: 

As part of our continuous effort to enhance our members’ 

competitiveness through exploring new markets and business 

opportunities, SWA in conjunction with Thai Water 2024 will be 

organising a business mission to Bangkok from 1-5 Jul 2024. 

Key takeaways for participants: 

• Prearranged networking sessions and B2B meetings to seek 

new areas of cooperation and synergies 

• Meet with key government agencies, institutes, 

municipalities and utilities for business insights 

• Exclusive technical site visits around Bangkok 

• Attend Thai Water 2024 

There may be grant support of up to 70% for exhibitors from 

Enterprise Singapore. For more information, please visit https:// 

www.swamember.com/event/business-mission-to-bangkok-2024. 

SWA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS 

(joined from February-March 2024) 

ORDINARY 

1. Veolia Energy Asia Pte Ltd 

2. BlueNexus Technologies Pte Ltd 

INDIVIDUAL 

1. Dawn McGregor 

2. Luke Tay 

ASSOCIATE 

1. Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd 

2. MLA Pte Ltd 

3. Horsol Switz Engineering Asia Pte Ltd 

4. Tack One Pte Ltd 

5. Aquacare International Pte Ltd 

2024 EVENTS CALENDAR 

We look forward to your support in 2024. Download the event 

calendar: https://www.swa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ 

Events-Calendar-2024.V2-1.pdf. 

For queries, please contact SWA at 65150812 or enquiry@swa. 

org.sg. To stay connected, visit https://www.swamember.com/ and 

https://www.swa.org.sg. Follow us on Telegram, LinkedIn, Instagram 

and WhatsApp. 

JOIN SWA? 

SWA welcomes organisations from the water and wastewater 

industry to join as either ordinary, associate or institutional 

member. 

Sign up at https://www.swa.org.sg/membership/sign-up-online

ON OUR RADAR 

Fight corrosion in 

concrete potable water 

structures with MCI 

What can be done when corrosion 

protection is needed in a reinforced 

concrete structure that holds 

drinking water or is located in an 

environmentally sensitive waterway? 

Due to the possibility of harmful 

chemicals leaching into water, 

contractors are limited on which 

products they can apply to concrete 

elements in contact with potable 

water. Cortec Corporation offers 

a variety of Migrating Corrosion 

Inhibitor (MCI) products that are 

certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 

61 for use in drinking water system 

components. 

HOW MIGRATING CORROSION 

INHIBITORS WORK 

MCIs can be admixed into new 

concrete and repair mortar or 

topically applied to existing 

concrete as a surface applied 

corrosion inhibitor (SACI). MCI 

molecules migrate through concrete 

pores and are attracted to metal 

surfaces, such as rebar, where 

they form a molecular protective 

layer considered to be ambiodic, or 

mixed, meaning it inhibits corrosion 

reactions at both the anode and 

cathode of a potential corrosion cell. 

MCI ADMIXTURES FOR DRINKING 

WATER COMPONENTS 

MCI admixtures are sometimes 

desired for extra protection in 

potable water reservoirs, prefab pipe 

segments for transporting seawater 

to desalination plants, brine holding 

tanks, and seawalls in sensitive 

areas where there are leachate 

concerns. MCI admixtures certified 

to meet NSF Standard 61 for use in 

drinking water system components 

include MCI-2005, a liquid corrosion 

inhibiting admixture. MCI-2005 is 

a US Department of Agriculture 

(USDA)-certified biobased product 

that can be mixed into new concrete 

on the jobsite or at the batching 

plant. It retards set time, making it 

an alternative to calcium nitrite on 

extremely warm days. Additionally, 

MCI-2005 NS is also certified, which 

is a normal set version of MCI-2005 

that does not accelerate or retard set 

time. Finally, certified MCI-2006 NS 

is a powder MCI admixture that does 

not accelerate or retard set time. It is 

often used in repairs. 

MCI SACIS FOR DRINKING WATER 

COMPONENTS 

MCI SACIs are typically sprayed 

onto existing concrete and migrate 

deeper over time. They can be a 

great option when application errors 

in the construction of potable water 

holding tanks have left a thinner 

concrete cover than intended and 

additional corrosion protection is 

needed. They can also be used for 

periodic maintenance on structures, 

such as concrete water towers, 

that were not initially specified with 

MCI admixtures but where there is 

a corrosion concern. These SACIs 

are among those certified to meet 

NSF Standard 61 for use in drinking 

water system components. Firstly, the 

MCI-2020 is a water-based, highly 

concentrated dose of MCIs. Secondly, 

MCI-2018 is MCIs combined with a 

100% silane-based water repellent 

— a waterproofing membrane should 

be used when the component will be 

under hydrostatic pressure. 

EXTEND SERVICE LIFE OF 

CONCRETE POTABLE WATER 

STRUCTURES 

Corrosion in reinforced concrete 

structures leads to costly repairs, 

interrupting the intended use of the 

structure and potentially reducing 

its service life. Specifying an MCI 

admixture in new drinking water 

system components at risk for 

corrosion or periodically applying 

a maintenance dose of MCI SACIs 

to existing tanks and structures 

can be a way to slow down the 

natural deterioration processes of 

corrosion in drinking water system 

components where higher safety 

standards exist. 

MCI (Image: 

Cortec Corporation) 


ON OUR RADAR 

Cla-Val’s 

Cla-Tools: 

Free software 

suite to analyse 

valve assets 

Cla-Val has launched Cla-Tools, a complimentary software suite that 

allows users to analyse their current or future-planned valve systems. 

John Link, executive vice-president of Cla-Val, said that Cla-Tools was 

designed to give engineers, operations personnel, and managers 

the ability to design their systems, ensuring they obtain optimum 

performance. “We [provide] our customers with the ability to be 

self-sufficient if they choose, having the comfort of knowing they can 

get expert assistance if required and have made this process easy to 

access online for no cost,” he added. 

With 13 custom software programmes, users can analyse from 

control and modelling of stations to sizing and selection of the right 

valve. There are built-in performance tools to ensure valve stations 

can handle the conditions they are subjected to over time. For 

example, Cla-CAV helps analyse pilot-operated control valves for the 

potential of cavitation. It also analyses cavitation damage at full range 

of flows, and pressure enabling design engineers to determine if and 

when to add a cavitation trim. Cla-Station is a pressure-reducing 

valve station and hydraulic modelling tool showing performance 

based on flow and pressure parameter input. 

The software uses colour-coded graphs, tables, and charts for easy 

analysis. Built-in calculators allow users to input their data and run 

different scenarios to determine if and what they need to adjust. For 

example, Cla-Power has a power consumption calculator that allows 

for all electrical products at a site, or in a vault, to be added with 

their daily usage and supply voltage, providing the total power and 

amp hours of that system. “We are committed to growing Cla-Tools, 

by adding more features that our customers want to see, enabling 

them to have what they want, when they need it, with the ease of 

accessing online,” said Link. 

