Water management: anticipating and reducing pollution risks with BeeOmonitoring

Credits Xijian

The growing challenges of water management

Water utilities and management companies face increasing challenges in ensuring a safe, clean water supply. Pollution threats from pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals, industrial waste, and PFAS are making regulatory compliance more complex than ever.

Traditional water testing is reactive and costly

Traditional water testing methods detect contaminants only after they have reached the water supply, often leading to costly remediation and regulatory hurdles. Some pollutants, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and heavy metals like mercury and lead, are particularly difficult and expensive to remove.

The cost of removing persistent pollutants

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, persist in the environment and require advanced filtration technologies such as activated carbon treatment and high-pressure reverse osmosis, both of which are costly and energy-intensive. Similarly, heavy metals accumulate in sediments and require chemical precipitation or ion exchange treatments, making their removal a long and resource-intensive process.

To safeguard public health and maintain compliance, water utilities need predictive, large-scale monitoring solutions that anticipate risks and enable preventive action.

BeeOmonitoring: a cost-effective, scalable pollution monitoring solution

BeeOmonitoring offers a proactive, non-intusive nature-based solution for water utilities to track pollution before it reaches water sources. This scalable technology leverages bees to collect environmental data over vast areas, providing real-time insights into pollution levels. Unlike traditional water testing that is confined to specific sampling points, BeeOmonitoring provides a broader and more continuous assessment of pollution at the landscape level, helping to identify threats before they become costly problems.

credits Ronymichaud

Covers large areas efficiently

Each monitoring site spans 700 hectares, ensuring extensive coverage that would otherwise require significant human and financial resources. By collecting data on a vast scale, BeeOmonitoring enables early identification of pollution hotspots, allowing water utilities to implement targeted interventions before contaminants reach water supplies.

Detects pollutants before they contaminate water

BeeOmonitoring identifies over 520 pollutants, including pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals, PFAS and industrial contaminants, before they seep into groundwater. Early detection is crucial for persistent pollutants like PFAS, which once introduced into water systems, require sophisticated and costly treatments to remove. Heavy metals, too, are problematic as they do not degrade over time and require continuous monitoring to prevent bioaccumulation in water sources.

Delivers scientific, standardized data for risk management

BeeOmonitoring provides precise, quantifiable indicators that support regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making. Standardized data collection ensures consistency and reliability, making it easier for water utilities to report findings to stakeholders and regulatory authorities. Having access to timely, actionable data allows utilities to engage with local communities (e.g farmers, citizens, etc), policymakers, and industries to implement mitigation strategies before pollutants cause irreversible damage.

Case study: reducing pesticide pollution and strengthening stakeholder relationships

The challenge

A European water management company sought to mitigate pollution risks in its catchment areas while improving communication with regulatory bodies. The company faced mounting concerns over pesticide contamination, which not only posed health risks but also increased water treatment costs.

The solution

BeeOmonitoring revealed 18 pesticides in the environment, including 10 exceeding safety thresholds, compared to just 4 detected by traditional water testing.
This comprehensive insight enabled the company to take targeted actions, including:

Collaborating with local farmers to reduce pesticide use through sustainable practices.
Launching awareness campaigns on pollution sources and their impact on water quality.
Enhancing biodiversity strategies to naturally mitigate contamination risks.

The outcome

The company saw a substantial reduction in detected pollutants within its catchment area, leading to lower water treatment costs and improved water quality. Moreover, proactive monitoring helped strengthen relationships with public authorities and local stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable water management.

Why water utilities should invest in proactive pollution monitoring

Avoid expensive water treatment measures

Investing in proactive pollution monitoring helps water utilities avoid costly water treatment. By detecting pollutants before they enter the water supply, utilities can implement targeted interventions, reducing reliance on expensive remediation processes. This is particularly important for contaminants like PFAS and heavy metals, which require specialized treatments that consume significant financial and energy resources.

Enhance regulatory compliance

With stricter environmental regulations coming into force, utilities must meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and water quality reporting requirements. Having real-time data allows for better decision-making and easier compliance with national and international water safety standards.

Improve public perception and stakeholder engagement

Demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability builds public trust, strengthens relationships with regulators, and enhances corporate reputation. By investing in BeeOmonitoring, water utilities can position themselves as industry leaders in sustainable water management.

Take action today

Are you looking for a smarter way to monitor water pollution and protect your catchment areas? Contact BeeOdiversity today to explore how BeeOmonitoring can help your company take a proactive approach to water management.