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29 July 2025

Irrigation and water management equipment

Confronted with climate challenges and increasing pressure on water resources, collective irrigation networks must be reliable, sustainable and well equipped. Raw water, taken directly from the natural environment, flows through infrastructures that often cover large areas and are exposed to significant stresses. This is why it is essential to work with robust, accurate technical equipment that is suited to real-world conditions. The Claire Group, with its specialist brands SL-Irrigation and ADG, designs end-to-end solutions to safeguard the distribution, metering and monitoring of raw water in all environments.

The distribution of raw water for irrigation

What is raw water?

Raw water is natural, untreated water. It comes directly from rivers, lakes or groundwater. This water is used for irrigation, industrial cooling or to supply certain networks that are not intended for human consumption. It may contain particles, sediments or microorganisms. In France, approximately 3.4 billion cubic metres of raw water were extracted in 2020 for agriculture and irrigation.

Efficiently distributing raw water to the plot

In many areas, irrigation is a crucial tool. Agricultural land must be irrigated regularly and selectively, using raw water extracted from the natural environment. To distribute water to the plot efficiently and without waste, it is essential to have reliable equipment that can adapt to widely varying conditions.

The Claire Group offers complete and complementary solutions to respond to these challenges. Under its SL-Irrigation brand, it designs solutions for collective irrigation, whereas the ADG brand covers individual irrigation requirements. These solutions are developed to address the specific requirements of rural development companies, authorised water trade union associations (ASA) and network operators. Each of these stakeholders plays a central role in the smooth operation of irrigation networks, whether public or private.

Système d'irrigation

Irrigation hydrants

At the core of these installations, Claire Group's irrigation hydrants connect the main network to end users. Their modular design allows up to four customers to be connected to the same access point, while still keeping water distribution under control. In particular, the A4 and B2 models offer an excellent compromise between versatility and technical prowess. These hydrants fulfil several essential functions: distribution, accurate metering of volumes consumed, downstream pressure regulation, and flow limitation. This localised control mechanism means that the specific needs of each site can be catered for, while balancing out resources across the entire network.

Borne A4

These hydrants are manufactured in France and certified Origine France Garantie, which reflects their outstanding level of quality and traceability. They are designed to last, even in harsh environments. Their design incorporates a counterflow regulation system, which permits rapid local interventions without having to drain the entire network. A valuable time-saver for technical teams. Operating is also made easier thanks to a large handwheel, and maintenance is optimised thanks to the standardisation of parts across different models. They are available in several pipe sizes (DN) and in a frost-resistant version, making them suitable for a wide variety of regional configurations.

By choosing this type of equipment, you can be sure of getting reliable, long-lasting, and accurate distribution of raw water, while making sure the service stays up and running over time. It is also an effective means of boosting the sustainability of the irrigation network by equipping it with technical solutions that have a proven track record in the real world.

Metering raw water for irrigation

Once the water has been distributed to the plot, it is still necessary to measure the exact amount. Water resource metering is a crucial part of keeping an irrigation network running smoothly, for economic, regulatory, and environmental reasons. It provides rigorous monitoring of consumption, ensures fair billing and makes each user accountable for their actual consumption.

However, the role of metering can extend beyond the simple measuring function. A difference in consumption can also signal the presence of a leak or malfunction, prompting rapid intervention before the situation gets worse. The risks can be wide-ranging, such as overconsumption and wastage, reduced pressure and watering efficiency, damage to installations, etc. Therefore, accurate metering is an essential tool to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that network performance is maintained.

Meters designed for raw water

In irrigation networks, there are some unique challenges when it comes to metering raw water. The water, which is taken directly from the natural environment, is not filtered or treated. It may contain particles, suspended matter, and flow under widely varying pressures. In this challenging environment, only specially designed equipment can guarantee reliable measurements over time.

Through its SL-Irrigation brand, the Claire Group has developed meters that are perfectly suited to these conditions. The Irrimag is one such model, designed to combine robustness, precision and durability. This meter incorporates an upstream pre-filter to protect sensitive components from impurities, as well as a patented self-cleaning system on the turbine. Result: consistent performance over time and minimal maintenance.

