Cannes region’s drinking water services receive world-first certification for quality and efficiency

The Cannes area, a pioneer in resource preservation

SICASIL, the organization responsible for managing the drinking water supply, and the Cannes Pays de Lérins urban community, have undertaken major initiatives, in collaboration with their long-standing partner, SUEZ, through the dedicated company So'EAU. These efforts aim to provide users with an efficient, high-quality services while ensuring the protection of natural resources and the environment.

This process began several years ago with the installation of ultrafiltration membranes at the Apié drinking water plant in the town of Peymeinade and continues today with the deployment of ultraviolet light technology across all plants in the area. At the same time, a range of innovative sensors has been installed to monitor water quality in real time. A new cybersecurity framework has been introduced, alongside enhanced site security measures. In addition to installing new metering equipment, nearly 26,000 connected meters are scheduled to be installed by the end of 2025, aiming to reduce leaks and preserve resources. In parallel, the local authority is investing in the renewal of the network with 90 million euros allocated since 2021 to replace 200 km of pipes.

Water services in the Cannes area certified thanks to the expertise of SUEZ and its subsidiary company So'EAU

These combined efforts have recently been recognized with the Aquacert International label, the world's first award for high-performance and high-quality public water services. This label, developed with the support and expertise of SUEZ, positions the Cannes area as the first territory to receive such recognition, establishing it as a global benchmark in water resource management. This achievement underscores the exemplary partnership between SICASIL, the Cannes Pays de Lérins urban community, and SUEZ.

Since 2023, SUEZ has been responsible for drinking water management on behalf of SICASIL, and has played a key role in achieving this first certification. Leveraging its expertise and innovative technological solutions, the Group was able to achieve the standards required by the label, all while limiting its environmental footprint.

“We are proud that the Cannes area has become a global benchmark for the strategic and forward-thinking management of water resources. This label recognizes the pioneering efforts of the Cannes Pays Lérins urban community and SICASIL, and by its delegate So'EAU, to continuously improve public water services over the last 25 years. This commitment to excellence is illustrated by initiatives such as replacing pipes to reduce leaks to secure water resources against the growing risk of drought. Since 2021, €90 million has been invested in these efforts, all while maintaining water prices for users that are 30% lower than the national average.”, says David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, President of the Cannes Lérins Urban Community, and President of the Association of Mayors of France.

“Receiving the public water services excellence label is a significant recognition for SICASIL. It acknowledges a collective commitment to delivering efficient, transparent and sustainable public services. SICASIL is proud to make the Cannes area the first region in France and in the world to receive this label of excellence, setting an example for other water services to follow by adopting a cycle of continuous improvement.”, says Jean-Michel Sauvage, President of SICASIL.

“For several years, our international association has been working to develop a label for public water services, both in France and globally. We are delighted to see this initiative process come to life in 2024, thanks to the technical support of SUEZ and the commitment of SICASIL, a pioneering region renowned for its excellence. We would also like to acknowledge the many contributions of the stakeholders gathered within the committee that drew up these standards: universities, government representatives (ARS, gendarmerie, water agencies), specialist associations (FNCCR, ASTEE), consulting firms, independent experts, consumer representatives and many others. By autumn 2025, these standards will be widely known by local authorities and organizations responsible for water services in France and abroad, inspiring many other players to adopt an approach based on excellence for the benefit of consumers.”, says William Terry, President of Aquacert International.

About the Aquacert International Label
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Developed by the independent organization Aquacert International, with the support and expertise of SUEZ, this pioneering label was established in collaboration with independent experts, public institutions and specialist associations, to ensure its universal application and relevance.

Audited every year, the label is based on an evolving evaluation grid covering 11 themes:

• Quality of services (requests handling, interventions, continuity of public services, etc.);
• Water quality (continuous risk analysis, monitoring of raw water quality and distribution to users, etc.);
• Efficient use of water resources (network efficiency performance, water distribution improvement plans alternative uses, etc.);
• Environmental responsibility (ecosystem preservation, ecological water treatment, etc.);
• Energy sobriety (reducing the energy consumption of equipment and using renewable energy, etc.);
• Civic engagement (transparency and availability of data, user awareness and support, etc.);
• Work life quality (reducing health risks in the workplace, improving professional integration, etc.);
• Innovation (supporting innovation in the face of technical, climatic and social change);
• Financial health (financial sustainability, clear economic balances, legibility of investments and sustainability of the model);
• Infrastructure risks (ensuring the safety and sustainability of infrastructure in the face of cyber and natural risks, crisis management, etc.);
• The management system.
  
  

The label is open to all operators providing a public drinking water services, regardless of their legal status or management model. Organizing authorities (municipalities, inter-municipalities, syndicates, metropolitan areas, etc.) can therefore apply for it, as can public or private operators, if they carry out tasks related to water distribution.