AUTUMN2010 ISSUE168
IN THIS ISSUE: Efficiency Smart Metering Community Relations 1 INSTITUTE OF WATER JOURNAL IOW 168.indd 1
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CONTENTS
Introduction I am delighted to introduce this issue of the Journal at a time when we are busy dealing with the positive outcomes of our promotional offer for Engineering Registration. A high level of enquiries and a new round of interviews demonstrate the value that people put on gaining recognition as a professional engineer and it remains a key part of what we are able to offer to our members.
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We are now making the same offer for those seeking registration as a Chartered Environmentalist and have a much simplified process in place for those looking for Eng Tech registration. Two recent events also highlight the value of engineering to the wider community. The biggest news story round the world this week was the successful rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners. Inevitably the focus was on the emotional aspects and cheering and celebrations abound. However their safe return was only made possible thanks to scientific knowledge and an incredible feat of engineering which enabled precise directional drilling and then rescue inside a 28 inch wide capsule designed by NASA engineers and constructed by the Chilean Navy. At the same time as this was happening I represented our Institute at an event at the Tower of London to celebrate the success of the Institution of Royal Engineers in gaining their licence to award Registration at CEng and IEng levels. I was able to talk with 2 young men, serving Army captains, both of whom were working towards engineering registration. They felt it was a valuable qualification which would help in their daily activities and also be a positive asset when they came to seek alternative employment. The role of engineers in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is vital to successful operations. I am fortunate to have an excellent group of people on the Engineering Board to help with all the associated work involved with engineering registration and membership applications. We are supported by others who give time, effort and expertise in assessment and interviewing and we are always on the lookout for others to help and play a part. You may be one of our members already registered, either by us or via another licensed body, and thus well qualified to assist. If so please contact Louise Wright, Lynn or myself – we need to secure our future in this area. I take the opportunity to thank all current Board members and assessors who have enabled the Institute to maintain such a good reputation for our registration processes with the Engineering Council and the Society for the Environment. Alongside engineering I am passionate about golf and our Ryder Cup win at Celtic Manor has a link with our ‘Featured Member’ article on Steve Hennah – Captain of Celtic Manor Golf Club this year –what perfect timing! Alongside this the Journal includes some excellent articles and ‘Conference Trails’ which start the journey to our Swansea Conference next year. Together with the usual industry and Area News the contents comprise a Journal that lives up to its very high standards and makes a really good read. I commend it to you. Michael Fowle Institute of Water Vice President Engineering
Features 16-17
Energy Efficient Wastewater & Sludge Treatment
30-31
New Technology to address Operational Issues 32 Waterwise – New Strategy; New Board
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Switching to SAP –The Welsh Water Story
42-43 Smart Metering 44-46 Community Relations – NWL & Scottish Water
Regulars 4-5 6, 8 9 10-11 12-13 59-70
News in Brief Members Update SocEnv News Featured Member Engineering News Area News
Next Issue Innovation The Walker Review
Institute of Water HQ: 4 Carlton Court, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0AZ Website: www.instituteofwater.org.uk President: Sam Phillips Chairperson: Maureen Taylor Chief Executive: Lynn Cooper Editorial, Marketing & Events Manager: Lyndsey Gilmartin Tel: 0191 422 0088 Fax: 0191 422 0087 Email: lyndsey@instituteofwater.org.uk Advertising: John Neilson Tel: 0191 478 83 00 Email: john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Designed and produced by: Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0191 478 83 00 Email: production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk
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Debt Advisors Help Save Customer’s Life
SOUTH WEST WATER IS GREEN TO THE CORE An innovative pipe-laying process in South Devon has scooped an Environmental Best Practice award for South West Water and contractors May Gurney. The 2010 Green Apple Award recognised the approach taken to reduce environmental impact during the installation of 13km of pipeline to secure drinking water supplies for local industry and proposed new towns in the area.
Cathy Pitt (L) and Sheila Bowdery, South East Water
Two South East Water debt advisors went above and beyond the call of duty to help save the life of a man who was given just 24 to 48 hours to live. The customer had fallen into considerable debt after becoming seriously ill through alcoholism, which included owing some money to South East Water for an unpaid water bill. But the timely intervention of one of the Company’s Credit Control Advisors not only helped turn his life around, but actually saved it in the process. Cathy Pitt, South East Water Credit Control Advisor, said: “I phoned the customer to discuss his unpaid bill and as soon as he answered the phone I knew something was wrong. He was not coherent and kept saying he could not get out of his home and there was no one to help him.” Miss Pitt put out an urgent call for Sheila Bowdery, one of the Company’s field based debt collection staff to go and see him. Sheila said: “When I got there I thought it was strange he had said he could not get out because he lived on the ground floor and all the windows were open. I knocked on the door but there was no answer.”
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immediately to the scene. When they knocked, again there was no answer. Miss Marchant said: “I called the local PCSO who managed to speak to the householder through a small window and got some details so his family could be traced. His children arrived and his daughter was able to climb through a window to get to him.” The determined efforts and intuition of South East Water staff could not have been more timely. The customer was rushed into hospital and only woke up a week later suffering from malnutrition and liver failure caused by alcoholism. His doctor said his body was shutting down and if he had not been found when he was, he would have only had 24 - 48 hours to live. The man, who is now fully recovered, said: “I am so grateful to Cathy and Sheila for going above and beyond their job description and realising something was wrong. Without them raising the initial alarm I may not be here today.”
“I went back the following day and noticed that nothing had changed - the same windows were still open and there was still no answer when I knocked so I felt something was wrong.”
“I used to drink between one and a half to two bottles of white rum a day. This whole thing has given me the wake-up call I needed and I now do not yearn for alcohol or drink it, it is like a switch has been turned off inside me. I can’t thank everyone who helped me enough. This goes above and beyond the realms of any job.”
Concerned, Sheila called West Kent Housing Association who responded by sending Support Workers Natalie Marchant and Gemma Braybrooke
Sheila said: “I was shocked to find out the extent of his illness and I am just thankful that he is now okay, but Cathy and I were just doing our jobs.”
The team working on the Avon Water Treatment Works Support Scheme was challenged with running a pipe from Roborough to Houndall Water Treatment Works in the South Hams – a route taking in woodland, parkland, agricultural property and two scheduled monuments. This was achieved through a combination of new techniques that minimised disturbance to natural habitats and reduced disruption to local communities. These included: n Constructing an auger-bored tunnel under the River Plym to avoid damaging river bank habitats. n Using anchored pipes, which take advantage of ground resistance, instead of concrete thrust blocks to counteract thrust at bends in the pipe. This saved an estimated 685m3 of concrete and approximately £70,000, along with 160 tonnes of CO2 that would have been generated by transporting the concrete. n Recycling large amounts of waste materials produced by the works, saving £100,000 and reducing vehicle movements and the amount of material sent to landfill. Project Manager Nol Vincent said: “This was a challenging scheme with many technical and environmental issues to consider, yet despite these restrictions it was delivered five weeks ahead of time and £100,000 under budget. “The Green Apple Award is the appropriate recognition for the hard work and cooperation of South West Water and its partners, May Gurney and Hyder Consulting. It shows just what can be achieved if the right team with a ‘can do’ ethic are brought together to deliver a project.” The project team will be collecting their award at a special awards ceremony in November.
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NEWSINBRIEF
VAG VALVES AND GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY TEAM UP TO HELP WATER LOSS IN THE UK VAG Valves UK, the UK subsidiary of VAGArmaturen, Germany in Partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are undertaking a 2 year graduate development programme. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is Europe’s leading programme helping businesses to improve their skills base through better use of knowledge and technology that already exists within the UK. VAG Valves UK along with Glasgow Caledonian University will employ a Graduate Engineer to help develop new market opportunities for VAG in the UK including Pressure Management, Water Loss Reduction, Hydraulic Modelling Consultancy, Hydropower Generation and General Control Valve
applications. The new member of the VAG team will help further differentiate VAG Valves UK from its competitors by offering unique “solutions” to Water Supply opportunities throughout the country. VAG’s Pressure Management Solutions allow Water Companies to concentrate on Multiple Connection Pressure Reduction - typically trunk mains with up to 12,000 house connections. With over 1000 employees worldwide VAG prides itself in Engineering excellence and bespoke solutions to water and wastewater applications. With its worldwide manufacturing capabilities and vast product portfolio in sizes from 50mm to 4000mm VAG can proudly boast one of the widest ranges of Valves manufactured by one company.
Pictured: Dr Stuart McKay Business Development Officer KTP, Paul Boyden Managing Director VAG Valves UK, Wilson McPhail Commercial Director VAG Valves UK
INCREASE IN INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX Advice From Kingsbridge Risk Solutions Limited It was announced in the 2010 budget that there will be an increase in the standard and higher rates of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) and the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) as follows: n The standard IPT rate*1 will increase from 5% to 6% n The higher IPT rate*2 will increase from 17.5% to 20% n The standard VAT rate will increase from 17.5% to 20% All insurers will be applying the new rates to all new business, renewals and additional premiums where the cover is effective on or after 4th January 2011. Where there is a returned premium, the IPT / VAT rate will correspond to the rate applied when the policy period commenced.
The net result of these tax changes is that the cost of business insurance will increase with effect from January next year and this will be an unwelcome increased cost in the current economic climate.
Solutions. The first year our insurance costs were reduced by over 30% and we have just renewed at a slightly lower premium than last year. The initial saving was largely because Kingsbridge understood our organisation and our insurance requirements.”
Whilst these tax increases cannot be avoided, the advice of Kingsbridge is that this may be an appropriate time for businesses and individual professionals to examine their own insurance costs and investigate whether better value for money can be obtained.
Kingsbridge will be happy to offer further advice and quotations if required – contact water@kibl.co.uk
Kingsbridge are specialist insurance brokers to businesses and professionals involved in the water, waste water and environmental sectors and are Company Members of the Institute of Water.
*1 The standard rate of IPT applies to most general insurance, including property, liability, motor and medical insurance. Life assurance and other long term insurance products are exempt from IPT.
Lynn Cooper said: “This is the third year the Institute of Water has used Kingsbridge Risk
*2 The higher rate of IPT applies to travel insurance and to certain insurance (for example extended warranties) sold alongside motor vehicles and some consumer goods.
