• Vitens, the largest supplier of drinking water in the Netherlands, has chosen ABB to develop and implement a new process automation system, which will first be tested at a pilot site.
• This collaboration is set to strengthen cybersecurity, speed up on-site projects, and cut down on maintenance expenses.
• The project’s goal is to integrate the ISA106 automation standard, supported by ABB’s Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System, into Vitens’ operations.

ABB has secured a key contract from Vitens – the leading water company in the Netherlands, supplying 340 billion liters of drinking water annually to over six million people – to create a cutting-edge automation system. This initiative will upgrade approximately 200,000 input/output (I/O) connections across around 250 locations, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with modern industry standards. The deal was finalized in the second quarter of 2024.

The partnership between ABB and Vitens will be executed in two phases. Initially, ABB will design a comprehensive blueprint and implement a pilot project at one of Vitens’ facilities. Upon successful completion, the system will be gradually rolled out to all remaining Vitens sites over the next seven years.

Vitens’ plants will adopt the ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Distributed Control System (DCS), which will streamline operations across all locations. This system will unify existing automation standards, lowering maintenance costs and simplifying operations. Additionally, it will offer improved visibility from a centralized control room, facilitating consistent procedures and smooth data transfer related to water quality, flow rates, and monitoring for contaminants and leaks. Vitens, which maintains a distribution network of 48,000 kilometers of pipelines, will gain enhanced cybersecurity and more robust, efficient operations.

The global water industry’s increasing focus on automation and digitalization reflects a broader push for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to challenges like water scarcity, outdated infrastructure, and regulatory demands.

“With rising demand for drinking water, a growing number of our technical experts approaching retirement, and ongoing geopolitical cyber threats, the need for secure, reliable, and standardized automation processes is paramount to ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable water supply to our customers,” said Matthijs Zwart, CIO at Vitens. “ABB stood out as the ideal partner for achieving this objective. Our joint efforts will leverage ABB’s process automation expertise alongside Vitens’ extensive experience in water production.”

ABB will continue to support Vitens through an evergreen service agreement, ensuring consistent care for the system throughout its lifecycle, along with regular technology updates.

The upgraded system will adhere to the latest cyber and information security standards for critical infrastructure, such as IEC 62443 and ISO 27001, aligning with the new European NIS2 directive. Vitens is also aiming to implement the ISA106 automation standard to enhance the safety, efficiency, and consistency of its continuous operations.

“At ABB, our mission is to protect and conserve groundwater to make sure every drop counts,” commented Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “This partnership with Vitens represents a key milestone in creating a future-ready automation framework for the water sector.”

This project marks ABB’s sixth water automation initiative in the Netherlands. ABB’s suite of water management technologies focuses on tackling water scarcity, improving quality, and boosting energy efficiency, ensuring seamless water flow from source to consumer.

ABB’s Process Automation division specializes in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations that cater to critical needs—ranging from energy and water supply to material production and transportation. With around 20,000 employees and expertise in leading-edge technologies and services, ABB Process Automation assists clients in process, hybrid, and maritime sectors to enhance performance and operational safety, promoting a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation technologies, driving a more sustainable and efficient industrial transformation. Combining over 140 years of expertise with innovation, ABB’s 105,000+ employees are dedicated to creating solutions that transform how industries are powered, operated, and managed worldwide.

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