With 13 different 

modules, users can 

optimise existing valve 

stations and ensure 

analysis of plans 

before installation 

(Image: Cla-Val) 


SINGAPORE 

INTERNATIONAL 

WATER WEEK 2024 

SINGAPORE 

INTERNATIONAL 


THE GLOBAL THE GLOBAL PLATFORM PLATFORM TO SHARE TO SHARE AND AND CO-CREATE 

INNOVATIVE WATER, WATER, COASTAL COASTAL AND AND FLOOD FLOOD SOLUTIONS 

18 -18 22 -June 22 June 2024 2024 

REGISTER REGISTER NOW NOW 

Sands Sands Expo Expo & Convention & THE GLOBAL Centre Centre 

PLATFORM TO SHARE AND CO-CREATE 

Marina Marina Bay Bay Sands, Sands, Singapore 

INNOVATIVE WATER, COASTAL AND FLOOD SOLUTIONS 

Register Register as a as delegate a to attend to attend the the following 18 SIWW -SIWW 22 flagship June flagship 2024 programmes: 

Sands Expo & Convention Centre 

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

THOUGHT 

LEADERSHIP 

THOUGHT 

LEADERSHIP 

SOLUTIONS & 

TECHNOLOGY 

BUSINESS & 

NETWORKING 

SOLUTIONS & 

TECHNOLOGY 

JOINT JOINT OPENING OPENING AND AND JOINT JOINT TITANS TITANS OF INDUSTRY OF INDUSTRY WATER WATER LEADERS LEADERS SUMMIT SUMMIT COASTAL COASTAL AND AND FLOOD FLOOD 

SCAN 

OPENING OPENING MINISTERIAL 

THE QR CODE FOR A high-level A high-level MORE panel panel of INFORMATION 

global of global Plenaries Plenaries showcasing showcasing successful successful RESILIENCE LEADERS LEADERS 

PLENARY PLENARY 

industry industry CEOs. CEOs. 

case case studies studies and applied and applied SUMMIT SUMMIT 

Official Official opening opening of Singapore of Singapore 

solutions solutions in building in building resilient, resilient, Plenaries Plenaries presenting presenting successful successful 

International Water Water Week Week and and 

sustainable sustainable and smart and smart utilities. utilities. projects projects implemented in global in global 

CleanEnviro CleanEnviro Summit Summit Singapore Singapore 

cities. cities. 

As 2024. 

one 2024. 

of the premier global platforms, the biennial Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) gathers water leaders, 

experts and practitioners to share knowledge and best practices and foster new partnerships to tackle urban water and 

associated climate challenges. Into its 10 th edition, key themes that will be presented at SIWW2024 include climate 

mitigation, water sustainability, net zero and decarbonisation, resource circularity and digitalisation. A new pillar on climate 

adaptation, specifically coastal protection and flood resilience, will also be introduced for the first time in SIWW2024. 

WATER WATER CONVENTION 

TECHXCHANGE 

LEE KUAN LEE KUAN YEW YEW WATER WATER INDUSTRIAL WATER WATER TECHNICAL SITE SITE VISITS VISITS 

A forum A forum connecting connecting startups 

and 500 ups innovators and innovators with with 

24,000 

Keynote Keynote lecture lecture High-level High-level forum EUROPE EUROPE 

start- 

Over PRIZE Over PRIZE LECTURE LECTURE 

WHAT SETS SOLUTIONS SIWW FORUM FORUM 

APART? Visits Visits to various to various technical technical 

Over Over 14% 

14% 

presenting presenting sustainable sustainable 

forum the for the facilities facilities in 61% 

61% 

ASIA 

Singapore 

ASIA 

Singapore 

Water Water Leaders 

Participants 

technological solutions, solutions, utility utility and industry and industry endusersusers, 

venture venture capitalists capitalists Kuan Kuan Yew Water Yew Water Prize Prize 

Insights 13% 

13% technology technology on latest innovations, 

trends, solutions, and case studies in 

4% innovations, 

4% 

AMERICAS 

AMERICAS 

various thematic areas 

MENA MENA & 

& 

end- 

presented presented by the by Lee the Lee 

THOUGHT latest latest industrial LEADERSHIP 

industrial water water (ticketed (ticketed separately). separately). 

processes processes and and 

management strategies strategies and accelerators/ 

and 2024 2024 Laureate. Laureate. aimed aimed achieving at achieving 

AFRICA AFRICA 8% 

8% 

Over 

Over 

OCEANIA 

OCEANIA 

Over 500 that address that address key water key water incubators. incubators. 

14% 14% 

24,000 

EUROPE 

24,000 

From From 110 110 S$23 Billon 

61% your your corporate corporate water water 

EUROPE SOLUTIONS 61% 

ASIA 

& TECHNOLOGY 

ASIA 

Water Leaders issues. issues. Participants Participants 

Regions and and 

In Total In Total Value Value for for Business 

sustainability objectives. objectives. 

Countries 

Announcements 

Innovation and solutions in urban water management, for 

13% 

13% 

4% 

municipal and industrial users 

AMERICAS 

4% 

AMERICAS 

MENA & 

MENA & 

AFRICA AFRICA Top Regions: (excluding Singapore)* 

8% 

8% 

OCEANIA 

OCEANIA 

BUSINESS & NETWORKING 

From 110 

S$23 S$23 Billon 

Billon 

Gathering of industry, utilities and governments for business 

Regions and In Total In Total Value Value for Business 

for Business 

Announcements 

collaboration and partnerships 

KEY A FIGURES technical A technical conference conference 

FROM PAST EDITION 

Over 500 

Water Leaders 

From 110 

Regions and 

Countries 

Countries 

BUSINESS & 

NETWORKING 

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION OPENS ON 18 MARCH 2024 

Announcements 

14% 

EUROPE 61% 

WATER WATER EXPO EXPO 

Pre-eminent 13% 

marketplace to 4% converge to converge and and 

AMERICAS 

find opportunities find in business. 

business. 

MENA & 

AFRICA 8% 

OCEANIA 

*Statistics based on Sinagpore International Water Week 2018 

ASIA 

GLOBAL EVENT, REGIONAL FOOTPRINT 

A global water event with strong relevance and application 

THEMATIC THEMATIC AND AND BUSINESS BUSINESS FORUMS FORUMS 

to Asia NETWORKING FUNCTIONS 

Discover Discover trends, trends, solutions solutions and high-impact and high-impact Functions Functions include include the Industry the Industry Night Night @ Water @ Water 

collaboration projects projects across across various various themes 

URBAN themes 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Expo, Expo, Happy Happy Hour, Hour, Lee Kuan Lee Kuan Yew Water Yew Water Prize Prize 

and markets and markets in the in water the water sector. sector. 

Co-located with 2024 CleanEnviro 2024 Award Award Ceremony Summit Ceremony Singapore & Banquet & Banquet to (ticketed 

advance (ticketed 

sustainability separately) agenda separately) for built and environment SWA and SWA Golf @ Golf SIWW2024 @ SIWW2024 

(ticketed (ticketed separately). separately). 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

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Organised Organised Organised by: by: 

by: 

Singapore Singapore International Singapore International International Water Water Week Water Pte Week Ltd, Pte Week a company Ltd, Pte a company Ltd, set a company up set by up by 

set up by 

Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. 

Singapore’s Singapore’s Ministry Ministry of Sustainability of Sustainability and the and Environment the Environment and PUB, and Singapore’s PUB, Singapore’s National National Water Water Agency. Agency. 