More information can be found on the HM Revenue & Customs website www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm
PORTSMOUTH WATER CONTRACT WIN CEMENTS RELATIONSHIP Portsmouth Water has selected GPS PE Pipe Systems as its preferred supplier of water pipes and fittings. The Cambridgeshire-based manufacturer successfully secured a framework supply contract after Portsmouth Water assessed competitive products and bids during their extensive tender process.
seen a move to a longer three-year initial period, followed by options to renew thereafter. GPS will be supplying all of the Portsmouth Water’s PE requirements comprising potable PE blue and non-potable black pipes and an extensive range of associated fittings, including DuraFuse electrofusion fittings.
GPS PE Pipe Systems have been supplying Portsmouth Water for over eight years on various short-term contracts. The new agreement has
Bob Walters, GPS Area Manager, commented: “This is an important win for GPS PE Pipe Systems. It shows recognition of our technical
expertise and product innovation, and will further reinforce our position as the leading supplier of PE pipe systems in the South of England. We look forward to strengthening our close working relationship developed over many years of supply to Portsmouth Water”.
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MEMBERSuPDatE OBITUARIES
CONGRATULATIONS
Stuart John Woor 1969 - 2010
Lyndsey Gilmartin, marketing and Events manager, and husband ryan on the birth of their first child. Joseph was born on 31st august and this photo was taken four days after the birth: he is bigger and livelier now! this was featured in our last e-newsletter but not every member has an email address to receive a copy. lyndsey is due back at work in January.
Words by mike Webb, Eastern area representative and friend Stuart Woor, who died on 27th September 2010 aged 41, was a Regulations Technician with Veolia Water and Secretary of our Eastern Area. Born on 22nd march 1969 at Stansted in Essex, Stuart was the youngest of three children born to John and greta Woor. Educated at Stansted mountfitchet High School, he began work on an a training scheme as a plumber, serving to fit bathrooms, before moving to work in the plumbing department of the large East anglian builders’ merchants ridgeons of Saffron Walden. in 1989, he joined three Valleys Water (later to become Veolia Water). Stuart joined the operational team trainee scheme to become an inspector, later to be renamed customer Services technician. in 1999 he joined the network regulations Department, an independent section specifically set up to enforce government fittings regulations and to provide growth in the company’s non-regulated businesses. Stuart attained a Diploma in Business Studies and used his skills and practical knowledge to build the variety of services provided today for the registering of plumbing competency through the Water industry approved Plumbers Scheme (WiaPS), by ensuring Veolia Water became an assessment centre able to train and accredit competent persons. Stuart continued his progression within the industry by joining Water regulations advisory Scheme (WraS) sub-groups and more recently the Product assessment group in Wales. Stuart’s institute of Water involvement started in September 2001. He joined the Eastern area committee and immediately showed technical ability and a passion for organising. He submitted a paper for the 2001 ray featherby award and, following short listing and interview, won the award for a study trip to the uSa. His follow-up presentation at the Eastern area Winter Seminar was educational, informative and delivered in Stuart’s usual humorous way. remembered for his warm humour and kindness,
Niall and Lisa Darrant on their marriage at auchen castle Hotel, Beattock, on 4th September. niall works for Black & Veatch and is treasurer of our Scottish area. niall and lisa enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon in mauritius.
Stuart was a keen runner. He was a member of the Haverhill running club and successfully completed the london marathon. His love of computers and music with a particular passion for the X-Box shall be his legacy in the memories of those who knew and worked with him. Stuart married Helen in 1999 and they remained happy with three children oliver, isabella and isaac. the funeral took place at St mary the Virgin, Haverhill, Suffolk, on 11th october, followed by private cremation at Bury St Edmunds. Donations in memory of Stuart may be made to cruse Bereavement care, llandaff chambers, 2 regent Street, cambridge, cB2 1aX
Geoffrey King 1924-2010 Former National President Geoffrey King died in July, aged 85. a fellow member, geoffrey joined in 1976 and was President of South East area the following year before being elected as national President in 1983. He lived in Bromley and worked as a Director for the national Water council in london. He retired to farnham in Surrey and then overseas to Perth, Western australia where he died. geoffrey was a chartered Engineer, a Barrister-at-law and an arbitrator.
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Richard and Emma Barton, who were married on 18th September. Emma worked for us as a temp a few years ago and helped at our 60th anniversary conference in aberdeen which is where she met richard. Emma lived in the north East at the time but richard agreed to be her mentor and they were obviously a perfect match. maybe we should promote this as a Benefit of membership!
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MEMBERSuPDatE
Calling CPD Champions! Do you belong to a professional body? If so, the Institute of Water is pleased to invite you to enter our sponsored 2011 CPD Award. Short listed entrants will be invited to attend the prestigious President’s Dinner, which will play host to our new President nick Ellins and several other senior and influential water industry figures at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, on friday 13th may 2011.
So how do you get there? Simply by providing us with evidence of how you have developed your skills and knowledge in the last 12-18 months. ok, this may like a sound time-consuming and dull exercise but it can be a rewarding experience, helping you reflect on how you’ve developed your skills. once you start you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve learnt along the way! our annual cPD monitoring exercise is now underway involving a random selection of
corporate members: the best submissions in this are automatically entered for the cPD award. applicants can receive guidance on cPD from either the institute of Water website using this link: www.instituteofwater.org.uk/ membership/ProfessionalDevelopment. php or by taking advantage of the new mentoring programme and consulting a mentor. alternatively you could ask your fellow members for advice via the water network. feedback will be given on all submissions. remember, we aren’t setting a minimum requirement for your cPD, and instead we prefer to emphasise your learning outcomes and ability in forward thinking. good luck!
CASH REWARDS FOR RECRUITING To encourage Institute of Water members to sign up friends and colleagues so they too can enjoy the benefits that the Institute offers, cash rewards of £75, £50 and £25 are given out four times each year.
Winners of the Autumn prizes are: £75 Jason Ryall for introducing Nick Skinner, Severn Trent Water £50 Wayne Earp for introducing Antoinette Hasson, C2C Water £25 Peter Vaughan for introducing Rex Greatrex, Independent Water Networks Ltd Don’t miss your chance to win! Each time you recruit a new member they will enter your name onto the membership application form which asks which member introduced them to the institute of Water. these contact names are recorded and four times during the year, three names will be chosen at random to receive £75, £50 and £25. the more new members you introduce the more times your name will be entered in the quarterly draw. Winners’ names are printed quarterly in this Journal.
60 SECOND INTERVIEW Each issue we feature a 60 second interview with a well known figure from the Water Industry. For this issue we interviewed Professor Jeni Colbourne, Chief Inspector, Drinking Water Inspectorate. Jeni is a Corporate Member with 35 years experience in the water industry and will be speaking at our Conference in Swansea next year. I work in the water industry because safe clean drinking water and appropriate sanitation arrangements are fundamental to public health and the wellbeing of society generally The best part of my job is being able to promote the value of a safe clean water supply and give a voice to the people in industry on whom we all depend to get it right I joined the Institute of Water as a consequence of my role as chairman of iWa (uK) committee I’ve learned the hard way that stuff just happens and it is never wise to expect that your career will follow a plan My failsafe way to de-stress is 40 lengths in
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the pool followed by 15 minutes in the steam room followed by liquid refreshment My proudest moment was walking down the aisle with my daughter on her wedding day I do my bit for the planet by walking rather than taking the car I give something back (to society) by working as a volunteer sports coach, referee and county sport administrator If I could be anyone for a day it would be Sir alexander Houston, the first Director of Water Examination The best advice I have ever been given is when a new opportunity arises always say yes (instead of no)
the car I drive is small and black My guilty pleasure nachos with too much sour cream and spice My favourite holiday destination is anywhere warm; must not involve snow, ice or adrenalin junky pursuits The last book I read was cadillac Desert (hydro-politics gone mad!) I believe the biggest challenge for the water industry is (1) being taken for granted when the job is being done well and (2) ignorance of the consequences of getting it wrong (3) short term thinking in the board room and by economists generally
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SOCENVNEWS
Why Chartered Environmentalist? Shelley Williams, CEnv, Portsmouth Water I always have believed that you should aspire to be the best you can be at whatever you do.
Earlier this year we gave members the opportunity to apply for Engineering Registration at no cost, other than the fee charged by the Engineering Council. Now, due to the number of enquiries from aspiring Chartered Environmentalists, we have decided to make the same offer apply to CEnv. We will waive the Professional Review Fee (£164.50) for any Initial Applications received before the end of January 2011. That way you have time over the festive break to complete the form and assemble the limited evidence required at this stage. When you return to work you will have time to obtain the support of two sponsors, one of which must be Chartered in their particular field.
I worked hard to finance myself through university as a mature student after giving up a promising career as a Buyer to pursue my dream of becoming a Scientist. I graduated with a 2.1 (Hons) in Palaeobiology and Evolution in 2000. I began working for Portsmouth Water in 2001 and have had a number of scientific roles within the company since then. I currently work in the Water Quality Department, supervising the laboratory along with managing the company’s catchment management scheme and Drinking Water Safety Plans. Portsmouth Water has always been very supportive of my desire to push myself and has allowed me to pursue additional qualifications and given me the opportunity to gain varied experience. I felt I needed something to give me the professional recognition required to compete in an ever increasingly competitive job market, which complemented my experience and qualifications. An Institute of Water event highlighted that being chartered allows professionals to be recognised on an equal footing. This was important to me as I have a varied background and an unusual degree which has held me back in some aspects of my career. I wanted to show that I am passionate about the environment but also draw together all of my experience and qualifications showing I have reached a professional benchmark. I decided that becoming chartered was a natural step in my career path.
SPECIAL OFFER NOW OPEN TO CENV APPLICANTS
Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status establishes environmentalists on a par with other professionals such as Chartered Engineers and Chartered Scientists. The first thing you should do is obtain a copy of the Chartered Environmentalist Specification, examine what is required to become a Chartered Environmentalist and decide if you have the necessary competence. To be eligible for assessment you must have attained 12 units of learning (including at least 4 years relevant experience) where: 1 year of academic study (minimum level of HNC/ HND or NVQ Level 4) = 2 units; 1 year of vocational experience = 1 unit. The chartership process does require commitment but I have to confess that I thoroughly enjoyed the Professional Review Interview. I had two lovely interviewers and it felt more like an intellectual discussion between environmental professionals than an interview, which of course is what it was!! Being a Chartered Environmentalist has already given me benefits beyond what I expected. I have made some good friends, created some useful contacts and feel that I have gained professional respect and the trust of others when making decisions or giving advice on environmental issues.
