Latest news with #NamaWater
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman fights water system losses with tech, data, and EU expertise
MUSCAT: Tackling rising water scarcity and costly system inefficiencies, Oman is ramping up efforts to cut water losses by turning to data-driven innovations, decentralised wastewater solutions, and lessons learned from European best practices. This was the key focus of a high-level discussion during the 'EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum,' where experts shed light on practical solutions for managing non-revenue water and modernising national water infrastructure. The session, titled "Tackling Water Losses & Improving Efficiency – The Role of Technology & Economic Solutions", explored Oman's roadmap to reducing technical losses and enhancing water reuse. FROM CLASSIC METRES TO SMART WATER NETWORKS Khalil Sulaiman Salim al Adawi, Technical Losses Engineer for Operation and Maintenance at Nama Water Services, highlighted the utility's strategic pivot from traditional water metering to smart, data-integrated systems. 'We are now using classical water metres equipped with liquidation systems, but the future lies in building integrated layers of digital tools that allow for daily data collection and predictive maintenance,' he said. Al Adawi outlined Nama Water's four-stage roadmap, launched in 2021, to address water losses. The first phase, already completed, involved mapping losses across the network using analytics and GIS to pinpoint high-loss areas. In the second phase, over 600 pressure-reducing devices (PRDs) were installed nationwide over three years, significantly cutting leakage and pipeline stress. Current efforts include expanding pressure management and building capacity across 30 leakage detection teams. THE DECENTRALISED ADVANTAGE Angelo de Mul, CEO of Dutch firm PureBlue Water, advocated for decentralised wastewater treatment as a more energy-efficient and scalable alternative to conventional sewer networks. 'Decentralised systems allow you to reuse water at the source, for irrigation or even within communities, reducing reliance on costly centralised infrastructure. It's cost-effective and sustainable,' he said. He pointed to successful applications in the Netherlands and other European countries, where compact, decentralised treatment plants operate seamlessly within built environments. 'People often don't even know there's a wastewater plant right beside them — that's the level of integration and reliability we aim for,' he added. De Mul also stressed the importance of standardising water treatment systems and connecting them to data management platforms. 'Innovation is sharper and more effective when combined with reliable data. In the Netherlands, we've developed standardised machines with low carbon footprints to remove toxic substances and recycle water safely for agriculture and even human use,' he noted. VEOLIA BACKS INTEGRATED, RESILIENT SOLUTION Nicolas Le Goff, Chief Operating Officer of Veolia Oman, called for a systemic view of water management. 'The challenge in Oman is not only about reducing leaks, but also about managing wastewater reuse and ensuring energy efficiency throughout the cycle,' he said. 'We believe smart grids, AI-driven asset management, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to solving water losses while delivering sustainable services.' Veolia, a global leader in water and environmental services, has long advocated for circular water strategies, particularly in arid regions like Oman. Le Goff added that Oman's geography makes it a prime candidate for testing scalable solutions in decentralised reuse and smart grid applications. EU LESSONS AND THE WAY FORWARD The panelists agreed that Oman can draw valuable insights from Europe's water management evolution — from data-based planning in the Netherlands to the integration of decentralised systems in remote and urban zones. As Oman plans long-term infrastructure investments, balancing centralised legacy assets with modular, scalable alternatives will be key. Moderator Said al Kamyani, a sustainability expert, concluded that a hybrid model combining smart technology, decentralised reuse, and public-private coordination could be Oman's path to achieving national water security goals. The forum was part of the EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum, held at Crowne Plaza OCEC on May 20–21, 2025. It was sponsored by Nama Group and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman fights water system losses with tech, data, and EU expertise
MUSCAT,MAY 20 Tackling rising water scarcity and costly system inefficiencies, Oman is ramping up efforts to cut water losses by turning to data-driven innovations, decentralised wastewater solutions, and lessons learned from European best practices. This was the key focus of a high-level discussion during the 'EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum,' where experts shed light on practical solutions for managing non-revenue water and modernising national water infrastructure. The session, titled "Tackling Water Losses & Improving Efficiency – The Role of Technology & Economic Solutions", explored Oman's roadmap to reducing technical losses and enhancing water reuse. FROM CLASSIC METRES TO SMART WATER NETWORKS Khalil Sulaiman Salim al Adawi, Technical Losses Engineer for Operation and Maintenance at Nama Water Services, highlighted the utility's strategic pivot from traditional water metering to smart, data-integrated systems. 'We are now using classical water metres equipped with liquidation systems, but the future lies in building integrated layers of digital tools that allow for daily data collection and predictive maintenance,' he said. Al Adawi outlined Nama Water's four-stage roadmap, launched in 2021, to address water losses. The first phase, already completed, involved mapping losses across the network using analytics and GIS to pinpoint high-loss areas. In the second phase, over 600 pressure-reducing devices (PRDs) were installed nationwide over three years, significantly cutting leakage and pipeline stress. Current efforts include expanding pressure management and building capacity across 30 leakage detection teams. THE DECENTRALISED ADVANTAGE Angelo de Mul, CEO of Dutch firm PureBlue Water, advocated for decentralised wastewater treatment as a more energy-efficient and scalable alternative to conventional sewer networks. 