Held Held Held in in conjunction in with: 

with: with: 

Stay connected Stay connected with us: with us: 

Stay connected with us: 

www.siww.com.sg @siww.com.sg @siww.com.sg @waterweeksg @waterweeksg @siww @siww 

@siww

3 DAYS l 500 EXHIBITORS l OVER 30 PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES 

LEE KUAN YEW 

WATER PRIZE 

MEDALLION 

SINGAPORE 

INTERNATIONAL 


WATER EXPO 

THE GLOBAL PLATFORM TO SHARE AND CO-CREATE 

INNOVATIVE WATER, COASTAL AND FLOOD SOLUTIONS 

19 - 21 June 2024 

Sands Expo & Convention Centre 

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 

In cooperation with IFAT and organised by Messe Munich, the SIWW Water Expo is the pre-eminent marketplace for the international 

water, coastal and flood community to converge and find opportunities in business. 

As one of the world’s premier platforms to share and co-create innovative water, coastal and flood solutions to meet urban water and 

climate challenges, the Water Expo showcases the latest state-of-the-art solutions, technologies, products and services for cities, utilities 

and industry in Asia. 

What will you see 

• Water and Sewage Treatment 

• Water Supply and Sewage Systems 

• Water Supply and Sewage-Disposal Service 

• Mechanical Engineering and Plant Engineering 

in Water Management 

• Hydraulic Engineering 

• Flood and Coastal Protection 

• Consulting and Engineering Services 

• Consulting for Management and Services 

• Digitalization Water 

• Financing 

• Insurance 

• Instrumentation, Control and Automation 

• Associations, Government Agencies, Education, 

Research and Technology Transfer, and Media 

Thematic Zones 

• Coastal Protection & Flood Resilience Zone 

Located at Level 1 (Hall A), the all-new coastal protection & 

flood resilience zone features companie related to storm water 

management and flood control, flood prediction technologies, 

and many more. 

• Smart Tech & Digitalisation 

The smart tech and digitalisation zone is located at B2 (Hall D, 

E and F) and features smart water technologies, smart meters, 

digital twin technologies, and many more. 

REGISTER FOR YOUR 

COMPLIMENTARY TRADE VISITOR PASS NOW!

Rapid microbial monitoring from LuminUltra Technologies 

LuminUltra’s booth: Canadian pavilion 

LuminUltra is a provider of rapid microbial 

monitoring solutions, revolutionising the 

way industries manage microbiological 

activity. Founded in 1995, LuminUltra serves 

industries including water and wastewater 

treatment with applied molecular diagnostics. 

Over the past two decades, LuminUltra has 

invested in expansions to its technology 

portfolio, now offering a suite of products 

and services that include 2nd Generation 

ATP, GeneCount qPCR and Next Generation 

Sequencing. This scalable technology 

suite can help users to rapidly assess 

total microbial load in a system, identify 

and quantify problematic organisms, and 

understand the makeup of their system’s 

microbial community. 

LuminUltra’s 2nd Generation ATP technology 

allows users to identify process upsets before 

they cause serious operational problems. 

Giving accurate and repeatable results in 

minutes, it helps monitor and control the 

health of the biomass, take preventative 

steps at the earliest opportunity, and 

optimise system performance. 

BugCount Guardian is the next evolution 

of 2nd Generation ATP testing, with an 

automated device that integrates directly 

into industrial processes. Automatically 

draw samples at user-determined 

intervals, perform the test, and receive 

results, without any need for operator 

intervention. 

Their recently launched GeneCount qPCR 

Nitrifiers Panel measure populations of key 

biological wastewater treatment microbes 

quantitively within 2hrs. The LuminUltra 

GeneCount approach adapts qPCR testing 

to a wide range of industrially significant 

microbes in a package that is suitable for both 

site and laboratory use. 

The GeneCount Next Generation Sequencing 

(NGS) service identifies all types of microbes 

present in a sample and gives insight into how 

to diagnose and resolve complex problems in 

wastewater treatment. LuminUltra’s reporting 

includes a quantifiable breakdown into the 

microbial activity, as well as insight into the 

good or harm they may be causing. 

Backed by experience and industry experts, 

LuminUltra offers solutions and expert 

guidance to its clients, ensuring success in 

managing microbes — whether they are helpful 

or harmful. 

Images: LuminUltra 

1 BugCount Guardian automated monitoring device 

2 Photonmaster luminometer for 2nd Generation ATP 

3 GeneCount Voyager thermocycler 

1 2 

3 


6X: VEGA’s simple radar formula for better processes 

VEGA’s booth: B2-N07 

With VEGAPULS 6X, VEGA radar is a new 

radar sensor that can measure in every 

level application. Traditionally, the search 

for a suitable radar level sensor begins 

by asking which frequency would be 

best for the specific application, or by 

determining the properties of the medium, 

the temperature ranges involved and the 

process fittings required. But now, VEGA 

is transforming the process with its new 

VEGAPULS 6X. “Ultimately, it is not the 

sensor that counts, but what the users 

can achieve with it in their individual 

processes,” said Florian Burgert, who, as 

a product manager, has been involved in 

product development from the beginning. 

“Knowing that they have chosen the best 

possible measurement solution and that 

they will reach their goal faster with it 

makes a big difference in their everyday 

operations.” 

OVER 1 MILLION INSTRUMENTS IN USE 

WORLDWIDE 

VEGA’s sensors have optimised millions 

of industrial processes. The story 

includes milestones such as the world’s 

first two-wire radar instrument and the 

first 80GHz radar sensor for liquids on the 

market. “At VEGA we do not do a hundred 

different things, we concentrate on what 

we do best: radar,” said product manager 

Jürgen Skowaisa. 

ALL-ROUND PROTECTION 

The new VEGAPULS 6X offers a 

self-diagnosis system that immediately 

detects damage or interference that 

ensures higher availability and safety. It 

has a new radar-chip technology, with 

expanded application possibilities and 

simpler operation. In addition to SIL 

certification, the matter of cybersecurity 

has also been fully taken into account: 

Compliance with security standard 

IEC 62443-4-2, which specifies strict 

requirements for secure communication 

and access control. 

THE VALUE LIES IN THE BEST 

APPLICATION 

Level sensors should make it easier 

for users to monitor their industrial 

processes. The purpose of VEGAPULS 6X 

is: maximum simplification. It is a sensor 

that can handle any application. In the 

future, the customer will no longer have 

to worry about the technology, frequency 

or instrument version. Even setup and 

commissioning has been reduced to a 

minimum, requiring now a few clicks and 

basic application parameters. In many 

cases, all application-specific settings can 

be made in VEGAPULS 6X before it leaves 

the factory. Mount, connect, done: It could 

not get any simpler. 

A choice of signal outputs and adjustment 

concepts contribute to making system 

integration reliable, simple and compatible 

across all industries (Image: VEGA) 


NX Filtration: Step change in chemical free water 

treatment, Medang Kampai, Indonesia 

NX Filtration’s booth: A3-340, Hall 3 

NX Filtration has completed the 

commissioning of its fourth chemical free 

drinking water project in Indonesia, marking a 

milestone in sustainable water management. 

This project, developed in collaboration with 

Bayu Surya Bakti Konstruksi (BSBK), utilises 

NX Filtration’s hollow fibre nanofiltration 

(HFNF) membrane technology. With a 

capacity of 450m 3 /hr, the plant addresses 

the region’s increasing demand for reliable 

drinking water supply. 