MOVING ON Chief Executive Officer, John Carstensen, is leaving the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) at the end of the year. John joined SocEnv in August last year and has attended and spoken at many events, including our own Annual Conference earlier this year, and has done much to raise the profile of the Society and the CEnv qualification. John particularly enjoyed meeting existing and aspiring Chartered Environmentalists and learning what inspired them to pursue CEnv. John attended the Copenhagen Climate Conference, COP15, and kept Chartered Environmentalists informed via daily updates on the SocEnv website. SocEnv Chair John Gregory said: “Although John has been with us for only a short time he has made a significant impact within SocEnv and I value the contribution he has made as a member of our team.”
Initial Application All you need to submit at this stage is: n An Initial Application Form with the support of two sponsors n Proof that you have attained 12 units of learning n A detailed cv n A job description for your current (or most recent) post Your application will be sent to an assessor and you will then be advised how to proceed. The final stage is the Professional Review, comprising a Report and Interview: you can read about this in the report from Shelley Williams left. Remember you can request the help of a mentor at any stage, even before you make your initial application. Remember too that CEnv embraces a wide range of disciplines – not just engineers and scientists. Sustainable development is an integral part of the culture embedded in the water utilities, their partners, regulators, and suppliers, all of which understand environmental issues and promote environmental stewardship. Download a copy of the CEnv Specification www.instituteofwater.org.uk/membership/ CEnvRegistration.php and see if you think you may be eligible
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Steve Hennah & Graeme McDowell (US Open Champion and Key Ryder Cup Player)
STEVE HENNAH Steve is a member of our Welsh Area Committee and also acts as an assessor for members seeking Engineering Registration. Steve joined the Institute in 1974 when, to quote Steve: “(when) I joined Welsh Water in '74, I was given three forms to fill in, Pension, Trade Union and Water Officers”. After many years of playing cricket, Steve discovered the 'joys' of golf and was given the opportunity in 1994 to become a Founder Member of the Celtic Manor Resort. Steve became the 2010/11 Golf Captain, with his 'drive-in' taking place in April. It has been a busy year so far, with the Welsh Open taking place in June when, for the second year running, Steve played in the Pro-Am that precedes the Open, finishing a creditable second this time. A 2010 Members’ Ryder Cup was held over three days in September; this mirrored the real Ryder Cup but with slightly more competitors and golf balls lost! Steve captained the European team and used his 'It's not the result but the playing that matters' speech, which may give you a clue to the overall result. Steve took time out in the busy week before the big event to compile the following report, with assistance from a colleague at Welsh Water.
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The Ryder Cup comes to Celtic Manor By Steve Hennah and Wendy Hamer-Harries, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
A ‘Green’ Ryder Cup The highlight of the year will be the staging of the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Resort in October. The decision to hold the Ryder Cup in Wales was made in 2001 and since then a purpose built golf course has been built, together with a new club house that overlooks the 18th green, with stunning views of the Usk Valley. All major sporting events consume relatively large quantities of energy, water and other resources. The organisers of the Ryder Cup have focussed on resource efficiency and waste avoidance, making this year's Ryder Cup 'greener' than in the past. One example is the use, wherever possible, of clean, renewable power such as wind and solar power. The generators used in the tented village will use a significant 18 percent of recycled vegetable oil as part of the fuel mix. The floodplain wetlands on the golf course have created new and valuable habitats for many species of wildfowl, aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and aquatic plants. The 1400 acres that make up the Celtic Manor Resort contain
49 sites of archaeological interest: the Roman remains are some of the most significant in the UK and include hill forts, a Roman road and burial chambers. The golf course development has been modified many times to avoid damaging these historic features.
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Dwr Cymru Welsh Water have been involved in both the building of the new course (a large clean water trunk main runs through the area) and ensuring water related issues have been resolved in readiness for the Ryder Cup. We had numerous meetings with the Ryder Cup and Celtic Manor Teams, starting in 2005. The first meetings were around planning the infrastructure for the whole site and optimising the best solution, assessing figures supplied from the K Club, etc. Once this had been completed we undertook clean water enhancements to the network and this was done in 2 phases.
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FEATUREDMEMBER
Ryder Cup Course, Celtic Manor
Phase 1: This on-site work was at the expense of the Ryder Cup/Celtic Manor and took the form of two connections: 1. We undertook a Hydraulic Model that showed that a connection off the 610mm concrete mains would achieve a flow of 15 l/s with a pressure of 40 m/hd. It was noted that this is the achievable flow at the connection point - further flow/available pressure calculations were made based upon the size/length of temporary distribution pipework that the Celtic Manor laid within the Golf Course. This connection was completed and was tested at the recent Wales Open with no resultant issues. 2. We undertook a second Hydraulic Model that showed a connection off the 3" CI Caerleon DMA distribution system would achieve a flow of 2 l/s (7.2 m3 - 1584 gall per hour) with a pressure of 35m/hd. However it became apparent that if the flow figures above were to be introduced, then there is a high risk that this would cause dirty water to customers within the Caerleon distribution system and it was not recommended to connect off this pipework. As a result, to enable supply without causing discolouration, a new 650m x 90mm PE mains was installed. This new main now achieves a flow of 5 l/s (18 m3 - 3960 gall per hour).
Phase 2: In order to mitigate any risks to Welsh Water customers, which could seriously affect supply to the Ryder Cup, we carried out 3 projects in August at a cost of £130k. This involved the construction of four under-pressure tees at three locations: 1. A 450mm cross connection between a 600mm main and a 450mm main at Chepstow Rd, Newport – approximate length 40m; 2. An under pressure connection of 400 valve to 21" main and 2no flush out hydrants at Clarence Place, Newport - approximately 5m of 180mm Polyethylene main; and
3. An under pressure connection of 150 valve to 21" main and 2no flush out hydrants at George Street, Newport - approximately 12m of 180mm Polyethylene main. Logging will continue throughout all forthcoming events. No anticipated issues for the Ryder Cup are expected.
Waste Water Welsh Water put forward varying options to help with the removal of effluent during the event but in the end the Celtic Manor and Ryder Cup Team Wales decided to undertake the removal of effluent themselves through G D Environmental. Their plans were assessed by and endorsed by Welsh Waters’ Network Development Consultant. The plans involved pumping the effluent across the River Wye where a number of very large storage tanks are going to be sited. GD Environmental are licensed to treat the effluent themselves but may need to dispose of a limited amount of effluent via Welsh Water’s WwTW but not in any great quantity and, if the need arises, they are confident that it will take place during normal working hours using the processes and arrangements which are already in place. There will be no need for 24-hr tankering or any other bespoke arrangements to deal with the increased sewerage flows arising from the Ryder Cup. During the construction phase of the stands and media site, etc, Welsh Water offered on site support to ensure the event didn’t put anything near our assets which could cause an additional water feature! Overall the process has proved successful with all parties working together to support the achievement of a very large and successful event.
Footnote Pleased for Steve and everyone involved that Europe won the Ryder Cup: probably not much need to water the greens! Ed
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Successful Results from Promotional Offer Earlier this year we tried to encourage suitably experienced members to apply for Engineering Registration by agreeing to waive the Professional Review fee (£58.75 for EngTech; £164.50 for IEng and CEng) for applications received during a three-month period. This generated over 40 enquiries, many of which have reached or are nearing the final stage of Professional Review Interview. In the summer issue of the Journal we featured the first successful engineer to benefit from this offer. Since then a further three have attained registration as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) - here is what they had to say:
EngTech INTERVIEW NO LONGER REQUIRED Members can now become registered Engineering Technicians without having to undergo a Professional Review Interview. And, if you hold a Level 3 Engineering-based Water Industry Apprenticeship, NVQ or Diploma you may have most of the evidence required. All applicants for Engineering Registration in any category (EngTech, IEng or CEng) must be assessed by peer review, known as Professional Review. This comprises a review of documentary evidence (often a Report) and, in the case of IEng and CEng, an Interview. The Interview is discretionary for EngTech and we have recently decided to waive the need for Engineering Technicians to be interviewed: no interview means no Professional Review Fee. If you thought Engineering Registration was beyond you or too much effort then read the quotes from our three latest Registered Engineers and think again.
Steve Hudson Electrical Projects Manager, Cambridge Water Company
“I wanted to take up the challenge of the IEng professional review for my own personal development, the sense of achievement and for the value professional recognition would offer in terms of my career.
Why Register?
The application guides you through a process which focuses you on examining your own skills and experience against the competencies established by the Engineering Council.
Registration is an internationally recognised demonstration of competence and commitment to society, the engineering profession and, in our case, the water environment. Professional engineering is not just a job – it is a mindset and sometimes a way of life. The skills of Engineering Technicians, Incorporated Engineers and Chartered Engineers are all needed within an engineering team. EngTech registration could be your first step on a journey of lifelong learning and career development, enabling you to progress to Incorporated Engineer and, for some, to Chartered Engineer.
As IEng registration is considered a demonstration of competency for me in my role, my success benefits both my organisation and myself. I consider the IEng registration and Corporate Membership of the Institute of Water as key milestones in a career which I now aim to continually develop with the professional guidance provided to me by my mentor within our company and the Institute of Water.”
Download details of the application process from our website www.instituteofwater.org.uk/membership/EngineeringRegistration.php or email info@instituteofwater.org.uk if you would like to know more. Remember we have a mentoring service which can help you at this stage and beyond.
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ENGINEERINGNEWS
Dai Kirk
Alex Hastie
Design Manager, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Mechanical Authorising Engineer, Essex & Suffolk Water (NWL)
“I have enjoyed 30 years working in the water industry, starting in 1980 working for the design dept. of Welsh Water, based in Haverfordwest. My formative years were as a designer then senior designer, working on both clean and waste water designs coupled to site supervision on numerous projects. Probably the most interesting was the construction of 2 km of new sea outfall off the south beach in Tenby, Pembrokeshire. This was particularly challenging as the project was heavily influenced by the tide and involved welding sections of pipeline together and pulling out to sea, securing the pipeline via a number of large concrete diffuser blocks. Following my time in design I moved to a network modelling role, building strategic models of the primary trunk mains systems in South Wales. Key experience in Operations followed, working in both network and production managing teams in Swansea and latterly managing multi-functional production teams in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area. The last five years have seen me complete the circle, returning to design and picking up valuable experience along the way. My current position is Design Manager, based in Swansea, working on the AMP 5 programme for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Like many I thought that professional registration was beyond my reach, especially as I had completed my HNC many moons ago (too many to mention). However, after reading about successful IEng applications in Institute of Water Journals, I was inspired to apply and am glad to report a successful conclusion. I believe this has endorsed and cemented all of my experience to date, marking it with a professional seal of approval.
