The theme of World Water Day 2025 is “Glacier Preservation” and focuses on the importance of these huge water reservoirs for our planet. Glaciers contain around 70% of the world’s freshwater and are crucial for regulating the water balance of numerous river systems. However, climate change is accelerating their melting, which is having a global impact on the water balance.
Our role in resource-conserving management of the entire water cycle
As a leading company in the field of water and wastewater technology, STEBATEC is helping to mitigate the effects of glacier retreat. Our innovative solutions in drinking water and wastewater treatment ensure the efficient use and sustainable management of this precious resource.
Projects and solutions:
Water supply: By implementing state-of-the-art automation and remote control technology, we optimize the efficiency and safety of drinking water supplies. One example is the equipment of Wasserverbund Region Bern AG with over 40 valve actuators manufactured by us, which enable precise control and monitoring.
Another prime example of smart water management is the Wengen waterworks cooperative. It is embedded in the steep slopes between the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The automation implemented by STEBATEC ensures that the drinking water supply conserves resources. Excess water is fed into the valley and generates electricity through a turbine. The process control system controls all processes fully automatically and optimizes the use of water resources so that every drop of water is used efficiently.
Wastewater treatment: Our solutions in process automation and measurement technology improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment. By introducing advanced systems, wastewater treatment plant operators can reduce energy consumption and improve water quality. One example is the Radet wastewater treatment plant in Valais, which treats wastewater from twelve municipalities. In order to achieve a fair distribution of costs, precise flow measurement systems have been installed to record the proportion of extraneous water and thus ensure fair billing. Billing according to source encourages savings and reduces the consumption of water at the source, i.e. directly at the consumer.
Another solution is the integral control of sewer networks and wastewater treatment plants (INKA). This project, initiated by STEBATEC and funded by the Federal Office for the Environment, aims to minimize water pollution in rainy weather. Through intelligent control, excess wastewater is retained in the sewer network and the utilization of the wastewater treatment plants is optimized, which leads to improved water protection, as is already being implemented in the Braunau wastewater treatment plant, for example.
Facts that show that every drop counts and affects us all:
Glacier retreat: Swiss glaciers have lost around 60% of their volume since 1850. They could disappear almost completely by 2100.
Less water in summer: Due to the decline in snowmelt and glacier rivers, less water will be available in summer, which will affect agriculture and hydropower production.
Wastewater pollution due to heavy rainfall: More frequent heavy rainfall events put a strain on wastewater treatment plants and lead to untreated discharges into water bodies.
Drought and drought: Forecasts show that in many regions there will be less precipitation in the future, while evaporation will increase, which will exacerbate water shortages.
Through our ongoing efforts in the development and implementation of sustainable water and wastewater technologies, STEBATEC is making an important contribution to overcoming these challenges associated with glacier retreat and its causes. We are proud to play our part in protecting this vital resource and ensuring water supplies for future generations.
You can also read our article on the visit to the Liechtensteiner Unterland water supply (WLU), which was recently published in the trade journal AQUA & GAS
