Has anyone else read the Black & Veatch 2018 Water Report?

Published on by in Technology

This report has some fascinating trends, case studies, and statistics in it.  It took me a while to read it over a few days but there were some great nuggets inside.  A lot of it is about water distribution but there is also a lot about water treatment.  The articles about big data, internet of things, and how these technologies can improve our water systems (and our operations with them) were my favorite.  I'd like to know if anyone has read the report and what your takeaways are.  Here it is if you want it.  You have to submit your email and contact info to get it but it's free.

https://pages.bv.com/SDR-Water-Industry-DL.html 

EDIT: I realized I should provide some examples and value from the report as a service here.

There is an article about fit-for-use industrial water treatment that was compelling to me. Cities sending potable water to industrial customers doesn't make sense in many cases.  if we can better optimize our treatment and delivery systems (which obviously takes an investment up front) that will save a lot of money and clean water over the long term.

There is a lot of survey data from water leaders about their biggest challenges in their water systems (business, funding, technology, regulations, etc.)  That is insightful.

There are a couple articles about advanced sensors, big data, remote monitoring along with the challenges of incorporating these technologies.  Survey responses on the adoption and plans for these technologies were fascinating.  A lot of people still haven't figured out how to capitalize on these technologies. 

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3 Answers

  1. Thanks, I was reading the headliner on this was going to ask for link, but you already did that, great job!

  3. I have not read the report.

    However I agree with your point about sending potable water to industrial customers but would point out that they need the water to be exactly the same all the time.

    I believe that the industries should be cleaning their waste water and reusing it. This would save everyone money. Depending on the waste water content and flow equipment starts at approximately £80,000.

    The largest problem I have come across is that industries do not want to invest capital in cleaning their waste water. There is also a departmental fight over finance and how to use the budget and if one department can pass it over to another so that it is their budget they will not invest.

    Companies need to face up to their responsibility to the people.

    1 Comment

    1. Thanks for your input Stuart. This is a systemic problem with large organizations. Business units each have their own profit and loss responsibility. When there is an opportunity to collaborate for the greater good of the organization, but at greater cost for an individual BU, it takes the top exec or leader to be the bigger systems thinker and see the overall benefits.