“I have worked in Mechanical Engineering for various organisations (Mineral Excavation, Anglian Water, CEGB, National Power & NWL) for the past 40 years and followed the conventional route from apprentice (Fitter / Turner) to my present role as Mechanical Authorising Engineer for Essex & Suffolk Water (NWL). Professional registration has always been a goal of mine but as most of my colleagues who have progressed in their roles through a combination of experience & academic qualification will understand, it’s always something to do later or I haven’t the time at the moment! The incentive offered by the Institute of Water for professional registration was the push I required and I can say the process is not as daunting as it first appears. With a little application & time, I would recommend colleagues in a similar situation as myself to make the time to pursue professional registration. I can personally say the satisfaction of recognition by your peers in the engineering fraternity has motivated me to be more proactive in the development of my CPD and feel it has broadened my view on my future career.”
Further progression to full Chartered Engineer status using the technical report route is certainly an option under consideration.”
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Energy Efficient Wastewater and Sludge Treatment Gordon Wheale (UKWIR) and Malcolm Brandt and Roger Middleton (Black & Veatch) outline the findings of an international study into how the water industry can reduce its energy bill. After manpower, energy is the highest operating cost item for most water and wastewater companies. During the last decade the sector’s energy consumption has increased considerably as a consequence of the need to meet new potable water and effluent treatment quality standards. This trend is likely to continue. On behalf of UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), Black & Veatch has undertaken an international research project to identify current energy efficient best practices and technologies in the water industry. The project covered the efficient design and operation of water industry assets for the whole water cycle from abstraction to discharge. The result is a compendium of best practices covering the water cycle matrix and includes variations between regions and continents, large urban and small rural systems and complex high and simple low technical solutions. International case studies are used to illustrate best practices. This article presents on overview of the study’s findings in the fields of wastewater and sludge treatment. There were 15 case studies offered by participating utilities relating to waste water aeration for Activated Sludge Plants (ASPs). Aeration typically represents 50% to 60% of a sewage treatment works energy demand. Therefore any improvement in aerator performance will have a significant impact on the overall energy demand for the treatment works. Aeration is supplied by blowers through a series of pipes and diffusers into the mixed liquor in the ASP tank. Aeration efficiency is therefore influenced by a range of factors including: n Blower inlet air conditions,
n Install variable speed drives to surface aerators. n Upgrade/replace diffuser grids, aerator paddles. n Replace blower drive belts with non slip belts. n Replace/refurbish blower gear boxes (optimise gear ratios). n Consider blowers with no gearboxes. n Maintain/refurbish air transfer pipework. n Dedicated team to optimize plant performance/deliver efficiencies. The most energy intensive use for blowers is for aerating mixed liquors in wastewater Activated Sludge Plants (ASPs). There is considerable scope for energy efficiency measures in these systems, either through design and engineering of new systems, or through operation, control and maintenance of existing plant. ASP case studies focused on changing dissolved oxygen control to ammonia based control. Savings of up to 50% have been reported by relatively simple means of changing instruments and control software. In one example similar benefits were derived from monitoring inlet loads to regulate flow rates thereby allowing blower output and energy demand to be reduced. Other examples describe improved control over secondary high energy use processes which are seasonal, such as nitrification, but are incidental to the consent standard. Total kWhrs
n Diffuser condition, type, internal cleanliness and size of bubbles,
Monthly Inflow (ML) September 2008 Air supply to Tank 4 stopped
1000000
n Matching of different components in the system. The case studies suggested that potential savings of up to 40% could be achieved from a variety of interventions such as: n Check blower flow rate and head against metered electrical input. n Check system pipework, valves and control set-points for best settings. n Install Real Time Control based on incoming flows and loads and the effluent consent by installing or upgrading PLC controls. n Install ammonia derived DO control
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n Depth of aeration tank, and diffuser floor coverage, n Strength of mixed liquors, upstream treatment, homogeneity,
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n Blower condition, wear, seal, bearing and lubrication system maintenance, n Control system accuracy, response time, instrument cleaning and calibration,
Blower kWhrs
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Figure 1: Case Study Example: 20 – 23% Energy savings from PLC controller changes at ASP (Barwon Water, Geelong, Australia) On complex sites where more than one treatment stream is operating, the flexibility to change the emphasis between an activated sludge plant and a filter process has obvious advantages. This is also evidence where the need for tertiary treatment may be marginal and could be reduced or avoided by efficient operation of primary and secondary processes. Aeration is not the only area of wastewater treatment for which the survey indicated potential energy savings. A trickling or deep bed filter process has
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fEaturE:EFFICIENCY1
very low energy requirements and hence minimal opportunity for significant gains. other processes, such as activated sludge plants and returned activated Sludge (raS) pumping, where pollution loadings and standards have direct impact on energy usage, may present opportunities for significant gains. table 1 suggests a selection hierarchy based on the energy demands current waste water processes. table 1: Sewage treatment Processes Energy Hierarchy Low energy use Biological (percolating) filters
Anaerobic membrane bioreactor
High energy use Bio-aerated flooded filter
Step fed activated sludge(ASP)
Nutrient removal ASP
Conventional membrane bioreactor
case studies have reported between 15 and 50% possible gains on aeration energy demand, so, given that some works must be operating close to ideal efficiencies, the average may be as high as 25%. the case studies also show that gains can come from incremental changes, such as matching instruments or controls to consent parameters, as well as more capital intensive exercises. Savings of up to 55% from raS pumping have been delivered through process optimisation; with the gains being derived through optimizing performance of the whole system although the pump represents the energy demand. Potential opportunities not currently realised include: n increase primary sludge production which reduces load on aeration blowers and increases digester biogas production. the net energy efficiency is thereby increased particularly with sludge digestion and on site cHP. n Possibility of using anaerobic effluent treatment. this needs to be confirmed, but promises similar effluent quality with the bonus of greater yields of biogas than would come from digesting sludge from aerobic treatment. the net energy saving is therefore significant. for thickening sludge, the characteristics of the sludge are the key parameters
although, all other things being equal, the energy hierarchy (table 2) would seem to favour picket fence or drum thickeners over belt thickeners or centrifuges. table 2: Sludge thickening Process Energy Hierarchy Low energy use Picket fence thickeners
Drum thickeners
High energy use Belt thickeners
Belt presses
Centrifuges
it was surprising that there were no studies demonstrating experience of mixing and thickening sludge. it may be that this area will be a focus for development in future as sludge, advanced treatment and cHP become more important means for reducing net energy demand and ensuring quality for return to land where practised. for maximum biogas, and hence energy generation, digesters appear to prefer low rate continuous rather than batch feed, zoned gas mixing to maintain homogeneity and maximum effective volume, pumped recirculation for maintaining temperature, and a consistent feedstock. Pre-treatment techniques for enhancing gas yield from Surplus/Waste activated Sludge (S/ WaS) and enhancing pathogen kill are useful but primary sludge is the ideal for digestion. maximising the primary sludge production from a works has two benefits:n reduces the loads carried forward to the secondary treatment process thereby saving aeration energy, n improves the ability of the digesters to break down organic matter thus increasing biogas production for energy generation through cHP plant. to find out more about the Energy Efficiency in the Water industry report, or to obtain a copy, contact uK Water industry research on 0207 344 1807 or mail@ukwir.org.uk. uKWir reports are also available online at www.ukwir.org
About the authors: Gordon Wheale is UKWIR’s Programme Manager. Malcolm Brandt is Black & Veatch’s Global Practice Technology Leader, Water Supply; Roger Middleton is a Technical Director at Black & Veatch Malcolm Brandt
Roger Middleton
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Project8
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Projec
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Take a closer look… ITT Water & Wastewater is an innovative company leading the way in providing total solutions in moving and treating water and wastewater within any market. You need look no further for expertise in aeration, filtration, UV & ozone disinfection, pumping and mixing. We are never far away should you need assistance, with our nationwide sales support, rental and service centres. With four market leading brands, supported by a highly skilled and knowledgeable team; we can deliver the right solution for your business.
We’ve been providing innovative treatment solutions since 1948, with an extensive product range designed to keep your treatment business moving effectively and efficiently. From the proven performance of the 3000 series covering the vast majority of duties including primary and secondary treatment, to the highly effective N-Pump range for pumping most types of sludge, there’s a Flygt solution suitable for your needs.
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Registered No. 479504
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r nt om ou e at .c e tm s nt Se trea ilitie e ll b tm fu pa ea ca tttr .i w w w
We’re at the heart of pumping Passion and expertise go hand in hand
It’s what drives us to keep challenging convention.
Why we’re always seeking a better way. Striving to maintain unmatched expertise. Constantly leading the industry. From designing each part ourselves to the scientific methods we adopt to ensure operational precision by a complete understanding of the fluids our pumps handle, their contaminants and viscosity. To deliver optimum performance at lowest possible lifecycle costs. And give you complete peace of mind.
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Sustainable Design Optimum Value
Our aspiration is to go beyond statutory requirements and look for opportunities to maximise environmental, social and economic benefits, within a value-for-money framework. For more information please contact sam.phillips@scottwilson.com
www.urs-scottwilson.com
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URS/SCOTTWILSON
Oyster beds clean up Since 2007 URS/Scott Wilson has been assisting Scottish Water to provide a Strategic Sewerage Solution for Loch Ryan to meet important EU Directives… Scotland’s Loch Ryan is famously known for carrying ferries from the ports of Stranraer and Cairnryan back and forth to Northern Ireland. What is perhaps less well known is that the Loch provides nearly all of Scotland’s farmed native oysters, from beds developed since the 18th Century and as such is a classified Shellfish Water under an EU Directive. The requirements of the Urban Wastewater Directive have also created drivers for Scottish Water to enhance the management of wastewater from four communities around the Loch.
