Latest news with #watermanagement
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Next Thing To Ruin The UK's Water Supply Isn't What You Think
Recently, the Environment Agency (EA) warned that unless our water is 'carefully managed, England will run out of this precious resource at the times we most need it.' But our water demands are only rising, they add, partly due to population growth but also thanks to 'the servicing of new technologies, such as the cooling of data centres powering AI.' Speaking to The Guardian, an EA source revealed that the AI boom means the body cannot accurately predict future water consumption, making it hard to plan for the future (per the publication, data centres don't have to report how much water they use to cool servers). shared that the water needed to keep data centres cool is as much as 360,000L in large centres. A study suggests AI-specific water demands could reach 6.6 billion cubic metres by 2027, 'which is more than the total annual water withdrawal of 4-6 Denmark or half of the United Kingdom.' The news comes after our warmest spring on record and the driest in over 50 years. The EA warned that if nothing changes, we could be short of 5 billion litres a day by 2055 in the UK. This is not only due to AI use. But some think the boom will have an outsized impact on the risk and make it harder to plan for emergencies. Speaking to HuffPost UK, Jonathan Niesel, AI Advisor for Greenpeace, said: 'AI's environmental footprint goes beyond energy. Cooling data centres require large quantities of water – according to our projections, data centres worldwide consumed 175 billion litres of water in 2023. 'Consumption is forecast to more than triple by 2030, with this trend mainly driven by AI-specific data centres,' he continued, pointing to a report compiled for Greenpeace by the Öko-Institut. 'As extended droughts are becoming more frequent, AI developers must take responsibility for their supply chains, minimise their water consumption and ensure that local communities do not suffer shortages as a consequence of their thirst.' This year, Prime Minister Kier Starmer and Labour announced plans to 'unleash' more AI into the private sector, fast-tracking the planning of 'thirsty' data centres in 'growth zones' across the UK. The EA also said that water companies should halve the amount of water lost through leaks. It wants to increase the number of reservoirs in the UK, build desalination plants (which make seawater drinkable), and get water from the wettest parts of the UK to the driest. EA chairman, Alan Lovell, said: 'The nation's water resources are under huge and steadily increasing pressure. This deficit threatens not only the water from your tap but also economic growth and food production. 'Taking water unsustainably from the environment will have a disastrous impact on our rivers and wildlife. 'We need to tackle these challenges head-on and strengthen work on coordinated action to preserve this precious resource and our current way of life.' Let's Settle It: Is Faux Leather Better Or Worse For The Environment? The Sewage Crisis Isn't Just A Threat To Our Environment, It's Impacting Our Mental Health Too What Happens If… We Actually Exceed 1.5°C In Global Warming?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Itron Announces Participation at Upcoming Investor Conference
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, announced today that it will participate in the J.P. Morgan 2025 Energy, Power, Renewables & Mining Conference on Wed., June 25, 2025, in New York City. Tom Deitrich, Itron's president and CEO, will participate in a fireside chat and investor meetings. About Itron Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live and thrive. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: Itron® and the Itron logo are registered trademarks of Itron, Inc. in the United States and other countries and regions. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners, and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated. For additional information, contact: Itron, Inc. Paul VincentVice President, Investor Relations512-560-1172 David MeansDirector, Investor Relations737-242-8448Investors@ Additional Resources LinkedIn: X: Newsroom: Blog:
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Water-smart strategies help businesses save energy and cut carbon
Water Plus is a Business Reporter client Why smart water management is a hidden opportunity to help businesses stay efficient and cut costs, carbon and energy use in turbulent times. Amid today's evolving business challenges, effective water management is an overlooked factor that's helping organisations in the know improve efficiency, reduce costs and meet sustainability goals. Water Plus, a leading business water retailer , is empowering businesses across sectors with solutions that cut water use, energy consumption and carbon emissions, and which save time – helping them focus more on growing their presence, influence, customer base and results. The company is continually driving efficiencies and enhancements for businesses it works with in England and Scotland, while its customer team gain National Qualifications in Customer Service as part of its customer-centric approach. And more businesses are