The HFNF membrane technology is 

adept at treating water from the Kemili 

river, which contains high levels of 

colour caused by humic acids from plant 

residues. Unlike conventional treatment 

methods, HFNF membranes require 

minimal chemical dosing and operate at 

low pressure, resulting in low consumption 

and a lower carbon footprint. The total 

cost of ownership for this solution is 

approximately 20 cents per m 3 of water 

produced — with conventional treatment 

schemes, but with better water quality. 

A precedent for future endeavours in 

water and wastewater recycling, this 

project demonstrates the potential for 

scalable, minimal impact solutions in water 

management. 

Dr Jink Gude from NX Filtration will share a 

presentation about integrating sand filtration 

into a HFNF process enhances drinking water 

treatment efficiency at SIWW. In his study, he 

reveals how the potential of HFNF with sand 

filtration and granular activated carbon (GAC) 

for surface water treatment can be unleashed 

in order to produce potable/ drinking water. 

Two concepts are compared: incorporating 

HFNF and GAC filtration, and the other, 

integrating sand filtration without chemical 

dosing, HFNF, and GAC. 

His findings revealed compliance with 

EU drinking water standards, containing 

ultra-low concentrations of total organic 

carbon (TOC), assimilable organic carbon 

1 

2 

(AOC) and organic micropollutants 

(OMP) including per- and polyfluoroalkyl 

substances (PFAS). 

The sand filter enhances HFNF 

permeability by 15% in four weeks (Fig. 1). 

This approach, applied to eutrophic river 

water — showcases promising results — 

offering a sustainable solution for improved 

water quality and environmental challenges 

without the use of chemicals. This 

leverages operating expense reduction 

compared to conventional concepts — 

such as coagulation, ultrafiltration (UF), 

reverse osmosis (RO) — with energy 

savings of 70% and the chemical savings 

with more than 95%, resulting in a lower 

CO2 footprint. 

1 NX Filtration water treatment facility in Medang 

Kampai, Indonesia (Image: NX Filtration) 

2 Fig. 1: Both HFNF modules performed with stable 

permeability, but with sand filtrate exhibiting 20% 

higher permeability compared to HFNF alone, 

reducing fouling in the process (Image: NX Filtration) 

Dr Gude will elaborate on this study’s 

exploration of integrating sand filtration 

into the HFNF process for drinking water 

treatment. He will highlight the water 

quality results and operational results of the 

investigated demonstration. Finally, when 

comparing costing between conventional 

UF/ RO and HFNF drinking water concepts, 

HFNF holds promise for advancing surface 

water treatment methods and addressing 

environmental challenges while improving 

water quality standards. 


Metris addIQ ARGOS: Optimising polymer 

consumption and reducing costs 

ANDRITZ’s booth: B2-R16, Hall F, 

German pavilion 

ANDRITZ is a globally leading supplier 

of plants, equipment, automation 

solutions, and services for hydropower 

stations, the pulp and paper 

industry, the metalworking and steel 

industries, as well as environmental 

and green energy-focused sectors. 

The customised solutions focus on 

minimising the use of resources and 

achieving efficiency, thus making a 

contribution towards environmental 

protection. ANDRITZ solutions 

come with a Metris addIQ control 

system, that provides a well-proven, 

intelligent control solution for industrial 

processes. 

detecting the actual centrate condition 

during the thickening and dewatering 

process. ARGOS adjusts the optimum 

polymer dose and torque setpoint 

to match changing conditions in the 

operating process like an additional 

electronic operator eye to look over the 

operator’s shoulder. 

Key benefits of the Metris addIQ 

ARGOS include cost savings through 

reduced polymer consumption, short 

amortisation period, enhanced plant 

reliability and operational stability 

with no supervision required. Its 24/7 

real-time polymer and torque setpoint 

control is easy to maintain with no 

mechanical wear parts. 

to decanter centrifuges in a range of 

sludge processing facilities. Different 

designs of centrate sampling boxes are 

available to meet installation conditions 

and process requirements. 

addIQ control systems are part of 

Metris, the ANDRITZ brand for digital 

solutions — which is the combination of 

expertise, technologies, and products. 

The brand includes both digital 

solutions and Smart Services which 

are arranged and adapted individually 

to meet the requirements of every 

single customer — even exploiting the 

capabilities of systems already installed 

and measurably enhancing plant 

performance. 

At Singapore International Water 

Week (SIWW) 2024, ANDRITZ will 

unveil its latest automation solution: 

the Metris addIQ ARGOS, offering 

a more cost-effective approach to 

sludge processing and cost savings. 

This advanced automation technology 

harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) 

to provide 24/7 real-time, automatic 

adjustment of polymer dosage, 

resulting in optimised polymer 

consumption. 

Metris addIQ ARGOS redefines how 

sludge processing is optimised, 

empowering wastewater treatment 

plants (WWTPs) to operate efficiently 

and sustainably. ARGOS can be applied 

Metris addIQ ARGOS — an optical 

measurement system for decanter centrifuges 

to detect the actual centrate condition during 

the thickening and dewatering process 

(Image: ANDRITZ) 

Maintaining the centrifuge operation 

at its optimum would be a 24/7 task 

for any operator. As the centrifuge is 

not the only equipment to be taken 

care of, this amount of attention is 

not realistic in standard operation. 

Furthermore, process conditions can 

be volatile throughout a machine’s 

lifetime. This may lead to a drop in cake 

dryness, worsening centrate quality, 

or overdosing of the polymer during 

operation. This means higher costs 

for polymer use, trucking and disposal 

fees, drying, and labour. 

The Metris addIQ ARGOS is an optical 

measurement system capable of 


Optimising SWRO: A journey of 

innovation in energy recovery devices 

Danfoss’ booth: P13, Hall F, Basement 2 

Access to clean drinking water 

remains a growing concern for 

millions worldwide, with factors 

like demographic shifts, economic 

development, and climate change 

exacerbating water scarcity. In 

response, seawater reverse osmosis 

(SWRO) has emerged as a crucial 

solution. Despite being the most 

energy-efficient form of desalination, 

SWRO still poses significant energy 

demands compared to traditional water 

sources. Consequently, the history of 

SWRO has been marked by a relentless 

pursuit of greater energy efficiency. 

Over the years, advancements in plant 

design, high-pressure pumps, and 

membrane technology have played 

pivotal roles in enhancing SWRO 

sustainability. Among these innovations, 

isobaric energy recovery devices 

(ERDs) have stood out for their ability 

to recover up to 60% of the energy 

expended in the osmotic process, 

reducing the environmental and 

financial costs associated. 

The evolution of ERDs reflects a 

commitment to optimising SWRO 

efficiency. Initially, centrifugal ERDs 

paved the way, utilising hydraulic 

energy from pressurised waste brine, 

transferring energy back into the 

feed side of membranes. However, 

challenges such as energy losses and 

maintenance issues persisted. 

Enter the era of isobaric ERDs, where 

the fluid itself transfers energy directly 

from the brine into the seawater without 

mechanical losses, opening a new 

future divided into passive and active 

categories. Passive devices rely on 

seawater flow for rotation, while active 

ERDs incorporate electric motors and 

variable frequency drives (VFDs) for 

precise control, resulting in enhanced 

performance in desalination plants. 

