Ensuring great-tasting and safe tap water 24 hours

Transcription

white paper
THE RETHINK WATER NETWORK | WATER SUPPLY | FEBRUARY 2014
Ensuring
great-tasting
and safe tap water
24 hours a day
Solutions for a safe, reliable and resource-efficient drinking water supply
Ensuring great-tasting and safe tap water 24 hours a day
Solutions for a safe, reliable and resource-efficient drinking water supply
Version 1.0
About this white paper
This white paper has been developed by the Rethink Water network in Denmark. The work is coordinated by the Danish Water Forum.
The Rethink Water network consists of more than 60 technology and consulting companies, water utilities, water organisations and
public authorities. It was established to support our partners internationally in developing the highest quality water solutions.
Quoting this white paper
Please quote this white paper and its articles: “Hvilshøj, S. (Tech. Ed.) & Klee, P. (Ed.in C.), 2013. Ensuring great-tasting and
safe tap water 24 hours a day. Solutions for a safe, reliable and resource-efficient drinking water supply. The Rethink Water
network and Danish Water Forum White Papers, Copenhagen. Available at www.rethinkwater.dk”
Editor in Chief
Pia Klee, kickstarter for the Rethink Water platform [email protected]
Technical Editor
Rambøll Søren Hvilshøj [email protected]
Contributors
ALECTIA John B. Kristensen [email protected]
Association of Waterworks in Denmark Niels Toftegaard [email protected]
AVK Michael Ramlau Hansen [email protected]
Blue Control Gert Vesterlund [email protected]
BWT HOH Karen Jensen [email protected]
Danfoss Mads Warming [email protected]
Danish Rootzone TechnologyJørgen Løgstrup [email protected]
Freewater Gert Andersen [email protected]
Greater Copenhagen Utility Søren Lind [email protected]
Grundfos Lars Lundbye [email protected]
Kamstrup Ricki Korsholm [email protected]
Mycometer Morten Miller [email protected]
NOV Flexibles Jakob Zeuner [email protected]
Orbicon Steen Nielsen [email protected]
Rambøll Søren Hvilshøj [email protected]
Rambøll Lise Cold [email protected]
Silhorko-Eurowater Jens O Gjerløff [email protected]
Sorbisense Carsten Frederiksen [email protected]
Technical University of Denmark Arne Villumsen [email protected]
VCS Denmark Marianne Bjerrum Lai [email protected]
Language Editor
David Lalley, WordDesign
© Rethink Water & Danish Water Forum 2013
Executive summary
Supplying high-quality
watergoes hand in hand
with efficiency. It is not a
simple task, you must work
smart rather than hard and
your staff and contractors
must be properly trained.
Citizens want high-quality
water and this can help the
utility to get the money for
the required investments
LARS SCHRØDER
Chief Executive
Officer
AARHUS WATER
Energy-neutral waterworks, Denmark In
Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark, a
new waterworks is now under construction.
Besides its primary function of producing water
of high quality, it will serve as a research and test
centre. Classic waterworks concepts have been
rethought to take drinking water safety to new
levels, and the waterworks is also designed to
be energy-neutral. The typical contamination
sources for traditional waterworks have been
identified and, for instance, the concrete tanks
for water treatment have been replaced with
steel tanks with pressure to eliminate the
contamination risk from concrete cracking. New,
technologically advanced solutions are used in
all the waterworks’ functions and the different
design solutions make adapting to future
changes in the supply structure easy. (Courtesy:
Aarhus Water, NIRAS, Silhorko-Eurowater and
Moe & Brødsgaard)
The global trends of urbanisation, population
checked, featuring the continuous monitoring
growth and increased welfare challenge cities
of water quality at the well, where it enters
all over the world with an increasing demand for
and leaves the waterworks and throughout the
water. Society’s drive to protect its fresh water
entire supply system.
resources will be crucial, and water utilities
must find ways to ensure reliable water supply
Prevent problems and increase efficiency
services as well as to meet a general need for
Combining the right management systems with
increased resource efficiency.
advanced tools, designs and technology is an
important element of utilities’ transformation,
Efficiency gains
and gives a wide range of benefits in day-to-day
This requires politicians, water authorities and
operations. Modern technology makes water
water utilities to develop new water supply
supply more reliable as it prevent problems
strategies and implement new solutions. The
from occurring and, if they do occur, ensures a
good news is that technologies and solutions
response in due time, and a utility prepared with
are available in abundance, making it up to the
clear procedures for who does what and when.
leaders to realise the potentials. Many of the
Modern technology will also increase energy
current systems and processes have evolved
and water efficiency, but utilities need to set
under conditions of limitless resources, so this
specific, measureable, achievable, realistic
is an opportunity and thinking long-term will
and timely goals and develop strategies that
ensure that the major gains are there.
prioritise these efforts to increase efficiency.
Improved drinking water safety
Danish expertise
Another important step for utilities should be
This white paper shares some of the expertise
ensuring the quality of the delivered water.
of Danish-based utilities, research institutes,
Even if the guidelines of the World Health Orga
consulting
nization are followed all over the world, millions
providers. Up until now, the focus of utilities
of people are still exposed to dangerous levels
has been to provide water of very high quality,
of biological contaminants and chemical pollu
protect groundwater resources and to supply
tants in their drinking water. Water utilities can
safe drinking water all around the clock. In the
use a management tool that stems from the
coming years, Danish utilities will also undergo
food industry and known as Hazard Analysis
an increasing professionalisation in order to
and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Risks are
establish professional knowledge environments
analysed and critical control points identified
and introduce advanced management systems,
throughout the system. Water quality is then
including safety and energy management.
companies
and
technology
Photo: Claes Bech Poulsen
WHITE PAPER - WATER SUPPLY | 4
Tap water without added chemicals, Denmark Besides being blessed with what may be the best tap water
in the world, with no chemicals added and superior to most bottled water, Denmark is also privileged to have a
range of new and unique restaurants, some of which have reached the upper reaches of the list of the world’s 50
best restaurants. It is these restaurants’ first choice to serve their guests with water straight from the tap, which
is indicative of the high standards. This is also the case at Restaurant Geranium in Copenhagen, which is one of the
restaurants on the top-50 list, and whose head chef and co-owner, Rasmus Kofoed, has also been the recipient of
the gold award, and previously silver and bronze, in the most prestigious cooking competition in the world — the
Bocuse d’Or. The image shows dill stones filled with warm-smoked salmon, which is served at Geranium.
1.
Water utilities will face
many new challenges
1
2.
Planning tomorrow’s
water supply
5
3.
Ensuring safe, healthy water
throughout the supply system
9
4.
Using advanced technology
to ensure a reliable water supply
12
5.
Improving operating efficiency
to save water and costs
17
6.
Protecting scarce
drinking water resources
20
If your goal is water effi ciency,
Denmark is ready as a partner
25
Upgrading and rehabilitating the water infrastructure, Turkey A reliable water supply
constitutes the foundation for the presence and expansion of civilisations. The picture shows
the amazing Basilica Cistern built in the sixth century and the largest of several hundred ancient
cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul in Turkey. It is no longer in use and is instead open for
the public. Several Danish consultants and technology suppliers are currently working together
with Turkish water utilities to upgrade and rehabilitate the water infrastructure. One example
is the 2.5 million-euro technical assistance and supervision project for the Akçaabat Water and
Wastewater project. This includes new water intake, 25 km of raw water transmission pipe, a
drinking water treatment plant, water storage, sensors and flow meters, pumping stations and
the rehabilitation of more than 50 km of existing water network pipelines. (Courtesy: Rambøll)
1. Water utilities will face
many new challenges
The combination of urba
nisation, population growth
and climate change calls
for increased efficiency, but
high-quality drinking water
supplies should also be a
priority for water utilities.
Even in Denmark, which
has the world’s highest
water rates, citizens show
their willingness to pay
more to be sure of receiving
clean, safe drinking water
— also for the generations
to come
Poor and inadequate water management has
reservoirs, protect well fields, enhance water
reduced clean fresh water resources. Water
treatment, increase energy efficiency and
scarcity and deteriorating water quality are
reduce water loss throughout the entire supply
now an everyday phenomenon around the
system.
