H2O Innovation Trailor

How Pressure Regulating Valves Reduce Water Loss

Sabesp partnered with GF to modernize the Vale do Paraíba water network with a plug‑and‑play HDPE chamber featuring NeoFlow pressure regulating valve. This pioneering project sets a new benchmark for sustainable and scalable water management.

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GF’s Plug‑and‑Play Solution against water loss

Water loss remains one of Brazil’s most pressing infrastructure challenges especially in highly urbanized regions like São Paulo State. Today, around 40%* of treated water in Brazil never reaches customers, lost through leaks, bursts, or pressure‑related stress on aging networks.

In the Vale do Paraíba region, Sabesp partnered with GF to modernize its water network by installing a ready-to-install pressure management chamber featuring the NeoFlow pressure reducing valve (PRV).

This pioneering project not only reduces water loss and pipe bursts but also sets a new benchmark for scalable, sustainable water management across Latin America.

* Instituto Trata Brasil & Ex Ante (2023), based on SNIS data.

Smart Pressure Management for Sustainable Water Distribution

Reference Case H2O Innovation

Challenges in the Water Network

Sabesp needed a fast, low‑impact solution to reduce water loss caused by excess pressure in its distribution network. In Vale do Paraíba, the utility required rapid installation, minimal environmental and road disturbance, and long‑term durability without complex civil works or high installation effort.

Solution: Plug-and-Play Pressure Management Chamber

Through intelligent pressure control, NeoFlow keeps network pressure at a constant, optimized level, significantly reducing water losses. This solution is easy to integrate and delivers a measurable sustainability impact, saving approximately 130 million liters of water per year - enough to supply around 3,000 people. By stabilizing pressure, the solution also lowers energy consumption and protects the piping system from bursting.

With a chamber designed for up to 100 years and internal components lasting up to 50 years, it further enhances the environmental footprint, lowers maintenance requirements, and total lifecycle costs. The use of prefabricated components reduces installation complexity and minimizes training needs for field teams on‑site. 

Infrastructure Solutions used in this Installation

NeoFlow Pressure Reducing Valve

NeoFlow delivers precise, energy-efficient pressure control that helps Sabesp significantly reduce water losses, pipe bursts, and operating costs in pressure-sensitive networks.

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MULTI/JOINT 3000 Plus

MULTI/JOINT enables fast, secure water inlet and outlet connections using  bolts without the need of additional tools ensuring quick, safe, and simple installation across different pipe materials.

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Flowise HDPE Chamber

The prefabricated Flowise HDPE chamber which is up to 10× lighter than concrete arrives fully assembled with integrated components, enabling installation in just 0.5 days and cutting trench time by up to fivefold.

Jointing Solutions

A complete portfolio of seven advanced jointing technologies, supported by installation tools and digital and on-site services, turning piping systems into reliable, efficient flow solutions.

 

Benefits for Utilities and Water Operators

Experience

Water Loss Reduction

Utilities and municipalities can significantly reduce non-revenue water and pipe bursts through stable pressure control with the NeoFlow pressure regulating valve. By maintaining optimized network pressure, operators protect infrastructure while improving water efficiency across the distribution network.

Durability

Rapid Installation

Contractors and installers benefit from a plug-and-play solution that can be installed in as little as 0.5 days. Prefabricated components reduce trench work, simplify on-site assembly, and minimize service interruptions for local communities.

Flexibility

One Partner

Cities, utilities, and engineering consultants gain a complete end-to-end solution from a single supplier. From planning and installation to maintenance and future network expansion, a unified system simplifies project coordination and long-term infrastructure management.

What Our Customer Says

Emerson Santos

Regional Director, Sabesp

"The installation of the first plug‑and‑play valve in the Americas marks an important milestone, delivered through a close partnership with Georg Fischer. By working together, we are introducing a solution that is designed to reduce losses while placing a strong emphasis on operational safety and reliability. From commissioning onward, we were able to observe stable performance, with immediate pressure regulation and controlled operation. This installation strengthens the sustainability and resilience of our water network while improving energy efficiency.

Overall, it represents a significant step toward a safer, more modern, and innovative water supply system."

From one network to many.

What worked in Vale do Paraíba can be applied wherever water loss and pressure management are critical challenges.

Let’s explore what this could look like for your network.

Reach Out to Discuss Your Project
Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd

Ebnatstrasse 111

8201 Schaffhausen

Switzerland