Compteur irrimag

The Irrimag is reliable and certified Origine France Garantie, and meets the highest standards. It has also been designed for easy installation and maintenance, even in challenging environments. It comes pre-equipped for communications, enabling remote meter reading and monitoring via an app or supervision platform. A major advantage for reducing on-site visits and optimising the monitoring of consumption and alarms.

Regulation and limitation

In addition to metering, equipment can be used to refine how water is managed on individual plots. Flow limiters make sure that water is distributed evenly among users and prevent excessive use. As for pressure stabilisers, they absorb variations and ensure that installations remain stable, even in irregular conditions.

Investing in a reliable metering system, backed up by effective regulation tools, is the key to achieving more accurate, fairer and more sustainable management of raw water. An approach that directly contributes to the sustainability of the irrigation network, while protecting an increasingly precious resource.

Stabilisateur de pression

Smart networks for irrigation

Distributing raw water over large areas is a complex operation. When networks cover hundreds or thousands of hectares, manual control rapidly becomes infeasible. This is where monitoring systems come into their own. They can be used to monitor distribution, track remote metering and detect anomalies. This is the principle behind smart water networks.

The advantages of smart irrigation networks

The Claire Group offers connected solutions to monitor and control these large-scale water networks. One of the foundations of this approach is the use of connected devices that can transmit useful data on consumption. This information is centralised on dedicated web platforms, such as Temetra, which is already used for applications other than irrigation.

By centralising data, efficiency is improved at all levels.

Plateforme Temetra

If there is a leak, alerts are sent straight away to the network managers. This means that action can be taken swiftly and in the right place.

Billing is also simplified, with consumption data automatically integrated, thereby reducing errors and delays.

Lastly, all information is hosted on secure servers that comply with the ISO 27001 standard. Confidentiality and reliability are guaranteed.

Gestion réseau irrigation 2

Data collected by radio or remote meter reading in "drive-by" and "walk-by" mode, i.e. from a vehicle or on foot, is then uploaded to the platform.

It can be viewed at any time through a web portal dedicated to customers so they can monitor their consumption. E-mail alerts can be set up to send notifications when predefined thresholds are reached.

DATA ANALYSIS, a billing database audit service, also provides support with analysis and interpretation, helping you to reduce water losses more effectively.

Utilisation plateforme Temetra

WAYVE connected valve for non-agricultural irrigation

Smart irrigation systems are not just for rural areas. They also play an essential role in urban areas. Raw water is essential to preserve vegetation in parks, on sports fields and in public gardens. To address these requirements, the Claire Group has developed the WAYVE connected valve. It allows the watering system to be controlled remotely: programmable time slots, automatic opening and closing, all without requiring anyone to be on site.

Jardin public et irrigation

These smart networks provide many advantages. Anomalies are detected more quickly, meaning that action can be taken speedily to prevent losses. The collected data can be cross-referenced with analysis tools to anticipate malfunctions. This means that actions can be planned before a failure occurs. Furthermore, automation offers real time savings. Staff can operate a valve remotely, without having to travel to the site. This control system is ideal for large networks or sensitive sites, in cities and elsewhere.

Vanne WAYVE

By combining real-time monitoring, automation and remote control, water networks are ushering in a new era of management. These solutions not only optimise water distribution and enable anomalies to be detected quickly, they also enable consumption to be more effectively controlled and strengthen the resilience of infrastructures. According to the European Irrigation Association, modern supervision systems can reduce water consumption by 30 to 60% while at the same time improving irrigation quality. Local authorities such as Toulouse and Bordeaux have already adopted these solutions, making some serious savings on running costs without any negative impact on the condition of their green spaces.

Vanne Wayve voie publique

The ultimate target is straightforward: to ensure that every drop is used more efficiently, in pursuit of sustainable, efficient, and responsible regions. The Claire Group is wholeheartedly committed to this approach, supplying reliable, robust and smart equipment that is essential to accurately distribute raw water, meter it and maintain service continuity, thereby contributing to the sustainability of irrigation networks, both today and for the future. This is a strong commitment to rational and innovative water management that responds to the expectations of operators and the environmental demands of our time.