Supported by artificial intelligence, pump systems can significantly reduce the losses caused by leakages. Predictive maintenance approaches recognise problems as soon as possible and minimise damage. With intelligent AI solutions, new possibilities are additionally opening up in the area of wastewater, which will enable the currently small proportion of recyclable sewage to grow significantly in the future.
The trend to urbanisation continues unabated around the world. Around 70 percent of people are expected to live in cities by 2050. This is constantly increasing the toll on existing infrastructure. Even today, one third of treated drinking water already seeps away, while climate extremes such as heavy rain and droughts are requiring ever more intelligent offers so that the water supply can be guaranteed.
“We are systematically integrating AI in Wilo’s products, systems and solutions, and so AI is becoming a driver of added value. In the future, AI will change how customers will operate systems,make decisions and use services. We want to realise and make use of this potential on a consistent basis.”
Implementing the project “Water Safety and Optimisation”, Wilo and Integrated Water Services M&E (IWS), along with their sister company G Stowe, are modernising water boreholes across the United Kingdom – in cooperation with twelve leading water companies.The aim is to enhance operational reliability, increase energy efficiency, and reduce operating costs, thus securing the drinking water supply for more than 34 million people. Against the background of the growing demand for AI, the United Kingdom is currently a hotspot for the expansion of data centres. This represents a real challenge for British water supply companies,which have the task of ensuring the population’s water supply and also covering the needs of industry.
of the United Kingdom’s population will have their water supply safeguarded as a result of this project.
One part of the programme will see 260 Wilo-Actun ZETOS borehole pumps installed, which will supply a total annual volume of 496 billion litres. Constant modernisation is having an effect: annual energy savings of 44 million kWh, cost reductions of around 10 million pounds and a 39,700-tonne decrease in carbon emissions. At the same time, the number of system failures has fallen by 85 percent thanks to the modern pumps, which is generating more capacity for the operators to carry out preventive maintenance.
The impact for people can be felt directly and every day. Reliable water infrastructure protects health and the quality of life – from simple handwashing at home to the safe operation of hospitals, schools, factories and small businesses. Communities benefit from a system that remains stable even if the population density increases and ageing networks come under pressure as a result of climate change and extreme weather events. Through the combination of long-term partnerships and highly efficient technology designed to strict standards, this project stands as an example for the responsible use of resources and sustainable management for generations to come. Lower energy consumption reduces costs for water companies, freeing up financial resources to invest more in environmental protection. At the same time, increased reliability ensures that water is available when it is most needed.
