Saving water helps the planet and saves businesses money
When you think about it, our water and sewerage systems are absolutely incredible. Throughout the western world, we enjoy unrestricted access to clean water fit for washing, cleaning and, most importantly, drinking.
Public water consumption is just a fraction of the total, however. In 2015, the USA used over a trillion liters of water (322bn gallons) a day, with household use making up only 12 percent of that amount. Meanwhile, irrigation and thermoelectric power accounted for nearly 80 percent of all water consumption.
With that in mind, control of industrial water use is becoming an ever-stronger focus, and the rise of smart technology is helping to manage increasingly complex water systems across the world. Here’s how technology is making a difference.
Better Data
For many big business sites, understanding water usage still comes down to waiting for their monthly utility bills. Such sites monitor these bills month to month, making rudimentary adjustments off the back of vague data provided after the water has been used. Fundamentally, any information provided is too little, too late.
Smart-technology allows for real-time data on water usage across industrial sites, meaning businesses can see more accurate, up to date, and user-friendly information on their consumption and react accordingly. This provides a platform for better budget management and operational process.
Leak Detection
On large sites, leaks are a given. It’s merely a matter of fixing them when you find them. Of course, on complex sites with hidden pipelines, undetected leaks can mean wastage costs spiral into the thousands over the course of year.
New leak detection solutions are allowing for immediate identification, and therefore immediate removal of wastage costs.
The Cloud Watches the Clouds
Cloud technology has helped developed complex irrigation systems capable of active communication, meaning watering schedules can be adjusted according to weather patterns across major sites.
These mammoth, intelligent systems allow for the removal of complex local infrastructure and package historical data to provide analysis on possible trends for future usage. Flexibility in the system allows the removal of old timer systems, meaning users can maximize the effectiveness of their water usage while minimizing consumption.
Cleaning Things Up
The treatment of industrial waste has been practiced for a long time, but increasingly complex processes are being developed to reduce the impact of toxic pollutants.
Businesses like ERG are primarily known for their air pollution control, providing odor control, gas cleaning, particulate removal, and hazardous waste cleaning systems, among others. They also extend their services to industrial waste water treatment, using acid gas and odor scrubbing systems at their treatment plants to clean up toxic water.
Such efforts are integral in a climate-conscious world and the continued focus on controlling general pollution.
In summary, smart technology is making waves in industrial water control to reduce business spend, water waste, and provide significant environmental boosts. Up until recently, businesses were still relying on the most basic methods of monitoring, but are quickly adopting smart systems to help boost their bottom line.