Danfoss’s introduction of the MPE 70 

in 2022 marked a milestone in ERD 

technology. With enhanced plant 

energy consumption over time — due 

to achieving and maintaining low 

salinity, continuous operation despite 

plant biofouling issues, and digital 

monitoring capabilities — the MPE 70 

offers advancement in SWRO plant 

operations, empowering operators 

with improved control, reliability and 

safety. 

The first field experience at the Arucas 

Moya desalination plant, operated by 

ACCIONA, underscores the impact 

of the MPE 70. The plant, in operation 

since 1995, serves approximately 

45,000 people in the Canary Islands, 

Spain. In December 2021, seven 

MPE 70 were installed in one of its 

racks. Salinity increases as low as 

an unprecedented 1% during 5% 

of over flushing and a mere 0.4bar 

of differential pressure on the high 

pressure (HP) side demonstrates 

the efficacy of the MPE 70 in further 

reducing energy consumption over 

time. 

Arucas Moya SWRO plant manager 

said that the startup is simple and 

controlled; the speed of operation 

is controlled in each of the devices; 

the ease of operation with balanced 

flows; and the salinity balance in all 

the units. “Real-time monitoring is 

useful not only to control and supervise 

the process, but also to be able to 

anticipate any potential anomalies; by 

controlling the rotor speed, there is 

no risk of overspinning in the MPEs, 

thus avoiding serious damage to the 

pressure exchanger,” he said. “Danfoss 

support has been good, both during 

the development phase and during the 

commissioning of the equipment.” 

1 

In conclusion, the journey of 

SWRO optimisation embodies 

a relentless pursuit of 

sustainability and efficiency. 

With solutions like the MPE 

70 driving advancements 

in ERD technology, the 

desalination industry is poised 

to meet the challenges of 

tomorrow, ensuring access 

to clean drinking water for 

generations to come at 

the lowest possible cost. 

Each technological leap, 

from centrifugal to active 

isobaric ERDs, contributes to 

more efficient, reliable, and 

sustainable SWRO plants, 

benefiting communities and 

environmental stewardship 

alike. 

1 Seven MPE 70 energy recovery 

devices running in parallel at 

Arucas Moya in the Canary Islands in Spain 

(Image: Danfoss) 

2 Danfoss HP pumps (Image: Danfoss) 

2 


Rethinking the water sector at Danfoss Drives 

Danfoss’ booth: P13, Hall F, Basement 2 

ENERGY NEEDS WATER, WATER 

NEEDS ENERGY 

The mutual dependence of energy and 

water and increasing global demand 

for each has an enormous impact 

on economic growth, environmental 

sustainability and our future. Yet, 

digitalisation and existing technologies 

designed to create an energy-neutral 

water sector are already available. A 

more energy efficient water distribution 

system automatically helps reduce water 

leakage so that less energy is used, and 

less water is wasted. 

According to World Economic Outlook, 

‘water crisis’ is ranked the fifth most 

serious risk the world faces over the 

next 10 years. It is estimated that in 

2025, half of the world’s population 

could be living in water stress and 

scarcity areas. Furthermore, 4% of 

global electricity is consumed by the 

water industry. This figure is expected to 

double by 2040. Water and wastewater 

facilities are a municipality’s largest 

consumer of electricity, representing 

30-50% of local authorities’ total 

electricity bill. 

Danfoss VLT 

AQUA Drives 

(Image: Danfoss) 

At Danfoss Drives, solutions and 

technologies have been developed 

and designed to improve the energy 

efficiency in desalination, irrigation, 

sustainable water supply and 

wastewater treatment. Due to the 

built-in EDGE intelligence in the Danfoss 

VLT AQUA Drives FC 202, water 

system is improved by delivering higher 

performance, reliability, and energy 

efficiency. 

Danfoss Drives EDGE technology gives 

system control, ensuring increased 

uptime and operating cost savings 

by supervising motors and pumps. 

Its cloud-free artificial intelligence 

(AI) is embedded in the Drives and 

automatically defines application-specific 

baseline operating up to 6 parameters 

for pumps and motors. With the EDGE 

computing solution, data is collected 

several times per second, ensuring any 

measurements outside the normal range 

trigger a warning quickly, thus minimising 

the risk of undetected abnormalities. All 

data is stored locally, removing the need 

for cloud connection and preventing the 

risk of cyberattacks. 

To further improve energy efficiency 

and reduce energy cost, the 

back-channel cooling system in the 

VLT AQUA Drives exhausts up to 90% 

of system heat outside the building, 

making it possible to reduce the size 

of your cooling system in the panel 

or switch room, reduce the size of 

air conditioning (AC) and reduce the 

energy costs for running AC system. 

Harmonics are voltages and currents 

which have frequency components that 

pollute the pure sinusoidal waveform 

in an AC circuit, ultimately distorting 

the main voltage. To further complicate 

matters, the greater the number of 

on-site power electronic switching 

devices you have, the greater the 

degree of distortion. Pumps in the 

wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) 

often run 24/7, and so are variable 

speed drives. The Danfoss Advanced 

Active Filter AAF 007 is designed to 

reduce harmonic distortion of central or 

de-centrally installed Danfoss drives. 

The new generation Silicon Carbide 

(SiC) switches provides 60% lower 

power losses compared to similar filters 

and effective elimination of high-order 

harmonics. 


Next generation BM series high speed MagLev blower 

Gardner Denver’s booth: B2-M19, Hall E 

Gardner Denver has developed the next 

generation BM-200 high speed MagLev 

blower. It has a complete system protection 

in which multiple levels of protection are 

designed to prevent any abnormal operation 

of the blowers — due to power outage, 

dirty filters, incorrect external system valve 

operation — so as to ensure the blowers run 

reliably. With intelligent design of the whole 

process from filtration of the air intake to 

final discharge, the BM series blowers not 

only achieve energy efficiency at the design 

point, but also maintain more efficient, quiet, 

energy-saving operation throughout the 

entire flow range. 

Furthermore, its Industrial Internet of Things 

(IIoT) module is integrated as standard. 

This allows remote and mobile access to 

information such as current operating status, 

energy consumption analysis and reminders 

for time remaining before maintenance. 

The intelligent design employs multiple 

noise-reducing measures to guarantee a 

more comfortable and quieter operating 

environment with an overall noise level less 

than 80dBA. 

Its BM-200 has a wider flow regulation 

range to match flow demand under widely 

varying load conditions, optimising for 

a flow regulation range of 100-40% at 

constant pressure — which reduces energy 

consumption by meeting high and low flow 

demand — without blow off, thus satisfying 

the requirement for a wide process flow 

range and low energy requirement. 

Its compact design also has a small footprint, 

which allows installation where space is at a 

premium, while still providing good access for 

service and maintenance. Its large 

bright human machine 

interface (HMI) gives 

simple access to control 

modes and information 

with the touch of a finger. 

Finally, this BM range 

satisfies all the relevant 

It also has a 

maintenance kit with 

all the components to 

prolong the lifespan of 

the equipment (Image: 

Gardner Denver) 

requirements of the CE marking directives. 

