Reducing water consumption in administrative entities in Côte d’Ivoire

Local context

As part of the FASEP Green Innovation scheme (a fund for studies and assistance to the private sector), the Claire Group implemented a structured approach aimed at improving the performance of the water networks within the administrative regions of Côte d’Ivoire.

The pilot project, which is taking place at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, is already yielding tangible and promising results.

In Côte d’Ivoire, public institutions account for nearly 20% of national water consumption. The networks serving them perform poorly, resulting in:

significant financial losses for the State

a growing scarcity of water resources

In response to these challenges, the Claire Group delivered a comprehensive approach combining equipment, support and training to:

monitor consumption

detect leaks using acoustic technologies

control and optimise usage

The project’s research phase began in April 2024.

A project structure divided into six phases

1. Preliminary study

Carried out by Phoenix Environnement and Seureca, this phase involved collecting and analysing data, validating the sectorisation, assessing the network’s performance, and determining the locations to install the equipment.

2. Installation of the equipment

A programme of works was undertaken to install solutions designed for:

network sectorisation (BLUE loggers);

leak detection (SENSE systems);

control of consumption (WAYVE valves).

3. Training for the teams

The teams received technical training at the Claire Group’s training centre in Sainte-Lizaigne. This system was complemented by access to the WATURA platform, which offers dedicated tutorials on the installed equipment, thereby ensuring that the skills acquired are retained. The ONEP teams and their partners can now manage and operate the solutions independently.

4. Data analysis

Analysis of hydraulic data (flow rate, pressure) and detection patrols were used to identify sensitive areas of the network and pinpoint leaks.

5. Repair of the leaks

The repair work covered both the network infrastructure and the facilities inside the university buildings.

6. Preventive management

By implementing a leak management strategy, ONEP was able to achieve a swift and significant return on investment.

The solutions provided by the Claire Group

The project is based on innovative, connected equipment:

With the installation of six sectorisation chambers and six Blue loggers, the multifunction data loggers manufactured under the Ijinus brand were adapted to all the sectorisation applications and to flow/pressure analysis.

55 SENSE continuous acoustic listening systems installed across the network to detect leaks in all types of pipes.

58 WAYVE smart valves, to manage consumption automatically and according to individual needs, and to analyse consumption volumes so that action can be taken quickly should any anomalies arise.

Staff were trained on how to program and operate the equipment installed as part of the project at the Claire Group Training Centre in Sainte-Lizaigne.

The WATURA online platform complements this system with tutorials specifically designed for the systems installed on the campus.

Results and impacts

The pilot project swiftly demonstrated its benefits, both in terms of conserving water resources and optimising the network’s economic management.

The first series of measurements revealed major leaks and led to initial repair work being carried out on one sector of the network, which has already resulted in significant savings: 193.7 m³ of water saved per day, equating to 70,700 m³ over the course of a year.

The targeted 80% improvement in efficiency opens up substantial potential for annual savings, with a return on investment in less than three years. The success of this project paves the way for the scheme to be gradually extended to other administrative bodies across the Côte d’Ivoire.

This project demonstrates how an integrated approach, combining technological innovation and operational support, can tackle the performance challenges facing water networks.

It serves as a model that can be replicated nationwide, contributing to more sustainable and efficient management of water resources within administrative entities.