Major Water Infrastructure Projects Addressing Global Water Challenges

Lake Mead Intake Hydraulic Tunnel, Las Vegas, USA

The Lake Mead Intake Hydraulic Tunnel represents a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at combating water scarcity and safeguarding water resources in the United States. Located at the bottom of Lake Mead, the largest artificial reservoir in the country, this project is a cornerstone in sustainable water management.

Constructed by Webuild, the tunnel addresses the ongoing water scarcity in the Colorado River basin, ensuring a reliable potable water supply for nearly 2 million residents in the surrounding areas.

• Enhances potable and domestic water supply by 4.5 million cubic meters per day
• Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by increasing resilience to water scarcity

Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT), Washington, D.C., USA

In Washington, D.C., Webuild and its subsidiary Lane Construction are finalizing the Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT), a pivotal project for rehabilitating the city’s water infrastructure.

This tunnel is a key component of D.C. Water’s “Clean Rivers” initiative, designed to:

1. Increase the capacity of the existing sewer system
2. Reduce the frequency, intensity, and impact of urban flooding
3. Improve water quality in the Anacostia River

The NEBT project aligns with the following SDGs:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by improving water quality and sanitation infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through enhanced urban resilience and flood management
• SDG 13: Climate Action – by mitigating flood risks associated with climate change

Riachuelo System, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The recently activated Riachuelo System is the largest wastewater treatment facility in Latin America. It serves as a transformative project for environmental restoration and public health improvement in Buenos Aires.

The system cleans wastewater from the highly polluted Riachuelo River, benefiting over 4 million people across 14 municipalities. The project includes three main sections, with construction led by Webuild and its subsidiary Fisia Italimpianti.

• Features next-generation wastewater pretreatment technology
• Treats up to 2.3 million cubic meters of wastewater per day
• Average flow capacity of 27 cubic meters per second

This project directly supports:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by significantly improving wastewater treatment capacity
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through reduction of waterborne diseases
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – by reducing pollution in aquatic ecosystems

Conclusion

These projects exemplify strategic investments in water infrastructure that address critical challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and urban flooding. By aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), they contribute significantly to sustainable development and improved quality of life for millions of people across the Americas.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on projects aimed at improving water supply, wastewater treatment, and water system rehabilitation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Projects such as the Northeast Boundary Tunnel in Washington, D.C. contribute to urban infrastructure resilience and flood management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By addressing water scarcity and improving water management, these projects contribute to climate adaptation efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all — evidenced by increasing potable water supply to nearly 2 million residents in Las Vegas.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and increasing wastewater treatment — reflected in the Riachuelo System treating 2.3 million cubic meters of wastewater per day.
   • Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors — implied by the hydraulic tunnel increasing water intake and transport capacity.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including floods — addressed by the Northeast Boundary Tunnel reducing flood frequency and impact in Washington, D.C.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management — linked to improving water quality of the Anacostia River.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards — supported by projects counteracting water scarcity and flood risks.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services — implied by potable water supply to nearly 2 million residents in Las Vegas.
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated — indicated by the capacity of the Riachuelo System to treat 2.3 million cubic meters of wastewater per day.
   • Water use efficiency — suggested by the increase of 4.5 million cubic meters per day in water supply through the Lake Mead Intake Hydraulic Tunnel.
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters — indirectly addressed by flood reduction efforts in Washington, D.C.
   • Air quality and water quality measures — implied by improvements to the Anacostia River water quality.
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies — implied by infrastructure projects aimed at climate adaptation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: webuildvalue.com