Watch ‘entrepreneurship in the water sector’ Watch ‘Innovation on micropollutants’
You’re invited to this series on the Water Circuit of the Future
The Water Circuit of the Future is a seamless virtual and physical one, optimising the use of resources and providing transparent and safe access to water for all users. We will be talking to leaders, innovators and operators in the Water Industry to explore how we are all contributing to creating a Virtuous Water Cycle for Smart Places.
As part of this conversation, we have invited thought leaders to share their perspectives, ideas, experiences and future forward methodologies around the current challenges facing the water sector and their vision of the Water Circuit of the Future. Curious to hear what they have to say? You’re invited!
Data science for informed decision making
Lisette van Beusekom, Data Consultant at Ynformed, discusses the use of data science in addressing complex water issues such as flood prevention, water quality and asset management. "Data science can help answer questions in an objective way. With a continuous stream of sensor data coming from assets in the water domain, the challenge of today is translating data from different sources into valuable insights for water managers. As we work towards the Water Circuit of the Future, the combination of data science, data engineering, machine learning and domain knowledge allows us to give water managers objective, accurate, real-time insights and advice."
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Working together in social coalitions
Marlies Kampschreur, Developer Vital Zones and Healthy coalitions - Vital Zone Institute and Innovator - Water authority Aa en Maas, believes that water quality mirrors the health of our society. Every year, large quantities of medical residues end up in our rivers. In addressing this complex issue of contamination, Kampschreur discusses the need to take an integrated, collaborative, cross-sectoral approach. "We work with governments, water authorities and healthcare institutions to create social coalitions that focus on the health of customers, employees and citizens, to effectively shape the Water Circuit of the Future. Only by working together can we improve the health of our water."
Watch her video"To really achieve a healthy environment in the future, I see three key aspects that must be addressed to make our water healthier – no contamination, green developments and healthy developments."
Marlies Kampschreur, Developer Vital Zones and Healthy coalitions - Vital Zone Institute and Innovator - Water authority Aa en Maas
The Water Authority of the Future
As an innovator Ferdinand Kiestra from water authority Aa en Maas believes in creating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation to meet society’s needs in the face of increasing complexities. Technology investments into cellulose, alginate and bioplastics are leading to a ‘coalition transition’ and a blurring of lines between public and private sector. Water and wastewater utilities are stepping out of their comfort zones of operation in response to developments such as the energy transition, the circular economy and healthy cities. Data Science, as part of digital transformation has a key role to play in creating this Water Circuit of the Future.
INNOVATION ON MICROPOLLUTANTS: KEEPING OUR WATER CLEAN
In this interview Miriam Bakker, Policy Maker at water authority Vallei en Veluwe discusses the impact of micropollutants and why this issue has become topical in light of urbanisation, environment, climate change and health; and how it ties into social and technological innovation. Tackling micropollutants is key to providing transparent and, especially, safe access to water for all users, in creating the Water Circuit of the Future.
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The Water Circuit of the Future
In the face of external disruptors such as climate change, urbanisation and a dynamic social landscape, the water sector can no longer focus exclusively on water management. In order to effectively tackle these challenges, changes must be made to the living environment. We believe that Smart Places are needed to respond to all the changes around us, to create not only sustainable but regenerative cities, and safe and stable access to water for all.
External disruptors in our sector – such as public pressure to accelerate the energy transition, the circular economy and digital trends like IoT and AI – are providing an opportunity for water authorities, water utilities, cities and businesses to redefine our crucial role in creating Smart Places by imagining, innovating and implementing the Water Circuit of the Future.