Water Quality Monitoring Improves Valencia’s Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Network Operations

To further enhance water quality, EMIVASA and companies within Global Omnium, such as EMIMET have collaborated with Badger Meter to implement a real-time water quality monitoring system across their distribution network and at two drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs): La Presa and El Realón. Additionally, 51 neighboring municipalities (also part of Global Omnium) have used Badger Meter technology for their water quality monitoring needs.

Optimized Processes Within the Distribution Network

EMIVASA installed modular sensor systems at both DWTPs, which serve approximately 2 million customers, as well as throughout the distribution network. This setup enables operators to monitor raw, treated and supplied water in real time.

One DWTP relies entirely on surface water, while the other DWTP uses a combination of 90% surface water and 10% groundwater. The micro::station installed at both DTWPs includes multiple sensors—the spectro::lyser, chlori::lyser (for treated water), ammo::lyser (for raw water), oxi::lyser, condu::lyser, pH::lyser and redo::lyser—while the con::cube acts as the terminal, enabling the software to validate data and generate alarms when water quality events take place. This compact system measures critical parameters such as Nitrates, Ammonium, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), Color, Turbidity, Specific Ultraviolet Absorbance (SUVA), UV254, Temperature, Free Chlorine (FCL), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Conductivity, pH and Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP/Redox). Additionally, UV-VIS spectrum data is captured.

In recent years, the micro::station has recorded real-time fluctuations in water quality, enabling operators to trigger a supervision protocol to respond swiftly to undesired events that occurred. For example, when high Turbidity in the source water was detected, operators adjusted the coagulant dosing; or when a peak of Ammonium is detected, an alternative water source is put into operation and Chlorine dosing was adjusted accordingly. In addition to daily operations, Trihalomethane (THM) formation potential through UV-VIS spectrum analysis combined with parameter data was assessed.

Advanced water quality monitoring stations have been installed throughout the City of Valencia. 

Enhanced Distribution Network Visibility

In total, EMIVASA has installed around 50 water quality monitoring stations from Badger Meter in the city of Valencia, including pipe::scan, micro::station, nano::station and a combined solution using MetriNet and M-Node smart sensors under the name of akwaMetric (supplied by Mejoras Energéticas, a Badger Meter channel partner in Spain) devices throughout its distribution network. Operators can measure water quality accurately—including in pressurized pipes—to track several parameters.

Thanks to the insights provided by the Badger Meter solution, EMIVASA can closely monitor water quality parameters throughout the distribution network, as well as evaluate the effects of operational processes at the DWTPs. This monitoring also supports the validation of hydraulic models within the distribution system, and it allows operators to measure that treatment is effective as part of EMIVASA’s disinfection control program. The data gathered also provides insights into water quality stability across various network points, regardless of operational changes upstream.

“We’re proud to have collaborated with EMIVASA and Global Omnium for many years. Our joint efforts have provided valuable insights for optimizing their asset operations and have allowed us to enhance our solutions based on the needs of end users,” said Jordi Raich Montiu, Senior Manager of Analytical Solutions at Badger Meter.

Autonomous solution for non-powered sites in the distribution network.

Regional Control Capabilities

Mejoras Energéticas has supplied around 200 stations for monitoring water quality and recording pressure and flow rates in the distribution network for most municipalities managed by Global Omnium. These solutions were deployed throughout the drinking water transportation and distribution networks, including reservoirs and network ends (where no power supply is available). In addition to monitoring, the technology has been installed with the capacity to perform automatic flushing based on defined Chlorine concentration and Turbidity value thresholds.

The water quality monitoring solution at EMIVASA and Global Omnium is part of BlueEdge™, a comprehensive suite of solutions offered by Badger Meter. Designed to deliver real-time data and insights, BlueEdge makes proactive management possible for customers across the globe.