With a distribution network spanning more than 14,000km and drawing water from over 20 different sources, Beijing Waterworks Group has deployed real-time, in-network monitoring technologies to improve water quality oversight, optimise chlorine management and enhance operational reliability across one of China’s largest urban water supply systems.
A complex water network
Beijing Waterworks Group is one of China’s largest urban water suppliers, serving more than 5.3 million households across central Beijing and surrounding districts. The utility faces the challenge of managing water quality across a vast distribution network supplied by multiple water sources, while also addressing issues associated with ageing infrastructure.
To maintain consistent drinking water quality, the utility has increasingly turned to automated monitoring technologies that provide continuous visibility across its network.
Real-time monitoring in action
Since 2017, the utility has deployed Badger Meter’s water quality monitoring solutions, including spectrometer probes for real-time turbidity measurement and in-pipe monitoring systems that help verify water quality throughout the distribution network.
The monitoring system tracks key parameters such as turbidity, chlorine, pH and conductivity, while automated cleaning and filtration systems help maintain measurement accuracy, particularly in older pipelines where iron oxide and sediment can affect readings.
Improving operational efficiency
The real-time monitoring approach allows operators to detect anomalies earlier, respond more quickly to potential water quality issues and optimise disinfectant dosing throughout the network.
Continuous chlorine monitoring also helps control microbial activity while reducing excessive chemical use and minimising the formation of disinfection by-products. In addition, the insertion-based installation method reduces water wastage and lowers maintenance requirements compared with conventional monitoring systems.
Enhancing network reliability
By combining historical and live operational data, Beijing Waterworks Group is improving visibility across its water distribution system, enabling more proactive management and strengthening confidence in the quality of drinking water delivered to consumers.
Read the full article in Water & Wastewater Asia, May/June 2026.