moving back to Water Plus – responding to its industry leading knowledge, experience and services, and the results it's delivering for customers. Reducing costs through a better understanding of business water Energy savers: Alongside reducing running costs, Water Plus is also cutting hot water use at sites (iStock) With wholesaler water price increases hitting businesses from April 2025, the Water Plus team have increased their work with customers to help reduce wholesaler water costs at sites, by sharing their knowledge, experience and insight. This customer-first approach has already seen one business benefit from a£21,000 annual cost reduction in wholesaler charges for 2025 identified, after further analysis of a portfolio of more than 200 sites and the actions of the Water Plus team. Strong customer support and the introduction of effective water management approaches means businesses across sectors are seeing more benefits. Using its comprehensive range of efficiency services, Water Plus delivered a 37 per cent average water saving on estimated annual water use across a number of sites .1 Alongside reducing running costs, Water Plus is also cutting hot water use at sites, saving even more energy. Plus, even small actions – from changing approaches to water use to increasing knowledge on how it can be used more effectively – can also reduce the carbon emissions linked to all water used at business sites, which helps power decarbonisation progress. How customer water partnerships are helping business growth Team work: One national food company has chosen Water Plus as its partner for business water services (iStock) One national food company has chosen Water Plus as its partner for business water services, including billing, meter reading and customer service, as it looks to expand. Sohel Patel, Managing Director of Halal Kitchen Ltd, which manufactures and distributes chilled and frozen foods in the UK and which recently opened a new London depot, said: 'Water is an absolutely vital part of our operation, so having a reliable and trusted business water partner is a must for us – which is why we're continuing to be with Water Plus. 'We continually look at how we use water at our business during the year, so we're working efficiently, as we continue to provide high-quality food products for the UK. We also engage with all our employees and highlight the steps to take, so that extra water isn't being used when it's not needed. 'We've established ourselves as a leader in the UK for supplying fresh halal chilled foods – and continuing to be with Water Plus, as a reliable and efficient partner for our water services, provides a strong base as we continue our plans to grow in the future. 'Its MyAccount platform is easy to use and makes it effortless to update our account information and provide meter readings, which reduces bills based on estimates.' Helping customers identify water-saving opportunities Easy wins: Insight, experience and analysis can show that customers are using way more water than they need to (iStock) Improved consumption reporting and data analysis techniques mean key account managers at Water Plus have identified even more ways of proactively helping customers – some of which are household names – to reduce their water consumption and costs. Insight, experience and analysis found that one customer was using more than 40,000 litres a month at one of its sites – a volume that should have been 70 per cent lower. When digging into the details as part of proactive customer support, Key Account Manager Lisa Moore found the multi-site was paying for another business's supply at the location as well as its own. 'We worked closely with the customer, using our experience of water management and reviewing data, to raise this with the wholesaler, who installed an additional water meter for the other business,' said Lisa. 'An application has also been made to the wholesaler to request a refund for the water amount they were not using, following the cut to ongoing running costs that's already helping the business in 2025, from our work and actions.' Water reuse – from rainwater harvesting to using heated water multiple times at businesses including manufacturers – can be another great way to reduce water consumption and costs. While a bigger initial cost may be involved in introducing these approaches and installing devices that change the way water is used, the payback time can quickly give a return on investment through increased efficiencies and a reduction in other costs. The key account management team at Water Plus proactively works with customers on a daily basis to identify opportunities – including around water approaches – backed up by additional efficiency services and smart water solutions that can be provided through the Value Added Services team at Water Plus. The extra data that's unlocking further savings and efficiencies Look at the data: Crunching the numbers can help identify areas for more efficient water use and spot issues early (iStock) Better data can help identify even further areas for more efficient water use – and can also help reduce risks to operations by spotting any issues with water early. And taking more meter readings across a year to track use can help cut estimated bills, meaning