'Decentralised systems allow you to reuse water at the source, for irrigation or even within communities, reducing reliance on costly centralised infrastructure. It's cost-effective and sustainable,' he said. He pointed to successful applications in the Netherlands and other European countries, where compact, decentralised treatment plants operate seamlessly within built environments. 'People often don't even know there's a wastewater plant right beside them — that's the level of integration and reliability we aim for,' he added. De Mul also stressed the importance of standardising water treatment systems and connecting them to data management platforms. 'Innovation is sharper and more effective when combined with reliable data. In the Netherlands, we've developed standardised machines with low carbon footprints to remove toxic substances and recycle water safely for agriculture and even human use,' he noted. VEOLIA BACKS INTEGRATED, RESILIENT SOLUTION Nicolas Le Goff, Chief Operating Officer of Veolia Oman, called for a systemic view of water management. 'The challenge in Oman is not only about reducing leaks, but also about managing wastewater reuse and ensuring energy efficiency throughout the cycle,' he said. 'We believe smart grids, AI-driven asset management, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to solving water losses while delivering sustainable services.' Veolia, a global leader in water and environmental services, has long advocated for circular water strategies, particularly in arid regions like Oman. Le Goff added that Oman's geography makes it a prime candidate for testing scalable solutions in decentralised reuse and smart grid applications. EU LESSONS AND THE WAY FORWARD The panelists agreed that Oman can draw valuable insights from Europe's water management evolution — from data-based planning in the Netherlands to the integration of decentralised systems in remote and urban zones. As Oman plans long-term infrastructure investments, balancing centralised legacy assets with modular, scalable alternatives will be key. Moderator Said al Kamyani, a sustainability expert, concluded that a hybrid model combining smart technology, decentralised reuse, and public-private coordination could be Oman's path to achieving national water security goals. The forum was part of the EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum, held at Crowne Plaza OCEC on May 20–21, 2025. It was sponsored by Nama Group and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project.
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Nama awards Oman water purification plant contract
Oman-based Nama Water Services has signed an agreement with Al Tayer Engineering Services Company for the construction of a water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam along with other associated infrastructure work. Located in the sultanate's Qurayyat region, the new plant will be developed under a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) contract. The entire work will be completed within two years. According to Nama, this project aligns with the government's strategic focus on bolstering water security and ensuring a consistent supply of potable water for subscribers. This initiative is designed to guarantee reliable water provision, particularly during periods of unexpected weather conditions and unforeseen emergencies. A RO55 million ($142 million) facility, the Nama Water project is being implemented under a build, own, operate model. The agreement was signed by Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, and Sultan Abdullah Al Jafari, Chairman of Al Tayer Engineering Services Company in the presence of Dr Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Speaking on the occasion, Al Zakwani said: "Nama Water Services is committed to achieving water security goals, addressing the escalating demand for this critical resource driven by subscriber growth and urban development." "To meet these demands, the company is actively pursuing a portfolio of projects. This includes the construction of the water purification plant at Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Qurayyat," he stated. This project reflects Nama Water's strategic push to leverage diverse water resources. This initiative aims to optimize the dam's water output to address the regions' demand effectively, noted Al Zakwani. "The project adheres to a meticulously planned approach, balancing current necessities with projected future requirements, ultimately contributing to the water security goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040," he added. The Omani group said the key facility will boast a total production capacity of 65,000 cu m per day, with 35,000 cu m per day channeled into Nama Water Services' main distribution network, supplying potable water.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman unveils initiatives to cut water loss to 10% by 2036
