South East Water applies for Drought Order in Sussex to protect drinking water supplies
H2O Team

Surge for Water’s annual Chicago gala raises $192,000 to support global clean water and sanitation projects
H2O Team

Veolia and PFO Africa to Operate One of West Africa’s Largest Drinking Water Treatment Plants in Ivory Coast
H2O Team

Aid Cannot Wait – Hydrachem Urges Global Action to Break Barriers to Clean Water
H2O Team

COWI Wins Construction Management Contract for California’s Syphon Reservoir Expansion
H2O Team

Netmore Group, a leading operator of Massive IoT networks, has announced the acquisition of Arson Metering, a Spanish company specialising in remote meter reading and smart water and gas management solutions. The move enhances Netmore’s ability to deliver end-to-end services for utilities and strengthens its presence in Europe.

Arson Metering has established itself across more than 200 municipalities in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece, managing over 500,000 installed water and gas meters with a pipeline of approximately 350,000 additional units. Its expertise in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and its Meter Operations Centre (MOC) supports utilities in meeting regulatory and environmental standards through accurate monitoring and reliable service delivery.

Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group, commented:

Acquiring Arson Metering is another transformative step for Netmore as we expand our ability to provide end-to-end solutions for utility automation and modernisation across the globe. Arson Metering’s innovative utility solutions and proven track record align with our mission to provide reliable, high-quality services with world-leading support. Together, we’ll help municipalities and utilities address pressing challenges like water scarcity, leakage, and resource constraints.

Amador Martínez, CEO of Arson Metering, added:

Joining forces with Netmore marks an exciting new chapter for our company. Our shared approach to driving smarter, more efficient utility operations creates powerful synergies for utilities and smart cities. Customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity and improved management of water and gas networks, with access to Netmore’s extensive infrastructure and expertise.

Innovative Solutions for Smarter Utilities

• Metering Control Centre: A specialist monitoring hub for anomaly detection and diagnostics to support utilities and installation partners.
• AquaCity Platform: A universal remote meter reading solution that integrates multiple smart meter brands, enabling real-time monitoring and data analysis for water networks.
• GasCity Platform: A smart gas management system offering automated valve control, safety features, anomaly detection, and optimised billing.

With its extensive LoRaWAN and hybrid LPWAN communication services, Netmore is positioned to accelerate IoT adoption and streamline network delivery, supporting sustainable and efficient utility operations.

The announcement coincides with Netmore’s participation as a gold sponsor at the Spain Smart Water Summit 2025 in Madrid.

Quick Reference Links

• • Netmore Group
  • Arson Metering

Netmore Strengthens Utility Solutions with Acquisition of Arson Metering
H2O Team

The Aboitiz InfraCapital subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., in partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD), continues to deliver significant social and economic benefits through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP). This initiative is ensuring water security and improving living standards for over one million residents in Davao City.

Before AIC Water’s involvement, only 77% of DCWD’s customers had round-the-clock access to potable water. Today, thanks to the operations of the DCBWSP, 96% of households now enjoy 24/7 water supply.

As the country’s largest operating bulk water facility, the project currently provides 300 million litres per day (MLD). According to an independent study by Ateneo de Davao University, the project has generated more than PHP 15.5 billion in investments and contributed PHP 188 million in government tax revenues for the city in 2024 alone.

“For over 10 years now, AIC Water has been continuously committed to our goal of enabling businesses and uplifting communities across the Philippines through sustainable water solutions,” said Cosette V. Canilao, President and CEO of AIC.

The study further highlighted PHP 1.1 billion in gross revenue and substantial contributions to Davao City’s regional GDP. Ramon Aboitiz Tuason, Assistant Vice President for Operations at AIC, noted that the DCBWSP demonstrates the positive role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in delivering sustainable community benefits.

Looking ahead, AIC is preparing to replicate this success in Iloilo with a proposed PHP 5.12 billion bulk water project. The Iloilo City Bulk Water Supply Project aims to provide 86 MLD of potable water through another PPP model.

With a total portfolio of 320 MLD, AIC Water operates the Philippines’ largest bulk water treatment facility in Davao, manages end-to-end water and wastewater services for its Economic Estates, and holds a strategic stake in Balibago Waterworks, the nation’s fourth-largest water concessionaire.