History of the Scheme Separate WwTW’s have developed over time at each community, the earliest (Leswalt) being built in 1955 and the largest in Stranraer, which is below-ground, in 1973. Both Cairnryan and Kirkholm WwTW’s were built in the 1990’s. In 1998, the precursor to Scottish Water (West of Scotland Water) commenced the planning for a new WwTW for Stranraer, in order to meet the demands of the EU Directives. Planning for separate schemes continued until 2005 when it was recognised that in order to carry on discharging treated effluent to Loch Ryan, a very high water quality standard would apply. Either UV Treatment or Membrane Bioreactor technology would need to be employed, both of which require high energy inputs and operating costs. Therefore, Scottish Water decided to proceed with an alternative scheme to direct the main treated effluent discharges away from Loch Ryan via an outfall pipe from Stranraer to a deep water outfall in the Irish Sea. URS/Scott Wilson was initially commissioned to undertake a review of the optioneering outcomes. Extensive work was carried out including flow and load surveys at Stranraer to confirm the
Loch Ryan Proposed Port Rodie
pumping, storage and treatment requirements, hydrodynamic modelling in order to analyse the dilution and dispersion characteristics of outfalls that remain into Loch Ryan and fine-tuning of the design scope.
Current Status The four communities currently discharge primary treated wastewater to Loch Ryan via their own WwTW’s. The current proposal is that sewage from Kirkholm and Leswalt, each with populations of approximately 300 on the western shore of Loch Ryan, will be diverted to a new green-field WwTW site at Smithy Hill near Leswalt. The existing below-ground WwTW at Stranraer, which serves a population of some 11,000, will be converted to divert flows for treatment to the new plant. At the same time, the existing treatment tanks at Stranraer will be converted to storm tanks and linked to an emergency overflow into Loch Ryan. Proposals are also being discussed to include a new WwTW at Cairnryan to treat sewage from the village itself along with P&O’s and Stena Line’s ferry terminal. Concerns were raised regarding the septicity potential in the pump main, if connected to the other facilities, due to the low flow from Cairnryan. The Port Rodie development will also provide storm storage which, together with further planned improvements to the network, will enhance the environment at Loch Ryan. Through a D&B contract, which was awarded earlier this year, URS/Scott Wilson is assisting the Biwater/George Leslie Joint Venture with the first phase of the detailed design.
Key Issues Shaping the Scheme
May 2000 to improve the scheme to meet the EU Directives. URS/Scott Wilson has undertaken studies including 2D Modelling of the Loch and network modelling of the existing systems surrounding Stranraer to understand the behaviour of the existing discharges into the Loch, enabling the final designs to avoid specific discharge points. Additional studies have also ensured sustainability issues raised by Water Industry Commission for Scotland reviews were addressed. The existing Stranraer WwTW will be demolished and replaced with a modern building which will tie in with a new proposed waterfront development in the area. The proposals have been developed in close liaison with the local Planning department since they were first tabled in 2007. Once completed, the scheme will bring the four communities’ aged infrastructure in line with the rest of Scotland to provide a modern waste water treatment works. The shellfish water will benefit from the removal and redirection of continuous discharges of waste water to the Irish Sea.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water have been in discussions since
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WE UNDERSTAND WATER TREATMENT AND ANALYSIS
Your Challenge. Our Solution. Severn Trent Services' customers benefit from the reach and expertise of a global supplier of water and wastewater solutions with over 20 offices worldwide and more than 3,000 employees. Which means that you can expect: - We will deliver on our promises - Resourceful solutions that deliver quality and address your specific needs - Responsible and sustainable products and services - Commitment to your projects and support in meeting your targets Our broad range of products and services is focused on innovative treatment technologies, analytical services and contract operating services. We have more than 40 years experience in water reuse and desalination applications; market leading laboratories; and are respected worldwide for our knowledge and performance in operating water and wastewater assets.
WATER PURIFICATION
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- Dual Parallel Lateral Underdrains - Secondary Biological Treatment - Tertiary Wastewater Filtration - Membrane Filtration - Arsenic and Inorganics Removal - Ultraviolet Disinfection - Gas Feed and Chlorine Dioxide Systems - On-site Sodium Hypochlorite Generators - Analysers, Controllers and Gas Detectors
- Potable Water Testing - Ground and Wastewater Testing - Contaminated Land Testing - Legionella and Microbiology - Asbestos - Cryptosporidium - Field Analysis and Monitoring
For more information on Water Purification visit www.severntrentservices.com or call +44 (0)1827 266 000 For more information on Analytical Services visit www.stsanalytical.com or call +44 (0)2476 421 213
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Totally transforming...
New testing for drinking water Leading water and chemical analysis company Palintest Ltd. has developed a new high range test for Manganese in drinking water. The new Manganese HR test now offers a marketleading measurement range of 0.02 to 5 mg/l, without the need for pre-test sample dilution.
...All your pumping applications Our latest drive is dedicated exclusively to water and wastewater pumping. As such it has a host of intelligent pump control functions including anti-ragging which is helping companies like Severn Trent and Anglian Water slash their maintenance bills. The drive has also been voted Innovative Industrial Product of the Year by Electrical Times magazine. To discover all the intelligent pump functions within our new drive call BrochureLine on 0800 783 7491 and ask for a brochure.
The test uses the approved standard Formaldoxime method (ISO 6333), and is supplied in packs containing two sets of tablets. One set of tablets is used to prepare the sample, correcting pH level, and the second tablet reacts with the Manganese. The resultant solution develops an orange/brown colour which indicates the concentration. This test is designed to be used with Palintest’s 7100, 7500 and 8000 model Photometers for precise photometric measurement. In 2004 the World Health Organisation (WHO) reviewed the health risks posed by Manganese in drinking water, and adopted a new Guideline value of 0.4 mg/l. Concentration levels down to 0.05 mg/l may still cause discolouration of water, leading to consumer dissatisfaction. Similarly, the US EPA recommends a limit of 0.05mg/l because of the staining caused, with some industrial applications requiring levels down to 0.02 mg/l. The new Manganese HR test from Palintest therefore allows a full range of concentration testing from trace to toxic, without extra cost or complexity.
Power and productivity for a better world TM
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WATER UTILITY SOLUTION PROVIDER: Water Pumps > Wastewater Pumps & Packages > Dosing & Disinfection Systems
Wastewater and water supply united - See the Bigger Picture Grundfos Water Utility Solutions represents the new wave in public water supply and wastewater. We cover every step in the network and flow. From reliable basics such as our highly efficient CR pumps and modular controls, to dosing and disinfection systems and heavy-duty sewage pumps, we supply almost everything you need. And all our solutions are backed up by the Grundfos global support network. That’s the Bigger Picture, and it translates to bigger benefits, lower life-cycle costs and greater sustainability all-round.
www.water-utility.grundfos.com
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BERSON
Berson Launches ‘OpenLine’ Open Channel UV Wastewater Disinfection Systems New ‘plug-and-play’ modular system is 100% pre-engineered for wastewater applications
Berson’s new OpenLine open channel UV wastewater disinfection system
UV disinfection specialist Berson (www.bersonuv.com) has launched its new OpenLine range of open channel UV wastewater treatment systems. 100% pre-engineered for wastewater applications, the OpenLine range is specifically designed to treat secondary wastewater flows of up to 95,000 m3/day (approx. 4,000 m3/hour) over a wide range of UV transmittances. It utilises a new type of low pressure, high output (LPHO) amalgam lamp that offers stable UV output over its entire operating life of up to 14,000 hours. The OpenLine range’s flexible, modular design means simple installation and maintenance, making it the ideal open channel UV system for municipalities with low flow requirements. Inspired by Berson’s successful InLine+ range of closed vessel UV systems, the OpenLine is the first ‘plug-and-play’ open channel UV system available
The automatic, pneumatic wiper on the UV lamps of Berson’s new OpenLine UV wastewater disinfection system
on the market. Installation is straightforward: the unit is simply placed on a flat surface, the inlet and outlet piping is connected, and it is ready to use. The totally self-contained unit negates the need to install lamp wires through conduits or connect chemical feed systems. Automatic, long-life Viton wipers, powered by a self-contained air compressor, keep the quartz sleeves surrounding the UV lamps clean, ensuring optimum UV output at all times. Wiper frequency is also easily adjustable. The system’s ballasts have a variable output between 50-100% and are easily accessible. In addition, the interface of the PLC control system can be customised by the user to suit their requirements. Lamp replacement and other routine maintenance tasks are also straightforward and can usually be carried out by on-site staff.
Berson is one of the few non-German UV system suppliers capable of providing a complete range of UV systems with capacities between 10 – 10,000 m3/ hour, certified to the newest German DVGW* norm, W294, Parts 1, 2 & 3 – the highest standard currently possible in the world. The company’s UV systems are also validated to the UVDGM** and NWRI*** (for reuse applications) in the USA and Canada.
* DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) is the body responsible for industry self-regulation in the German water and gas and water supply industry and its technical rules are the basis for safety and reliability. ** USEPA UV Disinfection Guidance Manual (UVDGM). The validation certifies the use of the systems for the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). *** National Water Research Institute (www.nwri-usa.org) / American Water Works Research Foundation (www.waterresearchfoundation.org).
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PROCESSPLUS
Three in a Row with Scottish Water Processplus are pleased to announce their third consecutive term in support of Scottish Water’s ongoing capital program, 2010-2015. In partnership with the likes of Siemens Process Instruments and other world leading manufacturing companies Processplus have been providing the Scottish water industry with class leading measurement based supply and support services to Scottish Water’s capital development since 2004. From simple pressure and temperature instruments, through standard to complex flow and level measurements to pre-fabricated, fully tested, site installed and commissioned process and analytical measurement solutions. Processplus provide a competent and cost competitive one stop shop specialist contract service to meet all measurement requirements.
water pipes to 2.5 million homes and businesses and water quality continues to improve year on year. With a continued average investment of around ÂŁ500 million per annum over the extended investment control period 2010 to 2015 the average consumer is set to benefit from price freezes and an increase in cost over the term of 5% below the rate of inflation.
For over 20 years Processplus have provided process and environmental measurement solutions to all sectors of Scottish industry. Scotland covers one third of the UK land mass yet has only 8% of the population.
