Global Water Intelligence (GWI) today awarded Auckland Council’s Safeswim programme a coveted Global Water Award.
In winning the Smart Water Project of the Year, the judges praised the programmes smart analytics in understanding the city’s complex wastewater network, stormwater drainage systems and the natural environment to forecast water quality across the city’s beaches.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said he was pleased but not surprised that Safeswim had won the Smart Water Project of the Year Award.
“Auckland Council’s Safeswim is an innovative, world-class programme that has led the way on how to monitor water quality and keep the public informed,” he said.
“It’s an example of smart investment that helps Aucklanders stay safe in the water by enabling them to make informed decisions about where and when to swim.
“I’m pleased to see Safeswim win this award—it’s evidence of the forward-thinking approach Auckland Council is taking to the environment as part of building a world-class city.”
Auckland Council partnered with engineering, management and development consultancy Mott MacDonald to develop the programme.
Mott MacDonald Project Director Steve Couper says, “Safeswim is a great example of how engineering expertise and digital technology can combine to achieve improved environmental and social outcomes.”
Launched in the summer of 2017, Safeswim provides residents with transparent and accurate real time information on the quality of water at the city’s main beaches.
Safeswim Programme Manager at Auckland Council Nick Vigar says, “Safeswim is a great tool and an example of effective collaboration and innovation to produce a world-class product.”
The Global Water Awards recognise the most important achievements in the international water industry within several categories, and reward those initiatives in the water, wastewater and desalination sectors that are moving the industry forward through improved operating performance, innovative technology adoption and sustainable financial models.