PER JACOBSEN
Director, Water Supply & Sewerage
GREATER COPENHAGEN UTILITY
Best on water supply, Denmark Sustainable
water management has been on Denmark’s
political agenda for more than three decades. In
2013, a report from the World Economic Forum
ranked Denmark number one in the world on
access to water, sanitation and hygiene. This
report — the Human Capital Report — states
the importance of water to ensure the health
and wellness of a nation’s human capital (an
expression for the skills and capacities that
reside in people and that are put to productive
use). Denmark has the world’s highest water
rates, which ensures the needed money to
protect groundwater resources and enforce
utilities to be able to supply of safe, high-quality
water. (Image courtesy: Greater Copenhagen
Utility)
world. In addition, many cities are challenged by
population growth and the impacts of climate
Demand management equally important
change that causes an uneven distribution of
Societies’ voluntary drive to protect their
water over the year. To be able to cope with
fresh water resources is another key issue.
such challenges, politicians, water authorities
Teaching children about the water cycle and
and water utilities must identify and decide on
where water comes from, opening utilities
new water supply strategies.
for visitors and creating public awareness
campaigns promoting the responsible use of
Legal means used to increase efficiency
water and the protection of water resources are
Fortunately, legislation is now increasingly
needed. In addition, individual water meters at
making its impact as water security and is in
household level and water rates are important
fact becoming one of the world’s top goals,
measures for reducing water usage. When it
witnessed recently by the United Nations
comes to water rates, the general opinion in
promoting water security to the top of the
many countries is — unfortunately — that water
agenda, or the European Union’s latest water
must be cheap. However, this is not the general
directives. Many water utilities will be legally
opinion in Denmark and the country’s water
compelled
efficiency
rates, which are in fact the highest in the world,
because of new legislation. The good news,
nowadays get a great deal of international
however, is that technologies and solutions are
attention. In a report by the OECD, Denmark’s
available in abundance. It is thus up to leaders,
high water rates are highlighted for their ability
city developers and infrastructure designers
to increase resource awareness and for covering
to realise the potentials of these. Among the
the costs of protecting water resources and
key topics for utilities are to safeguard water
the environment. The average water rate is 6
to
increase
supply
Upgrading to smart water metering, Denmark To pay for the actual water usage instead of flat rate
systems provides people with good motivation for conserving water, and water meters at household
level are today required by law in many countries. In Denmark, individual water meters have been used
for decades, and taken average water domestic consumption down to 107 litres per capita per day. Many
Danish water utilities now go one step further by replacing mechanical water meters with advanced
smart water meters for remote meter reading and more extensive data management. An example is the
water utility for the picturesque island of Bornholm, which has signed a framework agreement for the
delivery of 10,000 intelligent water meters. Today, errors and lacking readings are at a level of 10 per
cent every year, but the utility expects to save substantial administrative work when automatic reading
is in place. What is considered even more important is the much higher level of information provided by
the smart water meters. Such data will give the utility insight into how the water flows in the grid and
thereby helps with detecting leakages, attempts to damage the meter or irregularities like backflow or
pipe bursts, at a very early stage. (Courtesy: Kamstrup).
Our focus up until now has
been to deliver tap water
of high quality all around
the clock. Our future focus
is to balance a demand for
even better and safer tap
water with higher financial
efficiency. We appreciate
working with colleagues
in other countries to
also challenge our own
perspective on things
euros, which covers the costs of water supply
ANDERS BÆKGAARD
Chief Executive Officer
VCS DENMARK /
SOUTH DANISH WATER UTILITY
(22 per cent), sewer systems and wastewater
treatment (47 per cent) and taxes and VAT used
The Danish export credit agency EKF
helps buyers of Danish water solutions
for environmental protection (31 per cent).
to obtain financing for greenfield and
Small is beautiful
years of experience securing the financing
In Denmark, responsibility for the supply of
water is split between 75 municipal utilities
that service 65 per cent of Denmark’s 6 million
people, with another 2,400 consumer-owned
waterworks co-operatives servicing the rest.
This decentralised water supply close to the
communities has multiple benefits, but the
rehabilitation water projects. EKF has
for water projects that utilise Danish water
technology and services. A guarantee from
EKF helps persuade international or local
banks to provide the financing needed
for new projects on competitive terms,
because the guarantee provides these
banks with greater security.
balance between maintaining the smallerscale local water supply and ensuring that
like population growth and climate changes
the waterworks are sufficiently large to meet
are quite substantial. In this white paper, some
demand for high-quality water at low prices
of the expertise which utilities, authorities
is a delicate one. The decentralised structure
research institutes, consulting companies and
means shorter distances and less pres
sure
technology providers in Denmark have acquired
on groundwater resources due to reliance on
over the last three decades is shared. In the
multiple sources rather than a few large sources.
coming years, Danish utilities will also undergo
Furthermore, fewer people are affected if
an increasing professionalisation in order to
the drinking water becomes contaminated
establish professional knowledge environments
and local waterworks make it more likely that
and introduce advanced management systems,
people will understand the importance of
including safety and energy management.
water. Still, there are arguments for centralised
This current focus is also included to give
larger waterworks, but not necessarily from
insights into how further improvements in
a technology point of view as advanced
drinking water safety, higher water quality and
technology often becomes less costly over
reduced energy consumption are achieved.
time. By benchmarking to find the weak spots
Finally, different cases from around the world
and sharing best practices and technologies,
in which companies based in Denmark have
the waterworks and water utilities of Denmark,
been involved will demonstrate how the know-
both small and large, have been able to ascend a
how in the possession of consulting companies
national learning curve together.
and technology providers based in Denmark
supports an increasingly sustainable and
Sharing Danish knowledge
financially viable water industry that is forging
The legal regulations and investments requi
a radical new approach to managing one of the
red to achieve sustainable water supply mana
world’s most important resources.
ge
ment and for adapting to new challenges
Increase water utility efficiency, Russia
The third-largest water utility in Denmark,
VCS Denmark, recently signed a collaboration
agreement with the St. Petersburg water
company in Russia. This is an example of how
Danish water utilities currently collaborate
with other utilities around the world to
inspire and share knowledge. In this case, the
cooperation will include education and training
of employees in the water companies in St.
Petersburg, in order to help Russia upgrade its
water companies for effective operations. Many
regions in Russia have an inefficient water
supply due to lack of investment and lack of
staff training, so one of the expected outcomes
is to be able to reduce the Russian utilities’
energy consumption. (Courtesy: VCS Denmark)
Network renovation and investment plan, Denmark Executing a planning
project helped a water utility in western Denmark to gain an overview of how
to approach the renovation of the existing network with a network of 1,100
km pipes, and how to expand the network into new residential and commercial
areas. With support from an external consulting company, the water utility
structured its investments over the next 30 years. Data washing and data
analysis was carried out to build a water network model in AQUIS — a water
network management and leak detection system used in over 1,500 cities
around the world. Based on this model, a plan was created for how to divide the
network into sections to manage and reduce water loss. Furthermore, a range
of specific projects was defined to bring the network into the desired condition.
The utility has a total of 6 waterworks and the one in the picture is the utility’s
largest waterworks and visitor centre, inaugurated in 2010. It has won a prize
for its beautiful concrete design. (Courtesy: Rambøll)
2. Planning tomorrow’s
water supply
Drinking water is one of
society’s most basic needs.
Engineering the balance
between supply and
demand, and ensuring
safe and healthy water,
can only be achieved if
drinking water is prioritised
and long-term planning
carried out
Being prepared to meet the future drinking
or environmental well-being of a community —
water demands of a growing population is
are also taken into account, the planning process
good reason for authorities and utilities to
is complex. By tradition, authorities in Denmark
rethink, and think long-term how water should
have for decades outsourced much of the
be supplied, used and managed. Because the
master-planning and infrastructure work, and
systems and processes used have evolved
specialists from Danish consulting companies
under conditions of excess energy and water
therefore often join multi-disciplinary master-
resources, based on assumptions of limitless
planning teams, supporting local authorities
supply and with little regard for environmental
in other countries. The support includes stu
damage or the impact of climate change, the
dies, workshops and strategy development
gains are often major.
to generate an internal water cycle to make a
SØREN HVILSHØJ
International Water Director
RAMBØLL
Master plan for water and environment,
Saudi Arabia In 2009, the metropolis of Jeddah
in Saudi Arabia experienced floods, and it was
then decided to develop a city master plan for
water and the environment, based on extensive
data collection, involvement of stakeholders
and comprehensive analysis. Carried out by
the city authorities with support from a Danish
consulting company, the final master plan has
been settled, featuring recommendations for
priorities in 16 areas, including wastewater and
the safeguarding of drinking water. The city’s
ambitious vision, as stated in the master plan
— of becoming a world-class sustainable city by
2030 — will be implemented in a combination of
long-term programmes and short-term quick
wins. One of the important elements is to create
greater awareness and behavioural change
among both citizens and authorities, with
everyone getting the same understanding. The
first five areas in the master plan are spelled out
in sectorial plans as examples of how Jeddah’s
different authorities and utility companies can
work together. (Courtesy: Rambøll)
city self-sufficient with water, and provide the
Integration with other areas
platform for a sustainable urban community.
