Efforts to achieve a more sustainable use of water supplies
WILLEMSTAD - Aqualectra and Aqualectra Multi-Utility (AMU) have decided to add a new dimension to the existing possibilities in the field of water production and distribution in Curaçao. AMU has assumed responsibility for the operational activities regarding the 'Second Grade Water' installation and in the meantime the Van der Valk Kontiki Beach Resort Curaçao has concluded an agreement with AMU to purchase this water from the company. With this, AMU and Van der Valk Kontiki Beach Resort Curaçao are taking an important step in line with the efforts of both parties to make a substantial contribution to more sustainable use of the limited water resources in Curaçao, in a way that is beneficial to both parties. Curaçao is widely known for its high-quality water that people can enjoy straight from the tap. However, at the moment the same water is also used for purposes that do not necessarily require high quality water, namely water for secondary use such as for swimming pool water, flushing water for the toilet, water for washing cars and for maintenance of green areas of homes, commercial buildings or hotels. In view of the demand for water for secondary use, AMU will produce and distribute 'Second Grade Water' to commercial customers and to public spaces in the vicinity of Bapor Kibra and the public beach at Mari Pampoen.
AMU's aim is to distribute 'Second Grade Water' to customers in the Bapor Kibra area, including the public beach at Mari Pampoen ('Pier') and the public boulevard that is currently under construction on behalf of the Curaçao government to ultimately help reduce the utility costs of the various facilities in this area.
In order to realize this, Aqualectra, completely separated from the current network intended for regular drinking water, is building a network intended for the distribution of 'Second Grade Water' in the vicinity of Bapor Kibra and the public beach of Mari Pampoen. In this way, the quality of the drinking water distributed by Aqualectra is always guaranteed. The first phase of this project, in which 'Second Grade Water' will be distributed, will be completed around the end of 2022 and early 2023.
Drinking water is one of the most basic human needs. Aqualectra has been supplying clean, reliable water for at least 93 years, produced by distillation of seawater, most recently mainly via the 'Reverse Osmosis' system. The water that Aqualectra supplies to customers and stakeholders all over Curaçao is known worldwide for its high quality. Unfortunately, this same high quality water is also used for secondary purposes for which water of less high quality can also be used. The water use of hotels is a good example of this. At least 85% of the water used by hotels is for secondary use such as water for swimming pools, building maintenance, landscaping, flushing water for the toilet, washing cars and for other uses where pure high quality water is not needed. 'Second Grade Water' is more than suitable for this. AMU therefore enters into partnerships with customers in the commercial, tourism and public areas to coordinate and manage Second Grade Water projects and initiatives. The production of Second Grade Water requires less activity, fewer chemicals and less manpower, which all together results in lower production costs. In essence, it is therefore cheaper and more sustainable for those who will use this water for secondary purposes.
Aqualectra and AMU work together on sustainable developments
Aqualectra and AMU are both subsidiaries of Integrated Utility Holding. Aqualectra is responsible for the production and distribution of water and electricity and the delivery of related services. AMU in turn focuses on providing services that are of added value for companies (Business to Business). Examples of AMU projects include photovoltaic ('PV') systems for various companies, energy and water audits, fiber optic infrastructures and much more.
The utility sector has a major impact on the local population. Market developments have also led to an enormous growth in green and sustainable developments. Aqualectra and AMU invariably work, partly through this project, on sustainable developments that have a positive impact on the experience of its customers and the well-being of our community.