Quick Reference Links

• Aboitiz InfraCapital
• Apo Agua Infrastructura
• Davao City Water District
• Ateneo de Davao University
• Balibago Waterworks

Aboitiz InfraCapital Water Strengthens Davao’s Economy Through Bulk Water Supply Project
H2O Team

The genesis for Planet Water Foundation was the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Planet Water’s founder, Mark Steele, was at that time working for U.S.-based ITT Industries, overseeing the company’s operations in China, and as part of the company’s CSR work, took on the role of leading the company’s response to the devastation caused by the tsunami in Sri Lanka. This had a profound impact and led to Mark’s desire to focus his efforts on addressing issues around access to safe water and, ultimately, founding Planet Water Foundation in 2009. 

From here, Mark designed and created the AquaTower water filtration system, which has since been deployed in over 2,000 communities around the world, particularly in underserved areas. Along with this, subsequent water filtration solutions were designed for rapid response in the wake of natural disasters where access to safe drinking water is of critical, urgent need.

Planet Water’s AquaTower Technology

The AquaTower was developed to be a robust water filtration system which can operate in areas where infrastructure is very basic or lacking entirely. The system is designed to use minimal electricity, utilising a small electric pump. In some cases, a treadle pump brings the water source to the tank, and from there, the system functions by gravity. The AquaTower pulls in water from sources such as ponds and borewells, which are usually quite badly contaminated with faecal bacteria or agricultural waste. 

Over the years, based on the observations made through Planet Water’s project sustainability program and feedback from the communities its supported, they have continually enhanced the design of the system – from incorporating anodized aluminium and marine grade stainless steel to form the system’s key structural elements, to continued enhancements in filtration process and technology, to the addition of handwashing infrastructure with liquid soap dispensers.

Planet Water have also innovated with new solutions, like its AquaBlock Emergency Water Filtration System, which was explicitly designed in the context of disaster response. These turnkey systems are designed to be rapidly deployable in evacuation centres following natural disasters and provide enhanced filtration capabilities to serve larger numbers of people. 

Disaster Response Strategy & Long-Term Water Solutions

To expedite their response process, they have launched the Planet Water Foundation Disaster Response Alliance, a programme that enables companies to pre-fund its disaster response work. Planet Water then provides its program partners with the option to opt in or out of any response they undertake, allowing them to apply funding accordingly. This allows Planet Water to position its AquaTower and AquaBlock systems in logistics hubs around the world, enabling Planet Water to respond quickly in the event of a disaster.

In terms of how they respond, Planet Water tailors its response based on the unique circumstances of each event. Every event presents its own set of challenges. For example, in Asheville, North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene, whilst the water systems were seriously affected, most community members were still able to stay in their homes. As such, Planet Water focused on positioning its AquaBlock systems in locations that were easily accessible to residents who drove by car to fill containers with safe drinking water. These locations were either in centres where non-potable water was being trucked in, or next to creeks, which they would use as source water. By contrast, following the earthquake in Myanmar earlier this year, many residents had lost their homes and had relocated to tented camps. As such, Planet Water focused its deployments on those camps.

With all of Planet Water’s responses, the team plans to provide ongoing support as needed. For example, in Asheville, its AquaBlock systems were in the field for three months, until the municipal water supplies were fully restored and deemed safe to drink. In Myanmar, many of the relocation camps were set up in schools, and so its AquaTowers will have a second life providing safe water to the school once the camps are closed.  

Regional Focus and Expansion

Planet Water’s school-based projects are focused on Asia and Latin America. In its operational countries in these regions, there is still a lot of support needed in terms of expanding access to safe drinking water. As such, Planet Water are not actively looking to expand into new regions due to the high investment costs required to enter a new country. 

Planet Water’s Disaster Response work is global, though. For example, they have supported responses to disasters in Africa (Morocco and Libya), Europe (Ukraine and Turkey), and the USA. Suppose a disaster occurs in a country without team members. In that case, Planet Water has a detailed checklist that they run through to assess feasibility – i.e., can Planet Water find a local deployment partner, ship its water filtration systems into the country, and mobilise quickly, among other factors. 

How Planet Water Hopes to Meet Changing Global Water Challenges

Planet Water are constantly looking at how it can leverage new technologies to enhance the impact it makes. They are currently field testing a new version of their AquaBlock emergency water filtration system and exploring ways to provide beneficiaries in disaster response scenarios with receptacles to collect and store the safe water they collect from the AquaBlock. Planet Water will also be launching an exciting new solution later this year to be added to its Disaster Response offering. Stay tuned for more information on that!

For more information on how to support Planet Water Foundation, please visit https://planet-water.org/ways-to-give.

View full H2O Global News Magazine Issue 15 here.

