From March 24 to 27, 2025, a delegation from Su-Canal in Comrat (Republic of Moldova) visited LWG Lausitzer Wasser GmbH & Co. KG to further deepen their partnership in the field of water supply and wastewater disposal. The practice-oriented exchange provided crucial insights and solutions for both sides.

The aim of the partnership is the regular exchange of expertise and experience at eye level - on technical, operational and organisational topics relating to water supply and wastewater disposal.

The focus of the visit was the inspection and technical assessment of various LWG plants. The six-person delegation (consisting of a master electrician, two water supply employees, a co-head of the drainage plant, the deputy mayor and a translator) was able to gain many new impressions.
 
Professional exchange on key challenges in Comrat
The biggest problem areas in Comrat currently relate to

• High water losses due to outdated networks, frequent burst pipes and water theft - here there was a presentation on the theory and practice of pipe bursting and leak detection by Dr. Lothar Bohm and Maik Hänel.
• High energy costs - LWG Cottbus colleagues from the TIE division presented the new transformer station at the Sachsendorf waterworks, the WWI PV system and concepts for emergency power supply, among other things. The partners from the LWG will also actively support SU Canal with the hydraulic and energy design of pumping stations, in particular the main wastewater pumping station in Comrat - including concrete assistance with the procurement of two low-clogging pumps.
• Non-functional sewage treatment plant - LWG employees are helping to evaluate a feasibility study for a possible new sewage treatment plant.

These topics were also explored in greater depth at the “Tausendwasser” exhibition in Berlin. Here, the partners deliberately headed for the stands that offer innovative solutions for their specific challenges - for example in the area of low-clogging wastewater pumps, energy-efficient systems or state-of-the-art leak detection systems.
This allowed them not only to find out about the latest technologies, but also to jointly examine which solutions are suitable for implementation in Comrat.

Cooperation with concrete benefits

"The partnership not only thrives on exchange, but also on very concrete support", says Martin Apelt, specialist engineer in the wastewater department at LWG Cottbus. 

• Working groups have been set up on topics such as water loss reduction, occupational health and safety and energy optimization.
• Technical assistance is provided where there is an acute need for action - such as recently with the replacement of a defective chlorination system to ensure the hygienic operation of the drinking water supply in Comrat.

"But the most important thing is that we continue to grow together as partners and support each other" - Martin Apelt.