U S R
M pe a ga
Scottish Water face unique challenges due to geography and the large numbers of small communities it serves, double the number of water resource zones than England and Wales combined, with 70% of these zones accounting for just 1% of the population. Scottish Water produce around 2 billion litres of water every day. The water treatment and supply system includes 300 water treatment works which are served by over 500 sources of water. The water travels through 29,000 miles of
Wit app stim effo suc
Measurement Solution Providers
Ultr atg UV to dow app nee hav high and from tech and
let us engineer a cost effective solution for you
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UV DISINFECTION, A GREEN SOLUTION AGAINST SULPHATE REDUCING BACTERIA (SRB’s) Microorganism control is increasingly an important topic of discussion in the offshore petro-chemical and gas industries. Inadequate chemical/biocide disinfection threatens a range of negative consequences, including ‘souring the well’ with hydrogen sulphide gas, microbiological induced corrosion and the loss of fluid stability during injection. With stricter regulations on down-hole injection applications with regards to chemicals added to stimulation fluids, there has been an increasing effort to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals such as biocides from the extraction process.
pharmaceuticals. Working closely with a number of offshore operators, atg UV Technology developed pilot trials to validate the effectiveness of UV disinfection on Sulphate Reducing Bacteria and verify the sizing parameters needed for a 99.9% reduction (3 log reduction) of SRB’s from a range of water sources at varying qualities. As a result atg UV Technology have provided downhole injection systems treating over 4,000 m3/hr and other UV disinfection packages to the world’s leading offshore operators including Shell, Total, BP, Texaco, Conoco Chevron and British Gas. atg UV Technology’s most notable down-hole injection installation to date was the Eldfisk Platform, North Sea which treats over 4,000 m3/hr of sea water daily, and has been in operation for over 10 years. (Eldfisk UV package pictured left)
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and treatment experts’ atg UV Technology have developed a number of UV systems specifically for the offshore industry, to prevent microbiological contamination of down-hole injection water during oil recovery applications. Additionally, as UV reduces the need for traditional disinfection chemicals, which have high associated capital costs and are both highly toxic and potentially hazardous to transport and store in offshore environments, UV systems from atg UV Technology are seen as a ‘green’ technology option benefiting offshore platforms and contractors worldwide. The use of ultraviolet light for disinfection is well established in many industries such as drinking water, waste water, swimming pools and
UV disinfection, supplemented by periodic shock dosing using chemical biocides is perfectly suited to down-hole injection applications, and has proved to be both a cost effective and highly efficient method of removing harmful microorganisms such as SRB’s (Sulphate Reducing Bacteria) from water sources. Additionally, a correctly sized atg UV system dramatically reduces the amount and frequency of chemical dosing and vastly reduces the associated handling/ transportation costs. Estimated savings for a down-hole injection application switching to UV treatment are substantial, and could be as much as £1 million a year in chemical biocide cost savings alone. (atg UV Technology West Ormikron Platform Research Project -1,600 m3/hr daily)
A typical atg UV disinfection system is highly compact and easy to operate. The atg UV design utilizes an inline configuration that makes it easy to install into existing pipework with minimal disruption. Furthermore, atg UV’s systems are fully automatic and unlike traditional chemical treatments, cannot be overdosed and does not increase the toxicity of the water with harmful biocides. Whilst occasional shock dosing with chemicals is still needed, this does not require the complex monitoring equipment that would be necessary if biocides were used as a primary disinfectant for everyday operation.
A proven track record and extensively developed technology positions atg UV as the clear market leader in the offshore industry. In addition to well injection systems, atg UV have supplied numerous drinking water, waste water, ballast water and ATEX rated systems (ExD, ExE & ExP) to a offshore installations worldwide. For more information please visit www.atguv.com or call atg UV Technology technical sales on: +44(0)1942 216161.
Estimated savings for a down-hole injection application switching to UV treatment are substantial, and could be as much as £1 million a year in chemical biocide cost savings alone. www.atguv.com IOW 168.indd 27
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Would you like to promote your expertise? We have a mag for that... If you would like to promote your organisation in the Institute of Water Journal please contact Distinctive Publishing on 0191 4788300 or email martin.jamieson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk
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New technology addresses key operational issues Intellitect Water has launched a unique, highly innovative drinking water monitoring technology that could revolutionise the delivery of drinking water. The new technology monitors the quality of water in pipeline distribution networks and for the first time provides reliable data to protect the integrity of the water quality, to enhance customer satisfaction and to improve operational efficiency. Highlighting the importance of this new development, Intellitect Water Chairman Roy Pointer said, "The new technology will shine a light on an asset which today benefits from very little monitoring." Background In most developed countries the water distribution infrastructure is a very large and ageing asset. In the UK for example, nearly 400,000 km of pipelines serve domestic and industrial customers. Many of these pipes are cast iron and some date back as far as the 19th Century. Corrosion to both the internal and external surfaces of iron pipes can result in leaks and bursts which lead to a loss of treated water, a loss of pressure and water quality. Substantial investment is therefore necessary to maintain and improve the quality of the distribution network - in the UK alone, billions of pounds have been spent on pipeline rehabilitation since privatisation in 1989. Clearly, access to real-time data on water quality, pressure and flow at appropriate locations within the distribution network will provide highly valuable information to water companies to assist with pipeline rehabilitation and for ongoing operational purposes. In the early 1990s Yorkshire Water pioneered in-network monitoring, but it is only now that the relevant technologies have advanced to the extent that a viable product is ready for proliferation.
The Technology The technology has three vitally important features: 1. Patented, robust, highly accurate solid-state chlorine sensor 2. Multiple (up to 12) sensors inside a tiny sonde head that fits in the pipeline through a 38mm valve.
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3. Low cost of purchase and ownership. (designed for multiple installations) Measurement options in each sonde include Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Mono-chloramine, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, pH, ORP/Redox, Flow, Pressure, Temperature, Turbidity and Colour. Importantly, none of these require membranes or reagents and the sondes can be deployed for long periods without the need for frequent recalibration or maintenance. Importantly, this technology does not generate a waste stream. David Vincent, the inventor and Intellitect's Engineering Director, believes that the company's Chlorine monitoring technology is a core competence, adding, "Chlorine is obviously a vitally important parameter for drinking water; our solid-state sensor is highly accurate (± 10% … significantly superior to tablet tests) across a broad range from 0.5 mg/l to 5 mg/l. The advantages of the sensor are that it maintains its calibration for up to 6 months; it has no membrane; no reagents are required, no waste stream is produced and importantly it fits inside a tiny sonde head which is inserted into the water pipe. The probe can be fitted into large pressurised pipes (via a 38 or 50mm valve) as well as pipes only 50mm in diameter, for street level monitoring. An adjustable collar allows the sonde to be set to a pre-determined depth, ensuring the sensor head sits in the middle of the flow. A variant of the sonde (Intellisonde SA – short application) enables continuous monitoring of a customers supply by insertion into a standard water metering box. Following initial work with eight water providers
in the UK and a similar number overseas, it has been demonstrated that the Intellisondes™ are quick and easy to install by field operators with a minimal level of training. In addition to the ability to store readings (up to 2 years of 15 minute data) Intellisonde™ is also able to output data using a wide variety of communications protocols with optional GPRS connectivity so that data can be viewed and downloaded remotely. Data can be collected by any computer running an Internet browser which opens a simple Graphical User Interface with 5 basic options: Status, Calibrate, Retrieve Data, Graph and Configure. Cleverly, the Intellitect design team has also included a facility for the Intellisonde™ to accept and transmit signals from other devices (mV, 4-20mA etc) that can then piggy-back on the communications capability. There are a number of applications for the new technology in the provision of drinking water. For example, different versions can be deployed for intake protection, for monitoring post-treatment within the distribution network and for shortterm deployment in the resolution of customer complaints.
Intake protection River or reservoir water quality can be monitored through continuous sampling with a submersible pump with an integral strainer. A small quantity of the intake water is diverted through a small cell containing the Intellisonde™ sensors and the readings provide live data that can provide immediate alarm of deteriorating water quality and also help optimise the water treatment process.
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FEATURE:EFFICIENCY2
Pictured L to R: David Vincent (Technical Director), Tony Hawker (CEO), Roy Pointer (Chairman)
Permanent deployment in the distribution network
The Intellisonde™ SA resolves all four of these problems.
Deployed at strategic locations throughout the network, continuous monitoring enables efficient management of water treatment processes particularly disinfection. It also informs decision making in the rehabilitation process and other operational activities such as flushing and air scouring.
Commenting on his involvement with Intellitect, Roy Pointer says, "I decided to participate in the development of this technology because I recognised that it represents a tremendous opportunity for the industry.
Incident/complaint response Historically, the normal response to any issues relating to tap water quality would be for a water company to dispatch a team of water samplers equipped with sample bottles and/or DPD test kits or meters. There are four main problems with this approach: firstly, such tests are by definition a ‘spot test’ and therefore only give an indication of water quality at one moment in time, which may be after the problem has passed; secondly, it is normally necessary to gain access to the customers’ premises to obtain a representative sample; thirdly, the manual collection of water quality data is laborious and expensive; fourthly, the number of tests that can be undertaken in the field is limited, in terms of both the accuracy of testing and the range of tests that are possible.
"During my time in the water industry, often the first time we heard about a problem with tap water was when a customer complained, so this technology will, for the first time, enable water providers to take a proactive approach in safeguarding quality; dealing with issues before customers experience problems." In recent years a large number of pipework interconnections have been made between different water networks and sources to provide a more reliable guarantee of continuous supply. This has increased the importance of Network Models as a tool to safeguard the pressure and quality of water supply. However, these models are largely hydraulic because historically it has been difficult and expensive to include water quality; the new Intellitect technology provides an opportunity to model water quality in these often complex networks.
Looking forward, Roy Pointer says, "Once larger numbers of low cost monitors are installed in the network, it will become possible to accurately model chlorine and other water quality parameters throughout the network in order to manage variations in demand and unexpected loading, whilst maintaining excellent water quality. This will enable the optimisation of chlorine dosing for customer taste and perception. "One of the other major benefits will be to remove guesswork from pipeline operational maintenance and rehabilitation so that the number of unnecessary excavations can be reduced. Furthermore, monitoring before and after the work will reveal the success or otherwise of the operation." An additional benefit of the new technology will apply to pipeline flushing and air scouring which can now be based on need rather than a rigid adherence to historic flushing programmes. This proactive approach can lead to more efficient network operations. Until now, flushing has been an activity that takes place after a set (estimated) period of time. However, the new monitors will reveal the most appropriate time for this to take place.
Summarising his views on the Intellitect technology, Roy Pointer says, "Operationally, water companies have key priorities: customer service, water quality and efficiency. This new technology can make a significant contribution to all three."