The Gardner Denver BM-200 series high 

speed MagLev blower is applicable in the 

following use cases: 

• Aeration systems 

• Membrane bioreactor (MBR) 

• Sand filter backwash system 

• Reverse osmosis (RO) 

• Anaerobic digestion (AD) 

• Biogas plant 

• Desalination plant 

Bürkert’s nitrogen blanketing system 

Bürkert’s booth: B2-C41 

Bürkert’s nitrogen blanketing pressure 

control solution for storage tanks has 

a compact control panel designed for 

easy installation, commissioning and 

operation. 

The system consists of Bürkert’s high 

accuracy pressure transmitter, an 8619 

multichannel, multifunction transmitter/ 

controller with built-in Proportional– 

Integral–Derivative (PID) controller. 

It has a proportional solenoid control 

valve with dynamics and turn-down 

ratio, customised control panel and 

pressure/vacuum relief breather valve 

for secondary tank protection. Due 

to the modularity of Type 8619 in 

hardware and software, Bürkert offers 

different type of systems to meet various 

requirements, with its basic N2 blanket 

system, N2 blanketing system with level 

control, N2 blanketing system with flow 

monitoring or N2 blanketing system with 

tank level control and flow monitoring. Its 

type 8619 multiCELL has optional data 

logger function — which can be added 

in the future — records up to 16 process 

values. 

Bürkert solution for automatic nitrogen 

dosing with optimal level and flow 

measurement prevents contamination of 

deionised (DI) water and ensures that the 

resistance value of ultrapure water (UPW) 

remains stable at 18.3MΩ/cm. 

Bürkert N2 flowmeter can be configured to measure 

N2 gas flow rate and consumption (Image: Bürkert) 


Introducing Lily: The digital knowledge 

companion by TeamSolve 

TeamSolve’s booth: B2-J45, 

ImagineH2O pavilion 

Founded by industry veterans with expertise 

in smart analytics and digital transformation 

— Mudasser Iqbal, Ami Preis, Robin Wong, 

and Michael Allen — TeamSolve presents 

Lily. This artificial intelligence (AI) assistant/ 

co-pilot redefines efficiency and situational 

awareness for operations and maintenance 

(O&M) in the water industry. In 2023, 

TeamSolve secured both the ImagineH2O 

‘South East Asia Market Readiness’ award 

and the Ripple-to-Wave ‘Most Promising 

Start-up’ award. 

Lily harnesses generative AI and large 

language models to empower water industry 

professionals during asset maintenance and 

incident response such as alarm management 

and leak investigations. Integrated with 

platforms and interfaced via WhatsApp 

and MS Teams on mobile devices, Lily 

provides real-time, conversational insights 

to streamline O&M and incident response 

efforts. 

Harness the power of collective knowledge 

and break free from data/ knowledge 

silos with Lily. By learning from various 

sources such as operational data, asset 

management systems, user manuals, 

troubleshooting guides, field reporting 

and expert knowledge, Lily ensures these 

insights are readily accessible. Lily captures 

and learns from new knowledge on the 

go, automating report generation and 

empowering teams with instant, actionable 

insights instead of troubleshooting and 

manual data retrieval. 

With Lily, TeamSolve pioneers a culture of 

knowledge sharing and digital proficiency. 

Experience the future of water industry operations with 

TeamSolve’s innovation in AI (Image: TeamSolve) 

By minimising the impact of workforce 

challenges like workforce shortages, 

retirements, high turnover and pandemics, 

Lily captures and preserves tacit knowledge 

systematically, ensuring business continuity 

and productivity for the long haul. 

TeamSolve has implemented Lily at 

commercial scale in Australia and New 

Zealand. The team also has completed 

extensive trials with PUB, Singapore’s 

National Water Agency, and is currently 

conducting further trials in the Philippines, 

Malaysia, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and 

New Zealand. 

AERZEN turbo container solution is a compact 

solution for wastewater technology 

AERZEN’s booth: B2-R11 

The AERZEN integrated blower solutions 

for wastewater technology are compact, 

quiet and efficient. Its quick plug and play 

solutions in ISO container ensure energy 

efficiency. Its system solution has flexibility 

for a reliable supply of compressed air, 

which allows for quick loading, setup and 

commissioning in less than 2hrs. It also 

has a compact and turnkey outdoor 

installation, with simple handling as a 

standardised ISO container. Due to the 

placement of process air supply directly 

where they are needed, its solution 

allows for short distances and minimal 

pressure losses. 

Its plug and play solutions — paired with 

turbo blowers — have a simple integration 

into supervisory control systems, and they 

are effective in silencing and ventilation. No 

newbuild or rebuild measures are required for 

a machine room. Each ISO container consists 

of up to three turbo blowers in an extensive 

performance range. 

AERZEN modifications 

and individual 

accessories for 

different applications 

and operating 

conditions are 

available on request 

(Image: AERZEN) 

For modifications and accessories, there are 

interface for field bus connection, remote 

monitoring and adjustment to special sound 

requirements and installation conditions. 

Extras such as circular silencers, heating, 

air conditioning units can be part of its 

accessories. With special filter versions, 

temperature versions and desert installation, 

as well as colouration and corrosion protection, 

the ISO container also allows combination with 

other blower technologies. It can be both a 

side-by-side and roof top installation. 


Introducing SIX: Transforming water treatment 

with enhanced organic matter removal 

PWNT’s booth: B2-L11 

The Suspended Ion Exchange 

process (SIX), presents an 

advanced treatment solution 

to remove naturally occurring 

organic matter (NOM) as a first 

step in surface water treatment. 

By addressing NOM removal at 

the beginning, SIX improves the 

efficiency of downstream processes 

while enhancing overall water 

quality. Removing NOM from the 

water also reduces the formation 

potential of disinfection byproducts 

— particularly trihalomethanes — 

complementing the water industry’s 

reliance on chlorination for 

disinfection. 

Multiple processes benefit from 

an early removal of organics at the 

head of the treatment train. SIX 

increases the time to breakthrough 

and the usable life of activated 

carbon filters, optimising their 

efficiency in absorbing pollutants 

like per-and polyfluoroalkyl 

substances (PFAS) or pesticides. 

With a waste stream of only 1-2% 

— commonly referred to as brine 

due to salt regeneration — SIX 

minimises environmental impact 

and operational costs associated 

with waste disposal. Additionally, 

SIX boasts a higher overall recovery 

rate, which is beneficial in areas with 

water scarcity issues. SIX has been 

found to typically achieve 40-60% 

NOM removal — reaching 90% under 

specific conditions — depending on 

the feed water quality. 

Finally, SIX offers versatile 

regeneration options, including the 

use of bicarbonate as a regenerant. 

This feature is attractive in low 

alkaline waters, as the SIX process 

not only removes NOM but also 

adds alkalinity to treated water 

during bicarbonate regeneration. 

Bicarbonate regeneration can also 

be utilised with SIX to treat waters 

high in total dissolved solids (TDS), 

lowering NOM while increasing 

bicarbonate levels. When coupled 

with traditional pellet softening, this 

approach results in a final treated 

water with lower overall TDS, making 

it more palatable. This method 

presents a promising alternative 

to reverse osmosis (RO) in the 

treatment of wastewater effluent for 

indirect or direct potable reuse. 