Engineering a balance between water supply
and water demand often requires more than
Planning saves lots of money
an isolated effort. For some utilities, simple
The distribution network is often the largest
up
grading, maintenance and optimisation of
asset of a water utility, and proper maintenance
water supply systems is enough, but step mo
is required. Diligent pipeline management can
dernisation of the city’s internal water cycle will
save a lot of money because unplanned acci
require the effort and smart thinking involved
den
tal repairs of pipelines cost much more
in a master plan. This will also include the
than planned pipeline rehabilitation — for some
water supply’s associated risk and vulnerability
strange reason emergency situations often
analysis. The water supply is often one of se
appear outside traditional working hours and
veral areas in a planning exercise handled by city
where it disturbs most people. Any emergency
developers and relevant stakeholders. When
repairs therefore often require overtime pay
integrated with other planning areas, and when
ment to employees. The workings of society
socio-economicimpacts — the social, economic
will also be disturbed less, because most con
Water utilities of the future, Denmark The development project “Water supply of the future“ — formed by utilities, research institutions,
consulting companies and technology providers in collaboration — is the largest-ever development project in drinking water supply in Denmark. The
project is divided into eight sub-projects, and the various technologies will be tested and demonstrated in new and current waterworks of Denmark’s
three largest utilities in Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus. These waterworks will be open for visits by water professionals from around the world,
to see the technologies demonstrated. One of the new waterworks where technologies will be demonstrated is the Ringkøbing-Skjern Waterworks
(Courtesy: Ginnerup Architects and ALECTIA)
Tool for intelligent management of well fields
A new, intelligent online tool is expected to help
water utilities save up to 50 per cent of
Water treatment plant
the energy consumption at well fields.
The illustration shows the structure of
Well field
a well field with water pumped from
Well field
underground, where the required energy
consumption depends on the complexity
Well field
of pressure in the drilling, the aquifer and
Well field
the piping the water passes on its way to
the waterworks. Read more about this
Clay
new tool and the other tools developed
as part of the Danish ‘Water supply of the
future’ project on www.futurewater.dk
Water treatment plant
Clay
Aquifer
Groundwater
Aquifer
Groundwater
1.
2.
3.
4.
Bore well
Pump
Riser pipe
Components
5.
6.
7.
8.
Friction in pipes
Pressure loss
Air pockets
Automated operation (SCADA)
1. Bore well
2. Pump
3. Riser pipe
4. Components
5.
6.
7.
8.
Friction in pipes
Pressure loss
Air pockets
Automated operation (SCADA)
Denmark is today one of
the leading countries within
water technology. Applying
demand-driven and holistic
research and development
to tackle the big challenges
facing the water industry
has helped us in achieving
economically feasible and
environmentally sustainable
solutions
HENRIK JUUL
Project Director,
Water Supply of the Future
VCS DENMARK /
SOUTH DANISH WATER UTILITY
sumers can accept lack of water if they have
Subproject 1 Software tool for automated well
been warned in advance or if the repairs can
field operation management to reduce energy
be planned to take place during night time in
costs, GHG emissions and at the same time
order to reduce the impacts. On the other hand,
improve water quality
changing the pipelines too early is also a very
costly affair. A proper pipeline management
set-up, involving changing the pipes at the most
suitable time, can therefore save a lot of money.
An important planning exercise that also can
Subproject 2 Software tool for real-time
monitoring and analysis of water quality
instruments for automated operation of water
treatment plants and early warning systems
save money is to optimise the diameter of new
Subproject 3 GIS-based tool for optimising
or rehabilitated pipelines.
network renovation strategy by using a trans
parent socio-economic approach in combination
Danish water supply of the future
Up until now, the focus of Danish water utilities
has been to provide water of very high quality
without over-exploiting groundwater resources
and to supply this water at reasonable pressure
to consumers all around the clock. “Drinking
with technical and financial analysis.
Subproject
4
Software
for
coordinated
production and consumption of energy at times
when power is cheap, typically during night
with surplus of green energy production
water supply of the future” is the key word
Subproject 5 Pilot plant for removal of calcium
for the Danish comprehensive development
in drinking water to improve quality (hardness)
project headed by VCS Denmark, which is the
and obtain savings in other areas, for instance
third-largest water utility in Denmark. This
in the households’ consumption of soap and
project focuses on future challenges for drin
energy.
king water utilities and develops state-of-theart technologies that will be tested and de
monstrated on new and current waterworks in
Denmark’s three largest utilities in Copenhagen,
Subproject 6 Reducing risk of contamination
from airborne pollution by special air filters for
air in contact with water in treatment plants.
Odense and Aarhus. This drinking water supply
Subproject 7 Automation, by monitoring
development project is the largest-ever in
waterworks operation using microphones and
Denmark, and is a collaboration between utili
vibration sensors to ensure stable operation
ties, research institutions, consulting compa
nies and technology providers. The outcome in
2015 will be a range of software and other com
Subproject 8 Improving water treatment
quality by on-line automated operation
mercially available tools that support economic
Analysing financial impacts of network
rehabilitation Most cities face a need
to renovate when the water grid needs
renovating, and it is therefore valuable to have
a complete financial overview for planning the
intervention. A new tool — developed as one
of the sub-projects in the Danish development
project referred to in this section — effectively
analyses the technical and financial impacts of
different renovation strategies. For instance, it
can reveal the cost of reducing leakage loss by
2 per cent. It can thus determine the optimal
renovation time for all water pipes in the
network — based on objective criteria –and help
the operation to decide whether or when a pipe
has to be replaced. (Courtesy: ALECTIA)
and sustainable operation of water utilities. The
Follow the eight sub-projects and their results
project itself is divided into eight sub-projects:
at www.futurewater.dk
Treatment of contaminated ground
water, Denmark Treatment of ground
water in Denmark is normally limited to
aeration and filtration for removal of
iron, manganese and ammonium, but
if problems with pesticides, arsenic or
bacteria occur other technologies are then
used. At Hvidovre Waterworks in Denmark,
this was needed because the city is in a
vulnerable area in which the groundwater
has been adversely affected by industrial
activity and pesticides. The solution was to
establish an active carbon filter that made
the level of pesticides fall to far below the
limit, and also functions as an extra safety
barrier. The hope is to eventually be able to
remove the filter, so the city now makes an
active effort, via campaigns and education,
to get individuals to reduce pesticide use.
(Courtesy: Greater Copenhagen Utility)
Aerial foto: JW Luftfoto
Adopting Danish methods, Hungary
The water treatment technology used
most often in Denmark to convert ground
water into drinking water is aeration and
filtration for removal of iron, manganese
and ammonium. This is a chemical-free
and natural process using just compressed
air as the oxidation media. This treatment
method is now also used in Hungary for the
12,000 inhabitants of Tolna, a city 135 km
south of Budapest. The new waterworks
has a good working environment with no
wastewater problems and safe and easy
operation, and the citizens now enjoy
superior drinking water free of chemicals.
This is a break with tradition, because
as all drinking water in Hungary has
previously been treated using sand filters
and chemicals — the Tolna waterworks
is the very first that has stopped adding
chemicals. (Courtesy: Silhorko-Eurowater)
3. Ensuring safe, healthy water
throughout the supply system
A properly designed,
operated and maintained
water distribution system
minimises the risk of
contamination. Our users
clearly expect us to ensure
that the water is handled in
a hygienic and professional
manner that safeguards
their health
Even if the drinking water quality guidelines
increasing the levels of chlorine. If the distri
of the World Health Organization are followed
bution system is not operated properly, it will
all over the world, millions of people are still
result in excessively high chlorine content
exposed to dangerous levels of biological con
near the pumping station and low or zero chlo
taminants and chemical pollutants in their drin
rine further out in the distribution system.
king water. In Europe, where countries are said
Ensuring high quality requires that the flow of
to have some of the safest drinking water in the
the distributed water is as uniform as possible
world, around 330,000 cases of water-related
all over the distribution system. So the answer
diseases with symptoms like diarrhoea, vomitin
is to be found in how well the whole system is
and fever are reported yearly according to the
managed, and here Denmark is an important
WHO. This is why utility lea
ders, politicians
example because no chlorine at all is added to
and water authorities should prioritise raising
the drinking water — the water supply is based
drinking water quality standards .
on groundwater resources that are treated
SØREN LIND
Chief Consultant
GREATER COPENHAGEN UTILITY
using just simple filters. The same concepts as
Making drinking water quality a priority
used in Denmark can also be introduced with
The normal hindrances to improving tap water
success in other regions where surface water
quality standards lie in the investments re
is the source. There might still be a need to
quired and the increased operating costs. How
add disincentive to the water, but it will be
ever, this might not be a barrier at all, bearing
less because the risk of contamination will be
the Danish example in mind. The country has
minimised and preventive action will be in place.
the world’s highest domestic water rates — an
average of 7 euros (8 US dollars) per cubic
Documented drinking water safety
meters — but Danish consumers still claim they
The important step to take is to implement
are willing to pay an extra 25 to 30 per cent to
drinking water safety management and food
ensure high-quality water in the future. This
safety systems such as ISO 22000. Many
was clear in a customer survey by the Greater
water utilities in Denmark have chosen to be
Copenhagen Utility. People seem to prefer safe,
ISO 22000 certified because this ensures safe
clean water over lower water rates, suggesting
healthy water throughout the entire supply
that ensuring citizens access to safe, healthy
system. From 2014, it will be a legal requirement
drinking water should be a priority of utilities.
in Denmark for large water utilities to use a
management tool that stems from the food
Tap water is often preferred to bottled
water, Denmark Tap water in Denmark is of
very high quality and is comparable to some
of the very finest bottled water. It is served as
standard at restaurants — even at the very best
— and it is common to see Danes with their own
bottle of tap water when on the road, doing
sports, etc. There is, however, also a great
deal of attention with regard to the harmful
chemicals and substances sometimes present in
plastic bottles. The bottle on the picture, called
“The Healthy Water Bottle”, is completely free
of phthalates, bisphenol A, heavy metals, etc.
