Extreme weather events are having catastrophic consequences for both people and the environment. But the water management sector is also feeling the strain. Ageing, damaged pipelines are allowing wastewater to seep into soil and groundwater, overwhelming both the sewer network and treatment plants. Innovative solutions from the pipe industry can offer at least partial relief.
The time to act is now. Outdated pipes that no longer meet current performance standards must be replaced and, in many cases, upsized. To ensure resilience against extreme weather events and safeguard the water supply, climate-adapted upgrades to the water infrastructure are essential. In addition to modernising the physical infrastructure, the digitalisation of water systems will also play a critical role.
Saving Lives
With the help of modern sensor technology, data can be collected from pipelines and used to develop digital twins. This enables the early detection of potential leaks and pipe failures – and real-time data analysis also helps increase the efficiency of wastewater systems.
But the pipe industry also has a role to play in areas of even greater importance: many countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, suffer from severe water scarcity and inadequate wastewater treatment. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2024, around 2.2 billion people still lack access to clean drinking water. This is where the pipe industry, working in partnership with other sectors and supported by local governments, can save lives.
The solutions the tube industry is bringing to address these urgent challenges in the water sector can be explored at Tube, taking place from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Düsseldorf- again parallel to wire. The leading trade fairs will also present the latest trends and highlights across the wire, cable, tube and pipe industries. The latest industry news and information about new products can be found via our online portal at www.wire.de and www.Tube.de and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/wire-and-tube-leading-international-trade-fairs/.
