InterLink no 69: Expect stories from the world of AVK 🌍

Once again, we have led 45 new water ambassadors out into the world, inspired by all the latest trends and technologies regarding efficient water management. A bright group of young people who will hopefully, help make a difference in the water sector in their home countries. One thing is certain; they are critically needed to ensure a good and stable water infrastructure, both in terms of securing drinking water supply, and to obtain an efficient system for managing wastewater and the resources contained in wastewater.

"Water is undervalued, underfunded, and poorly maintained."

This Statement is not only true in developing countries. Even here in Europe, massive investment in water infrastructure is needed over the next few years. Not only direct investment in optimisation, but also investment in securing the needed labour, and in knowledge.

We try to cover the "knowledge" part in our Advanced Water Cycle Management Course, which is a two-week, intensive knowledge upgrade hosted every August here in Denmark. But that is merely a drop in the ocean. Therefore, we are working on a scalable structure, so the course can be hosted in other countries in the future.

The world is becoming increasingly tense, and focus is shifted heavily on security. This also means security around water, naturally, as it is a critical part of infrastructure. But how do you deal with a shortage of labour, where the water sector fights on an equal footing with all other sectors for the same labour?

My suggestion would be to replace some of the needed manpower with automation. The solutions are already here, and all other sectors, especially the private one, have long learned to automate. But the water sector is falling behind, especially regarding supply of drinking water. And, again, this does not only apply to developing countries.

AVK Smart Water has already solved manpower-saving tasks for several water utilities both in Denmark and Europe. In this magazine, you will be able to read about one of these, and about the many benefits from applying automation.

Best wishes, and enjoy reading,
Michael Ramlau-Hansen