Technology

In alignment with the UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has launched an ambitious plan to reduce water leaks and enhance the efficiency of its water distribution network across the Northern Emirates. The initiative, part of EtihadWE’s five-year Transformation Roadmap, aims to integrate cutting-edge technology to conserve water resources in the region.

The plan, unveiled during World Water Week (25-30 August), includes the deployment of advanced tools like SmartBall and data loggers, which will enable early detection of leaks within the water distribution system. These technologies will monitor water flow, allowing for the timely identification and rectification of potential leaks, thus minimizing water loss before it reaches consumers—a phenomenon known as non-revenue water (NRW).

As a desert nation with limited freshwater resources, the UAE faces significant challenges in water conservation. NRW loss, which occurs when water is lost due to equipment failures or meter inaccuracies before reaching the customer, represents a critical issue. To combat this, EtihadWE’s strategy includes district metering, which divides the distribution network into smaller, manageable sections. This approach, along with the installation of additional meters, will make it easier to detect and address leaks, especially those underground.

The initiative is further bolstered by the near-completion of a large-scale smart meter rollout program. These smart meters will soon provide customers with real-time data on their water usage, empowering them to manage their consumption more effectively and support the UAE’s demand-side management goals.

Eng. Yousif Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated, "Our comprehensive plan to reduce non-revenue water is a crucial component of our Transformation Roadmap, which aims to strengthen and modernize our infrastructure across the Northern Emirates. Significant investments will be made to enhance our pipeline network, equipment, and monitoring systems, all in support of the UAE's national water security and sustainability objectives."

Eng. Abdulla Al Khemeiri, COO of EtihadWE, emphasized the importance of integrating monitoring and control technologies, noting that "acquiring proactive and reliable data on loss and leakage rates is essential for advancing our water management systems and enhancing overall water security."

A key aspect of the plan includes merging EtihadWE’s District Metering project with its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This integration will consolidate operations across six locations onto a state-of-the-art platform, offering real-time insights into the network’s status. The platform will feature an online leak detection system, hydraulic modeling, and pressure and flow management, further enhancing early detection capabilities.

EtihadWE’s efforts to reduce NRW are part of a broader initiative that includes infrastructure improvements, such as upgrades to pumping stations, pipelines, and processing plants. Additionally, the company plans to invest in the expansion, replacement, and rehabilitation of its current network, supported by advanced monitoring devices. These measures are expected to contribute to future growth, reduce losses, and increase operational efficiency, thereby preserving water resources for the long term.

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