The population’s continuing industrialisation and urbanisation trends are expected to place the country’s water supply sources under further pressure, unless appropriate, corrective measures are put in place. The six major water use sectors are: irrigation; urban use; rural use; power generation; mining and bulk industrial and forestation. *The combined total water requirement for all user sectors for the year 2000 was 13 280 million m3/a.
Water Utilities – The Challenges
Operators of water and wastewater facilities face many challenges. They are not only required to provide affordable, reliable water and wastewater services, they must also be compliant with various government regulations while ensuring that their operations are sustainable.
As they endeavour to expand the availability of water to the general population at an affordable cost, water utilities are in need of more efficient methods of engineering, energy supply optimisation and contextualised compliance monitoring.
There are many global challenges. How would it be possible for engineers to find ways to create and reticulate clean, affordable water and wastewater services in developing countries using standard technologies? How can engineers balance the new cost equation between energy and water quality introduced by energy-hungry reclaiming and desalination technologies? What intelligent infrastructure options are available to enable automation vendors to deliver real-time data for multi-user operations decision-making?
Water and Wastewater
In conversation with global power industry leaders, shared insights have revealed three areas of strategic importance. These are the areas where AVEVA can assist in accelerating the Digital Transformation journey, so helping to shape a new energy future.
Water
As a semi-arid, water-stressed country, it is estimated (based on current usage trends) that South Africa’s demand for water will exceed availability by 2025
Wastewater
South Africa has 986 wastewater treatment plants. Most of these are relatively small systems (half of these plants treat less than 0.5 Ml/day).
Although these plants operate using ageing infrastructure, an in-depth survey revealed that the need for additional or upgraded plant infrastructure; or the need for additional funding is not the root cause of the poor performance at the majority of surveyed plants. The most urgent challenge these plants are facing is the critical shortage of trained, skilled and experienced process controllers and mechanical/electrical maintenance staff – as well as the information required to guide optimised operations.
Water and Wastewater Industry Challenges
Water Industry
Trusted, Proven Smart Water Solutions and Services
Digitally transform your water and wastewater operations and achieve operational excellence by applying AVEVA’s proven, trusted industry-leading technology solutions and services.