NI Water has taken a significant stride in bolstering its water treatment infrastructure by awarding an £8 million contract to Chemviron, a global leader in activated carbon technology. This five-year deal will fortify the water treatment process at 14 plants across all counties in Northern Ireland, setting a new benchmark for water quality and sustainability in the region.
Siobhan Sterling, NI Water’s Water Quality Manager, underscored the company’s commitment to excellence. “NI Water is committed to the highest standards of drinking water quality throughout Northern Ireland,” she stated. This contract is a testament to that commitment, ensuring that the multi-barrier treatment approach, which includes the use of Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) filters, remains robust and effective.
Activated carbon plays a crucial role in water treatment by adsorbing pesticides, taste, and odour compounds. However, to maintain its effectiveness, the GAC media must be periodically removed and either recycled through reactivation or replaced with virgin carbon. This is where Chemviron’s expertise comes into play. The company’s longstanding experience in supplying granular activated carbon, recycling, and technical support will be instrumental in maintaining the high standards of water treatment that NI Water strives for.
Reinier Keijzer, President of Chemviron, expressed pride in the partnership. “We are proud to be NI Water’s trusted partner in supporting their mission to protect public health and improve drinking water quality in Northern Ireland,” he said. This collaboration is not just about maintaining water quality; it’s about promoting sustainable practices. By recycling and reactivating GAC, NI Water and Chemviron are reducing waste and conserving resources, setting an example for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector.
This news could spark a wave of similar partnerships across the UK and beyond. As water companies increasingly prioritise sustainability and water quality, they may look to Chemviron and other activated carbon specialists to enhance their treatment processes. Moreover, this deal could accelerate the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies, driving innovation in the sector.
The partnership also underscores the importance of public-private collaborations in achieving water security. By leveraging Chemviron’s global expertise, NI Water can ensure that its water treatment processes are not only effective but also sustainable and future-proof. This could inspire other water companies to explore similar partnerships, fostering a more collaborative and innovative sector.
However, this news also raises questions. How will this partnership influence the cost of water for consumers? Will the focus on sustainability translate into tangible environmental benefits? And how will this deal shape NI Water’s long-term strategy for water treatment and sustainability? These are questions that the sector will need to grapple with in the coming years.
As NI Water and Chemviron embark on this five-year journey, the water, sanitation, and drainage sector will be watching closely. This partnership could redefine water treatment standards, accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices, and inspire similar collaborations. It’s a bold move that could shape the future of the sector, and it’s one that demands our attention and debate.
