Water is set to become more expensive in the coming years, making water management increasingly important on construction sites. The Swiss startup Droople has developed a tool that could lead to a revolution.
Switzerland is known as Europe’s “water tower,” with water quantity and quality exceeding international averages. However, UN forecasts indicate a looming global water scarcity, predicting a 40% supply deficit by 2030. In Switzerland, climate change could lead to the disappearance of all glaciers by 2050.
Regulatory changes are expected to drive up water prices, partly due to stricter pesticide regulations in drinking water. For example, in December 2023, the EU banned the pesticide S-metolachlor for being “probably carcinogenic.”
In Switzerland, new pesticide limits coming into effect in 2024 will require water suppliers to invest hundreds of millions of francs to comply with regulations, as reported by SRF’s Kassensturz. This situation has made water management a growing concern on Swiss construction sites.
How Droople is Revolutionizing Water Use
Droople, based in Vaud, uses special sensors and cloud technology to collect data such as water flow and pressure. CEO Ramzi Bouzerda explains, “Our goal is to digitize the increasingly scarce resource of water.” The data enables real-time leak detection and better understanding of which activities consume the most water.
Initial data shows that only 20-30% of water consumption on construction sites is used for building activities, with the rest going towards potable water and workers’ sanitary needs, highlighting potential savings. By creating transparency, users can understand their impact on water use.
Droople can also compare water consumption across different sites, facilitating sustainability challenges between them. These comparisons create a group dynamic that helps reduce water consumption.
Game-Changing Savings Potential
Construction companies in Switzerland and abroad are paying attention. Losinger-Marazzi, a major Swiss construction firm, is testing Droople’s tool across seven sites. Early trials suggest that 10-20% of water consumption can be saved, depending on the site.
The tool also plays a critical role in avoiding damage from undetected leaks, which could otherwise destroy foundations. Interest in Droople’s solution is expected to rise as water prices increase.
Transformational Installation
The tool is easy to install, taking less than 30 minutes per device. Once connected, it transmits data to Droople’s cloud platform. The system generates reports for sustainability certifications, simplifying compliance for construction companies.
Written with Droople
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