The European water industry is bracing for a significant transformation due to today’s European Union approval of its revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). 

The revised directive sets a new course for wastewater management, emphasising resource efficiency and environmental protection.

The UWWTD's impact will influence everything from treatment processes and infrastructure design to the core technologies driving these essential systems. Within this evolving landscape, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are emerging as a key enabler of the directive's ambitious goals.

"The UWWTD is a clarion call for innovation in water management," said an Invertek Drives spokesperson. "VFDs offer the precise control and optimisation needed to meet the directive's stringent demands while maximising efficiency and minimising environmental impact."

VFDs, such as Invertek’s Optidrive range, allow for the seamless integration of smart technologies into water and wastewater systems. By precisely matching motor speeds to demand, VFDs optimise pumping operations, reduce energy consumption, and minimise wear and tear on critical equipment. This translates to lower operating costs, extended equipment lifespans, and a reduced carbon footprint.

Beyond pumping, VFDs play a vital role in optimising various treatment processes. From aeration and filtration to chemical dosing, they ensure that each stage operates at peak performance, maximising resource utilisation and minimising waste.

Intelligent adaptive wastewater systems

"The future of water management lies in intelligent, adaptive systems," added the spokesperson. "VFDs provide the data and control capabilities needed to create smart water networks that can respond dynamically to changing conditions and optimise performance in real-time.

“The UWWTD marks a turning point in Europe's approach to wastewater management, with significant investment now needed throughout Europe to meet the regulations. This directive signals a clear commitment to a more responsible and efficient water future, and with VFDs playing a central role, the industry is well-equipped to navigate the path ahead.”

You can find out more about how our Optidrive VFDs are used in water and wastewater applications here: https://www.invertekdrives.com/vfd-industries/water-and-wastewater 

For media information, contact:
Owain Betts, PR and Communications Manager
t: +44 (0)1938 558 253
m: +44 (0)7483 072 739
e: Owain.Betts@shi-g.com