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One Water makes a splash

WATER conservation technology developed in Australia is set to make a splash during the NSW Innovation Showcase in the US, where many states are facing severe water shortages.

One Water Naturally developed the WiWo to manage water when more than one source is used, such as a rainwater tank with a back-up mains water supply. The WiWo (“water in, water out”) switching device was developed to handle much higher water pressures and flows than standard water switching devices.

The WiWo also has a special communications port so users can plug-in other devices such as a wireless pump control, irrigation system management or self- purging filter systems.

“We’re using a industrial PLC technology which we started developing with Omron, and are applying this to a consumer level device,” Jamie Dixon, One Water’s business and product development manager, told PACE. “Typical devices such as these are not scalable. By using a PLC, we have been able to give platform scalability to the device.”

One Water Naturally marketing manager Gary Rollans said the company is eager to show the WiWo to potential distributors, investors, and trade buyers at the NSW Innovation Showcase during G’day USA: Australia Week. “After decades of droughts and water restrictions, Australia has developed some of the leading water conservation technology in the world,” Rollans said.

One Water Naturally has been installing rainwater tanks for 15 years. While these could be easily connected to toilets and laundries in the home, Rollans said standard water-switching devices could not cope with the higher volumes needed in schools, clubs, pubs, public parks, golf courses and air condi tioning cooling towers.

“In a school, all the kids come out for a break at the same time, so you need to be able to fill six toilets at once. The WiWo can do the job and deliver 120 litres a minute, compared to the usual 50 or 60 litres a minute,” Rollans said.

The WiWo’s industrial microprocessor can be programmed. For example, if the water in the rain water tank falls below a certain level, the system can be configured to reserve the remaining water for toilets, reducing the amount used to water the garden. The system can also be expanded for addi tional capability.

“We’re working on a multiple tank sensor as well as an in-office monitor which allows users to monitor and manage multiple water sources from inside a building,” added Dixon.

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