Consultant's Corner: Real-Time Optimization Of Your Water System Is A Great Way To Save Money

By Russell Ford, PhD, PE, BCEE, Vice President and Global Service Leader – Drinking Water Infrastructure

The American Water Work Association’s State of the Industry Report (JAWWA October 2011) identified business factors (water rates, knowledge management, non-revenue water to name a few) as some of the top issues and concerns for US water utilities. Water systems are being asked to meet ever more stringent water quality regulations; handle with fewer resources and still protect public health.

Technological advances have afforded the water industry an opportunity to optimize how they deliver water to their customers, which in turn allows a utility to maintain quality while keeping the costs affordable. Real-time optimization of the water system can help with two critical issues for a water utility. It can help reduce operating costs as well as provide a historical depository of information to assist with knowledge management.