Water is the most vital resource on the planet, yet in the 21st century, access to clean and reliable water is becoming increasingly fragile. With rising global demand, aging infrastructure, climate-related disruptions, and escalating costs, efficient water management is no longer optional — it’s essential. At the core of this effort lies flow control technology, a suite of solutions designed to regulate, monitor, and optimize water usage across municipal, agricultural, and industrial systems.
As a global provider of water control solutions through leading brands like DOROT and OCV, Aquestia is at the forefront of this critical transformation.
The Water Challenge of the 21st Century
The United Nations estimates that by 2025, two-thirds of the world population could be living under water-stressed conditions. Increasing urbanization, extreme weather patterns, and inefficient distribution systems contribute to a troubling paradox: while some regions face devastating floods, others endure chronic drought.
In both cases, water is wasted. Leakage, pressure surges, and poor distribution lead to significant losses in even the most developed water systems. According to the World Bank, globally, up to 30% of water is lost through leakage and non-revenue water (NRW).
Flow Control Technology: The Unsung Hero
Flow control technology encompasses devices like hydraulic control valves, pressure reducing valves, level control valves, and surge anticipation systems that precisely manage the movement and pressure of water in pipelines.
But beyond the mechanics, these systems form the backbone of modern water infrastructure, enabling:
- Minimize water loss through pressure control
- Sustainable irrigation in agriculture
- Protection of infrastructure from damage due to pressure surges
- Automation and monitoring for better operational visibility
Flow Control in Action: Smart Pressure Management
One of the most effective ways to reduce water loss is through pressure management. High pressure in municipal water systems can cause pipe bursts and increase leakage volumes. Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) from brands like DOROT by Aquestia are engineered to automatically regulate pressure based on demand, significantly lowering system stress and extending asset life.
For example, in Chihuahua, Mexico, the implementation of a DOROT S300 DI Differential Pressure Valve (DPV) in subdistricts, as part of a pressure management project, resulted in significant savings. This project generated savings of $15,000 USD in water production and achieved a 13% leakage flow recovery. You can read the full case study here.
Protecting Infrastructure with Surge Control
Another critical yet often overlooked challenge is pressure surge or “water hammer.” These hydraulic transients can cause catastrophic damage to pipes, pumps, and valves. Through advanced surge anticipation valves and air release technologies, Aquestia (via ARI Air Valves) helps municipalities and industrial facilities absorb and manage these dangerous pressure fluctuations, ensuring system stability and safety.
Agriculture: Efficient Irrigation Without Waste
Irrigation is the largest consumer of freshwater globally, accounting for nearly 70% of global withdrawals. Yet a significant portion of that water is wasted through evaporation, runoff, or poor distribution.
Flow control technology enables precision irrigation by delivering water at the right time, in the right amount, and under optimal pressure. This not only boosts crop yield but also conserves a vast amount of water. Aquestia’s control valve solutions are trusted by large agricultural operations worldwide to optimize irrigation efficiency — especially in arid and semi-arid regions where water is scarce.
The Digital Edge: Automation and Remote Monitoring
In the era of smart cities and Industry 4.0, water networks must adapt with intelligence and precision. Aquestia’s smart solutions integrate advanced control devices like the Condor and ARISENSE, enabling seamless connectivity to SCADA and IoT platforms. While the valves themselves are not inherently “smart,” these solutions deliver real-time data on pressure, flow, valve position, and system anomalies—laying the foundation for proactive management and optimized water system performance.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Water conservation isn’t just about sustainability — it’s also about economics. Every drop saved reduces energy consumption (especially for pumping and treatment), lowers operational costs, and minimizes environmental impact. Moreover, modern flow control systems significantly reduce carbon footprints, contributing to ESG goals and regulatory compliance.
By adopting Aquestia’s flow control technologies, utilities and industries achieve both environmental responsibility and operational excellence.
Why Aquestia?
Where liquid flows, Aquestia provides the control you need. Serving a vast array of critical sectors – from waterworks and wastewater systems to irrigation, fire protection, mining, and beyond – Aquestia solutions are designed to meet the unique demands of each industry. By uniting the power of Aquestia legacy brands, A.R.I., DOROT, and OCV, Aquestia delivers high-quality, reliable hydraulic solutions backed by decades of application-specific expertise. Aquestia is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring peace of mind knowing the water systems are in capable hands. Whether you’re facing the complexities of desalination, the demands of commercial plumbing, or the critical needs of aviation fueling and oil & gas, Aquestia offers the dependable solutions you can trust.
Conclusion: Controlling Flow, Conserving the Future
In a world where water scarcity is rapidly becoming one of the defining challenges of our time, flow control technology is no longer a technical detail — it’s a global necessity. It ensures that every liter of water is accounted for, every pipe is protected, and every system runs as efficiently as possible.
Facing the intertwined challenges of climate change, population growth, and aging infrastructure, the future of water management hinges on the adoption of smart flow control solutions. Aquestia partners in this vital mission worldwide, delivering innovation where it has the greatest impact: at the very source of a sustainable water supply.