Selecting the proper pre-treatment 

and ion exchange process, along 

with implementing suitable brine 

recovery or disposal options, are 

critical activities for engineers to 

consider. Conventional alternatives 

like coagulation or NF, utilised for 

dissolved organic carbon (DOC) 

removal, often pose challenges with 

waste disposal. With its versatile 

applications, high efficiency, and 

minimal waste generation, SIX stands 

as a promising choice for enhancing 

water treatment processes and 

addressing specific operational 

needs. Softening, nitrate removal, 

and PFAS removal are all possible 

with SIX. 

SIX installation in 

Andijk, the Netherlands 

— a showcase of 

advanced water 

treatment technology 

at work (Image: PWNT) 

SIX offers flexibility in resin 

selection, as almost every 

commercially available resin can 

be utilised. This feature provides 

water supply companies with 

the desired flexibility in choosing 

suppliers, ensuring integration with 

existing infrastructure. Additionally, 

with the emergence of resins 

targeting specific substances like 

PFAS, SIX opens up possibilities for 

applications of ion exchange in the 

water treatment chain. 

Unlike nanofiltration (NF), which 

has a recovery rate of only 80% and 

generates a concentrate stream 

requiring further treatment, SIX 

offers efficient resin regeneration 

with minimal waste generation. 


Xylem + Evoqua’s Rivo System 

The Rivo I System 

will be showcased 

at SIWW 2024 

(Image: Xylem) 

Xylem’s booth: B2-J11 

The Rivo I System from Xylem and Evoqua 

transforms how municipal and industrial water 

users measure, monitor and control 

water quality. The technology 

simplifies water treatment processes 

with a new analyser and control 

platform. Plant operators can 

control water quality and enhance 

compliance, safety and efficiency 

with real-time monitoring. 

The Rivo I System also enables 

water treatment plant operators to 

cut costs and save time through 

advanced monitoring and control 

features. Its low maintenance, 

proactive alerts and remote monitoring 

capabilities help reduce staff time and optimise 

operational efficiency. 

Additional benefits of the Rivo I System include a 

simple setup and data management for complete 

control of water quality, compliance-focused 

support to meet disinfection regulations and low 

cost of ownership through ease of operation and 

maintenance (O&M). 

The system is adaptable with a modular 

plug-and-play design. The wide array of 

input and output ports integrate with existing 

assets. This flexibility allows for scalability and 

easy adjustments to meet future monitoring 

requirements. 

In-Situ simplified solutions for 

environmental and process 

water monitoring 

Aqua TROLL 800 

(Image: In-Situ) 

In-Situ’s booth: B2-P23 

Whether monitoring to manage 

turbidity during dredging operations, 

regulate dissolved oxygen in 

aquaculture pens, or optimise control 

of wastewater or drinking water 

treatment process, one requires 

accurate data. In-Situ has spent 

decades developing water monitoring 

technology designed to help 

customers adapt quickly to ecological, 

regulatory and workforce challenges 

by maintaining compliance at the plant. 

Its seven-port Aqua TROLL 700 and 

800 water quality sondes — with 

six interchangeable sensors and 

an antifouling wiper onboard — are 

rugged instruments ideal for spot 

checking and pairing with cellular 

VuLink telemetry for instant access to 

data anywhere. 

Known for its durability and accuracy, 

In-Situ Level TROLLs and Rugged 

TROLLs are designed for cost-effective 

long- and short-term groundwater and 

TurbiTech 

(Image: In-Situ) 

surface water level monitoring. Setup, 

view and download logs directly 

from a mobile device using a wireless 

TROLL Com and the free VuSitu app 

for iOS and Android, or connect a 

Level TROLL or Rugged TROLL 200 

to VuLink telemetry for remote data 

access and automatic barometric 

compensation. 

For process monitoring, TurbiTech 

suspended solids and turbidity 

sensors are designed for use in 

aeration systems throughout the 

plant. The large optical surface 

and sample volume combine to 

ensure the sensor is providing 

reliable information representative 

of the solids present in the process. 

Furthermore, TurbiTech incorporates 

a self-cleaning mechanism to keep 

optical surfaces clean at all times. 

For single-parameter colorimetric 

analysis, ChemScan mini analysers 

for ammonia, phosphate, manganese 

and iron feature industrial low 

maintenance design, easy operation 

and a low cost of ownership. The 

redesigned mini outdoor enclosure 

enables installation of a mini analyser 

on any outdoor railing to finetune 

ammonia-based aeration control, 

keep a close watch on activated 

sludge, and monitor influent 

and effluent residuals without 

the disruption and expense of 

infrastructure modifications. 


Make waves 

with us 

today. 

WWA: A reservoir of 

water leaders' insights, 

latest products and 

news in the sector. 

@waterwastewaterasia 

Scan to subscribe to 

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For more information, please visit 

www.waterwastewaterasia.com

SHOW PREVIEW 

Pump and Valves 

Indonesia 2024 

for the pump, 

valve system and 

equipment industry 

1 2 

Pump and valves market plays a 

role in Indonesia’s irrigation system 

and agriculture industry. According 

to minister of agriculture Andi 

Amran Sulaiman, the government 

will enhance the utilisation of 

pumping irrigation for rainfed 

agricultural land to reduce impact 

of El Nino and improve agricultural 

productivity in Indonesia. 

With a budget of RP5.8tn, the 

government is pushing for 

pumping irrigation, which signals 

growth for the pump and valves 

market in the future. 

The pump and valves market 

have also started to modernise 

itself with artificial intelligence 

(AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) 

for water pumps and smart water 

flow control. Anticipating the 

growth of pump and valves market 

in Indonesia, GEM Indonesia is 

committed to supporting the 

Indonesian government with the 

fifth edition of Pump and Valves 

Indonesia 2024 — a business 

platform that will be attended by 

key players in the pump, valve 

systems and equipment industry. 

1 Expand business network in agriculture, plantation, and 

maritime industries at Pump and Valves Indonesia 2024 

2 Last year, Pump and Valves Indonesia had 268 

companies and 7,693 trade visitors from over 25 

countries 

Co-locating with INAGRITECH, 

INAGRICHEM, INAPALM Asia, 

SugarMach Indonesia and RubberTech 

Indonesia, the exhibition will be 

from 30 Jul-1 Aug 2024 at Jakarta 

International (JI) Expo, Kemayoran, 

Indonesia. This exhibition will present 

350 global top exhibiting companies 

from 15 countries around the world and 

attract 25,000 trade visitors. 


SHOW REVIEW 

Webinar: Enabling 

smart water operations 

with Yokogawa’s future-ready 

digital platform 

Yokogawa’s team of experts presented this webinar on 27 Mar 2024 to 

share about its Collaborative Information (CI) Server — which included 

an application of artificial intelligent (AI) and machine learning (ML) 

algorithms for microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane 

cleaning optimisation, and a success story from Indonesia. 


1 

To help water customers overcome 

their operational challenges, 

enhance their efficiency 

and productivity, Japanese 

multinational company Yokogawa 

has developed CI Server — a 

new integration platform with 

flexible visualisation and seamless 

collaboration. The CI Server 

is an Operation Technology 

(OT) gateway which allows the 

convergence between Information 

Technology (IT) and OT, supporting 

the secure and transparent flow 

of information from plant level 

throughout the business enterprise. 