From Disaster Relief to Lasting Change: The Global Impact of Planet Water’s Filtration Technology
louise davey

Barhale is set to expand its contribution at HS2’s London terminus after receiving approval for further utilities infrastructure works from HS2’s Station Construction Partner, HS2 (Mace Dragados JV). The package builds on Barhale’s earlier phases at Euston and will continue the multi-utility corridor around the southern side of the station before reconnecting to existing networks.

Scope of the new programme

• Fresh water: design and build of approximately 210 metres of 1000 mm (42″) and 360 metres of 250 mm diversions
• Foul water: around 220 metres of 1500 mm sewer diversion
• Gas: about 190 metres of 800 mm (36″) gas main diversion
• Electric & comms: circa 180 metres of new high-voltage and 90 metres of communications cables
• Additional localised facilitating diversions of secondary services

The southern section routes past the existing mainline station and through Euston Square. Works will require careful sequencing at the Euston Road crossing to maintain traffic access while delivering the 1000 mm water diversion.

Experience from previous phases

Barhale will draw on experience from earlier Euston utilities packages—delivered with the principal utility owners (including Thames Water, Cadent and London Underground Limited)—and on its established collaboration with Mace Dragados. The contractor continues enabling activities along Hampstead Road, Cardington Street and at Cumberland Market, alongside the critical Southern Tie-in, as part of HS2’s staged utilities programme at Euston.

Programme timeline

Design is expected to begin before the end of summer 2025, with construction targeted to start in March 2026 and complete in early 2029.

Image credit: HS2 Ltd

Quick Reference Links

• Barhale: utilities works at HS2 Euston (background)
• Barhale: Euston Utilities North team recognition
• HS2: utility works in Euston & approaches
• HS2 notice: Euston Utility North works (Aug 2025, PDF)
• HS2 Media Centre: Mace Dragados at Euston

Barhale extends HS2 Euston role with green light for southern utilities works
H2O Team

We spoke to Dr. Tasrina Choudhury, our cover feature this month, about her remarkable journey in environmental science. Growing up in Bangladesh, where rivers and coastal ecosystems are central to life, she witnessed firsthand how pollution and industrialisation were degrading these vital water systems. This curiosity turned into concern as she learned about invisible threats in water systems and their impacts on ecosystems and human health.

After completing her education in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, she joined the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission as a scientist. Her work is driven by the belief that clean water is a fundamental right, and science can provide the tools to protect it for future generations.

How have your international experiences shaped your research approach?

I have participated in many international trainings and workshops across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, strengthening my expertise in nuclear and isotopic techniques, environmental monitoring, water quality analysis, and laboratory quality assurance. From advanced instrumentation training in France to marine ecosystem workshops in Monaco, isotope hydrology workshop in New Zealand, and capacity-building programs in China, Australia, and Slovenia, my global experiences have shaped my research approach and leadership in water quality technology and environmental science.

What do your studies reveal about contamination in Bangladesh’s coastal waters?

My research explores the growing threats of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in Bangladesh’s coastal and river systems. We have investigated pollution hotspots from shipbreaking yards, industrial zones, and agricultural runoffs using advanced techniques like ICP-MS, ICP-OES, FAAS, GF-AAS, HGAAS, CV-AAS and risk assessment modelling.

Studies on rivers including the Halda, Naf, Karnaphuli, Padma, and Meghna, as well as Sandwip Island, Patenga Coast, and the Bay of Bengal coast, revealed that toxic metals, particularly arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium, often exceed national and international safety limits. These industrial effluents and shipbreaking activities pose significant ecological and human health risks through drinking water and fish consumption.

We also assessed microplastic pollution in coastal sediments, river water, and sea salts, finding widespread contamination in beaches like Kuakata and Karnaphuli, signalling potential long-term health hazards. Our research calls for stricter pollution control, artificial mangrove plantations to trap contaminants, improved wastewater treatment, and public awareness campaigns.

Please tell us about your innovative water purification technologies

My research focuses on developing affordable, high-efficiency water purification technologies to tackle arsenic contamination, one of the most severe drinking water challenges in Bangladesh and beyond. Using locally available waste materials, I’ve developed several innovative adsorbent systems.

Our most successful approach uses Nanostructured Bi-Metallic Biochar made from sugarcane bagasse waste, impregnated with manganese and aluminium. This material achieved nearly 90% removal of arsenic in just over an hour, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 54.95 mg/g, outperforming many conventional adsorbents. The system works through oxidation and complexation via •OH free radicals, making it both efficient and environmentally sustainable.

These materials are easy to produce and scalable, offering practical solutions for household-level water treatment in arsenic-affected regions. Our work combines nanotechnology, waste valorisation, and green chemistry to design next-generation water purification technologies.

What are the most critical water contaminants in developing regions today?