It has become a huge success and is now seen
everywhere in Denmark. (Courtesy: Freewater)
Increasing chlorine is not the answer
industry, where it is known as Hazard Analysis
Increasing drinking water safety is not about
and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and was
-fe ted ta ,dem nemmas sicærp red edåb dev po tas re neregat
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2010. normalt er indholdet af coli- finde vej gennem revner ned i tinghøj
forme bakterier meget lavt. I mid- beholderne. efterfølgende blev det igen
ten af marts ses en stigning i ind- forholdsvis tørt, og niveauet er faldet.
Rapid testing method, Denmark An important everyday task for the Greater Copenhagen Utility, which serves more than 1.5 million consumers,
holdet målt på udløbet fra tinghøj. Her er utætheder i rentvandsbeholderen
is to maintain an extensive pipeline system. Any network renovation introduces a risk because just a single spoonful of dirt can contaminate millions
der
erdrinking
sketwater.
enSostigning
i indholdet
af toopdaget
og
afhjulpet,
inden
det
bliver
så
of
litres of
before a renovated
pipeline is reconnected
the system the
water
quality is always
checked.
A very
sophisticated
water
quality
laboratory
is
used
and
water
safety
plans
have
been
implemented
in
accordance
with
the
ISO
22000
international
standard
coliforme bakterier i beholderne, men alvorligt, at kvalitetskravet til drikkevandfor
food safety. However, the flushing of new pipelines after renovation incurs high costs for both manpower and water, so the utility evaluated
niveauet
ikke
grænseværoverskrides.
new
technologiesoverskrider
in order to shorten time
for the
verification of water quality,
which is tested for faecal coliform and viable plate counts. With
conventional
microbiological
methods,
such
testing
normally
takes
2
to
3
days, but a rapid-test method from a Danish technology provider has
dien på 1 coliform bakterie pr. 100 ml.
proved valuable. The estimation of total bacteria in water samples has been reduced from days to minutes and pipe flushing times from up to
tidspunktet,
hvor
stiger,
faltwo
weeks down to just 24
hours. niveauet
This method is now
documented
by customers worldwide and was verified by the United States Environmental
ekSempel Fra
tinghøj behoLDeranLæg
Protection Agency in 2012. (Courtesy: Greater Copenhagen Utility and Mycometer)
Coliforme bakterier pr. 100 ml. målt på tinghøj beholderanlæg
0,7000
Number of coliform bacteria per 100 ml
Inlet
0,3000
0,2000
0,1000
Tinghøj I udløb
29/06/2010
22/06/2010
15/06/2010
08/06/2010
01/06/2010
25/05/2010
18/05/2010
11/05/2010
04/05/2010
27/04/2010
20/04/2010
13/04/2010
06/04/2010
30/03/2010
23/03/2010
16/03/2010
09/03/2010
02/03/2010
23/02/2010
16/02/2010
09/02/2010
02/02/2010
26/01/2010
19/01/2010
12/01/2010
05/01/2010
0,0000
Continuous monitoring of drinking water, Copenhagen An unfortunate deterioration in water quality must be detected before it becomes
5
Tinghøj
II indløb
a serious problem. Taking water quality samples over a long period rather
than random
samples makes it easier to detect microbial contaminants
entering drinking water systems. The contamination of a drinking water tank in Copenhagen is an example of this. Leaks in the concrete tank
were discovered and remedied before the situation became so serious that the quality standard for drinking water was exceeded. Normally the
content of coliform bacteria is extremely low, but in mid-March an increase in the content was measured at the outlet of the plant. At that time
the snow was thawing, and the melted snow found its way through cracks into the containers. It is also worth noticing on this graph that if only
traditional laboratory sampling had been made (for instance with a three-month fixed interval), neither the sample taken in early February nor
the next sample in May would have been likely to have indicated any water quality problems at this source. (Courtesy: Greater Copenhagen Utility)
Dato
0102/10/21
Outlet
bøldni II jøhgniT
0102/10/91
0102/10/62
0102/20/20
0102/20/90
0102/20/61
0102/20/32
0102/30/20
0102/30/90
bøldu I jøhgniT
5
0102/30/61
0102/30/32
0102/30/03
0102/40/60
0102/40/31
0102/40/02
0102/40/72
0102/50/40
0102/50/11
0102/50/81
0102/50/52
0102/60/10
0102/60/80
0,4000
0102/60/51
0,5000
0102/60/22
otaD
0102/60/92
Antal coliforme bakterier pr 100 ml
0,6000
Well-trained contractors and
staff are the key to success
in supplying superior
drinking water. Operating
waterworks and distribution
networks is not a simple
task. Support from IT-based
quality and management
systems and updated
knowledge on core topics,
such as hygiene, operating
procedures and emergency
situations, are crucial
BENT SOELBERG
CEO
ASSOCIATION OF WATERWORKS
IN DENMARK
Online risk management Emergency situa
tions are not limited to contamination of drink
ing water. Other emergency situations include
power failure, flooding or contamination of
the raw water intakes, mechanical or SCADA
system errors and pipeline bursts. The water
utility should be prepared for these situations.
A Danish consulting company working in colla
boration with Falck, a safety services company,
has developed an online risk management tool
which brings emer
gency plans, documented
drinking water safety and task management
together in one system. This is now being
implemented in 12 water supply set-ups in
Denmark. It provides an overview and manages
the risks that can lead to malfunctions. All risks,
large or small, are handled in the same system.
(Courtesy: Rambøll)
invented to control and manage food safety. It is
single spoonful of dirt can contaminate millions
now also used by water utilities to analyse risks
of litres of drinking water.
and identify critical control points as the water
flows from the source, via the waterworks and
Monitoring with continuous sampling
distribution network and out to consumers.
Water quality must be monitored on a conti
The system is to some known as Documented
nu
ous basis, because problems will only be
Drinking water Safety (DDS) and involves the
detected with regular sampling. Sampling and
water utility setting a number of water quality
analyses should be undertaken at the well, at
targets, conducting a risk analysis and then
the intake and where water exits the water
drawing up a plan describing the most important
works, and throughout the distribution system.
threats to the water quality targets set and how
Fortunately, various modern methods, sensors
to avoid them. Most of the monitoring is based
and measurement equipment have made it
on general procedures, such as hygiene and
quicker and less costly for utilities to monitor
maintenance routines, and risk management
water quality throughout the process, thereby
procedures are initiated if critical areas are a
detecting irregularities in both treatment and
threat to the quality targets.
supply. Sensors can be given online links to
management systems that ensure alarms and
Starting out identifying weak spots
data capture regarding process irregularities.
Increased drinking water quality requires
strong commitment from utility management
Emergency plans
and a high level of technical expertise. An
As emergency situations are the most critical,
overview
is
the best way to manage these is to be prepared
required to establish the critical control points
with well-functioning, up-to-date emergency
(CCP), and these will differ from network to
action plans featuring clear procedures for who
network as contamination can occur at multiple
does what and when. In an emergency situation,
points, including in the source water, through
managers and technical staff are normally
inadequate water treatment, in storage tanks,
under extreme pressure from a heavy workload
and in distribution systems. It is also important
trying to fix the problem, along with pressure
to be aware that industries, agricultural farms,
from politicians, unsatisfied consumers and
hospitals and wastewater treatment plants are
sometimes even journalists. It is therefore
high-risk consumers. It is important to ensure
important to support people and prevent them
that properly functioning back-flow preventers
taking the wrong decisions making the situation
are installed so that polluted water does not
even worse. Modern emergency planning tools
impact the water quality for others. Another
provide an integrated overview of the water
very critical point regarding hygienic safety is
supply processes and distribution system, and
when there are changes compared to normal
help detect where the malfunctions are located.
production. What many water utilities neglect
This helps the management decide where to
is that work on pipelines introduces a risk of
focus the emergency effort and ensure the most
contaminating the water in the network. Just a
effective solutions for solving the problems.
of
waterworks’
weaknesses
4. Using advanced technology
to ensure a reliable water supply
Using advanced technology
in daily operations will
give utilities the benefit
of the many opportunities
provided by digital and
Internet-based solutions.
