Addressing water supply challenges in Chongqing’s mountainous landscape
Chongqing’s unique mountainous terrain presents significant challenges, particularly in water distribution, which is both complex and costly.
As Chongqing experiences rapid economic growth and urbanisation, its rising water demand and expanding network present challenges for suppliers. Ensuring high-quality, reliable service while rapidly expanding infrastructure remains a key priority.
Our solution
Smart water services to ensure a sustainable, high-quality water supply
We provide smart water services by using SUEZ’s AQUADVANCED® Plant smart solution and big data technology to equip the municipality with a “smart brain” for water supply, further optimising the operational efficiency of water supply facilities and networks. Our water quality goes beyond the national standard and compares favourably to EU water quality standards. Chongqing’s water supply networks’ leakage rate has been reduced from 30% (at the beginning of our partnership) to 14.56% (as of 2024), which not only increases the security, stability, and quality of the water supply, but also preserves Chongqing’s water resources.
With the launch of the Phase IV expansion project of its Yuelai Water Treatment Plant, SUEZ's daily water supply capacity in Chongqing will increase from the current 1.28 million m3 to approximately 1.6 million m3. The project is scheduled to be operational in 2025 to support the rapid social and economic development of Chongqing, particularly the growing water demand in the northern region.
To address significant seasonal fluctuations in raw water turbidity in the Jialing River, along with high sand and algae content, we implemented a specialised treatment process: the Densadeg® D high-density clarifier combined with Aquazur® V filters. To combat excessive E. coli and organic contaminants, we leveraged ozone’s powerful oxidising and sterilising properties, in combination with the adsorption and biochemical capabilities of CarbazurTM activated carbon biofilters, to eliminate micro-pollutants, iron, and certain coliform bacteria. Pre-chlorination and post-chlorination processes were also introduced to inhibit algae growth and ensure effective final effluent disinfection. Through meticulous process design and operational parameter optimisation, Yuelai WTP consistently meets drinking water sanitary standards, even when seasonal turbidity reaches 3000 NTU.
The results
SUEZ has digitalised its water plant operations and maintenance with smart WTP, pumping stations, network dispatch, customer service, and an integrated digital command centre. This transformation has significantly enhanced Chongqing’s water management efficiency, drinking water quality, and customer service experience, with key achievements as follows:
- Daily water supply capacity has expanded to 1.28 million m3, network coverage extends to 2,721 km.
- Implementation of GIS and transformative technologies has lowered the non-revenue water rate from 30% to 14.56% (as of 2024).
- The implementation of the LIMS system in our central laboratory has earned it recognition as a 'benchmark laboratory' in SUEZ’s global competence assessment and accreditation from the China National Accreditation of Laboratories (CNAL).
- A 24-hour call centre was established to offer comprehensive, high-quality customer service, complemented by annual satisfaction surveys to identify and enhance service improvements.