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FEATURE:EFFICIENCY3
New Strategy and New Board for Waterwise By Victoria Higgins, Communications Executive, Waterwise
Alan Alexander
“In my Presidential Address to our 2005 Conference in Aberdeen I said that water availability would be one of the great issues of the 21st Century. It is, therefore, an honour and a challenge to lead Waterwise, an organisation that has done so much, and will do so much more, to make the case for water efficiency. We must put a value, not simply a price, on water and Waterwise's new strategy will help to do that.” – Alan Alexander Waterwise, the UK’s leading authority on water efficiency, turned five years old in September 2010. In its first five years, Waterwise succeeded in increasing the profile of water efficiency and has been a catalyst in large-scale water efficiency trials across the UK. Waterwise worked in partnership with water companies in the UK and acted as a facilitator in water efficiency, helping stakeholders work together on projects. Now Waterwise is looking towards the future and has a new strategy, a new Board and a new vision for the journey. The new Board is Chaired by Alan Alexander. Professor Alexander has previously held the positions of Chair of Local and Public Management at the Strathclyde Business School and Chair of Scottish Water and has been a member of the Accounts Commission for Scotland and of the Economic and Social Research Council. Alan, who is a former President of the Institute of Water, has broad experience in the private and public sectors, vast knowledge of the water industry and a reputation for strategic thinking that will be invaluable in implementing Waterwise's new strategy and in ensuring that Waterwise continues to both shape the water efficiency agenda and ensure the delivery of water-efficient technology and behaviours in homes and businesses. The new board working alongside Alan has drawn in experts from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to help guide Waterwise's new phase. Waterwise wants to encourage people to think about their waste of water and not
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restrict people’s use. The new vision for the organization is simple: Water used wisely, everyday, everywhere. As part of that vision, Waterwise will ensure that water efficiency is integral to everyone’s lives. And to achieve this, Waterwise will work in partnership with the water companies, government and regulators, and other partners across public, private and third sectors. As part of the new Waterwise, it is increasing its focus on social aspects of water efficiency to understand and influence consumers. Waterwise will place greater emphasis on the delivery of water efficiency – through installation programmes - and will engage further with communities and local partners. The new Waterwise Strategy sets out the key workstreams and priorities for the organization from 2010 – 2020. Moving forward Waterwise will focus on: n Ensuring that water efficiency becomes a standard element of the water companies’ water planning and management process n Influencing and driving water-efficient behaviour
Waterwise believes that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders involved in the water industry to promote water efficiency. Water companies in the UK have always been proactive in delivering water efficiency and changes in policy, spending and attitudes have led to a step-change in water efficiency in recent years. Regulators need to set targets that push water companies into making a real effort in water efficiency and demand management. Manufacturers need to invest in research and development so that the products of the future enable consumers to use water and enjoy water, yet reduce the amount that is wasted. Retailers need to prioritise products that are water and energy efficient and use point of sale information to help consumers make informed choices. Local councils need to help homes get the information they require. Developers need to build water efficient homes that have optimized plumbing, up to date products installed and be efficient for home owners to run. Earlier this year Waterwise published a report on water efficiency activities in the UK. This report and further information is available from the Waterwise website www.waterwise.org.uk.
n Securing political and regulatory commitment to water efficiency to mitigate the effects of and adapt to climate change n Strengthening the ability of society to deliver water efficiency n Aiming to influence consumers and businesses towards resource efficiency
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 12 - 14 may 2011 the liberty Stadium, Swansea ‘for the Health of the nation’ – Securing, maintaining and communicating the Vital Water Services that Power our communities chaired by incoming President - nick Ellins of the consumer council for Water. the latest industry thinking, innovation, best practice, news and ideas mixed with a wide social programme.
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Switching to Sap – Supporting Business Efficiencies through Information Services
The Welsh Water Story By Simon Coton, Head of Business Change for the ITEC programme
Welsh Water’s business information systems had been developed separately for the wastewater and drinking water units over the past 20 years. Both were in need of an upgrade, not just because they were becoming too old to support, but because of the inherent costs in maintaining systems built on two different platforms, the difficulties of cross-skilling for staff, and the challenges in getting standardised reporting data from the two business units. Over the last four years, Welsh Water has therefore made a substantial investment to upgrade its computer systems and hardware to bring in changes to benefit the whole of the business. The implementation is designed to result in improvements in customer service, operational performance and asset information as well as providing Welsh Water with a sustainable IT system. The vision for this investment was to provide modern, integrated IT systems & related processes to support the achievement of key business targets As Welsh Water Managing Director, Nigel Annett, says, “Welsh Water is constantly facing new challenges to the way our business operates. In order to meet these challenges we needed to ensure that our work force was equipped with all the tools they require. We believe that the new SAP system will go some way towards our goal of making Welsh Water the best water company in the UK.” The three main goals of the project were: n To integrate all of Welsh Water’s computer programmes via SAP n To provide a new map support system for office and field-based staff, and
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So what exactly does the new SAP system do? This single, integrated system handles and reports on: n Operational call activity n Planned and reactive work scheduling n Actual costs for assets (time and materials) SAP is also now provided to field staff so that they can receive and record live jobs, supporting greater ‘real-time’ feedback to call handlers and work schedulers based in central locations.
Does it have real benefits? The system drives tangible benefits for different parts of the organisation. Customer advisers benefit from ‘as live’ information available on jobs / incidents as field staff can now confirm electronically that they have received a piece of work, are en route, on site, or have completed their tasks. This quickly updates across the whole system so that work can be tracked in real time. Advisers also now have access to interactive maps via GIS, the new Geospatial Information System.
n To provide new ways of capturing data on computers, laptops or handheld devices
More detailed information is available for customers, including call history, asset history, current incidents and location maps visible through the same system.
We have now rolled out SAP’s Industry Solution for Utilities, including its Customer Relationship Management module, their Mobile Asset for Utilities mobile-working solution, the Multi Resource Scheduling tool, and linked it to our new Geospatial Information System, provided by ESRI.
Operational Performance is enhanced by managers now having the ability to track ongoing incidents in a single system, switching easily between the drinking water and wastewater business units if required. Completed job details are entered directly into SAP (via laptop or
desktop PC), removing inefficient paper job cards. The longer term benefit for an asset management company is the clearer view that all this will afford of what it costs to run our assets. Precise costs for the time spent, materials used and the types of activities required to maintain each asset and asset class can be extracted giving a far more complete view of our business. Of course, having updated maps available to the fieldforce via mobile devices and work issued using the GPRS mobile network should result in a reduction in unnecessary trips to the depot.
In summary, the key benefits are: n Improved scheduling functionality, enabling the provision of more specific time slots for work and appointments. n Field staff have access to detailed electronic maps n Job progress can be displayed ‘as live’ in the central control centre n A more complete view of operational activity, condition and costs by asset n More timely and accurate data for decision making and reporting n All jobs able to be delivered via mobile applications for inspectors and field workers
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fEaturE:EFFICIENCY4 The accompanying case study outlines the progress that one of our call handlers has seen from the SAP implementation. Welsh Water continues to closely support the rollout through a transitional project and will be tracking benefits through the Business Efficiency team as we seek to leverage the best of this investment throughout the current investment cycle.
challenges
CASE STUDY
Lauren Jennings, aged 18, has worked as a Customer Service Advisor (Water and Sewerage) in the Operational Activity Centre since September 2008. What does your role involve?
though the implementation is complete, we have faced a number of difficulties in getting to this point, including having to provide guidance to mobile teams on what to do when they are out of range of mobile telecoms networks, as well as ensuring the systems can comfortably cope with synchronising while on the move.
i am part of the team handling emergency calls, so every day is different. When a call comes in i enter the details into the system, then the job gets allocated to the relevant team.
the rollout has delivered to over 1200 users, and it has always been difficult to balance the need to rollout quickly, so as not to have to deal with two systems running in parallel, against the desire to give the business time to adapt to the changes.
Previously you’d enter the details into the system and you would never find out what happened because everything was separate. now everything is linked together in SaP and you can follow the progress of a job and identify the outcome.
there is also a time lag between the design process and the products reaching the business so it is essential to ensure the business teams affected by the change stay close to the project throughout the development phase.
Key lessons we have learned are:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of SAP?
We didn’t have access to maps before either, but SaP links to the new giS mapping tool so we can access relevant data on the same screen. there is also a new inbox which allows you to prioritise and trace your own jobs in the system. it is really useful being able to manage your own workload and jobs via the inbox, and
trace what happens to them when they get passed on. you have the chance to follow things up or identify mistakes so they can be rectified. the instant maps on the screen help you to locate any other problems in the area which may be related to the job too. Do you find SAP easy to use? SaP hasn’t been too much of a problem for me because i’ve been using computers for a while, but it’s more technical than the previous system. i’m gradually coming to terms with it and expect it will get much better as everything develops and the data is cleaned up. What about your colleagues? Some have got to grips with it pretty quickly, but others with less it experience have had some difficulties adapting. i was one of the first people to start using SaP when it was issued to waste last november so i’ve had more practice and have been helping people with the system as an ‘Expert user’. We’ll all get there in the end though!
n costs and benefits should be closely aligned to team targets n Project performance is best understood when business people work alongside the technical teams
Key Performance Indicators have been agreed with our business units on the basis of the efficiencies expected from the SAP rollout.
n Strong business sponsorship, with direct financial benefits accruing to the sponsor, is essential, and that
Reduction in the total number of operational written complaints
n users always need more help than you expect, as they always do more than you know!
Reduction in the number of calls chasing a previous contact (CPCs)
Reduction in the number of abortive/wasted customer visits Increase in the number of calls resolved at first point of contact Reduced time to investigate DG7 (pollution/flooding) complaints
“Welsh Water is constantly facing new challenges to the way our business operates. In order to meet these challenges we needed to ensure that our work force was equipped with all the tools they require. We believe that the new SAP system will go some way towards our goal of making Welsh Water the best water company in the UK.”
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The Typhoon
Our mission is to improve the quality of drinking water by developing new technology to clean water mains. The Typhoon jetting system marries engineering know how from the oil and gas industries to a team with over 30 year’s experience in the UK water industry. A subsidiary of Kilbride Industrial Services, Hydrascan’s tethered pig technology can be used with equipment already widely used throughout the water industry, requires little training and less support infrastructure than current systems.
