Transform water management to create a more sustainable future

Water is made up of H₂O molecules; in other words, two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. In addition to pure water, water can contain a variety of minerals and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It creates an environment in which life can emerge and develop. 
 
On Earth, water can occur in three different states: solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (water vapour). Its composition is the same, regardless of the state. However, the density and molecular structure of water can vary depending on its state. For example, water in the form of ice is denser than liquid water due to the crystalline structure of its molecules. Water in the form of vapour is less dense than liquid water because of the greater distance between its molecules. In addition, the temperature at which water changes state can affect the concentration of minerals and gases dissolved in the water, but this does not affect the fundamental composition of the water. 
 
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Drinking water is clean water that is completely safe to drink. It is treated and disinfected to remove any contaminants and bacteria that may be present in the water when it is taken from its original environment. 
A number of quality criteria ensure that water is fit for consumption. The most commonly used indicators include: 

 

• turbidity, which measures water clarity; 
• pH (potential of Hydrogen), which measures a solution’s acidity and alkalinity; 
• chlorine level;  
• presence of micro-organisms. 
  

Complying with the standards set by supervisory bodies ensures that water is clean and safe to drink. 

 
Drinking water quality standards in France are mainly aligned with those adopted throughout Europe. This is to ensure that protection of public health and the environment is consistent throughout the European Union (EU). 
 
In France, for example, water treatment regulations are decided and implemented by the public authorities, in particular the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Solidarity, the French Biodiversity Agency and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES). 
 
These authorities set drinking water quality standards that must be met by water distributors and water treatment plants. Drinking water quality criteria are reviewed regularly to take account of scientific advances and changes in legislation. 
 
Local authorities also have an important role to play in water management and can set up management plans to protect local resources. 
 
Outside the European Union, regulations vary according to each country’s national and regional regulations. National governments are responsible for setting water treatment standards and regulations on the basis of local needs and specificities. 
 
In some cases, international organisation such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provide recommendations and guidelines on water treatment, which can be used as references by countries to draw up their own national regulations. 
 
We cover the entire drinking water cycle, from drinking water production to drinking water distribution.

Water is used in a number of industries for a variety of reasons such as cooling machinery, washing equipment, producing steam, fuelling boilers and manufacturing chemical products. Water requirements can vary considerably depending on the industry. 
 
If the industry does not comply with current regulations, there is a risk that it may contribute to water pollution by discharging chemical products, solid waste or wastewater into watercourses and groundwater. These contaminants can have a harmful effect on aquatic flora and fauna, as well as drinking water quality. Toxic substances can also accumulate in the food chain and affect human health. In order to help ensure that human activity is sustainable, it is essential that wastewater is treated before it is discharged into the natural environment. 
 
Industrial groups can reduce the amount of water used in their various processes in a number of ways, such as recycling water, reducing leaks and wastage, or even using rainwater and other alternative sources for certain activities. 
 
We offer water management solutions for industry and business.

There are many types of water pollution, primarily chemical pollution (caused by chemical products such as pesticides and industrial chemicals), biological pollution (caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses) and physical pollution (caused by solid waste such as plastics and metals). 
 
This pollution can have a devastating effect on ecosystems and human life. It can result in the destruction of marine habitat, decimate flora and fauna, and cause health problems in humans. Contaminated water can also cause diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever. 
 
Preventing water pollution primarily entails introducing strict environmental regulations to provide a framework for water treatment-related activities. However, prevention cannot be achieved solely by means of regulation. For every citizen to be able to help combat pollution, all members of the water industry are promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices such as reducing waste and responsible management of chemicals. 
 
Find out more about the Pau-Lescar “Biofactory”, one of the wastewater decontamination solutions we offer. 

Water, the origin of life on Earth, is crucial for agriculture as it is used to irrigate crops, water animals and clean farming machinery and equipment. Water for use in agriculture can be drawn from watercourses, lakes and groundwater or supplied by irrigation systems. 

There are several methods of irrigation, each of which presents its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive or use more water. 

To reduce the amount of water used in agriculture, more efficient irrigation practices can be adopted such as localised irrigation or using precision technologies to adjust the quantity of water provided according to plants’ needs. Furthermore, the introduction of more sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, soil management and using appropriate seeds can also help to reduce the amount of water used in agriculture. 

Find out more about the wastewater recycling and agricultural irrigation water production plan implemented for the Milan region (Italy).