2024 Winners

Acciona is the driving force behind some of the world's largest desalination plants, with over 90 delivered projects totaling nearly 7 million m³/d capacity. Consolidating its place in the top echelons, it asserted itself as a world-class supplier of mega projects across the GCC, North Africa, and Australia.

Acciona's colossal 2023 success includes Morocco's 822,000 m³/d Casablanca SWRO at just $0.46/m³, plus Qatar's Ras Laffan and Australia's Alkimos projects. It convincingly demonstrated delivery capabilities, bringing three Saudi mega plants and Hong Kong's TKO to production—1.6 million m³/d capacity sufficient for GWI's all-time top 20 supplier ranking.

Saline Water Conversion Corporation is Saudi Arabia's state-owned desalination company, responsible for the world's largest portfolio of fully owned plants—over 30 totaling 7.5 million m³/d. In 2023, SWCC wielded its position to promote best technology use while expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia's water sector.

SWCC boldly pivoted into brackish water desalination, delivering eight plants with National Water Company to improve Eastern province coverage. It demonstrated dedication to innovation by launching the Saudi Water Innovation Centre and creating the Global Prize for Innovation Desalination, encouraging development of new ideas for the sector's future.

Grundfos, the world's largest pump manufacturer with growing digital and water treatment portfolio, underwent its biggest organisational change in 75 years. In 2023, it relentlessly transformed customer operations with a packed R&D pipeline including remote chemical dosing systems and high-recovery RO technology.

Grundfos' Smart Filtration Suite optimises membrane systems across Europe, Middle East and India, with five Indian systems saving 45,000m³ annually. Its Metasphere acquisition advanced wastewater collection innovation, while Demand Driven Distribution controllers achieved 35% fewer pipe breaks and 25% less energy. Few companies match its commitment to decarbonising customers through energy-saving products.

Siemens, a German automation and digitalisation giant, was at the sharp edge of water's digital future in 2023. It acquired leak detection firm BuntPlanet to boost AI prowess for non-revenue water reduction, unlocking ever more possibilities for clients' digital journeys.

Siemens brought digital acumen to the world's most innovative projects, including Severn Trent's carbon neutral plant using 60,000 data points and Northumbrian Water's network management. Its AI-based technologies achieve 90% accuracy detecting sewer blockages and reduce non-revenue water by 50%, while the Xcelerator ecosystem supports utilities' digital transformation.

Aqua Membranes, a US-based producer of 3D-printed spacers for reverse osmosis membranes, demonstrated how its technology positively impacts RO performance in 2023. Installing at ten sites with favourable real-world data, it increased manufacturing capacity 10x while securing investment from Kurita and Micron Technologies.

Side-by-side testing at Micron's Idaho fab showed 18% energy savings and 4x reduced fouling versus conventional spacers. The larger membrane area increases water output by 40% in the same footprint. Success paved the way for critical 2024 pilots including seawater handling with SWCC, making RO more accessible and sustainable.

Purecontrol, a French automation specialist offering AI-driven water and energy management solutions, surged into the mainstream in 2023. Securing deployments at 500 wastewater treatment plants with Veolia, it raised €7 million and expanded beyond wastewater to cover the full water cycle.

Purecontrol's solution dynamically adjusts using real-time data, enabling implementation in months without long data collection periods. Targeting energy efficiency, its aeration optimisation saves up to 20% operating costs. The company's AI became a key tool against greenhouse gas emissions, with Rennes Métropole reducing electricity consumption nearly 20% and saving nearly 20 tonnes of CO2.

Saudi Water Partnership Company is the organization responsible for tendering and coordinating privately financed water infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, it created extraordinary value by redefining private finance's role in public water infrastructure through clever structuring, absolute transparency, and intense competition.

SWPC ended the year with eight projects in production, nine in construction, 12 in procurement, and 26 in planning—unmatched procurement activity delivered with incredible innovation. It successfully adapted private finance models to water transmission, storage, and wastewater treatment packages, setting the global benchmark for infrastructure procurement with robust structures, developer trust, and rock-bottom prices.