Digitised water networks
and hydraulic modelling
provide the utilities with
a basic instrument for
rapid decision-making and
proper management
Many water utilities are radically changing their
production and distribution systems feed the
approach, turning into a modern water supply
monitoring system with relevant data, giving
operation able to meet an increasing demand
the operators full insights into the process itself
for high-quality water and uninterrupted
and enabling these operators to optimise the
service around the clock. Modern waterworks
parameters and settings. The main advantage
design and advanced technology are crucial for
is that the system adjusts itself automatically
ensuring a reliable water supply.
or operators are alerted if the operating para
LISE COLD
Water supply expert
RAMBØLL
Advanced 3D radar technology Sub-surface
infrastructures are complex and registration of
them is often inaccurate and patchy. Advanced
radar technology is an accurate and inexpensive
way to map underground structures to prevent
building companies and others from causing
damage to them. A 3D radar system provides a 3D
image of the subsurface with a high resolution
and accuracy, and is well suited to mapping the
upper few metres of the ground. It detects both
metallic and non-metallic structures such as
iron and PVC pipes, electrical cables, concrete
structures, etc. The radar locates plastic pipes as
easily as metallic pipes since the reflection of the
radar signal depends on the physical contrast
(dielectric properties) of the soil and pipe. The
integrated high-precision GPS system ensures
localisation data that is accurate to within a few
centimetres. (Courtesy: Rambøll)
meters are outside the set range.
Full control of day-to-day operations
Combining the right management systems with
New technology supports safer operations
right designs, advanced tools and technology
In Denmark, the design of waterworks is based
transforms a waterworks into a modern, reliable
on years of practical experience rooted in high
plant. Well-designed buildings and treatment
national water quality standards. The principle
systems ensure low maintenance and increased
of “if you can measure it, you can control it” is
reliability — for instance by installing redundant
very much in focus, and increasingly achievable
treatment systems consisting of (for example)
as a result of new technology developments.
two independent production lines. In day-to-
For instance, the availability of real-time moni
day operations, the benefits are many because
toring equipment for oxygen makes it possible
this prevents problems from occurring and
to replace compressed air with pure oxygen as
ensures the right response in due time, if they
oxidation media, thereby providing the water
do occur. The most radical change is probably
works with safer operation. This is of high value
going from conventional operations — which rely
in Denmark, where groundwater is converted
on operators’ presence, alertness and expertise
into drinking water by aeration and filtration for
— into modern process operations relying on
the removal of iron, manganese and ammonium.
management expertise. The heart of a modern
The amount of pure oxygen produced is thus
water utility therefore lies in its control systems,
based on demand, and is continuously adjusted
which support the operators by providing a full
on the basis of on-line measurements of
overview of the daily, monthly and annual tasks
residual oxygen in the water, sampled from
to be undertaken. Sensors throughout the
different points in the production process.
Standardised SCADA system A standardi
sed yet advanced SCADA system developed
by a Danish automation company makes ad
van
ced monitoring and management econo
mically feasible even for small and mid-sized
waterworks. The system is less costly than
the individually designed SCADA systems be
cause it is based on standard industrial PLC
technology. When tailored to water utilities,
operations can be monitored and managed
even at a distance using a smartphone. This is
what the consumer-owned waterworks Lynge
Overdrev Water Supply, located north of Copen
hagen, benefits from. The waterworks supplies
drinking water to around 2,000 people and
the fully automated SCADA system allows the
waterworks full control of its operations 24/7
without having any permanent staff on-site.
The systems monitors non-revenue water that
is kept at less than 1 per cent as any interruption
in waterworks operation and increasing water
loss is promptly detected and operators receive
an alarm via text message. This set-up is based
on extensive knowledge and statistics related
to consumption patterns, which is also achieved
via a similar SCADA system. (Courtesy: Lynge
Overdrev Water Supply and Blue Control)
Pollution-protected clean water tanks
yellow and green hygienic zones. In a red zone,
the customers. Hydraulic models are used to
Minimising the risk of contamination is another
there is a high risk of contamination and special
optimise the quality of the drinking water when
big reliability issue. One new trend involves
rules are in force for behaviour and work wear.
it reaches consumers by calculating the age of
changing from open systems to closed filtration
An example of a red zone is the clean water
the water in the network. In order to establish
systems in order to minimise the risk of pollution
tanks, where there is direct contact with the
a functional hydraulic distribution network
in the treatment process. Another trend is
water, and an example of a green zone is the
model, reliable data about pipeline locations
to build the stainless steel clean water tanks
administration part of a waterworks building.
and dimensions is a must. Further data or
estimates about consumer demands around the
above ground to make it easy to discover and fix
leaks, and to protect from airborne pollution by
Optimising systems with hydraulic models
distribution network are also required. The more
keeping a constant pressure inside the tanks. A
The longer the water remains in the pipeline,
accurate the information about consumption
modern waterworks will also be split into red,
the poorer the quality of the water reaching
and time-dependent demand variations for
Extra UV security barrier, Denmark The water utility North Water operates just north of Copenhagen and supplies 200,000 consumers with
pure drinking water. Water quality is monitored closely, and the utility is certified in accordance with food safety standards (ISO 22000). As an extra
security against microbiological contamination, UV treatment is used because even if the risk of contamination is very small the consequences will
be severe due to the many consumers. The UV dosage is decisive for the treatment effect and is monitored and adjusted to the current flow and
transmittance of the water. This is the largest UV installation in Denmark and uses low-pressure UV lamps that only consume small amounts of
energy. Disinfection performance is high, and the system is certified for drinking water use and validated in accordance with standards laid down
by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (Courtesy: Silhorko-Eurowater)
Drinking water supply from the mainland, Iceland Flexible water flowlines from main islands or mainland to islands with limited water
resources are often a cost-effective alternative to establishing local drinking water supply. In 2007, Hitaveita Suðurnesja HF in Iceland had 12,566
metres of 8-inch flexible flowline for transporting drinking water installed to the Vestmanna Islands, which are approx. 12 km south of Iceland.
Replacing a system installed 40 years earlier, these types of systems have a very long service life. The new distribution systems consist of water
wells and pumping stations on the south coast of Iceland, two offshore pipelines (4-inch ID and 7-inch ID) from the south coast to Vestmannaeyar
and a pumping station, storage tank and distribution network in Vestmannaeyar. (Courtesy: NOV Flexibles)
Smart pressure boosting control, Philippines Water demands can vary significantly throughout the day and at night. Low pressure will cause
contamination to be sucked into the drinking water system, and pressure that is too high results in stress for the pipe system and causes more
water leakages. Smart pump systems with variable speed control adjust their running parameters automatically, and keep the pressure constant
in both distribution and booster-pump systems. This technology is used in the Philippines by the Taguig pumping station — part of Manila Water,
which provides water and wastewater services to 5.6 million Filipinos. The pressure boosting system makes Manila Water able to meet capacity
requirements and maintain constant pressure in the waterworks applications and water distribution networks. (Courtesy: Grundfos)
Hydraulic distribution network models
Hydraulic models are an important base for
decision making regarding the distribution
network design as well as rehabilitation and
energy optimisation. This example is from the
consumer-owned Birkerød Water Company in
Denmark, which uses the AQUIS model for realtime optimisation and day-to-day planning.
(Courtesy: ALECTIA)
A hydraulic distribution
network model is valuable
to calculate the optimum
network dimensions.
This helps ensure the
drinking water quality for
the consumers, as well as
energy efficiency and that
leakages are detected
in time
each supply zone, the more advanced the model
Any pressure drop will not only affect the
simulation of the distribution network that can
pressure at the tap, but also involve a huge
be established. Combining consumption data
risk that contamination will be sucked into the
with actual data from the SCADA systems is
distribution network. This is often the case at a
then used to detect leakages, optimise pressure
fire, because in many cities firefighting is based
in the pipeline system to (for example) reduce
on the use of fire hydrants using water taken
the energy consumption of the booster pumps
from the distribution network. The optimum
and detect dead ends with low or no flow. It
starting point to solve this is also with hydraulic
can also be used to calculate required pipeline
models which combined with GIS systems
dimensions when extending the distribution
provide great platform for decision-making
system or adding new customers demanding
regarding the distribution network design and
water to an existing network.
rehabilitation. Real time modelling may then
JOHN B. KRISTENSEN
Business Manager,
Water, Environment and Energy
ALECTIA
Advanced technology combined with highquality equipment Investing in high-quality
equipment — especially in water distribution
systems in the ground — is important. Even
with advanced monitoring to detect troubled
equipment, replacement or repair are still costly
If the equipment fails or starts leaking. Many
water utilities have learned the hard way that
sub-standard equipment might save money
when purchased, but is much more expensive in
the long term. Equipment of Danish origin is of
very high quality, due to demands from Danish
utilities, , and is designed for a service life of 50
years or more, without any need for service or
repair. (Courtesy: AVK Valves)
provide information for daily operation and
Keeping a constant pressure
management of pressure in the drinking water
One of the important operating parameters for
network — and to an even greater extent when
which advanced technology, tools and designs
combined with pressure sensors installed in the
will be a big help lies in ensuring constant
distribution system.
pressure throughout the distribution network.
