Some MULTIDIS members distribute drinking and running water and collect sewage for transfer to reprocessing, treatment or purification plants.
Members are responsible for the day-to-day management of the water cycle from source to disposal. On a global scale, the water cycle involves an annual volume of 575,000 km³ of water. Water is a unique, precious and, above all, vital resource. Unlike electricity, it is a fragile utility and sensitive to the tiniest level of pollution. It therefore must be monitored constantly, daily even, to ensure it is safe for consumption. Water is used in industry, agriculture and in the home. Its distribution varies depending on the continent concerned.
As a commodity, water is very unevenly distributed across the globe and some countries have a shortage. This is not the case in Switzerland, even during sustained periods of intense heat. Water, and access to it, has always been and still is a source of conflict. Without water, life is not possible. Because of its fragile nature and scarcity, it is imperative to preserve water and find ways to distribute it to every inhabited area. Action is also needed to make water more available.
MULTIDIS members supplying water to customers are very aware of the precarious water situation at global level. Although Switzerland is spared the risk of a water shortage, suppliers strive constantly to reduce leaks in the pipe system and optimise pumped storage costs. Finding the most effective abstraction solutions in terms of cost, water quality and environmental protection is a top priority. Some members are also involved with helping countries with a lack of finance to develop drinking water networks for communities affected by a shortage of water.