MUSCAT: Nama Water Services (NWS), the state-owned integrated water and wastewater utility of the Sultanate of Oman, has outlined an array of initiatives to dramatically slash potable water losses, currently accounting for around 40 per cent of the country's total water production. The list includes capital outlays towards replacing old leak-prone water networks, deployment of technologies to detect water leaks, and the rollout of smart metering systems at the consumers' end. The announcement was made during an Executive Panel Discussion held on Monday, April 7, 2025 as part of Oman Water Week 2025 underway at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Water losses – also known as Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and encompassing both technical and commercial water losses – cost tens of millions of Omani rials in lost revenues annually for Nama Water Services. A host of factors are at fault, notably leaks in buried pipeline networks, faulty meters, and billing errors, among other reasons. Of total water production of 444.44 million m3 in 2022, non-revenue water (NRW) amounted to 180.7 million m3, representing a significant 40.7 per cent share. Following the implementation of rigorous measures to curb losses, the NRW share dipped to 39.6 per cent in 2023. In volume terms, this figure corresponds to 177.79 million m3, according to Nama Water. Speaking at the forum, Eng Saud al Shidhani, Director General – Water & Wastewater Regulation, Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), said the regulator was working with various stakeholders to help cut back water losses to 10 per cent by 2036. Aiding this strategic effort is the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, he said. While acknowledging the magnitude of the problem, Al Shidhani lauded modest successes delivered by Nama Water (as well as Nama Dhofar Services covering Dhofar Governorate) in paring water losses in recent years. He attributed these successes to a regimen of incentives and targets set by the regulator for the operators concerned. According to Eng Ibrahim al Harthi, Chief Planning and Asset Management Officer – Nama Water Services, the water sector has delivered loss reduction gains averaging 9 per cent annually over the last four years. 'We work closely with our regulator, who monitors our annual targets for water loss reduction. We submit periodic reports to keep them updated on our progress,' the official said. 'We've already secured funding for a comprehensive infrastructure replacement programme focused on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Additionally, we are deploying a range of advanced technologies—including satellite imaging, drones, and AI software—to detect leaks more effectively. We have also rolled out an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project for commercial users.' The utility's aggressive water loss reduction goals are driven by the high cost and value of desalinated water, the official noted. 'That forms the business case for sustained investment. However, it's important to note that this challenge cannot be solved in a single year,' he added. Oman Water Week 2025, organised by Raya Services, is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
08-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman unveils initiatives to cut water loss to 10 per cent by 2036
MUSCAT, APRIL 8 Nama Water Services (NWS), the state-owned integrated water and wastewater utility of the Sultanate of Oman, has outlined an array of initiatives to dramatically slash potable water losses, currently accounting for around 40 per cent of the country's total water production. The list includes capital outlays towards replacing old leak-prone water networks, deployment of technologies to detect water leaks, and the rollout of smart metering systems at the consumers' end. The announcement was made during an Executive Panel Discussion held on Monday, April 7, 2025 as part of Oman Water Week 2025 underway at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Water losses – also known as Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and encompassing both technical and commercial water losses – cost tens of millions of Omani rials in lost revenues annually for Nama Water Services. A host of factors are at fault, notably leaks in buried pipeline networks, faulty meters, and billing errors, among other reasons. Of total water production of 444.44 million m3 in 2022, non-revenue water (NRW) amounted to 180.7 million m3, representing a significant 40.7 per cent share. Following the implementation of rigorous measures to curb losses, the NRW share dipped to 39.6 per cent in 2023. In volume terms, this figure corresponds to 177.79 million m3, according to Nama Water. Speaking at the forum, Eng Saud al Shidhani, Director General – Water & Wastewater Regulation, Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), said the regulator was working with various stakeholders to help cut back water losses to 10 per cent by 2036. Aiding this strategic effort is the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, he said. While acknowledging the magnitude of the problem, Al Shidhani lauded modest successes delivered by Nama Water (as well as Nama Dhofar Services covering Dhofar Governorate) in paring water losses in recent years. He attributed these successes to a regimen of incentives and targets set by the regulator for the operators concerned. According to Eng Ibrahim al Harthi, Chief Planning and Asset Management Officer – Nama Water Services, the water sector has delivered loss reduction gains averaging 9 per cent annually over the last four years. 'We work closely with our regulator, who monitors our annual targets for water loss reduction. We submit periodic reports to keep them updated on our progress,' the official said. 'We've already secured funding for a comprehensive infrastructure replacement programme focused on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Additionally, we are deploying a range of advanced technologies—including satellite imaging, drones, and AI software—to detect leaks more effectively. We have also rolled out an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project for commercial users.' The utility's aggressive water loss reduction goals are driven by the high cost and value of desalinated water, the official noted. 'That forms the business case for sustained investment. However, it's important to note that this challenge cannot be solved in a single year,' he added. Oman Water Week 2025, organised by Raya Services, is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