New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the largest combined water and wastewater utility in the United States, delivers one billion gallons of drinking water and treats 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily for 9 million customers. In 2023, it delivered optimized services while ensuring climate resilience.

NYC DEP reduced water main breaks by 12.2% and launched the Environmental Tech Lab for operational innovation. It created the Bureau of Coastal Protection—becoming the only US utility covering drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and coastal flooding—planning $20 billion investment over two decades. Its biogas-to-grid initiative at Newtown Creek produces renewable energy while improving air quality.

Jubail 3A IWP is a 600,000 m³/d seawater reverse osmosis plant on Saudi Arabia's east coast, supplying three million people under a build-own-operate model. Developed by ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation, and Al Bawani for SWPC, it achieved record-breaking efficiency at just 2.79kWh/m³ and $0.41/m³.

Despite COVID-19 challenges including supply chain disruption and flight bans, the project delivered on time in 27 months. Peak modern design incorporates a 45.5 megawatt solar facility supplying 20% of power, significantly lowering the carbon footprint and saving 60,000 tonnes of CO2 annually—demonstrating sustainability-focused desalination at scale

Jurong Island Desalination Plant is a 137,000 m³/d seawater reverse osmosis facility located on Singapore's Jurong Island, supplying PUB under a design-build-own-operate model. Delivered by Tuas Power and ST Engineering with IDE Technologies, it began full commercial operations in March 2023.

The plant runs synergistically with the existing Tembusu power plant, using shared infrastructure to reduce capex and warm condenser water to cut energy consumption by 3-5%. Extensive automation allows two-person operation, while pre-engineered modular design accelerated delivery. The resilient design effectively handles high suspended solids, organics, algae events, and significant tidal variations.

Poblacion WTP is a 150,000m³/d drinking water treatment plant drawing from Laguna Lake, serving around 6 million people in Manila. The $200 million project by Acciona and D.M. Consulting for Maynilad uses dissolved air flotation, cloth filters, biological aerated filtration and UF/RO membrane treatment.

The plant's adaptable approach handles Laguna Lake's rapidly shifting water quality—algal blooms, turbidity and ammonia peaks—ensuring constant supply from unreliable sources. A 50,000m³/d reverse osmosis backup protects against seawater intrusion during low lake levels. Flawless execution overcame COVID and inflation challenges, while deep piling and site raising solved flooding concerns near the lake.

San Fernando Groundwater Treatment Program is a $480 million project recovering 75 million US gallons daily (284,000m³/d) of contaminated water from San Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin to support Los Angeles' water supply. Delivered by Kiewit and Stantec for LADWP, it deploys activated carbon and UV advanced oxidation to tackle industrial contaminants.

By removing contaminants dating to the 1940s where 70% of wells were unusable, the project protects health while creating a critical local water source. It dramatically reduces Los Angeles' reliance on imported water—previously just 10% was sourced locally—enhancing self-sufficiency during California's regular droughts. Delivered effectively despite COVID complications requiring efficient plant layout redesign.

Changi WRP Expansion is a 200,000m³/d (peak 300,000m³/d) expansion adding a fifth treatment train and wet weather treatment facility to one of the world's largest water recycling facilities. Delivered by PUB with HSL Constructor leading construction, it treats wastewater for NEWater processing, forming one of Singapore's four National Taps.

Using one of the world's largest MBR systems instead of traditional activated sludge provides purer feedwater, increasing RO membrane lifespan and reducing fouling. Overdesigned capacity handles 300,000m³/d peaks plus 200,000m³/d storm discharge. Innovative underground siting with process tanks below and infrastructure above met height restrictions while leaving rooftop space for future NEWater facilities.

Umm Al Hayman WWTP is a 500,000m³/d privately owned plant treating wastewater from southern Kuwait, serving 1.7 million people. Delivered on a 25-year build-operate-transfer basis by WTE Wassertechnik for Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works, it includes 450km wastewater/TSE network, pumping stations, reservoirs, and biogas production.