This enables seamless access 

to data driven optimisation using 

technologies such as AI and ML. 

Dr Yasuhiro Matsui, deputy of 

general manager, Yokogawa 

Electric Corporation; Ng Chye 

Wee, product manager, Yokogawa 

Engineering Asia; Puranut 

Wisutjindaporn (Pong), regional 

business development manager, 

Yokogawa Engineering Asia; 

and H. Rino Indira Gusniawan, 

president director, Perumda Tirta 

Pakuan; were speakers of this 

webinar which was moderated by 

Daniel Chua. 

1 The webinar featured 

how AI and ML 

can optimise water 

treatment 

2 How Perumda Tirta 

Pakuan enhances 

its operation using 

the CI Server (Image: 

Perumda Tirta 

Pakuan) 


SHOW REVIEW 

2 

After the introduction of Yokogawa with 

statistics of corporate and business 

operations information by Pong, Yokogawa 

Engineering Asia’s product manager Ng 

presented CI Server as a cross-platform 

supervisory control and information system 

that integrates industrial controls systems, 

sensors and AI. The three main features of 

CI Server are integration, collaboration and 

optimisation. 

In Ng’s presentation, the purpose of 

integration is collection of data for further 

usage in various applications such as 

wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), 

water treatment plants (WTPs) or water 

distribution networks. This makes it easy 

to share and link the diverse data and 

information. Next, collaboration is a vertical 

data sharing of various systems and 

solutions among people in different roles 

and departments of an organisation. This 

helps to improve decision-making process 

by sending the right information to the right 

people at the right time. 

He added that the key objective is to provide 

a real-time bird’s eye view of production, 

people, output, inventory, and activity at any 

production site accessible for monitoring and 

operation. Finally, CI Server makes use of 

data driven optimisation that builds towards 

computer aided operations for customers to 

improve their businesses. This links collected 

big data for process analysis and diagnosis 

to pursue next level production and quality 

improvement in operation. 

Thereafter, Dr Matsui presented a case on 

how advanced AI and ML algorithms can 

be applied over the control system like CI 

Server for process optimisation. Involved 

in global water environment businesses 

such as water supply, desalination, water 

reuse, and groundwater management 

for 25 years, Dr Matsui engaged in water 

quality improvement, water recycling, 

membrane desalination, operation and 

optimisation using AI and ML in the US, 

APAC regions including Australia and the 

Middle East. 

Dr Matsui shared Yokogawa’s approach 

— a statistics-based model predictive 

control strategy for aeration optimisation in 

activated sludge process. By using such AI 

algorithm to optimise the blower operation, 

the WWTP operator will be able to achieve 

5-25% energy saving while ensuring the 

treated effluent quality within the acceptable 

limit. He also talked about semi-autonomous 

operation — an AI/ ML algorithm that is 

able to advise operators of the optimal MF/ 

UF membrane cleaning and operation with 

benefits in terms of chemical and energy 

saving and longer asset lifespan. 

Finally, president director of Indonesia’s 

public service company Perumda Tirta 

Pakuan shared its success story and 

experience in smart water operations in 

Bogor, Indonesia. According to Gusniawan, 

the company employs Yokogawa’s remote 

terminal unit (RTU), programmable logic 

controller (PLC), and data loggers as devices 

to monitor and control, as well as CI Server 

as supervisory control and data acquisition 

(SCADA) to collect and process data as part 

of its smart water management approach. 

The public utility recently upgraded its 

old SCADA to CI Server, and this is one of 

its first steps in its journey towards digital 

transformation in Bogor city. 

After facilitating this knowledge sharing 

session, moderator Chua said, “In 

addition to technological advancements, 

collaboration was a strong theme 

emphasised by the esteemed panel to solve 

water challenges.” 


WHAT’S NEXT 

Events calendar 

2024 

MAY 

13 – 17 May 

IFAT, Munich, Germany 


10th World Water Forum, Bali, Indonesia 


Stormwater and Wastewater Conference 

Jeddah Hilton, Saudi Arabia 

JUNE 

3 – 5 June 

WaterTech China, Shanghai, China 


ACHEMA, Frankfurt, Germany 


SIWW, Singapore 

JULY 

3 – 5 July 

Thai Water Expo, Bangkok, Thailand 

10 – 11 July 

DMS Universe Malaysia Instrumentation, 

Control & Automation Galaxy Forum, 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

30 July – 1 August 

Pump & Valves Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia 

AUGUST 

11 – 15 August 

IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, 

Toronto, Canada 

2025 

SEPTEMBER 

4 – 6 September 

IWRA Islands Water Congress 

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 

18 – 20 September 

Indo Water Expo & Forum, Jakarta, Indonesia 

NOVEMBER 

6 – 8 November 

Vietwater, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

12 – 14 November 

Sustainable Environment Asia, 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

DECEMBER 

8 – 12 December 

IDRA 2024 World Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE 

11 – 13 December 

Aquatech China, Shanghai, China 

MARCH 

11 – 14 March 

Aquatech Amsterdam, 

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

19 – 21 March 

Water Philippines, Manila, Philippines 

28 – 31 August 

Water Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia 


- Heart Shaped Suction - 

Heart-Shaped 

Stationary 

Suction Blade 

Efficient Solid Handling with a 

Rotating Leading Blade) 

Extended 

Rotating Guide 

Keeps Impeller Center Clear 

for Smooth Flow) 

Rotating 

Leading Blade 

High-Efficiency Open-Type 

Two-Vane Impeller) 

Movie 

CZ-series 

Tsurumi’s original Heart Shaped Suction is a unique design that improves the conventional Tsurumi cutter pumps by powerfully 

crushing and finely cutting solid and fibrous matters. Coupled with the new high efficiency two blade hydraulic impellers, 

CZ-series has greatly enhanced the pump performance while improving the cutting functions. Furthermore, the extension guide 

on the impeller prevents any waste material clogging in the central part of the impeller and facilitates smooth transfer of waste. 

Web 

Social Media

ADVERTISER’S INDEX 

ADVERTISER 

PAGE 

DANFOSS SINGAPORE PTE LTD 41 

GUANGDONG LIANSU TECHNOLOGH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD 

IBC 

HARBIN FIRSTLINE ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD 76 

IN-SITU INC 57 

INDOWATER 2024 3 

LUMIN ULTRA 39 

PWNT HOLDING BV 

SEKO UK LTD 

IFC 

OBC 

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 2024 58, 59 

TSURUMI MANUFACTURING CO., LTD 75 

VEGA INSTRUMENTS (SEA) PTE LTD 1, 34, 35 

WATER & WASTEWATER ASIA 70 

XYLEM ANALYTICS 

FC 

76 Water & Wastewater Asia | March-April 2024

Elektra 

IoT-enabled pump controller 

Connecting you to your chemical 

dosing pumps 24/7 

SekoWeb 

Data on demand 

• Access live and historical statistics 

via smartphone or PC 

• Adjust programming instantly 

• Discover the true cost of your application 

• Identify anomalies immediately and 

prevent unplanned downtime 

www.seko.com

Water & Wastewater Asia May/June 2024

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