Reducing energy consumption and water leaks by up to 20 per cent with
demand driven distribution The demand for water varies widely throughout the
day and even over the course of the week. Optimising water pressure in the distribution
network based on demand can avoid unnecessarily high water pressure and thus
reduce energy consumption by up to 20 per cent, because pumps are controlled on the
basis of the pattern of use, and the water pressure is adjusted according to demand. In
addition, water leakage, which is a challenge for many water utilities, can be reduced
by up to 20 per cent and a stable pressure also causes less ‘wear and tear’, helping
to reduce pipe bursts. A short illustrative film by the pump manufacturer Grundfos
explains the concept of demand driven distribution on youtube.com — search for
‘Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution’. (Courtesy: Grundfos)
5. Improving operating efficiency
to save water and costs
Nature’s hydrological cycle
is broken. Decades of bad
water management have
failed to handle the growing
demands and the global
strain on water resources.
Both technology and
service-providers must
reconnect input and output
and engage in holistic
solutions. Let’s join forces in
the water sector to re-esta
blish a balanced water cycle
LARS LUNDBYE
Executive Strategist,
Water Supply
GRUNDFOS
Recycling of backwash water, Denmark
Anticipating higher drainage fees has prompted
Danish waterworks to investigate more
economic solutions than flushing rinse water
down the drain. For the Ulfborg waterworks, this
requires producing 60 cubic metres of potable
water per hour — a large amount of water
simply for backwash. Calculations revealed
that installing a separate pressure filter plant
for cleaning the backwash water from the
sedimentation tank would be profitable in just
a few years. All the rinse water is now reused
and the waterworks does not pay any drainage
fees at all. Furthermore, as the plant is a closed
circuit, the raw water consumption has been
reduced. An UV disinfection plant is installed
as extra security against contamination and
bacteriological growth in the sedimentation
tank. (Courtesy: Silhorko-Eurowater)
In a world with more people and less resources,
Pressure management
most water utilities will be forced to become
In addition to increasing reliability as discussed
extremely energy and water efficient. Lots of
in the last chapter, intelligent control and
energy is used to produce and distribute water,
monitoring
but this is a vicious circle because it also takes
efficiency. One effective way to increase
large volumes of water to produce energy.
energy efficiency is to target the fact that
But what is the definition of an efficient water
demand is not the same during the day and
supply? In order to address this question, each
during the night. At times with too high
utility needs to set specific, measureable,
pressure, energy costs are too high are more
achievable, realistic and timely goals and deve
leakages arise, whereas at times with too low
lop strategies prioritising the efforts required.
pressure water quality is degraded because
solutions
can
also
increase
there is a risk of contamination being sucked
Benchmarking energy efficiency
into the distribution network. With a pressure
Benchmarking on key performance indicators
management system added to the distribution
helps utilities identify areas with the highest
and booster-pump system, the consumer is
improvement potential. For some, a redesign to
assured of constant tap pressure as opposed
increase energy efficiency is a very interesting
to a constant pump discharge pressure. This
opportunity. The benefits that are easiest to
system, in which pressure is adjusted to match
reap are often found in the huge energy costs
demand, is also known as Demand Driven
associated with distributing water. A utility’s
Distribution.
energy costs are normally somewhere be
tween 30 to 50 per cent of total operating
Dividing the network into zones
costs. Digging one level deeper, the distribution
Further energy savings can be achieved if
systems normally account for 70 per cent of
consumers can be grouped into segments with
these energy costs, according to a report from
different pressure demands, and the network
the American Council for an Energy-Efficient
divided into pressure zones. Decentralised
Economy. In Denmark, utilities bench
mark
booster pumping stations can then be used for
on energy use, pipeline bursts, non-revenue
hilly elevations and pressure-reduction systems
water, operational and management costs. The
for absorbing any excessive pressure — which
average electrical consumption is 0.45 kilowatt
would otherwise wear down pipe, junctions and
hours per sold cubic metre of water.
valves — in lower-lying urban areas. Another
Saving energy with variable frequency converters, Australia
Each day, the Kwinana Desalination Plant turns seawater into
almost 140,000 cubic metres of drinking water. Located south of
Perth in Western Australia, the plant has won numerous national
and international awards, including the International Desalination
Association’s plant-of-the-year award in 2007. The huge reverse
osmosis plant uses a large number of variable frequency drives
and softstarters for energy-effective operation of the plant
and its distribution network. All the drives installed at this plant
were delivered by a global company with Danish roots that has
a worldwide installed base of more than four million frequency
converters. The worldwide savings on CO2 emissions stemming from
this installed base correspond to the CO2 emissions of 12 million
cars. (Courtesy: Danfoss)
Combining investments
in concrete and pipes with
intelligent electronic
controlsystems not only
saves water, energy and
money, it also increase
the capacity of the existing
water infrastructure
very good planning tool is to also combine
from the network. Old or poorly designed water
pressure zones with distribution network
distribution systems cause the loss of some
modelling. If an adequate number of pressure
times as much as 70 per cent of the water
sensors are placed on the distribution network,
pumped into the distribution network. Even in a
the measured pressure can be compared with
modern city like London, pipes leak nearly one
modelled pressure to more effectively identify
million cubic metres of water per day, which is
leakages or any illicit connections.
around 40 per cent of the clean water supply.
MADS WARMING
Global Segment Manager
Water & Waste Water
DANFOSS VLT DRIVES
Such an audit is a relatively simple process
The benefits of minimising urban water loss are
Savings on pumps and frequency drives
considerable since the less water produced, the
Using high-efficiency pumps will increase
less energy is consumed and the more income
energy savings even further. An audit, as offe
the utility can use for optimising other aspects
red by pump manufacturer Grundfos, enables
of the utility’s operation. There is also less need
a water utility to prioritise pump investments.
for capital investment in new, expensive pipes.
of measuring flow and energy consumption
Regional or national databases
over a period of time. The analysis that follows
Implementing administrative systems on regio
shows the existing system’s pump efficiencies
nal or national level also increases efficiency
and
with
from an overall perspective. In Denmark, the
potential design improvements. Investing in
Register of Underground Cable Owners has
adaptive control, using a variable frequency
been established, consisting of a database with
converter with the pump, will not only ensure
information about all owners of underground
the necessary pressure in the pipeline network.
pipelines and cables. The goal was lower admi
Reducing pump speed by 20 per cent will also
nistration costs in the contracting sector and to
normally reduce energy costs by as much as 40
increase supply security. This database is one
to 50 per cent. In addition, tailored drives protect
of the first systems of its kind and serves as a
the pumps and thereby reduce maintenance
point of reference for other countries aiming to
requirements. Using frequency converters
build similar systems. The register is managed
also significantly reduces the pressure peaks
by the Danish Ministry of Housing, Urban and
compared to starting up and turning off pumps
Rural Affairs. The exact location of cables is
on full power. However, if variable frequency
not registered, but basically works like a phone
drives (VFDs) are used, it is extremely important
book ensuring contact between owners of
to choose those specifically tailored to water
cables and contractors, making it simple to get
utilities. These will include functions such
detailed information on the specific location of
as cascade control, the ability to avoid water
cables from the owner. Danish legislation places
hammering and automatic detection of major
responsibility any damage on the enterprises
leakages. The drive itself must also provide
that undertake digging, unless the enterprise
high energy efficiency and be able to protect
has obtained detailed drawings from relevant
the pump and pipework throughout the great
registered owners. If an owner is not registered,
variations in process conditions.
the owner bears all the risks and pays for any
energy
consumption
compared
damages made on its own infrastructure. This
Reducing urban water losses
concept has reduced accidentally damaged
Looking into water efficiency, a main challenge
pipelines by more than 75 per cent within
facing many water utilities is the high level of
the first two years of implementation, and it
urban water loss. On a global scale, 25 to 50
is estimated that it saves Danish society 6–7
per cent of all the water produced disappears
million euros annually (9 million US dollars).
White paper on urban water loss Old or poorly designed water distribution systems cause clean
water being unsafe to drink, and broken networks mean that up to 80 per cent of the water pumped
is leaking. Even in a modern city like London, pipes leak nearly 1,000 million litres of water per day
(around 40 per cent of the clean water supply). For many water utilities, it is important to close
the considerable gap between the volume of water they produce and that which is billed to the
customers. This difference is known as non-revenue water (NRW) and it amounts to between 25
and 50 per cent of the total water produced globally. The problem is not only the lost water, but
also the energy that goes into producing water that is lost. In Denmark, NRW figures are down to
5–7 per cent as presented in another white paper at www.rethinkwater.dk/nrw
6. Protecting scarce
drinking water resources
We must continue to protect
our scarce water resources
from pollution and overexploitation. Access to clean
drinking water is essential
for prosperity and our health
— today and for generations
to come
The environmental requirements of the Euro
pioneering water re-cycling and desalination
pean Water Framework Directive mean that
of brackish water or seawater as their path
many water utilities must make an effort to
towards a sustainable water strategy. Here
avoid polluting rivers, lakes and oceans. Protect
energy efficiency is the important topic.