businesses just pay for what's used and keep greater control over running costs. Water Plus has helped some major large and multi-site organisations add data loggers to their water meters to get updates on water use throughout the day and night, giving them easy access to additional water data online. This also lets businesses save time by both removing the need for manual walkaround checks and providing more detailed data. Indeed, data loggers have enabled one multi-site organisation to move forward with its sustainability plans and track results – making a 34.4 per cent water-saving in 2025, on average daily use, at one of its locations merely by using small, low-cost efficiency devices installed through Water Plus.2 A separate data logger also showed a whopping 48 per cent reduction in average daily water use at another of its locations after efficiency devices were installed through Water Plus – with two other sites being assisted by Water Plus to similarly increase efficiencies and reduce overall consumption.3 The Water Plus team also works with customers to set alarms through the online portal it can provide, which trigger notifications when water use increases above the limits set. This approach has led to sites identifying at least 12 locations with leaks in 2024 alone. The Water Plus team's proactive service approach also alerted a manufacturer and two other sites to increased water use in 2025. This increased use – four cubic metres an hour – across three sites was equal to 16,000 250ml cups of tea. Site visits have been arranged to pinpoint the location and cause of the increased water use. Regular site checks such as these are well worth the time, as they can show where any water waste may be occurring – from dripping taps to cracked pipes and other less obvious signs of waste, such as water continually running in toilets. Stopping these quickly as soon as they are found means the increased costs from these are kept to a minimum on water bills, helping the bottom line. For example, one site experienced water losses that would have cost an estimated £76,000 in wholesaler costs (and the equivalent of 6.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions) over 12 months, from a leak that was located and repaired through Water Plus's Value Added Services team experts. Quick reactions kept this additional cost down. With additional sustainability reporting requirements for larger businesses – including for boards, suppliers and customers – looking to water to help progress sustainability goals is worth the time. Our team can help show your untapped business potential. Partner with multi award-winning water management experts Key account managers at Water Plus regularly visit customers, from multi-sites to large industrial facilities, to review how they're using water and help them implement bespoke water management plans, as well as show them how to boost trade effluent efficiencies. Water Plus provided the help and support a major manufacturer in the food and drink sector needed for an application to a wholesaler, delivering a £170,000 annual cost saving in 2025. The business improved its trade effluent processes and treatment at one of its largest sites, which reduced the overall wholesaler unit cost. Water Plus is committed to delivering exceptional customer support – and it's backed up by the 21 awards the company has won since 2022, including a UK Customer Satisfaction Award in 2025 for Sustainable Customer Service. And Water Plus is the only water retailer making the finals for four customer awards in 2025, for helping customers manage their water more easily, effectively and efficiently. We truly believe in putting customers first, and we're here to support you through every step of your water management and water-saving journey. Our team are always happy to see how we can help customers as a water retailer – and to check you are on the best prices. Tap into more ways to cut down utility costs and partner with our team today , or email: advancedservices@ . Additional information on statistics: 1. A 37 per cent average water-saving, on estimated annual water use, was identified across 51 sites after water efficiency kit was installed through Water Plus in 2024. The sites were part of a large-scale project at locations across three counties that Water Plus delivered. This project was delivered by the Advanced Services Team at Water Plus, who provide value-added services (VAS). The saving is based on water use data collected during water audits at each site to calculate savings on the annual estimated water use per site from water efficiency kit installed through Water Plus. 2. 34.4 per cent water saving at a multi-site's one location tracked by a data logger installed by Water Plus on a water meter – on average daily consumption in February and March 2025, with water use tracked before and after water efficiency devices were installed. 3. 48 per cent water saving at another of the multi-site's locations tracked by a data logger installed by Water Plus on a water meter – on average daily consumption in March and April 2025, with water use tracked before and after water efficiency devices were installed. More on the changes in wholesaler prices for business water, that started in April 2025, at: .