As a breakthrough project combining collection, treatment, TSE distribution and sludge management, it offers a "one-stop-shop" solution transforming Kuwait's sanitation ambitions. It solves perennial raw sewage overflows into the Gulf. Around 120,000 wet tonnes of sludge processed daily creates valuable composting material, while biogas generation powers a significant portion of the plant's requirements.

Slaughterhouse Wastewater Treatment addresses the monumental seasonal challenge of treating 20,000m³ of stored wastewater from two million animals sacrificed during Hajj in Mecca. Delivered by GI Aqua Tech with MWAN supervision for KIDANA, its 2023 success initiated three additional 1,000m³/d sites in 2024.

Efficiency drove the project, with proprietary nanotechnology avoiding membranes or biological treatment. Each compact 50m² unit operates at 0.25kWh/m³. No waste reached landfill—all treated water reclaims for irrigation supporting local agriculture. This novel solution to a unique challenge embodies Kingdom Vision 2030's circular ambitions.

NMDC ZLD Plant is a 4,320m³/d centralised zero liquid discharge facility commissioned in March 2023 for National Mineral Development Corporation's steel plant in Nagarnar, India. VA Tech Wabag designed and delivered the plant, operating until 2028, treating wastewater from fifteen sources including five high-TDS streams with complex contaminants.

The multi-stage treatment enables 90% water reuse as makeup cooling water through versatile membrane and MEE treatment. Multi-effect evaporation crystallises salt using corrosion-resistant titanium tubes. As the largest centralised ZLD facility in Indian steel industry, it enables compliant operation of the 3 million tonne annual production site, providing a blueprint for reducing freshwater dependence.

ADSWS Recycling Transformation is a strategic programme that transformed wastewater treatment and reuse in Abu Dhabi, achieving its 80% recycled water utilisation goal in 2023. Delivered by Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company with the Department of Environment, it produces 909,000m³/d for agriculture, district cooling and industry.

The circular water economy preserves rapidly depleting freshwater and reduces burden on energy-hungry desalination in one of the world's most arid regions. Biogas uptake generated 200MW extra power, with 10% of plant energy now internally produced. Project Scan network monitoring identified issues causing a 40% salinity reduction in recycled water, protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainability.

Santa Monica Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project is a state-of-the-art stormwater harvesting and water recycling facility using MBR, cartridge filters and RO to produce around 5,700m³/d for non-potable and indirect potable use through aquifer recharge—California's first to inject treated stormwater directly into groundwater.

The $96 million plant by Kiewit, Perc Water and Arcadis simultaneously processes raw wastewater and stormwater, providing flexible response to unpredictable weather. Located under city hall's car park, it represents 10% of Santa Monica's supply, reducing imported water reliance. Redirecting rainwater from the ocean dramatically improves Santa Monica Bay water quality in this crucial tourist region.

Intel Water Conservation and Restoration is the semiconductor industry's most ambitious water stewardship programme, targeting net water positivity by 2030 through conserving 60 billion gallons (227 million m³) and funding restoration projects. In 2023, Intel conserved nearly 1.4 billion gallons through onsite treatment and over 600 million through Arizona's Ocotillo partnership.

Intel collaborated with SCREEN to modify Oregon fab tool design, expecting to conserve 5 billion gallons by 2030. Its Arizona campus achieved first US semiconductor Alliance for Water Stewardship Platinum certification, treating 4 billion gallons from 2021-2023 with high-quality permeate improving Chandler's irrigation. Funding restoration projects in Costa Rica and Vietnam will restore 93.5 million and 17.2 million gallons annually respectively.

Danone Aguascalientes Programme tackles the 280 million m³ annual deficit in the aquifer serving Aguascalientes, Mexico, where agriculture accounts for 70% of extraction. The programme's first step, culminating last year, enabled smallholders to build resilience and transform irrigation into more efficient methods.

