Our water management priorities to address the challenges relating to the environment
For more than 160 years, we have worked daily to improve the positive impact of our water operations. In the light of growing worldwide population and the scarcity of water resources, it is more important than ever to take action to protect our water.
Our priorities
More modern water treatment facilities:
Upgrade existing facilities by developing more sustainable solutions in order to improve our water treatment infrastructure.
- Each day, we treat domestic wastewater from around 36 million people worldwide.
- We have 50 wastewater reuse projects currently under review in France.
Investing in seawater desalination:
Converting seawater into drinking water is an alternative solution to increase water supply capacity in water-stressed regions.
- We have over 50 years’ experience and have built more than 260 desalination plants around the world.
Improving water infrastructure:
Optimise water management systems by upgrading them: by repairing and replacing obsolete networks, and using digital solutions to increase yields and infrastructures’ ability to adapt.
- The equivalent of 8,474 Olympic-size swimming pools of water was saved in 2023 thanks to our leak detection solutions.
Low-carbon use of water in industry:
Develop more sustainable and efficient water management solutions to reduce industry’s carbon footprint.
- In Pau-Lescar, the project to convert wastewater into biomethane will enable people living in Pau Béarn Pyrénées to have access to green, low-carbon energy.
Energy production:
Converting sewage sludge from wastewater treated by means of methanisation into energy to supply our customers and users.
- We generate 7.7 terawatt hours of energy each year worldwide.
- In Europe, we supply electricity to more than 1.5 million people.
- In Nice, we are building an “energy positive” treatment plant, which will generate four times more energy than it currently uses.
Innovation to adapt the water industry
We firmly believe that innovation is an essential way of making progress and standing out, and have doubled our investment to support sector transformation.
We benefit from first-rate teams and facilities in France and worldwide, supporting our ability to innovate.
Thanks to the know-how of our 1,100 experts, our 1,700 patents and our 10 research centres, we take an active approach to research and development in areas such as alternative resources, removal of emerging contaminants (such as PFAS) and sludge treatment.
Our engineering and construction expertise means we are able to design new infrastructures and plants with lower greenhouse gas emissions, generating more resources for local regions.
We use robotics and artificial intelligence to devise new solutions for all stages of the water cycle, primarily to prevent leaks and, for example, increase yields from drinking water supply systems.
With partners such as Subeca, we have adopted an open innovation approach, working together to come up with solutions for our customers.
Finally, we work with our Le Lyre research and development centre, sociologists and behavioural economics experts and support behavioural innovation to encourage more responsible water consumption.
Thanks to the know-how of our 1,100 experts, our 1,700 patents and our 10 research centres, we take an active approach to research and development in areas such as alternative resources, removal of emerging contaminants (such as PFAS) and sludge treatment.
Our engineering and construction expertise means we are able to design new infrastructures and plants with lower greenhouse gas emissions, generating more resources for local regions.
We use robotics and artificial intelligence to devise new solutions for all stages of the water cycle, primarily to prevent leaks and, for example, increase yields from drinking water supply systems.
With partners such as Subeca, we have adopted an open innovation approach, working together to come up with solutions for our customers.
Finally, we work with our Le Lyre research and development centre, sociologists and behavioural economics experts and support behavioural innovation to encourage more responsible water consumption.
Drive the transformation of the water sector
Deeply rooted in our communities, we are committed to providing people and the planet with the resources for a common future. In water management, we promote and implement responsible behaviours, more efficient technologies and circular solutions.
We put the passion and commitment of our team at the service of our customers around the world to enable them to provide access to water services, with resilient and innovative solutions, to create value over the entire lifecycle of their assets and services, and to drive the ecological transition, together with their end-users.
Our value proposition:
- To provide access to water services, with resilient and innovative solutions
- To create value over the entire lifecycle of their assets and services.
- To drive the ecological transition, together with their end-users.
Optimise the water life cycle
As a trusted partner for circular solutions, we draw on our in-depth knowledge of the water life cycle to provide you with operational and deployable solutions. These solutions aim to guarantee that water of sufficient quality and in sufficient quantities is available, optimise use of water and promote sustainable practices.
Have water in quantity & quality
Access to drinking water is crucial for the global population. In France, drinking water is one of the most tightly controlled products for human consumption, with over 27 million analyses in 2023.
