The AEAS Congress, held from June 5th to 7th, brought together leading experts and professionals from the water sector in Spain, becoming a key forum for the exchange of ideas and innovative proposals. Facsa, celebrating its 150th anniversary, hosted the event and played a prominent role in the various sessions. The company took this opportunity to address a wide range of crucial issues for water resource management and sustainability, underscoring its commitment to innovation and efficiency in the sector. The congress concluded this morning with the participation of María Dolores Pascual Vallés, Director General of Water at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO); Salomé Pradas, Minister of the Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory; Sabina Goretti, Director General of Water for the Valencian Government; and José Aparicio, Manager of EPSAR.
The opening presentations kicked off a series of discussions on the various challenges facing the water sector. José Claramonte, CEO of Facsa, Claramonte presented «The Water Management Model in Spain: Proposals for Improvement.» She emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in water management, highlighting the importance of investment. Her proposals sought practical and sustainable solutions to address current and future challenges. «We must confront the current situation we find ourselves in. We are managing water scarcity, and we must adapt to this dynamic by making investments and implementing projects that allow us to face new challenges,“ Claramonte stressed. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Delacámara, an economist specializing in the water sector and director of the Center for Water and Climate Adaptation at IE University, presented »Water and Geopolitics: Permeable Borders Between the Local and the Global.« Delacámara addressed the interconnection between local water management and global challenges, emphasizing the importance of a holistic vision for tackling water issues in a globalized context.
During the congress, Facsa They also highlighted the importance of leveraging remote meter reading data, a crucial issue for optimizing water supply management. They emphasized the need to develop advanced technological solutions and data quality models to improve the interpretation of results and maximize the efficiency of invested resources.
Regarding pollutant control, Ernesto Santateresa, Deputy Director of Environmental Quality Operations, along with Félix Ripollés of IPROMA-EUROFINS, presented "Presence of Priority Substances and Other Pollutants in Sewerage Networks." Both experts discussed the evolution of pollutant control, noting that monitoring emerging substances such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals is crucial for public health and the environment. Thanks to advances in analytical chemistry techniques, it is now possible to identify and quantify very low levels of pollutants, which is crucial for EU regulations and the new Wastewater Treatment Directive currently under review.
Another relevant topic was presented by Francesc Gavara, head of the Metrology Department, in his presentation "Guide to Obtaining Consumption Patterns." Gavara emphasized that water scarcity and high demand require water management companies to be more rigorous in their water measurement practices. Understanding consumption patterns is crucial for demand planning and properly sizing distribution networks.
Facsa also addressed the creation of a geospatial digital twin for integrated water management, demonstrating how digitalization and GIS can transform the sector's efficiency and sustainability. In this context, Jorge Fuentes, Head of the Information Technology and Operating Systems Department, presented "Waternology: an integrated digital strategy as a lever for sustainability in the integrated water cycle." Fuentes emphasized the importance of digitalization as a key tool for mitigating the effects of drought and climate change. Facsa is committed to digitalization to reduce water losses and optimize energy consumption.
Furthermore, the quantification of micronanoplastics in reclaimed water and agricultural ecosystems was analyzed, along with the development of a system of guarantees of origin for renewable gases and improvements in energy efficiency in water supplies in the province of Castellón. In this regard, a study was presented that identified potential energy savings from 20% in two water supply consortia, with the possibility of extending this methodology and tool to other municipalities to improve energy efficiency in their supply systems.
It is also worth noting that Guillermo Berlanga, head of the R&D and Continuous Improvement Department, participated in the round table discussion "Innovation in the Water Sector: Where Are We Headed?". Berlanga highlighted innovative projects, such as hydrogen generation, and how Facsa is working on these strategic initiatives for the future of water.
The congress also addressed the importance of digitalization and disruptive technologies for achieving more efficient and sustainable water management. In this regard, Víctor M. Ferrando, Head of Acquisitions and New Business, gave a presentation entitled "Augmented Reality and Artificial Vision in the Operation and Maintenance of Facilities." Meanwhile, Fco. Javier García, Head of the Water Treatment Department, explained how the CYANOA project uses new technologies to improve water quality in reservoirs, mitigating the risks associated with cyanobacteria.
Finally, in the communication session, the importance of transparency and clarity in information related to water management was discussed, highlighting the need for effective communication in the sector.
In conclusion, the presentations given by Facsa at the AEAS Congress highlighted its dedication to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in water management. The proposals and solutions presented not only address the sector's immediate challenges but also anticipate and prepare for future ones. This pragmatic and proactive approach demonstrates Facsa's ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable water future, where water preservation and responsible use are fundamental.