Danone partnered with Veolia through the Livelihoods L3F fund, joining forces with Kaab consultants and Mexican authorities SEDRAE and FIRA. The six-year programme revolutionized smallholder irrigation from flooding (50% evaporation) to drip systems halving consumption. In 2023, working with 293 farmers across 1,243 hectares saved 6.6 million m³—achieving 46% water reduction and 30% energy cost savings.

Dubai Hydro Insight is DEWA's fully automated monitoring system for over 1 million smart meters, improving visibility on anomalies, unaccounted-for water, outages and high usage. The in-house development—a world first for water utilities—reduced implementation time by two years, saving nearly $6 million compared to external vendors.

Meter anomaly detection decreased from 30 days to one hour, conserving 214 million gallons since 2017. Speedy replacement of 40,000 faulty meters within warranty generated additional savings. DEWA's customer-centric proactive leak identification service conserved 11 billion gallons since 2018, retaining $165.5 million in value while reducing exemplary unaccounted-for water from 6% to 4.6%.

Lahaina Emergency Sewer Assessments followed the August 2023 Hawaii wildfires that devastated Maui, destroying 2,200 buildings in Lahaina. Jacobs provided its AI-powered Dragonfly system—developed with Hitachi—for sewer condition assessment, working with EPA, County of Maui and Federal Emergency Management Agency to support recovery efforts.

Rapid comprehensive assessments identified critical infiltration defects affecting the wastewater treatment plant and limiting service restoration. Dragonfly's analysis provided projected time savings of 1,600 hours, helping strategically plan rehabilitation while identifying areas safe for residents' return. The project illustrates how digital technologies enhance emergency response and ensure utility resiliency worldwide.

Xylem is a NYSE-listed global water technology company addressing water challenges through innovative solutions and advocacy. Leveraging its industry-leading position, it elevated water to the forefront of global climate conversations, engaging policymakers, utilities and supply chains to demonstrate the sector's ambition.

Two years ahead of schedule, Xylem enabled customers to cut 2.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent while slashing its own scope 1 and 2 emissions by 21% year-on-year. It spearheaded global decarbonisation conversations, leading Net Zero for Water at COP28 and working with European regulators. Xylem pioneered green finance products linking credit facility interest rates to ESG performance and launched a revolving loan fund with Isle Utilities supporting utility pilots of decarbonisation technologies.

Scottish Water is a state-owned UK utility providing drinking water and wastewater services to 5.6 million Scottish customers. Using a multifaceted decarbonisation approach, it's on track to surpass its halfway target toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, planning to go beyond net zero.

With over 100 renewable energy projects harnessing solar and hydropower, many plants achieved energy self-sufficiency, while advanced digital controls saved 21GWh in 2023. Scottish Water prioritized low-carbon construction methods and extensive supply chain collaboration. It launched the UK's first wastewater hydropower projects, infrared emissions detection technology, and pioneered Europe's first hydro-energy generation project, setting industry benchmarks for decarbonisation innovation.

Serving over customers people across Brazil, Sanepar won the SDG 6 Champions Award, for their efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of drinking water and sanitation for all.

The 300 Water Leaders initiative aims to accelerate the success of SDG6, pledging 300 utilities to ensure that 300 million additional people have access to water and sanitation services by 2030.The 300 Group is a Global Water Leaders Group Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to create a better story for water worldwide.

Serving 27,000,000 people across Brazil, Sabesp showed outstanding innovation in wastewater treatment & environmental impact, stakeholder engagement, & network operations

Leading Utilities of the World is a network of the world's most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities, as defined by the network's 14 distinct innovation areas. Its members represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world's water sector.

Serving 30,000,000+ people across Shenzhen in China, SZWE received their award as one of the most technologically advanced utilities in the world.

Leading Utilities of the World is a network of the world's most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities, as defined by the network's 14 distinct innovation areas. Its members represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world's water sector.

Serving over 1,198,000 people across the Eastern Czech Republic, they demonstrated excellence in network operations, energy efficiency, and wastewater treatment & environmental impact.

Leading Utilities of the World is a network of the world's most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities, as defined by the network's 14 distinct innovation areas. Its members represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world's water sector.