Water solutions for industry and agriculture: expertise and innovation
Water scarcity presents a growing challenge, particularly for industries and agriculture, the two largest consumers of this essential resource. Inefficient usage and waste further exacerbate the issue, making the adoption of sustainable and innovative solutions imperative. Water is no longer a luxury commodity; reasonable pricing structures exist, yet industrial and agricultural enterprises continue to face environmental constraints, brackish water challenges, and the need for decentralized solutions.
Traditionally, these sectors have relied on municipal water supplies. However, rising demand and resource limitations are prompting companies to take control of their water security by constructing their own treatment and desalination plants. Outsourcing water management services allows industries and farms to focus on core operations while ensuring a stable and reliable water supply.
Almar Water Solutions leads the way in integrating tailor-made and decentralized solutions that enhance efficiency and improve sustainability
Innovation is at the heart of overcoming the challenges associated with industrial and agricultural water consumption. Companies like Almar Water Solutions lead the way in integrating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve sustainability. From cutting-edge desalination technologies to wastewater recycling and decentralized water treatment systems, innovation is revolutionizing the way industries and farms secure water resources.
The role of desalination in water security
Desalination has emerged as a vital solution for industries and agriculture operating in water-scarce regions. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology has reached a high level of maturity, proving its effectiveness in delivering fresh water from seawater and brackish sources. However, to meet increasing demands sustainably, the industry must now focus on research and development (R&D) to introduce disruptive alternatives that enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
New innovations in desalination include brine concentration technologies, already in development in Texas, USA, and Saudi Arabia, which aim to reduce waste and maximize water recovery. Emerging techniques such as forward osmosis, electrochemical processes, and next-generation membrane materials are being explored to further enhance desalination performance. By investing in these advancements, companies can lower energy consumption, improve cost efficiency, and minimize ecological footprints.
Water solutions for agriculture
Agriculture remains one of the most water-intensive industries, often leading to significant inefficiencies. Climate change, population growth, and shifting consumption patterns further strain available water resources. To address these challenges, modern agricultural operations are turning to smart irrigation technologies, wastewater reuse, and agricultural desalination.
To address these challenges, modern agricultural operations are turning to innovative solutions such as:
- Smart irrigation systems: technologies like drip irrigation and IoT-based soil moisture sensors optimize water distribution, significantly reducing waste. These solutions are widely used in Israel, Spain, and California, where water efficiency is crucial for sustaining high-yield farming.
- Desalination for agriculture: solar-powered and hybrid desalination systems are proving effective in providing sustainable irrigation water, particularly in arid regions.
- Wastewater reuse: treated wastewater is increasingly being used for irrigation, reducing dependency on freshwater sources. Countries like Singapore and Australia have successfully implemented large-scale wastewater recycling programs for agriculture.
- Drought-resistant crops: advances in agricultural biotechnology are leading to the development of crops that require less water while maintaining high productivity.
By integrating these technologies, farmers can enhance productivity while safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Industrial water management and sustainability
Industries across various sectors have significantly advanced their water management strategies by integrating water recycling, brine management, and decentralized treatment solutions. These initiatives ensure a reliable water supply while promoting environmental responsibility. Companies that prioritize sustainable water practices not only mitigate risk but also enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Industries are making significant progress toward water security to safeguard their operations and business continuity.
The industrial sectors with the highest water consumption include thermoelectric power plants, which account for nearly 40% of total water withdrawals in some regions due to their reliance on water for cooling systems. The mining and metallurgy sector consumes large amounts of water for mineral extraction and processing, posing significant challenges in water reuse and treatment. The food and beverage industry depends on water for various stages of production, from crop irrigation to processing and cleaning. The pharmaceuticals and chemicals sector requires high-purity water for manufacturing processes, making advanced filtration and recycling technologies essential.
To enhance sustainability, industries are adopting innovative solutions such as Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, which maximize water recovery and minimize waste by recycling all water used in industrial processes. Advanced water treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors (MBR) and reverse osmosis, are becoming standard in treating and reusing industrial wastewater. Additionally, digital water management platforms powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are optimizing water consumption by monitoring usage in real time and identifying inefficiencies.
With extensive expertise in water infrastructure and management, Almar Water Solutions has positioned itself as a global leader in delivering water solutions tailored to industrial needs. Two flagship projects exemplify its commitment to innovation: Zuluf and Centinela.
Zuluf: advancing water solutions in the O&G sector
The Zuluf project in Saudi Arabia consists of a water treatment plant with a 185,000 m³/day capacity, supporting water injection for the Zuluf Onshore Oil Facilities project in the Arabian Gulf, 240 km north of Dhahran.
Investment in R&D and new technologies is essential to ensuring future water security
Developed under a 25-year BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) scheme, it includes the design, development, financing, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and transfer of ownership.
The Zuluf project is part of Almar Water Solutions’ long-term growth plan in Saudi Arabia. With Shuqaiq 3, its water treatment capacity will reach 635,000 m³/day, solidifying its position as a key player in the Saudi Arabian water market.
Centinela: ensuring water security for the mining industry
Located in Chile, the Centinela water transportation system is a strategic initiative involving the acquisition and operation of a 144 km water pipeline that transports 1,194 lps (110,678 m³/day) of seawater approximately 60 km north from the mining site at Michilla, where Centinela’s port is located.
To accommodate the expansion of the Nueva Centinela mining project, an additional 144 km pipeline with a 650 lps (56,333 m³/day) capacity is under construction. This expansion will support increased copper, molybdenum, and gold production while ensuring a sustainable and long-term water supply.
The Zuluf project in Saudi Arabia and Centinela in Chile exemplify Almar Water Solutions' leadership for industrial clients
Developed under a BOOT scheme with a Take or Pay structure, the project consortium includes Almar Water Solutions and Transelec, with Bonatti and Sigdo Koppers as contractors. The first pipeline is operational, while the second is set to commence service in 2026, following a 20-month construction phase that will employ 1,500 local workers.
To safeguard infrastructure longevity, the Aguas Norte y Desarrollo (Nordes) consortium, comprising Almar Water Services Latam and Transelec, has implemented the SIAM corrosion control system, which focuses on:
- Pre-treatment: Advanced filtration, biocides, and corrosion inhibitors to protect pipeline integrity.
- Monitoring: Real-time tracking and laboratory analysis for proactive adjustments.
- Pipeline Cleaning (PIG): Internal cleaning to prevent deposits and improve system performance.
- Inspection Campaigns (ILI): Periodic integrity assessments using Smart PIGs to detect potential risks.
Shaping the future of industrial and agricultural water security
As industrial and agricultural sectors face increasing water challenges, the need for innovative and decentralized solutions becomes more critical. Almar Water Solutions is committed to driving progress through cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships. By investing in R&D and implementing forward-thinking projects, the company continues to pave the way for a more resilient and water-secure future.
The transition from reliance on municipal supplies to self-sufficient water management is a significant step forward. With desalination, brine concentration, and decentralized solutions at the forefront, industries can secure their operations while contributing to global water sustainability. Almar Water Solutions remains dedicated to leading this transformation, ensuring that water remains a reliable resource for industries and agriculture worldwide.