KIRSTEN BROSBØL
Minister for the Environment
DENMARK
ing freshwater resources should be a priority to
politicians, authorities and utilities. Today more
Reducing domestic water consumption
than half of the global population lives in cities,
The first essential element of protecting scarce
but every day another 180,000 people move
water resources is limiting demand through
from rural to urban areas. In 2030, this share will
water conservation programmes. The agricul
increase to 60 per cent. This global urbanisation
tural, industrial and domestic water consump
trend concentrates the demand for water to a
tion per capita varies greatly around the world
limited geographical area and — combined with
and some variations are, of course, explained
an increasing demand for water for industrial
by geography, level of wealth and business
and agricultural production — will represent
structures. However, incentives to save water
a challenge for societies that lack freshwater
vary greatly and this is an area that politicians,
resources of sufficiently high quality.
authorities and utilities would benefit from
paying more attention to, in the form of demand
The different drinking water sources
management. In Denmark’s case, a drop in
The different alternatives for drinking water
domestic water consumption by nearly 40 per
are (1) groundwater as the most pristine water
cent has been achieved, going from an average
source and available for endless generations
of 180 to 110 litres a day of domestic water use
if the water cycle is not messed up (2) surface
per capita since the 1980s. Regulating demand
water, which is easy to access, but also reflects
with water meters installed at household level,
our lifestyles directly as traces of our civilisation
increased water rates and “nudging” (to gently
go into the water streams, and finally (3) sea
encourage and attract people’s attention to
water, which is plentiful and accounts for 97.5
conserve water) are important ways to motivate
per cent of the water on this planet, but which
consumers to reduce their consumption.
unfortunately requires enormous amounts of
energy to convert into fresh water. Countries
Groundwater protection programmes
and regions not endowed with large quantities
For countries endowed with groundwater re
of freshwater resources are — by necessity —
sources, it makes sense to use and protect these.
Protection of groundwater, Denmark The
national and regional groundwater protection
programmes in Denmark are funded via the
water rates. Since 1990, the municipality of
Frederiksberg has undertaken a systematic
monitoring of groundwater in their area, a
central area of Copenhagen, in which more
than 5000 households are supplied with
clean drinking water. The primary purpose of
the groundwater monitoring programme is
to monitor water quality in the vicinity of the
extraction wells, so alerts can be given if there
is any change in water quality or threats to the
water supply ,and necessary actions can then
be taken to ensure the future supply of drinking
water. (Courtesy: Rambøll)
Toilet flush technology reducing consump
tion by 30 percent, United Kingdom Two
major United Kingdom water utilities facing
water scarcity have taken new steps to “persu
ade” domestic customers to reduce water use.
Individual water meters are not common, so
most consumers are not motivated to conserve
water and even remove installed watersaving devices on showers and taps. However,
when the utilities installed Danish toilet flush
technology for 150,000 of their cu
stomers,
average water savings of 47 litres per day per
household were achieved. The sim
ple, yet
award-winning technology con
verts existing
toilets from using a single flush into two-flush
toilets, and changes people’s behaviour towards
using the big flush only when it is really needed.
In offices and public buildings, this technology
has proven to save around 30 per cent of the
building’s water consumption, because toilets
typically account for the largest share of water
consumption. (Courtesy: ecoBETA)
In Denmark groundwater is the only source of
their location, distribution, exten
sion, inter
environmental matters. By law, data on ground
drinking water and protecting it by all means
connection and the weak points in the system.
water, wells and drinking water quality from
possible is considered the most cost-effective
Site-specific groundwater protection zo
nes
waterworks are collected and stored in a well-
way to secure future demand and the health
have now been established to prevent ground
documented, consistent manner. This data is
of the population. However, to avoid over-
water contamination from urban development
of great value to everyone working in the water
exploitation, an understanding of the avail
and agricultural sources. The national and regio
sector, and Danish consumers are themselves
ability and movement of groundwater in the
nal groundwater protection programmes are all
able to check the quality of their drinking water.
sub
surface is required. A few decades ago
funded via the water rates, with consumers
The data, which also includes geological and
groundwater resources in Denmark were under
paying an additional 0.04 euros per cubic metre
hydrogeological models, is administered and
severe pressure from soil pollution, pesticides,
of water (0.2 dollars per 1,000 US gallons).
provided by the National Geological Survey of
Denmark and Greenland (GEUS).
nitrate seepage and over-exploitation. This
encouraged the government to decide on
Open national databases
programmes designed to secure the ground
An essential element of the Danish drinking
Regional planning and monitoring
water for generations to come, including an
water protection programmes is the national
Protecting the groundwater resources from
ambitious national groundwater mapping pro
databases. A high priority is placed on utili
con
ta
mination requires long-term planning,
gramme that has produced an accurate picture
ties, companies and citizens having free
and the groundwater quality must be controlled
of the vulnerability of aquifers with respect to
access to information about drinking water and
and monitored on a regular basis. In Denmark,
Monitoring groundwater, Netherlands Ten years ago,
1,600 tons of cresol was accidentally spilled in the Rotterdam
harbour area in the Netherlands. The groundwater was
severely contaminated and the site is now under remediation
using a vacuum-enhanced recovery method. The process
has been monitored with groundwater samples from more
than 50 wells, sampled at three- month intervals over three
years. The performance of a new, patented sampling and
monitoring method has also been demonstrated. Installed in
six groundwater wells for a period of three months, this new method was compared with 3–4
conventional groundwater samples. Temporal variation between the groundwater samples
has proved to be very large and the new method provided the authorities with more reliable
monitoring data from which short-time fluctuations are filtered out. In addition, monitoring
costs for the industrial client were reduced due to lower sampling frequency. ”Min-max”
variation of the traditional groundwater samples was on average 186 per cent of the mean
and the new method reduced this variation to 51per cent of the mean. (Courtesy: Sorbisense)
Purification and disinfection of
surface water, Colombia Founded
in 1572, Villa de Leyva is one of the
best-preserved colonial towns in
Colombia. Root zone technology is
used for the purification of the city’s
drinking water. The root zone system
serves as a filter that ensures the
retention of particles, degradation
of organic matter, binding of metals
and disinfection. In this type of
system, using materials distinctive
for their large surface area (granular
piers, perlite, etc.) makes it possible
to restrain the passage of particles.
Using limestone materials has a
disinfecting effect that contributes
to better water sanitation. (Courtesy:
Transform - Danish Rootzone)
Artificial groundwater recharge, Denmark
Contamination of groundwater by chlorinated
solvents and pesticides has forced Greater
Copenhagen Utility to close many wells and in 1995
a pilot plant for artificial groundwater recharge was
established as an alternative to treating surface
water with chemicals and chlorine. Surface water
is sprayed over an area of 21 hectares and in less
than four weeks this surface water is converted
to clean groundwater by a sand layer. Although it
was subsequently decided not to scale up the pilot
plant, the pilot plant nevertheless demonstrated
that it is possible to get very good groundwater
quality using this method. Geologically speaking,
this formation is rare in Denmark, but this method
has been used for years in Sweden, Finland and
the Netherlands. (Courtesy: Greater Copenhagen
Utility and Transform - Danish Rootzone)
Below surface reservoirs, Namibia In desert
and semi-desert areas, surface water resources
are often very limited most of the year, and the
groundwater is saline or inaccessible. Methods for
storing rainfall and increased amounts of surface
water from the rainy season for use during the
dry periods are therefore in demand. The storage
can be done with dams and reservoirs, and here
is a special method for groundwater or river dams
involving setting up a water barrier in the river bed.
A significant amount of water is transported under
the surface of the river bed (or wadi or revier) and
by placing a dam into the water bed – beneath the
surface – it is therefore possible to dam up the
water in the river bed below the surface, thereby
reducing both evaporation loss and surface
contamination. This solution is used in Namibia, for
example. (Courtesy: Transform – Danish Rootzone)
The environmental
requirements of the
European Water Framework
Directive mean that many
water utilities must make
an effort to avoid polluting
rivers, lakes and oceans.
Sludge treatment in reed
bed systems will help solve
some of their problems
activities to protect well fields include planting
STEEN NIELSEN
Project Director
ORBICON
groundwater quality as early as possible and to
European Water Framework Directive
supply and sanitation is crucial. The key aspects
Europe’s ambitions to protect precious water
of the implementation of the directive are (1) Co-
resources are defined by the Water Framework
ordinating shared river basin districts. (2) Clea-
mers for a ban on the use of pesticides, with
awareness campaigns aimed at farmers, gar
owners to help prevent them from using pesti
cides and chemicals, or using them in a way that
does not pose a risk to groundwater. This effort
helps utilities to ensure existing well fields and
limits the need to find new well fields. Regular
monitoring helps prevent closure of wells, be
cause contamination will be detected in time
and averted. The water quality is monitored in
the catchment areas as well as in the extraction
wells in order to detect any adverse trends in
| FEBRUARY 2013
deners, property owners and private garden
white paper
NETWORK | WATER
RESOURCES
income compensation. It also includes public
THE RETHINK WATER
Water reservoir, United Kingdom The sludge
dewatering and mineralisation technique of
reed bed systems was used for the first time
at the Hanningfield Reservoir in the United
Kingdom. This is a body of water under the aegis
of Northumbrian Water, which supplies drinking
water for 1.5 million people. The purification of
the reservoir water generates a lot of reddish
sludge that used to be mechanically treated.
