• SWAN, the Smart Water Networks Forum, will lead the revolution of data and information technology for water networks, yielding a more efficient and more sustainable water industry
Feb. 21, 2011 -- Water industry leaders have announced today that they have joined forces in the establishment of SWAN, the Smart Water Networks Forum, a global industry alliance promoting the use of data technologies in water networks, to make them smarter, more efficient and more sustainable.
Smart Water Networks leverage data and information technology for an improved, streamlined and more efficient operation of water utility distribution networks. With the increased instrumentation and telemetry of water networks, a new layer of smart data applications has become possible. Smart Water Network solutions improve the efficiency, longevity, and reliability of the underlying physical water network by better measuring, collecting, analyzing, and acting upon a wide range of events.
The founding members of the SWAN forum are Derceto, Echologics (a Division of Mueller Water), i2O Water, TaKaDu, Telvent and Schneider Electric. Vienna Waterworks and other leading utilities will join the advisory committee.
Guy Horowitz, Chairman of the SWAN forum and VP Marketing at TaKaDu , said: "SWAN represents the entire eco-system that can and will make smart water networks a reality - technology and solution vendors, leading system integrators, industry experts, and leading water utilities. Water networks have a lot of data, and will have more in the future. Our goal is to guarantee that utilities and vendors could use data optimally for better managing their infrastructure," added Horowitz. "The forum welcomes vendors, consultants, researchers, utilities and wholesalers, investors, network operators, and any other valuable contributors to the future of water networks."
"A smarter water network can combine process and energy efficiency in water and wastewater operations," said Pascal Bonnefoi, Water Segment Director at Schneider Electric, a global leader in the energy efficiency market. "This forum will drive innovation from the practical experience of the different contributors."
"The vision for the industry must be to develop fully integrated systems which allow water companies to remotely monitor, diagnose problems for preemptive maintenance, remotely control and remotely optimize all aspects of the water and wastewater network," said Andrew Burrows, Chief Technology Officer at i2O Water. "By sharing ideas and collaborating with leading technology suppliers and customers through this forum we believe that this vision can be achieved."
According to Telvent's CEO, Ignacio Gonzalez, "Having access to accurate information at all decision making levels is key for water utilities in carrying out their role of managing such a critical resource for economic and social development in a safe and efficient way. This forum provides the perfect framework to put this information into context and finding out true smart solutions for the utility's day to day decision making processes."
"JD7 is proud to take part in this important initiative," said Stuart Hamilton, Managing Director of JD7, a leader in inspection technologies for water networks. "Using data for solving water network problems has the potential of facilitating the maintenance of utility assets and making the networks more efficient."
"The forum will promote awareness, effectiveness, and use of smart IT solutions for water networks," said Amir Peleg, Founder and CEO of TaKaDu. "The enormous potential of taking a data driven approach will transform the way water utilities work in the coming years, dramatically change the picture of water loss and mass replacement of pipes and as a result, positively impact the ability of us all to use our precious water sustainably."
The SWAN forum will be holding its inaugural conference, SWAN 2011, on May 17-18, 2011 in Paris, France, at the Schneider Electric Headquarters. During this two-day conference, leaders and members in the smart water space will discuss the opportunities, challenges and next steps in bringing the vision of smart water to fruition, highlighting the state of smart water networks today and in the coming years, showcasing technologies and discussing real world utility best practices.
About SWAN
SWAN is a worldwide industry forum promoting the use of data technologies in water networks, making them smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. It brings industry leaders together to promote awareness, effectiveness, and use of smart data systems for water networks. Forum members are technology and solution vendors, consultants, researchers, utilities and wholesalers, network operators, investors and other valuable contributors to the future of water networks. To learn more about SWAN, visit http://www.swan-forum.com.
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