We help to design drinking water production plants, right through to operation and maintenance. Infrastructures are designed according to the quality of available raw water and the required quality of drinking water. We offer cutting-edge solutions to produce very high quality water, for example by removing micropollutants or reducing the amount of lime.
We advise you on managing water resources to allow for sustainable and environmentally consumption by analysing your needs, assessing the impacts and coming up with solutions to protect water and aquatic systems.
With the scarcity of water resources, the priority is ensuring that it used wisely and sparingly. Traditional freshwater resources such as groundwater and surface water are being depleted, and we can help you find alternative resources such as reusing treated wastewater, rainwater and seawater, particularly for uses that do not require drinking water.
Optimise the use of water resources
Faced with the challenge of protecting water resources, we come up with innovative digital solutions to detect leaks, predict breakages and optimise maintenance and upgrading works. Improving the performance of water supply systems to reduce water loss is a key concern for local regions.
Our teams also take care of the operation and maintenance of drinking water production and wastewater treatment plants, ensuring optimised management and guaranteeing continuity of service.
We develop efficient solutions for treating domestic and industrial wastewater, encouraging reuse and reducing the impact on the environment.
We take action on a daily basis to protect public health, water resources and the environment.
Develop sustainable practices
Our priority is to guarantee the continuity of essential services and organise them to be prepared for and manage crises. With the increase in episodes of drought, we model the status of water resources to anticipate periods of shortage in order to maintain a constant and reliable water supply. When there is a warning, users are required to take appropriate preventive measures and limit their use.
Our digital solutions enable city councils and private and public sector companies to understand their water and energy consumption in order to manage it. The aim of these solutions is to help them to develop cautious practices and make their facilities more energy efficient.
We are also working on innovations to convert sewage sludge into local, renewable energy, helping communities with their ecological transition.
Your major challenges
Optimise water resources to ensure water conservation
Develop sustainable water management practices
Contact us
Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about our water cycle management services. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best solution for your needs.
City councils and local authorities
- Drinking water production and distribution
- Wastewater and rainwater management
- Wastewater treatment and reuse
- Management of sewage sludge
- Groundwater recharge
- Consulting and engineering services
- Digital solutions
Businesses
- Water supply management
- Water system management
- Consulting and engineering services
Individuals
- Water contract management
- Environmentally friendly habits
- Customer relations
Frequently Asked Questions
Water is made up of H2O molecules; in other words, two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. In addition to pure water, water can contain a variety of minerals and nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It creates an environment in which life can emerge and develop.
On Earth, water can occur in three different states: solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (water vapour). Its composition is the same, regardless of the state. However, the density and molecular structure of water can vary depending on its state. For example, water in the form of ice is denser than liquid water due to the crystalline structure of its molecules. Water in the form of vapour is less dense than liquid water because of the greater distance between its molecules. In addition, the temperature at which water changes state can affect the concentration of minerals and gases dissolved in the water, but this does not affect the fundamental composition of the water.
Water is no secret to us, thanks to our expert research centres.
On Earth, water can occur in three different states: solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (water vapour). Its composition is the same, regardless of the state. However, the density and molecular structure of water can vary depending on its state. For example, water in the form of ice is denser than liquid water due to the crystalline structure of its molecules. Water in the form of vapour is less dense than liquid water because of the greater distance between its molecules. In addition, the temperature at which water changes state can affect the concentration of minerals and gases dissolved in the water, but this does not affect the fundamental composition of the water.
Water is no secret to us, thanks to our expert research centres.
Drinking water is clean water that is completely safe to drink. It is treated and disinfected to remove any contaminants and bacteria that may be present in the water when it is taken from its original environment.
A number of quality criteria ensure that water is fit for consumption. The most commonly used indicators include:
- turbidity, which measures water clarity;
- pH (potential of Hydrogen), which measures a solution’s acidity and alkalinity;
- chlorine level;
- presence of micro-organisms.
Complying with the standards set by supervisory bodies ensures that water is clean and safe to drink.
Drinking water quality standards in France are mainly aligned with those adopted throughout Europe. This is to ensure that protection of public health and the environment is consistent throughout the European Union (EU).
In France, for example, water treatment regulations are decided and implemented by the public authorities, in particular the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Solidarity, the French Biodiversity Agency and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES).
These authorities set drinking water quality standards that must be met by water distributors and water treatment plants. Drinking water quality criteria are reviewed regularly to take account of scientific advances and changes in legislation.
