Moulton Niguel Water District has signed a knowledge-sharing partnership with industry-leading experts from the Danish Water Technology Alliance and Aarhus Vand A/S, a municipal-owned utility serving Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark.
The unprecedented agreement paves the way for the agencies to share information on system operations, collaborate on sustainability initiatives, and identify new strategies to reduce water loss.
“From smart metering to direct potable reuse, Moulton Niguel is committed to implementing the most innovative technology to offer our customers the best service at the lowest cost,” said Moulton Niguel President Duane D. Cave, who has more than four decades of experience in the utility industry.
He added, “We are excited to learn from our innovative partners at Aarhus Vand and the Danish Water Technology Alliance on how they reduce costs and advance sustainable water solutions.”
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the utilities will collaborate on key areas of water and wastewater service, including system optimization strategies, innovations in wastewater treatment, data-sharing approaches, opportunities for potable reuse, and alternative water supplies.
“Both Aarhus Vand and Moulton Niguel Water District are global innovators in sustainable water and wastewater practices,” said Karina Topp, Chief Executive Officer of Aarhus Vand. “We are confident that this partnership will represent a win-win for water customers in Denmark and South Orange County.”
The partnership builds on a 2016 agreement between the country of Denmark and the state of California to collaborate on the latest water technology, research, and management techniques. Since then, the Danish Water Technology Alliance has facilitated international delegations and fact-finding trips, as well as numerous networking and collaborative events and opportunities for Danish and California water professionals.
“Aarhus Vand and MNWD share a desire to create a more climate-resilient and efficient water sector. Both utilities demonstrate that strengthening global collaborations and knowledge-sharing is the best way to achieve this. The WTA is very excited to support and contribute to the continued strong relationship between MNWD and Aarhus Vand.”
“Orange County is recognized around the world for our innovative leadership in sustainability and water conservation,” said Joone Kim-Lopez, Moulton Niguel’s CEO and General Manager. “This shared commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing water challenges creates a dynamic opportunity for our agency to share how we’re succeeding as well as study alternative strategies being implemented by our industry-leading counterparts in Europe.”
The global knowledge-sharing agreement with Denmark builds on Moulton Niguel’s recent achievements as a global-leading water and wastewater utility. Last year, the agency was designated for the second time as a “Utility of the Future Today” by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, Water Research Foundation, WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance. Additionally, the South Orange County water and wastewater provider has been honored for seven consecutive years as one of Orange County’s Top Workplaces by The Orange County Register and Energage, a human resources technology company.
ABOUT MOULTON NIGUEL WATER DISTRICT: Moulton Niguel Water District delivers high-quality drinking water, recycled water, and wastewater services to more than 170,000 customers in Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano. A leader in conservation and environmental protection, Moulton Niguel maintains the lowest average water bill in South Orange County.
ABOUT AARHUS VAND: Aarhus Vand is a Danish limited company owned by Aarhus Municipality. Operating throughout the entire water cycle, they specialize in rainwater management, climate adaptation projects, drinking water production and distribution, wastewater purification, and safeguarding a balanced and healthy water cycle.
ABOUT WATER TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE: The Water Technology Alliance is a Danish national outreach program with the goal of building a bridge between the North American and the Danish water sector with the aim of sharing know-how on sustainable water management, seeking inspiration from the latest innovation, and foster partnerships.
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