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Jordan: Network upgrades save $160mln, 20m cubic metres of water in 2024
AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud on Tuesday said that the government, through its water sector institutions, has set ambitious plans to address the Kingdom's water challenges, upgrade networks, and curb violations. Abul Saud noted that the ongoing network upgrades saved approximately JD114 million and around 20 million cubic metres of potable water for citizens in 2024, according to a ministry statement. The minister also stressed that reducing water loss remains a top priority, achieved through cooperation with the local private sector, the first initiative of its kind in the region. "The partnership has contributed to a 7.5 per cent reduction in water loss in recent years, bringing the national rate down to below 46 per cent," he said, adding that this surpasses the two-year reduction target of 2 per cent, with an annual improvement of around 3 per cent. The minister also said that pilot projects in certain areas, including Aqaba and parts of the capital, have achieved water loss levels close to international standards. He also noted that the causes of water loss are well-defined, with technical losses, including malfunctions and ageing infrastructure, accounting for about 30 per cent, while administrative losses, mainly violations and illegal usage, make up around 70 per cent. In 2024, the government's enforcement efforts led to the confiscation of eight illegal drilling rigs, the removal of 58 violations on public land in the Jordan Valley, and the confiscation of 98 violations at the Al Kahraba Samra Station, the statement said. Additionally, authorities sealed 109 illegal wells and removed 2,976 violations along the King Abdullah Canal, one of the Kingdom's primary water sources. Across various regions, over 16,225 violations on main and secondary water lines were addressed, and 103 cases were referred to the judiciary. These actions contributed to conserving an estimated 20 million cubic metres of water and improved the efficiency of supply in affected areas. Abul Saud also highlighted the sector's increased reliance on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to manage and distribute water, citing a pilot AI project implemented in a part of Amman to operate and oversee the water network. Additionally, network upgrades have been carried out across 10 areas in Amman, covering 110 kilometres. He also said that water loss reduction projects have now reached 22 per cent of subscribers in the capital, serving around one million citizens. These initiatives have reduced energy consumption by 54 per cent, brought water loss in the targeted areas down to about 15 per cent, and saved nearly 6.5 million cubic metres of water, he said. The minister also highlighted the deployment of mobile units equipped with advanced electronic systems to detect leaks and respond to complaints directly, using best practices and standards adopted by advanced countries. Abul Saud noted that the cost of water per cubic metre has dropped to around JD1.93 in 2024, though the deficit per cubic metre remains at JD0.80. He also said monthly water bills have generated greater public satisfaction, reflecting improved awareness of water conservation and helping ensure consistent bill payments, similar to other services such as electricity and telecommunications. The minister also noted that objections to the bill values decreased to less than 60 per cent by the end of 2024. "Through widespread awareness campaigns, communication efforts, and consumer surveys by water companies, cases of water waste on rooftops and in streets have seen a significant decline compared to previous years," he added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Economy ME
3 days ago
- Business
- Economy ME
Saudi Arabia breaks two new Guinness records in water desalination technology
The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has received two Guinness World Records certificates, representing major milestones that highlight the Kingdom's prominent role in the global water sector. The records were presented during a ceremony held yesterday at the authority's headquarters in Riyadh, with Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley in attendance, along with a delegation from Guinness World Records, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The first record acknowledged the world's largest seawater desalination plant utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) technology, part of Phase II of the Al-Khobar Production System project. This facility boasts a production capacity of 670,852.4 cubic meters per day and was constructed on the smallest land area worldwide for a facility of its size, achieved through innovative technical methodologies and value engineering. The record was officially registered on February 25, 2025. Read more: Global Water Organization begins operations in Riyadh under Saudi Crown Prince's patronage Lowest energy consumption record The second record was attained by SWA's Technical Affairs and Projects Sector for achieving the lowest energy consumption rate for an RO-based desalination plant. The plant recorded a 1.7 kWh per cubic meter during the salt separation stage, with a total energy consumption of 2.34 kWh per cubic meter—the lowest ever documented globally. This achievement was noted during the construction of the Shuaibah Plant (Phase V) on April 22, 2025, and received commendation from the World Bank. With this accomplishment, the authority surpassed the Kingdom's previous record of 2.27 kWh per cubic meter, establishing a new global benchmark. These two recent achievements elevate SWA's total number of Guinness World Records to 11, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global center of excellence and innovation in the water sector, while emphasizing its critical role in fostering a more sustainable future for water resources.
