Data-Driven Water Quality Management at Aigües de Barcelona

AUTHOR

AMS

Related Topics

Water Quality Monitoring

Data-as-a-Service

Incorporated in 2013, Aigües de Barcelona is a forward-thinking water utility managing the supply and treatment of water across 23 municipalities, catering to the needs of over three million residents in the Barcelona metropolitan area. The company has systematically addressed the complexities of managing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in its extensive distribution network. It has adopted AMS’ Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) technology to monitor its water quality, provide process control and ensure regulatory compliance analysis.

THE CHALLENGE

The primary challenge for Aigües de Barcelona was managing trihalomethane (THM) levels, which often surpassed the European parametric threshold of 100 µg/L due to environmental changes and diverse water source qualities. The frequency of laboratory sampling and analysis proved inadequate for the utility to understand the real-time THM levels within its water distribution system at any given moment. The fluctuations in THM levels necessitated a sophisticated real-time solution to monitor, adjust and optimise water treatment processes to manage DBP formation.

THE SOLUTION

The introduction of THM-100™, an online THM and THM Formation Potential (FP) analyser with >98.5% data availability and uptime from AMS, revolutionised Aigües de Barcelona’s approach to DBP management. The installation of these THM analysers has been pivotal in identifying rapid water quality changes, thus enabling the utility to respond swiftly and effectively. The automation facilitated by this technology not only optimised THM levels but also expedited the measurement process, delivering THM and THM-FP readings in 120 to 180 minutes, respectively. By integrating this data into the SCADA system, the utility enhanced its alert management capabilities, while remote monitoring by the DaaS provider ensured around-the-clock vigilance.

RESULTS

The strategic integration of the online THM-100™ analysers and subsequent process optimisations have led to significant achievements. THM levels at the treatment plants saw an 86% decrease, with a parallel 53% reduction throughout the distribution network. These improvements have also translated into a substantial economic benefit, saving the utility an estimated 30,000€ monthly in operational costs, minimising energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.