More efficient and higher-quality water supply and sanitation services in Ungheni, thanks to the SCADA system installed with the EU and UNDP Moldova support
Residents of Ungheni municipality and the neighbouring localities of Zagarancea and Semeni now benefit from improved and more efficient water supply and sanitation services. The regional operator “Apă-Canal Ungheni” has been equipped with a modern automation system – SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System), which enables real-time monitoring, data collection and remote control of the water and sewage network. This investment optimizes energy consumption, reduces losses, and enhances the quality of services provided to the population.
The SCADA system was officially inaugurated on Friday, 4 April, as part of the “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
“The launch of the SCADA system in Ungheni is definitely a major step towards increasing the efficiency and quality of the services provided to the population by Apă-Canal Ungheni. It also aligns with our vision of transforming Ungheni into a smart city. Both the company’s employees and the residents will feel the positive impact of this system, which significantly improves the management of an essential public service. We are grateful to the European Union and the ‘EU4 Moldova: Focal Regions’ Programme for their invaluable support in making this long-awaited project a reality”, said Vitalie Vrabie, Mayor of Ungheni city.
Currently, the Apă-Canal Ungheni network consists of 155.4 km of water pipelines and 66.5 km of sewer lines. Previously, manual monitoring and telephone-based pressure zone control led to inefficiencies, high operational costs, and significant energy losses. With the SCADA system in place, electricity savings of up to 30% can be achieved, while intervention costs are reduced by up to 60%.
The new system includes a central control and monitoring centre, equipped with a high-performance server, state-of-the-art IT equipment, and advanced software. Sensors and monitoring equipment have been installed at 15 locations – water pumping stations, water treatment plant, booster pumping stations, and wastewater pumping stations – ensuring efficient network management. Data transmission is carried out through a secure network, increasing the safety and operational efficiency of the system.
At the same time, with the support of the “EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, a 1000 m³ drinking water storage tank was built at the water treatment plant.
The integration of the SCADA system, together with the extension of the aqueduct network in rural areas, contributes to the protection of groundwater resources and to ensuring constant access to safe drinking water.
The new infrastructure connects 28 rural communities to the centralized water supply network, reducing reliance on well water and significantly reducing the risk of water-borne diseases in these communities.
The total investment, which includes the implementation of the SCADA system, the construction of the reservoir and the installation of 1,000 water meters, exceeds 500,000 euro.
The “EU4Moldova: Focal regions” programme (2019-2025) supports smart, inclusive and sustainable social-economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni, aiming to improve the quality of life for local communities. The programme has a total budget of 23 million euro, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