The most critical water contaminants threatening communities in Bangladesh and many developing regions fall into four major categories:

• Heavy Metals: Arsenic remains the most alarming, affecting millions who rely on shallow tube wells. Lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury from industrial sources cause cancer, kidney damage, and developmental disorders.
• Microplastics: Increasingly detected in surface water, sediments, and even sea salts from urban waste and industrial discharges, with unknown long-term health impacts.
• Nutrients & Agricultural Runoff: Excess nitrogen and phosphorus cause eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms and ecosystem collapse.
• Pathogenic Microorganisms: Bacterial contamination from untreated sewage leads to waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.

These contaminants create a complex crisis demanding integrated solutions, including pollution control, wastewater treatment, and affordable purification technologies.

How do you use local materials for sustainable water treatment?

My research turns locally available, inexpensive materials into advanced nanomaterials for sustainable water purification. For instance, we used tamarind pulp extract to synthesise magnesium oxide nanoparticles through an eco-friendly route, showing excellent efficiency for removing chromium and arsenic from contaminated water.

Similarly, we’ve developed sawdust-supported nano zero-valent iron, duckweed-based bioadsorbents, and graphene oxide composites. These materials demonstrate high adsorption capacities, reusability, and cost-effectiveness for household-level treatment in resource-limited regions. By using agricultural and industrial waste materials, our work promotes waste valorisation and directly addresses UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.

What does ISO/IEC 17025 certification mean for water quality testing?

My laboratory is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for heavy metals testing in water, soil, sediment, fish, and food products. This involves creating a robust quality management system, validating analytical methods, maintaining calibrated instruments, and implementing strict quality control measures.

For water quality testing, this certification ensures test results are accurate, reproducible, and traceable to international standards. In practical terms, communities, industries, and environmental agencies can rely on our data to assess contaminants because the results are scientifically defensible and globally comparable, strengthening public health decisions and pollution control measures.

How are you advancing trace metal analysis for developing world applications?

My work focuses on advancing analytical methodologies for detecting trace and toxic metals in water systems using state-of-the-art techniques like AAS, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS with optimised sample preparation protocols.

What makes our approaches particularly suited for developing world applications is that we modify methods to minimise expensive reagents while maintaining accuracy. Our techniques work in settings with limited infrastructure while meeting international quality standards. We also explore field-deployable methods for faster decision-making in remote areas.

Why is open access crucial for environmental science?

Open access publishing removes barriers to information, allowing scientists, policymakers, and communities in developing regions to access the latest findings without subscription costs. Water contamination is a global challenge, and unrestricted access to research enables faster adoption of evidence-based solutions and better-informed public policies.

Open access democratises environmental science, empowering local researchers, students, and NGOs to participate in solving pressing environmental issues. It ensures that critical data on contaminants reaches the people who can use it to protect public health and ecosystems.

What obstacles have you faced as a woman scientist from a developing country?

As a woman scientist from a developing country, I’ve faced challenges including limited research funding, resource-constrained laboratories, and fewer networking opportunities. Balancing motherhood with a demanding research career has been particularly difficult with two young children and limited childcare facilities.

I’ve navigated these challenges through family support, careful planning, and resilience, while leveraging local materials for research and forming collaborations with international organisations like the IAEA, TWAS, World Bank, and UNIDO. By combining innovation, resourcefulness, and strong support networks, I’ve conducted meaningful research that is both globally relevant and locally impactful.

What advice would you give young women aspiring to careers in environmental science?

Pursue your curiosity fearlessly and seek hands-on experience in environmental science. Build a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and environmental engineering, complemented by practical laboratory and fieldwork skills. Networking and mentorship are equally important. Connect with scientists, participate in workshops, and seek collaborations to broaden your perspective.

Don’t be afraid to innovate using local solutions, because impactful research doesn’t always require expensive equipment. Above all, believe that your work can make a difference in communities, influence policy, and create positive change. Persistence, creativity, and collaboration are key to building a successful career in environmental science.

What’s your vision for water technology in developing nations?

My vision is to create affordable, sustainable, and community-centred solutions that can be widely implemented in resource-limited areas through locally sourced purification technologies that are easy to use and scalable.

We need to integrate scientific research with local knowledge, provide training programs, and promote partnerships between governments, NGOs, and international organisations. Open access to research, technology transfer, and supportive policies are key to ensuring that safe, clean water becomes a right rather than a privilege, empowering communities while protecting the environment.

View full H2O Global News Magazine Issue 15 here.

Dr. Tasrina Choudhury’s Journey in Water Quality Technology & Environmental Science
louise davey