Local authorities also have an important role to play in water management and can set up management plans to protect local resources.
Outside the European Union, regulations vary according to each country’s national and regional regulations. National governments are responsible for setting water treatment standards and regulations on the basis of local needs and specificities.
In some cases, international organisation such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provide recommendations and guidelines on water treatment, which can be used as references by countries to draw up their own national regulations.
We cover the entire drinking water cycle, from drinking water production to drinking water distribution.
Water is used in a number of industries for a variety of reasons such as cooling machinery, washing equipment, producing steam, fuelling boilers and manufacturing chemical products. Water requirements can vary considerably depending on the industry.
If the industry does not comply with current regulations, there is a risk that it may contribute to water pollution by discharging chemical products, solid waste or wastewater into watercourses and groundwater. These contaminants can have a harmful effect on aquatic flora and fauna, as well as drinking water quality. Toxic substances can also accumulate in the food chain and affect human health. In order to help ensure that human activity is sustainable, it is essential that wastewater is treated before it is discharged into the natural environment.
Industrial groups can reduce the amount of water used in their various processes in a number of ways, such as recycling water, reducing leaks and wastage, or even using rainwater and other alternative sources for certain activities.
We offer water management solutions for industry and business.
If the industry does not comply with current regulations, there is a risk that it may contribute to water pollution by discharging chemical products, solid waste or wastewater into watercourses and groundwater. These contaminants can have a harmful effect on aquatic flora and fauna, as well as drinking water quality. Toxic substances can also accumulate in the food chain and affect human health. In order to help ensure that human activity is sustainable, it is essential that wastewater is treated before it is discharged into the natural environment.
Industrial groups can reduce the amount of water used in their various processes in a number of ways, such as recycling water, reducing leaks and wastage, or even using rainwater and other alternative sources for certain activities.
We offer water management solutions for industry and business.
There are many types of water pollution, primarily chemical pollution (caused by chemical products such as pesticides and industrial chemicals), biological pollution (caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses) and physical pollution (caused by solid waste such as plastics and metals).
This pollution can have a devastating effect on ecosystems and human life. It can result in the destruction of marine habitat, decimate flora and fauna, and cause health problems in humans. Contaminated water can also cause diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever.
Preventing water pollution primarily entails introducing strict environmental regulations to provide a framework for water treatment-related activities. However, prevention cannot be achieved solely by means of regulation. For every citizen to be able to help combat pollution, all members of the water industry are promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices such as reducing waste and responsible management of chemicals.
Find out more about the Pau-Lescar “Biofactory”, one of the wastewater decontamination solutions we offer.
This pollution can have a devastating effect on ecosystems and human life. It can result in the destruction of marine habitat, decimate flora and fauna, and cause health problems in humans. Contaminated water can also cause diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever.
Preventing water pollution primarily entails introducing strict environmental regulations to provide a framework for water treatment-related activities. However, prevention cannot be achieved solely by means of regulation. For every citizen to be able to help combat pollution, all members of the water industry are promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices such as reducing waste and responsible management of chemicals.
Find out more about the Pau-Lescar “Biofactory”, one of the wastewater decontamination solutions we offer.
Water, the origin of life on Earth, is crucial for agriculture as it is used to irrigate crops, water animals and clean farming machinery and equipment. Water for use in agriculture can be drawn from watercourses, lakes and groundwater or supplied by irrigation systems.
There are several methods of irrigation, each of which presents its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive or use more water.
To reduce the amount of water used in agriculture, more efficient irrigation practices can be adopted such as localised irrigation or using precision technologies to adjust the quantity of water provided according to plants’ needs. Furthermore, the introduction of more sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, soil management and using appropriate seeds can also help to reduce the amount of water used in agriculture.
Find out more about the wastewater recycling and agricultural irrigation water production plan implemented for the Milan region (Italy).
There are several methods of irrigation, each of which presents its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more expensive or use more water.
To reduce the amount of water used in agriculture, more efficient irrigation practices can be adopted such as localised irrigation or using precision technologies to adjust the quantity of water provided according to plants’ needs. Furthermore, the introduction of more sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, soil management and using appropriate seeds can also help to reduce the amount of water used in agriculture.
Find out more about the wastewater recycling and agricultural irrigation water production plan implemented for the Milan region (Italy).