Sustainability
We treat sustainability not as a separate heading, but as the measure of every engineering decision, from technology selection to operational monitoring.
Our Approach
Sustainable water management is not only about finding new resources; it is about using the existing resource more efficiently, preventing pollution and, under suitable conditions, returning water to the cycle. IWA's solution approach is built on this holistic understanding.
Using the existing resource more efficiently; measuring, monitoring and reducing consumption.
Addressing pollution at its source before it forms, and reducing the load placed on the receiving environment.
When suitable conditions are met, treated water becomes a resource that can be put to use again.
Water Cycle
We treat water not as a one-way consumption item, but as a cycle that can be closed. The diagram below shows the four stages we follow in our projects and the link between them.
Accurately defining the quality, capacity and replenishment conditions of the groundwater or surface-water source.
Using water in a domestic, urban or industrial process; measuring consumption and preventing unnecessary loss.
Bringing wastewater to the targeted effluent quality through a process suited to its characterization.
Returning treated water to suitable areas of use once the relevant regulations and quality criteria are met.
Sustainable Development Goals
We connect our project approach to six of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to which our work relates.
We enable domestic wastewater to be treated safely and on site in settlements without central sewerage infrastructure. Putting treated water back to use under suitable conditions helps reduce pressure on clean water resources.
We aim to turn water from a waste stream to be disposed of into a reusable resource. A permanent filter medium and a simple operating structure limit the need for consumables and equipment replacement.
By removing the need for electricity during treatment, passive treatment aims to reduce the operation's energy-related indirect carbon impact. The contribution is indirect because it depends on the alternative being replaced and on project conditions.
When suitable advanced treatment and disinfection are provided, treated water can be used for agricultural irrigation to the extent permitted by regulation. In water-constrained regions this is an indirect contribution that supports continuity of production.
We build sanitation infrastructure that can operate off-grid for villages, rural settlements and communal living areas. This contributes directly to the infrastructure resilience of those settlements.
Preventing untreated domestic wastewater from reaching soil and surface waters reduces pollution pressure on terrestrial ecosystems. As the scale of the effect depends on site conditions and the discharge method, the contribution is defined as indirect.
Social Impact
We approach water projects not merely as a technical investment, but from a perspective of social benefit. We attach importance to solutions that are accessible, operable and strengthen local capacity; that the field team can take on the maintenance of the installed system is, for us, a measure of success.
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