Water Management

Water management is the activity of planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water resources.  Water resources are natural resources of water that are potentially useful as a source of water supply.  Natural sources of fresh water include surface water, under river flow, groundwater and frozen water.  Artificial sources of fresh water can include treated wastewater (reclaimed water) and desalinated seawater.

However, water is a limited resource where the amount of water withdrawn from lakes, rivers or groundwater is so great that water supplies are no longer adequate to satisfy all human or ecosystem requirements, resulting in increased competition between water users and other demands

The production, distribution and treatment of water supplies to address the ongoing increases in demand to meet commercial and industrial requirements requires significant strategic, technical and financial planning such that needs can addressed in a cost effective manner.

Optimising water use is desirable in every commercial or industrial facility:

  • To conserve water resources,
  • For cost minimisation (Water & Energy)
  • For wastewater volume reduction. 

In our experience Water Management problems arise and costs increase where basic checks and balances have been overlooked or not acted upon.

“If you don’t measure it you cannot manage it”

ECOS works with our clients to ensure that avoidable problems are avoided.  We identify and develop opportunities to save resources and/or optimise value.

  • It is good practice to carry out ongoing mass balance assessment.
  • Such exercises should be devised to suit the particular characteristics and requirements of a given process.

A typical water balance for a production facility might be as follows.

(Water In) = (Water Out) + (Water Consumption) + (Water Losses)

  • In order to keep a record of the water balance, all inputs and outputs should be metered.
  • If the inputs and outputs do not correspond, there must be some unidentified water uses or losses (e.g. leaks).

For more information on water management and how to optimise your resources please contact ECOS