Many experts are predicting that water will be one of the most critical commodities on Earth by the mid-21st century. For industrial businesses, this is a rather grim scenario. Most industries use a lot of water, and the risk of both water shortages and increased water prices can’t be ignored.
Water saving technologies are rapidly hitting the market. The big California drought in recent years generated a lot of new water saving technologies, particularly at consumer level. On the industrial level, California, being the eighth largest economy in the world, tried to take as many steps as possible to manage the water crisis. These steps included water rationing, and many new devices designed to improve water usage.
In Australia, the second driest continent on earth, we’re quite used to water shortages. Irrigation, manufacturing, and other sectors take water shortages very seriously. The problem, however, is the traditional problem – how much can you do with the amount of water available?
Water Saving Technologies Examples
The California experience has direct relevance to Australia:
One of the methods used to reduce water usage in a hospital in California was “nano filtration”, which successfully reduced water usage by 42%, chemical usage by 33%, and energy usage by 3.8%. Bear in mind that this was achieved in a hospital, where demand for water is always high, and uncompromising. The nano filtration methods worked exceptionally well, and you can see the obvious values for commercial operations.
Another method which produced startling positive results in water supply efficiency was “vortex technology”. Using hydrodynamic vortex principles, it was possible to change the physical properties of water in systems to eliminate calcium mainline deposits in pipes, thus making the water systems and water supply more efficient.
One of the least dramatic, but successful, low-tech methods for reducing water usage was simple – reduce water pressure in the pipes. Ironically, this method was used decades earlier in Australia during a major drought, and was extremely successful. It works in every scenario except where very high pressures are required.
Water Saving Strategies
The most glaringly obvious take away from the Californian experience is that best practice is to implement multiple water saving technologies. A structured approach could include, for example:
- Applications of specific water saving technologies to specific systems using metrics to define the value of those technologies in reducing water usage.
- Using water smart technologies to reduce consumption of water on site by personnel.
- Phasing out high water usage systems and replacing them with more efficient systems as part of a planned approach to strategic water usage.
There is one certainty in this situation – saving water makes good business sense. If you’re looking for better options for your water usage, talk to your local industrial plumbing company about new technologies.
Need Some Help with New Water Technologies in Brisbane?
If you’re looking for better options for water saving technologies in Brisbane, Electrical Plumbing Group (EPG) can definitely help. Our system designers and expert plumbers can assist you with all aspects of water usage systems, new technology applications, and practical solutions for your water usage needs. Call (07) 3823 1630 or contact us online and we’ll find the solutions for your business in Brisbane.
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