The UK water industry is innovative, but in all honesty, is not at the cutting edge. It's not innovating at a pace like medical science or space technology although selective innovative technologies do migrate into the water industry in time.
Innovation in the UK industry is driven by regulatory pushes and the industry's intrinsic commitment to revolutionising its operations to be more economical and efficient. But at times it can feel that the water industry is risk averse and with good reason. At the end of the day, water companies must provide safe drinking water 24/7.
Spearheaded by OFWAT’s direction, water companies have embarked on a transformative journey, redefining the landscape through embedding innovations and forward-thinking strategies.
Why do we need to innovate in an industry that's provided treated drinking water and taken the waste away for centuries?!
What does Innovation mean to the Water Industry?
Water innovation encompasses the development and application of new ideas, technologies, strategies, and approaches aimed at addressing challenges within the water sector. It involves creating inventive solutions to improve all aspects of the industry, from source to tap, bath to bay, everything in between and all the data management systems that run the operation!!
Technology can improve the quality, availability, accessibility, and sustainability of water resources, and optimise water and wastewater-related processes and supply.
Water innovation involves technological advancements and innovative business models, policies, and community engagement strategies. Collaboration between various stakeholders - such as government bodies, research institutions, industries, and communities - is often integral to driving water innovation forward, as it requires multidisciplinary efforts to tackle complex water-related challenges effectively.
Water innovation aims to ensure sustainable and resilient water systems that meet the needs of current and future generations while considering environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Regulatory Push Towards Innovation
In late 2017, OFWAT, the Water Services Regulation Authority, for England and Wales, set a powerful direction: they wanted innovation to be at the core of the business plans water companies made for 2020 to 2025.
This wasn't just a suggestion; it was a significant push for change. OFWAT wasn't solely pushing for water companies to find and fit better technologies; they required water companies to embed innovation into every aspect of their plans and operations, instilling a cultural shift towards creativity and fresh thinking.
To catalyse this transformation, OFWAT allocated a substantial sum: a staggering £200 million innovation competition fund that will be paid for through customer bills across England and Wales. This fund was intended as an incentive, encouraging water companies to generate groundbreaking ideas that could revolutionise water and wastewater services. This financial incentive acted as a catalyst, along with a required 10% contribution from participating water companies, motivating them to step beyond conventional boundaries and explore innovative approaches.
OFWAT’s unwavering emphasis on innovation wasn't just about meeting regulatory standards; it was about future-proofing the water industry. OFWAT has begun a perceived shift in how water companies view, pursue and embed innovation.
Response to Ofwat's Challenge
Companies not only accepted the challenge but also understood that innovation wasn't just a trendy term; it had become an absolute necessity. OFWAT’s commitment to rewarding innovation with financial benefits served as a powerful motivator, sparking a surge in inventive solutions, collaborative working and transformative projects.
Presently, initiatives have propelled the development of nearly 80 innovative projects dedicated to addressing the current and future challenges faced by the water sector. These projects stand as tangible proof of the industry's proactive stance in tackling issues and exploring innovative solutions.
They are not just experiments; they represent a collective effort to reshape the future of the water industry, addressing both existing problems and anticipating challenges on the horizon.
Yes, some may fail or not be up to the outcome, and some may have to be adjusted and revised. Innovation is never a straight line to the finished goal.
The shift towards an innovative mindset has become deeply rooted within these companies. They've realised that innovation isn't just a choice; it's a strategic imperative. Through nurturing these innovative endeavours the industry is moving towards uncharted territories, where creativity isn't just encouraged—it's celebrated as the driving force behind transformative change.
As the industry continues to evolve, these projects stand as a testament to the water sector's proactive approach to shaping a more resilient and adaptive future, demonstrating their readiness to tackle challenges head-on with innovative solutions.
Sample Innovations: UK Water Industry Innovation
These innovations span a spectrum of advancements, each contributing to improved efficiency, conservation, and sustainability within the water industry.
Let's explore some of these notable innovations that have transitioned from concepts to practical applications, offering tangible solutions to address water-related challenges faced by communities and industries.
Smart Metres and Leak Detection Technology
Smart water metres have been introduced in some areas, enabling water companies and customers to monitor their water usage in near real time. Additionally, advanced leak detection technologies, including acoustic sensors and satellite imagery, are used to detect, find and fix leaks in water distribution networks promptly.
Water Recycling and Reuse
Some areas have adopted water recycling systems that treat wastewater for reuse in non-potable applications like agricultural irrigation, industrial processes, and toilet flushing, conserving our raw water resources.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
Permeable pavements, like the Kiacrete solution, are being trialled to manage rainwater and prevent flooding in urban areas by allowing rainwater to be absorbed through the pavements into the soil below, reducing surface runoff.
Pollution Mitigation Technologies
Innovations such as roadside drain filtration devices aim to capture pollutants from surface runoff, preventing them from entering water bodies and causing environmental harm. Laboratory testing undertaken by RSK Group company TerrAffix and Kier has demonstrated that a plant-based material used to create a biochar can successfully remove microplastics found in the runoff from our roads.
Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
The adoption of cutting-edge water treatment technologies, like ceramic membrane filtration and advanced oxidation processes, ensures the delivery of high-quality drinking water to consumers.
Customer Engagement and Behavioral Insights
Water companies are leveraging innovative approaches, like behavioural insights and customer engagement programmes, to encourage water conservation practices among consumers.
Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative (CaSTCo)
Led by United Utilities in collaboration with the Rivers Trust, this £7 million project funded by OFWAT aims to take a citizen-led approach and enable it to be adopted at scale through developing a national framework of standardised tools and training. Engaging with local communities to gather robust data which can be shared with decision-makers, customers and other stakeholders, allowing evidence-based catchment management decisions. This will also increase data visibility and gain stakeholder trust.
Renewable Energy Generation from Water Infrastructure
Some innovative systems, like hydropower turbines installed in rural water pipes, generate electricity from flowing water within the distribution network. These can then be used to operate data-gathering sensors for use to improve the system.
Conclusion
The UK's water industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, fueled by a commitment to innovation and driven by regulatory initiatives like OFWAT’s direction. From incentivising groundbreaking ideas through substantial funding to nurturing a culture of creativity among water companies, the sector has embraced a sweeping wave of inventive solutions.
Advancements in pollution mitigation technologies, improved environmental initiatives and customer engagement strategies further signify a dynamic shift toward sustainable water management practices.
What stands out is not just the technological advancements but the industry's holistic approach, integrating innovation into policies, infrastructure, and community engagement. This multifaceted commitment to transformative change underscores the sector's readiness to tackle current challenges and pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable water future.