The main issues regarding sustainability in the water sector are:

• limiting subsidence resulting from groundwater collection;
• efficiency of the water grid and potability treatment plants;
• reintroduction of water into the environment (sea and rivers) following process downstream from collection by sewerage systems and required treatment.

As regards subsidence, Hera works toward reducing groundwater collection by using plants fed by surface water as frequently as possible, although this entails higher potability treatment costs or greater procurement costs (as for supplies provided by Romagna Acque).
With regard to the distribution grid, the group monitors and maintains the water system for enhanced efficiency and higher service quality. Grid monitoring is, for the main components, conducted by means of a round-the-clock remote monitoring system for alarm signals (pressure and flow rate changes). This enables timely action to limit grid losses.
To limit the environmental impact of wastewater, the sewer system in coastal areas is equipped with mechanisms regulating discharge into the sea in the event of heavy rainfall. Tanks are also being built to collect runoff water to be transferred to treatment plants. The main treatment plants are equipped with odour treatment systems using bio filters and are staffed round the clock. Daily inspections are foreseen for the other plants, or visits 2-3 times per week (according to size). Wastewater, too, is constantly and carefully controlled before reintroduction into the environment on the basis of a control plan specifying number, frequency and type of analysis.

Page updated 22 August 2011