Water utilities and councils across Australia and New Zealand face the ongoing challenge of maintaining clean and efficient water distribution systems. Traditional methods like flushing, air scouring, pigging, and ice pigging have been mainstays, but an innovative technology called NO-DES (Neutral Output Discharge Elimination Solution) is emerging as a superior option. Why is NO-DES a game-changer for water mains cleaning and how does it outshine other techniques?
Firstly, NO-DES stands out for its minimal disruption to customers’ water supply. Unlike conventional flushing that can cause temporary water supply shutdowns, NO-DES retains all water within the system. This means no inconvenience to residents or businesses relying on a continuous water supply, making it a more customer-friendly approach.
One of the key advantages of NO-DES is its self-contained operation. Unlike traditional methods that flush water down the street, NO-DES recirculates and filters water within the pipes, minimising water wastage and environmental impact. This not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required for water production and pumping, aligning with a council or utility’s sustainability goals.
NO-DES relies on high-velocity flows to clean water pipes effectively. By utilising velocities that prevent water hammer and pipe/lining erosion, NO-DES ensures a controlled and gentle cleaning process that maintains the integrity of the infrastructure. This reduces the need for costly repairs and extends the lifespan of water mains, providing long-term cost savings for utilities and councils.
“Unlike traditional methods that flush water down the street, NO-DES recirculates and filters water within the pipes, minimising water wastage and environmental impact. This not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required for water production and pumping, aligning with a council or utility’s sustainability goals.”
Moreover, NO-DES excels in water quality preservation. Unlike some cleaning methods that may compromise water quality, NO-DES does not require the addition of chlorine back into the supply, thus ensuring that water remains safe and free from contaminants.
Environmental benefits are a major highlight of NO-DES. Its efficient use of water, energy, and resources contributes to a greener approach to water main cleaning. By minimising water wastage, NO-DES helps conserve precious water resources, especially important in regions facing water scarcity challenges. Additionally, its low energy consumption reduces the carbon footprint associated with water treatment and distribution, supporting climate action initiatives.
Compared to alternatives like flushing, pigging, and ice pigging, NO-DES offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the core concerns of water utilities and councils. While flushing can be disruptive and wasteful, pigging and ice pigging may not achieve the same level of thorough cleaning as NO-DES. The ability of NO-DES to filter water down to one-micron absolute, approximately 100 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, ensures a deep and effective cleaning process that removes sediment, biofilms, and other contaminants.
NO-DES technology represents a significant advancement in water mains cleaning, offering efficiency, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Water utilities and councils in Australia and New Zealand stand to benefit greatly from adopting NO-DES as their preferred cleaning method. Not only does it minimise disruptions and conserve resources, but it also promotes cleaner, safer water for communities. Embracing NO-DES is a step towards a more resilient and eco-friendly water infrastructure, meeting the needs of today without compromising the future.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your water mains cleaning requirements.
