ABU DHABI // A sophisticated new monitoring system will prevent up to 40 per cent of water leaks in parks, pumping and irrigation.
The project, the first of its kind, is expected to be completed by the end of the year at Mussaffah industrial area.
There are plans to expand the technology to the rest of the emirate, including Al Ain and the Western Region, after initial testing in the city.
The project is called Scada - Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - and the system monitors and controls tanks, wells and water treatment plants, plus other municipal electrical utilities. It has a lifespan of more than 20 years and is compatible with sustainability principles.
According to the municipality, Abu Dhabi island consumes 200,000 cubic metres of water a day through parks, pumping and irrigation.
"This is the first project of its kind and is expected to be completed by the end of this year," said Rashid Al Falasi, director of parks and recreational facilities at the municipality.
The system has two phases. The first involves water production and distribution, monitoring water pressure and flow operations and checking and preventing water wastage. It also detects network operational errors and technical problems and pinpoints faults, directing emergency teams to carry out maintenance.
The second phase focuses on sealing and closing leaks, enabling the effective management of water resources.
The saved water will be used for irrigation. Mr Al Falasi said it was important to distribute it precisely, to minimise wastage and excess.
Mr Al Falasi said the Scada system was one of the most sophisticated central controlling and monitoring systems of irrigation networks and main pumping stations.