DEWA’s smart water initiatives deliver $61m savings

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recorded savings with its smart water network of AED225 million (US$61 million) over the past 10 years.

The savings have amounted to over 25.5Ml of water in the period from 2013 to 2023 and with water network losses reducing to a record low of 4.6% by the end of 2023.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, says the company is committed to “preparing for the future by relying on innovation, sound scientific planning, and seamless, swift and effective operation of the smart grid.

“Advanced technologies play a pivotal role in DEWA’s water infrastructure management. Through the utilisation of smart technologies like advanced sensors and data analytics, DEWA ensures real-time monitoring, efficient resource management and swift response to any disruption.”

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A key component of the monitoring and control of the water network is the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) centre, the third phase of which was launched in 2023 at the Al Ruwaiyah BMC building as part of the digitalisation of the system.

Features include real-time hydraulic modelling, a training simulation system and advanced reporting tools, enabling 24/7 monitoring drawing on data from over 10,000 smart devices.

DEWA’s smart grid with an investment of AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) is focussed on both the electricity and water networks and has included the deployment of smart meters, with more than two million meters read automatically and consumption patterns provided to customers to help them effectively manage their electricity and water usage.

With the smart water meters more than 1.5 million water leakage cases have been identified and managed and over the past three years reports were sent to almost 600,000 customers.

Other systems and technologies that have been implemented by DEWA for smart water include the Hydronet project using AI and deep learning to remotely monitor and control the water network in Dubai, a smart water distribution management system, smart ball technology, pressure management and district metered systems to identify areas with leaks, acoustic technologies including noise loggers, ground microphones; correlators and hydrophones, and helium gas technology also to detect leaks in the water network.

DEWA provides water services to over 1.2 million customers in Dubai.

The utility has adopted a comprehensive approach to ensure the sustainability of water resources in line with the Dubai Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy 2030, with an integrated strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water production and use, a statement reads.