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Relief pressure of global water challenges by adopting digital solutions

About the blog

David Balsar
General Manager of Innovation and Ventures, Mekorot National Water Company.

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  • Relief pressure of global water challenges by adopting digital solutions

An estimated 25 nations, which collectively represent one-quarter of the global population, endure extremely high water stress where water demand regularly outstrips available supply. Fifty per cent of the global population lives under conditions of water stress at least one month a year. Amplified by climate change, pollution, and ageing water infrastructure, the World’s water challenges mount high.

There is no magic cure or singular technology that can address all water issues. The focus now is on making water management more efficient and effective through technological advancements. Innovation is more about how to run efficient water networks.

Mekorot, as a transmission company, has developed unique information systems that include a SAP system that integrates specialized modules like ISU for water supply and billing management, PPM for managing open software and complex projects, and GRC for risk management, governance, and access control. It has also implemented computer and mobile applications focused on water supply, maintenance, and development, ensuring mobile work capabilities at all times and locations. Additionally, Mekorot boasts an advanced Business Intelligence (BI) array with dashboards across various operational fields. To support effective remote learning, it has deployed a Moodle-based online learning system, which proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing health risks, generating significant financial savings, and consistently empowering and enriching employees professionally. Furthermore, Mekorot has established advanced software infrastructures for characterization, documentation, validation, and organizational platforms, alongside specialized tools and procedures for information security and routine operations.

In Mekorot’s digital work environment, information flows quickly and securely to make optimal decisions across a wide range of operations

In the contemporary technological and organizational reality, information management is a critical resource, with a broad impact on all business and professional operations. Recognizing its importance as a core resource, we have installed advanced IT and OT for a digital transformation of processes. As we say, “smart workers, smart deciders”.

In Mekorot’s digital work environment, information flows quickly, smoothly, and securely to make optimal decisions across a wide range of operations. Advanced information management, based on standardized online processes, offers us business continuity, sophisticated risk management, effective decision making, data loss prevention, and enhanced communications between different parties. There are also significant advantages, such as operational streamlining, shorter execution times, and substantial savings in organization resources.

Because water production and transportation require a lot of energy, Mekorot has developed smart energy-saving solutions, which support our business perspective, and help reduce our power consumption by 1.5 per cent a year. This impressive figure is considered a world-class achievement in the water industry, worth tens of millions of shekels a year.

Mekorot's energy streamlining operations involve using advanced mathematical models to optimize water systems for off-peak power times (for example, summer nights and winter days), increasing water pooling for maximum utilization during off-peak power times, converting ultra-high-voltage power to high voltage for pump operations, employing real-time computerized planning models, integrating hydrologic tools and simulators for pressure control, upgrading pumping equipment for high-volume operations, and mapping and separating pressure areas.

Water is critical to every aspect of human life and our collective health. Water is also critical to the global economy and industries’ supply chains. Investment in water technology is essential for addressing the climate crisis. By modernizing water infrastructure and adopting smart water solutions, we can build resilient water systems that support economic growth, protect public health, and mitigate climate impacts.

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