Water networks

Ofwat names innovation judging panel

The judging panel for Ofwat's much anticipated Innovation in Water Challenge has been named. The eight experts from the water sector and related industries will judge a Dragons' Den style pitching competition

Northumbrian applies trenchless technology to sewer upgrades

Northumbrian Water has begun a £1.3 million upgrade to a sewer network in Darlington using trenchless technology to minimise disruption during the seven-month project.

Beast from the East 2: The big thaw

EA to reclassify seven regions as water stressed

The Environment Agency has proposed moving seven more water companies’ regions to water stressed status meaning they must evaluate introducing compulsory metering.

UU develops AI to distinguish leak size

United Utilities has reached a milestone in leakage detection by developing its AI to identify the size of leaks in networks so technicians can prioritise repairs. The Fido system distinguishes data from loggers while ignoring background noises for improved accuracy.

Water efficiency goals set by business retailers

The role that the non-household water sector will play in developing water resource management plans and driving greater efficiencies has been set out in an action plan by wholesalers and retailers.

Bristol overhauls operations after wholesale success

Bristol Water’s wholesale division was voted the best performer by retailers in the inaugural R-Mex ratings and was consistently high in the preceding league tables. The company built the division to be customer-centric and is now applying that formula to the wider business. Chief operating officer Richard Price talks to Utility Week about what’s been achieved and what’s next in the strategy.

NI Water begins construction on treatment plant

NI Water has hailed a wastewater treatment plant as an example of what the company can do when adequately funded

Thames pilots smart sewer monitors

Thames has begun a trial using smart technology that monitors sewers and alerts the company if problems emerge before they cause blockages.

Ofwat approves four RAPID projects

Ofwat has confirmed its decision to approve the first four projects under the RAPID scheme to improve resilience through collaborations between water companies.

Defra approves fast-track spending for Anglian

South West launches water efficiency fund

Regulation not legislation key to ending CSOs

New commitments for water companies, Ofwat and the Environment Agency to increase transparency and reduce the reliance on storm overflows have been made in response to Philip Dunne's Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill. Utility Week speaks to the chair of the Environmental Audit Committee.

Plotting resilience out to 2100

EA warns funding cuts are harming the environment

The chief executive of the Environment Agency has warned that declining funding is limiting the work the body can carry out to monitor and improve the environment.