Now, a new 4-hectare area consisting of
16 reed beds dewaters and mineralises the
sludge, returning clean water to the reservoir.
A large part of the compounds are naturally
mineralised, the sludge volume is reduced and
after 15 years the basin is drained and the
remaining sludge can, for instance, be used as
fertiliser on farmland.. The process, developed
by a Danish company, is natural and much more
sustainable environmentally and economically
speaking compared to conventional mechanical
treatment techniques. (Courtesy: Orbicon)
check that it is improving in the long term.
An ambitious
groundwater
mapping
programme laid
the foundation
for the
groundwater
expertise
of Danish
authorities,
Greater
utilities and
water security
with groundwater
suppliers.
Today this
expertise, which includes
surveying technologies, software tools
for integrated water resource modelling
and decision-making systems, is in global
demand. This expertise is shared in a white
paper available for free download at
www.rethinkwater.dk/groundwater
new areas of forest and agreements with far
Groundwater mapping
and sustainable groundwa
ter management
Directive, which promotes sustainable water
ning up waters and identifying and assessing
consumption, reduced water pollution and the
surface water bodies at risk. (3) Managing the
progressive reduction of groundwater pollu
groundwater at risk. (4) Mana
ging artifi
cial
tion. It also includes the protection of coastal
and heavily modified water bodies — re
ser
-
waters and is meant to prevent further dete
voirs, canals and ports (5) Setting the value
rioration to aquatic ecosystems and as
so
ci
of Europe’s waters in water policy. (6) Monito
ated wetlands. The planning and imple
men
ring programmes for taking the pulse. (7) Inter-
tation approach to the water projects in water
calibration for a common scale. (8) Reducing
resources, water supply and wastewater that
pollution and dangerous chemicals. (9) All legi
follows is holistic. Besides an economic analysis
slation in a single framework. (10) Addressing
of the costs and benefits of individual water
climate change in the form of floods, droughts and
projects, socio-economic studies are also made.
changing aquatic ecosystems. (11) Link Marine
Public stakeholders must also be involved
Strategy Framework Directive. (12) Public parti
and their willingness to pay for a better water
cipation in river basin management planning.
Water supply based on seawater desalination,
Seychelles The demand for smaller water supply
plants based on the desalination of seawater is rising,
which is partly explained by the population growth
on many islands around the world. A stable water
supply is essential for the development of tourism and
industry, but many islands are without groundwater
and traditionally rely on rainwater. The desalination of
seawater by reverse osmosis is a simple technique that
produces good quality drinking water, and the process
takes place without chemistry. It is, however, also an
energy-intensive process even if the technological
development of membranes and turbine systems
has made the desalination of seawater possible at
reasonable cost. Solutions for sustainable energy
supply are therefore important, too. For the islands of
the Seychelles, desalination is the only alternative for
ensuring a stable water supply, and a Danish technology
provider has cooperated with firstly the tuna industry,
then the entire hotel industry, and most recently with
a 2012 expansion of the public water supply that also
had to increase its production to meet the needs of the
growing population. (Courtesy: BWT HOH)
If your goal is water efficiency,
Denmark is ready as a partner
Danish water companies
have shown their courage
and drive by working with
their competitors in order
to create the Rethink Water
platform. They are showing
the world that Denmark is
ready to take responsibility
and contribute to finding
solutions to the major water
challenges the world faces
KIRSTEN BROSBØL
Minister for the
Environment
DENMARK
Denmark is surrounded by water, yet freshwater
For mutual beneﬁt
is still a scarce resource for us. For 30 years,
As a country, we see great opportunity for
we have been rethinking water and building
mutual benefit in the transfer of knowledge
expertise within water efficiency. Today, our tap
and the growth in both partners’ business.
water is as pure as the finest spring water and
Our expertise is in helping customers and
the water in the harbour of Copenhagen, our
stakeholders reach safe and effective water
capital, is so clean that people swim in it.
solutions, while developing their ability to profit
from that knowledge. In our work we maintain
Denmark knows water
a healthy respect for different perspectives and
The knowledge we have about water resources,
agendas, as well as for the environment.
water security and water efficiency is no coincidence. Successive governments have addressed
Rethinking water together
our country’s limited natural resources, concen-
Rethink Water is a global network specialising in
trating on using them efficiently, and as a nation
water efficiency. So far, we are over 60 consult-
we strive to provide a safe, pleasant and healthy
ing companies, technology providers, utilities,
environment for people to live in.
research institutes and governmental bodies.
The network brings together an unusually
Knowledge transfer
diverse and valuable mix of clients, consultants,
Denmark is not physically powerful, but know-
researchers, technology experts and govern-
ledge is power. Long ago we as Vikings spread
mental bodies. We have joined forces to share
fear across the seas. Today, we want to spread
knowledge and create even better water
something entirely different: knowledge and
solutions, in Denmark and around the world.
collaboration on how to globally protect water
We invite you in to collaborate on solving your
resources and improve water efficiency. Water
water challenges and to explore our expertise
is an increasingly scarce resource in most parts
at www.rethinkwater.dk/whitepapers
of the world. We need to rethink how we use it.
Technology
companies
Customers
and their
stakeholders
worldwide
Solutions for
water efficiency
Research
organisations
Export
credit agency
Consulting
companies
Government and
Public authorities
Organisations
Water utilities
WHITE PAPER - URBAN WATER | 1
Find more white papers, learn more
about the Rethink Water network
and get in touch with us at:
Consulting companies
Alectia alectia.com
Bonnerup Consult bonnerup.net
COWI cowi.com
EnviDan envidan.com
Gromtmij grontmij.dk
Moe & Brødsgaard moe.dk
Orbicon orbicon.com
NIRAS niras.com
Rambøll ramboll.com
TREDJE NATUR tredjenatur.dk
Øllgaard ollgaard.dk
www.rethinkwater.dk
Technology companies
Adept Water Technology adeptwatertech.com
AKVA group Denmark akvagroup.com
Aquaporin aquaporin.dk
AVK avkvalves.com
Billund Aquaculture billund-aqua.dk
Biokube biokube.com
Blue Control bluecontrol.dk
Danfoss danfoss.com
Danish Rootzone Technology rootzone.dk
EcoBeta ecobeta.com
Envotherm envotherm.com
Freewater freewater.dk
Grundfos grundfos.com
HOH BWT hoh.com
I -GIS i-gis.dk
Kamstrup kamstrup.com
LiqTech International liqtech.com
MJK Automation mjk.com
Mycometer mycometer.com
NOV Flexibles nov.com/fps
Novozymes novozymes.com
OxyGuard International oxyguard.com
PROAGRIA Environment proagria.dk
RK Plast rkbioelements.dk
Scandinavian No-Dig Centre no-dig.dk
Siemens siemens.com/energy/aeration
Silhorko-Eurowater eurowater.com
SkyTEM Surveys skytem.com
Sorbisense sorbisense.com
Stjernholm stjernholm.dk
UltraAqua ultraaqua.com
Wavin wavin.com
Aarhus Geophysics aarhusgeo.com
Per Aarsleff aarsleff.com
Research institutes & demonstration projects
Danish Technological Institute teknologisk.dk
DHI dhigroup.com
Geological Surveys of Denmark and Greenland geus.dk
Kalundborg Industrial Water Demonstration Site symbiosis.dk
Water utilities
Greater Copenhagen Utility hofor.dk
VCS Denmark vcsdenmark.com
North Water nordvand.dk
Aarhus Water aarhusvand.dk
Organisations related to water
Association of Waterworks in Denmark fvd.dk
AquaCircle aquacircle .org
Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster cphcleantech.com
Confederation of Danish Industry di.dk
Danish Water Technology Group dk-water.com
Danish Water and Wastewater Association danva.dk
Danish Water Forum danishwaterforum.dk
Danish Water Services danishwater.dk
State of Green Consortium stateofgreen.com
Water In Urban Areas Network waterinurbanareas.dk
BW Negative
Logo / State of Green
Grey
C - M 0 - Y - K 10
Dark
C0-M0-Y0-K0
Governmental bodies & other sponsors
City of Copenhagen kk.dk
Capital Region of Denmark regionh.dk
Danish Trade Council um.dk
Danish Ministry of the Environment mim.dk
Danish Nature Agency naturstyrelsen.dk
The Branding Denmark Fund mfonden.dk

Ensuring great-tasting and safe tap water 24 hours

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