Practical Innovation for Water Operations: Insights from IXOM’s Pamela El Jbeily

WIOA conferences are one of the most valuable meeting points for operators, suppliers, and water industry leaders across Australia. As the only national platform where operators can see technology like the IXOM Cube® firsthand, WIOA events offer a rare opportunity to connect directly with the people shaping the future of water operations.

For IXOM, they’re also a chance to demonstrate our long-standing commitment to practical, operator focused innovation. Pamela El Jbeily, Business Development Manager for IXOM Watercare across APAC, is one of the experts leading these conversations.

Putting Operators First

Pamela is driven by a clear purpose: supporting safer, more sustainable water for communities across the region.

“What motivates me is knowing that, in even a small way, I’m helping people access safe drinking water and supporting more sustainable solutions for future generations.”

Today’s operators face increasing compliance pressure, variable source water quality, resource constraints, and heightened expectations around chemical safety. IXOM supports them with a mix of proven chemical and equipment solutions, alongside competency based training and standards compliant dosing equipment designed to reduce risk and simplify day to day work.

Driving Innovation: Introducing the IXOM Cube®

A strong example of IXOM’s operator first approach is the Cube®—a fully self contained, factory tested dosing system designed to make chemical handling safer, simpler, and more reliable.

The Cube fits a standard 1,000 litre IBC and integrates bunding, a 200 litre day tank for uninterrupted dosing, and an enclosed pump and valve assembly. By reducing the need for additional civil works, on site assembly, and complex commissioning, it cuts project time, cost, and risk while maintaining full AS/NZS compliance.

“From my time commissioning plants, I’ve seen firsthand how much time the Cube saves. Operators consistently comment on its build quality and the practical design details that make it safer and easier to run.”

Because it’s locally designed and built, the Cube can be tailored to site specific requirements while still arriving ready to use—often in under four weeks.

Supporting Regional and Remote Communities

The Cube’s modular, self contained design makes it particularly valuable for regional and remote operations. Factory assembly and testing are completed before delivery, minimising reliance on specialist contractors and reducing site visits. Its integrated day tank ensures continuous dosing during IBC change outs, and the enclosed design simplifies operation and maintenance.

The Cube offers operators safer chemical handling, faster deployment, and more reliable treatment outcomes in locations where resources and access are limited.

Trends Shaping the Future of Water Operations

Pamela sees three major forces influencing the sector:

• Climate pressures driving the growth of desalination and advanced recycling
• Ageing infrastructure requiring modular, faster to deploy upgrade solutions
• Digitalisation as a baseline expectation for visibility, early issue detection, and operational confidence

“The industry is moving toward modular, repeatable delivery and smarter digital tools that help operators act earlier instead of reacting later.”

Why IXOM Continues to Support WIOA

IXOM has been a trusted partner to water operators for over 100 years and we remain committed to solving the industry's challenges.

“WIOA keeps us connected to operators and their real day to day challenges. It helps ensure our solutions stay practical, safe, and fit for purpose.”

IXOM is proud to support a forum where operators can gain practical insights from peers, real examples of what’s working on similar sites, and exposure to technologies like the Cube that can make immediate improvements to safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Looking Ahead

Pamela’s advice for operators focused on modernisation is simple. “Stay open to change. There’s often already a solution that can help you work smarter, not harder.”

At upcoming WIOA conferences, the IXOM team will have the Cube on display, alongside experts ready to discuss chemical safety, algae control, dosing optimisation, and treatment solutions tailored to real world operational needs.