Water Management Crucial to Prevent Klang Valley Water Crisis by 2014
Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, debuted their Smart Water Solutions in Malaysia at Asiawater 2012. Smart Water Solutions is part of the EcoStruxure family and focuses on improving the efficiency, longevity and reliability of water infrastructure by ensuring water distribution is optimized, operational and secure. This in turn reduces costs and supports a faster water cycle.
“In light of water issues facing the country, all eyes are on how governments currently manage water infrastructure to mitigate these issues. It’s the perfect time to demonstrate how effective water management is essential for optimal water and wastewater operations. Additionally, our solutions can address these areas while cutting down energy costs by as much as 30%," says Peter Cave, Malaysia Country President of Schneider Electric.
Smart Water solution addresses all areas of the water cycle process from water loss management and leak detection, energy and process management, asset management, security, as well as storm water management and urban flooding. Through the introduction of this comprehensive solution, Schneider Electric is in a position to enable better management of water infrastructures in Malaysia by addressing current water issues that face the country such as wastage, outages and flooding in urban areas.
Amongst issues looming over Malaysia is Non Revenue Water (NRW) wastage through the distribution process, leaks and inaccurate metering. A recent study by The Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) indicated that in 2010, Malaysia lost 50% of revenue in treated water. Selangor recorded the highest volume of NRW, losing nearly RM600 million in just one year. After Selangor, the next highest losses were recorded in Pahang and Sabah.
“According to the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, the demand for treated water would grow between 2% and 3.5% annually for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and that demand for water would exceed supply by 65 million litres,’ added Cave. Additionally, in a recent interview, the Minister reiterates that the Federal government's stance that the region will run short of water supply by 2014, and that without proper water management, water rationing will be the new reality for Selangor, Putrajaya and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. To avert a water crisis for the state and to cut down on wastage, proper water management needs to start now.”
Smart Water solutions addresses Non Revenue Water through active leakage control solution which uses real time data and network model simulations to accurately identify the presence and location of leakage which in turn can cut down on water wastage and leaks.
Stormwater management and urban flooding is another issue. Volatile and severe weather events are becoming more frequent in the country with increased flooding occurring in urban areas resulting in damage and traffic jams, wastewater treatment is important to prevent future flooding. Schneider Electric’s Stormwater Management Solution enables water utilities and public works departments to adequately prepare for and respond to flooding events thus saving time, cost and lives.
With regional and global success in providing water management solutions, Schneider Electric is the only global energy specialist with a direct presence in Malaysia that has a strong history of helping Malaysian clients “make the most of their energy.”