Pollution management

Wastewater analysed to detect coronavirus

Wastewater could be an early indicator of outbreaks of Covid-19, as non-infectious, genetic material from the virus is understood to survive in faeces. Research into the detection and behaviour of the virus is being undertaken across the UK and hailed as the 'canary in the coalmine' for the disease

CCC pushes for water metering and labelling

The Committee on Climate Change has called on Defra to increase water metering, set more ambitious leakage and consumption targets and introduce mandatory water efficiency labelling. Anglian Water's climate change and carbon manager Matt Pluke welcomed the recognition of the water sector’s role in achieving the net zero target but said more needs to be done to eliminate emissions from heating.

Thames flushes out fatbergs across capital

Thames Water has shifted almost 700 tonnes of debris from its sewer network including fatbergs and concretebergs that form when improper materials are disposed of down the drain.

Early engagement needed on SuDS

Early engagement with stakeholders is needed to plan for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and for green urbanisation, a civil planning event heard.

UKWIR examines consumption in project to halve abstraction

The largest research project of its kind has been launched by the UK Water Industry Research with companies across the UK and Ireland to understand consumption as part of a larger investigation into reducing abstraction.

Public concern for environment growing but water left behind

Despite the driest spring on record the British public still overwhelmingly considers the UK to be a wet place and many have no concerns about future water supplies. That is according to a new report by Love Water which also suggests people are more aware and concerned about the natural world as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

Wastewater team creates mobile testing units

A team from Northumbrian Water has created a mobile testing system to analyse wastewater during treatment to improve the quality of discharge.

Ofwat sets out its three-pronged approach to £200m innovation fund

WRSE unveils framework for resilience planning

New campaign to create united voice on water efficiency

Tom Andrewartha, water efficiency manager at Northumbrian, talks to Utility Week about the newly formed group for a joined-up campaign to change household habits around water in lockdown and beyond.

Confined space working: Keep your people safe

Working in confined spaces is dangerous and still leads to a number of serious injuries and deaths in the UK every year. Download this white paper to understand the steps you can take to make sure your operatives have the knowledge and equipment they need to stay safe.

Fletcher: Everyone ‘took their eye off the ball’ on leakage

Ofwat's chief executive has said that progress is now being made on leakage but admitted it has not always been treated as a high enough priority. 

Thames Water ‘on track’ to meet leakage target

Ofwat boss Rachel Fletcher said Thames is set to meet its leakage target in 2020 as the company announced water efficiency savings made by customers during lockdown by finding and fixing household leaks

Pennon shareholders give green light to Viridor sale

Pennon shareholders approve the sale of waste management business Viridor to US private equity firm as the company focuses on opportunities in the water and wastewater sector.

UU teams up with AI-tech firm to listen for leaks

United Utilities claims to have amassed the largest collection of leakage data in the world after partnering with a tech firm to tackle the issue using acoustic sensors and artificial intelligence.