Key benefits
Specially designed to solve the problems of water mains cleaning and surveying, the Typhoon jetting system achieves better results in a shorter time frame, requires less support on site and radically reduces cost. Footprint Requires only a single point of access Agile Cleans around bends and up valve faces
Typhoo
New water m cleaning tech
www.hydrascan.co
Environmentally friendly All waste water is filtered and reused by the Typhoon Excellent cleaning results Exceeds standards demanded by the Drinking Water Inspectorate Flexibility Cleans 4 inch to 60 inch diameter mains Range Up to 1km from a single access point Speed Travels at up to 3m/s along the pipe before returning and cleaning at 0.5m/s to 0.1m/s No winching Requires no additional winching machinery
No settlement tanks No need for large lagoons as water is pumped immediately to recycling vehicle perfect urban environments Non abrasive cleaning Does not harm the internal integrity and lining of pipe infrastructure
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How it works
Each vehicle uses hydro jet propulsion as its motive force. High pressure water (up to 250 Bar) is fed to the rear of the vehicle and expelled through small nozzles to produce thrust – in a similar manner to a jet aircraft except water is used as opposed to expanding hot gasses to produce the thrust. The vehicle is propelled at a speed of up to 3 m/s through a pipeline that is open to atmosphere and at a predetermined distance the vehicle is drawn back to the entry point whilst cleaning the internal bore of the pipe at a speed of approximately 0.5 m/s. For cleaning to begin, a switching valve is activated remotely changing the system from propulsion to cleaning mode. The high pressure water is directed to a radial array of fan jets which allows complete internal cleaning of the pipe wall. The angle and pressure of jetting can be altered depending on the level of build up and the different material linings of the pipe wall. All water is washed in to the excavation, pumped to a supporting vehicle, filtered and reused.
hoon
ter mains pipe g technology
scan.co.uk
“The Hydrascan system has proved well suited to working in urban environments due to its small site set-up, the achievement of high specification cleaning over long lengths and the ability to negotiate bends, valves and fittings in the network. The environment is at the core of what Northumbrian Water does – an added benefit to this technology is that the water re-cycling feature clearly contributes to the low carbon footprint of the system. “I’d like to congratulate the team on their well deserved award and look forward to working with them in the future.” - Stuart Tilley Northumbrian Water project manager
Excellent cleaning results
Currently the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is driving a mains water cleaning program to which all water authorities must adhere. The Typhoon cleaning results are excellent. In 2008, Hydrascan won a contract to supply its cleaning technology to Lumsden & Carroll Civil Engineers to clean Northumbria Water pipelines. The water company was delighted with the cleanliness of the pipes and subsequently used the results obtained during trials in 2007 to set their own in house cleaning requirements in conjunction with the standards laid down by the DWI for Aluminium, Manganese and Iron deposits.
Drinking water Inspectorate max. ‘PCV’ allowed levels
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Northumbria Water in-house specification limits
Levels following cleaning by Typhoon system
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How efficient are you?
Efficiency must be one of the most widely used words to have come out of the recession. We all know we need it, most of us have attempted to find it, we all have efficiency targets, yet how many of us can say either that we are confident we will reach our targets and sustain them or that in the process of driving towards efficiency, we are creating an organisation that we are proud to be a part of? in the water industry, efficiency is part of everyday life. We know that our water usage needs to be efficient and we need to educate our customers to be more efficient in their use of the resource that we provide. We work towards efficiency targets set at the beginning of the 5 year amP and in amP5 the efficiency targets for many are far higher than originally anticipated. yet those efficiency targets are imposed externally – water companies are not exposed to the same market fluctuations that a company in an unregulated industry is, and that creates a different mindset. that is set to change. open competition is predicted to come in amP 6 which changes the perspective on efficiency in amP 5. yes, we need to make savings to achieve our efficiency targets but more than that, we need to create an organisation that is capable of responding quickly to the ups and downs of a de-regulated market. that means, more than ever, that individual operational improvements are not enough – they will achieve short term gain but will not create a commercial culture of continuous improvement. all water companies need to look at efficiency programmes that align the strategic direction from the cEo to the operator. that strategy should
harness the knowledge and energy of staff at all levels to make significant improvements in performance which keep improving, continuously. that takes more than a lean improvement programme, many of which fail to achieve long term results, because of their focus on process in isolation to the operating context, i.e. people, leadership, strategic priorities, structure. the good news is that there are 5 years in which to address this, the bad news is that it doesn’t happen overnight. an obvious starting point for efficiency is asset management. We recently worked with a client to help them find ways to achieve a target for capital efficiency which had almost doubled after the final determination. like other water utilities they had decided to co-locate contractors, suppliers, consultants and employees to collaborate more effectively to deliver together amP5 with maximum efficiency. they recognised, however, that in order to make this collaborative approach work, in order to create one single supply chain, and in order to find and remove the extra waste in the system, they had to fundamentally change the way they operated. our initial analysis showed that the drivers of cost avoidance and cost control were baked into a way of working that process simplification alone could not fix. applying a systems approach to the problem we identified 6 interconnected components of the asset management operating model which would need to be addressed in order to achieve the step change in performance which was required. Fig 1 shows the operating model we used as a basis for the project design.
Strategic Direction
Results & Learning
Structure
People
Process
Technology
Fig 1: Company operating model in any organisation, the strategic direction needs to be clear and the leadership needs to be aligned behind it. it sounds obvious but that strategy needs to be communicated throughout the organisation (or function). the most effective – and efficient – way of doing this is to translate the strategy into objectives and key performance indicators at all levels which focus on driving performance in the future(lead KPis) rather than dwelling on past performance (lag KPis). Visual management techniques are then used to review progress against the measures and agree upon actions. it is important that a disciplined and consistent approach is applied to these regular reviews and that managers are encouraged to push the accountability as low as possible. managers should be removing the barriers that
“Our people are saying that Egremont are good, good value, they like working with them and they seek Egremont’s involvement. There’s no greater compliment than that.” – Water Services Director
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EGREMONTgrouP
“I am genuinely impressed with the way you have engaged with everyone whilst holding a pretty painful mirror up on our current practices and pushing the boundaries on an exciting transformation opportunity. I have received only positive feedback.” Director of Business Change
stop the operators from doing their job; they shouldn’t be stuck in the detail. the structure is about looking at the flow of work in the organisation (or function) and creating a structure around it which accelerates the work flow rather than impedes it. Do we have the right roles in the right place? are accountabilities clear? are the decision rights clear? for our client’s asset management team, we helped them to look at the best structure for facilitating partnerships with contractors, suppliers and consultants that clearly demonstrated who had accountability for which part of the supply chain. Process is familiar ground for many who work towards efficiency targets and applying lean process techniques is a very effective way of identifying waste. one caveat though – don’t do this in isolation. it is the working of the whole operating model which ensures the success of the lean approach and which in reality, helps you to find bigger opportunities than lean alone will uncover.
Technology is a key enabler of efficiency and a well tailored solution will significantly improve the flow and use of data to speed up decision making. “Enabler” is the key word here –new technology but same process, structure, unclear strategic direction and old behaviours will soon become an expensive addition to the budget rather than the efficiency gain anticipated. the people component is about having the right skills in place, the motivation to improve performance and the performance management system in place designed to get people at all levels to continuously improve. as a colleague of mine recently said, “if you built a new water treatment plant, you wouldn’t be happy if it didn’t do what it said on the tin. you’d review performance and de-snag until it worked as it was designed to.” the same applies to a performance management system – it takes commitment and determination to get it right. finally results need to be tracked and learning acted upon. any changes need to be backed by a financial benefits case and if it isn’t delivering,
questions need to be asked. We come back full circle here: the first step to motivating people to realise your strategy is to tell them what that strategy is and how they contribute to it; the second step is to help them manage their own performance by giving them data and a forum to review it. So what happened to our asset management team? Well, they are on track to hit their budget and more than that, it feels different: collaboration, motivation and communication really do mean what they say on the tin. it’s a good litmus test for your own efficiency programmes – how would you describe the effect they have had on the functions involved? if “on target” is the only phrase you come back with then beware – the plateau is approaching and it will take a step change to climb the next summit. most people in the water industry care passionately about what they do and providing a good service to the public – harness that passion to deliver the twin winners of efficiency and engagement and be on the front foot by the time amP 6 arrives.
We help our clients to grow – revenues, profits and capability – through our unique approach to change and strategy execution. Natalie Gordon, Marketing Director Contact: nataliegordon@egremontgroup.com tel: 020 7298 7878 www.egremontgroup.com
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AVK UK
Differentiating the Product Offer - Reducing Cost, Maintaining Quality… By Kieran Fitzpatrick, Business Development Director of AVK UK
One of the major strengths of the Global Group AVK is that it has the ability to respond quickly and accurately to the needs of its customers. Since Water Company privatisation in the UK there has been a significant challenge to the Water Utility Sector to, on the one hand, deliver an ambitious capital investment in their network infrastructure, whilst on the other providing value for money to their customers. This is a difficult balancing act. Through regular contact with our customers, it appears that whilst there is a genuine desire to install quality equipment, the immediate unit cost of these products compared to the cheaper, lower quality and largely unregulated imports available through various channels, is inevitably higher. Costs of WRAS approvals, stock and product development all contributing to a necessarily higher unit cost for a true quality product. There are plenty of examples around the industry which prove that the “buying cheap, short term cost reduction” approach ultimately costs more in repairs, disruption and customer reputation at a later point in time. As part of our Vision 4 “Our vision is your advantage” programme, AVK UK entered into dialogue with the key stakeholders of the industry, the result of which was to embark on the redevelopment of the highly popular, market leading Series 21 range of resilient seated gate valves, thousands of which are sold into the UK water industry every year. This development addressed a number of key issues highlighted during discussions, for example n to ensure that the range would still fully retain its conformity to water quality and the legal National and European performance standards, n to mitigate the effects of serious raw material cost fluctuations n to help improve Health and Safety
n reduce the impact of production and transport on the environment n recognise that there are a number of well defined applications where a different valve performance is required. n improve the true life cost/asset life of the products AVK’s response was to redevelop and extend the Series 21 range by designing three new variations of the resilient seated gate valve suitable for a variety of applications. All were designed to be constructed from Ductile Iron using the most modern casting techniques with the incorporation of value added features such as lifting bars as well as all fasteners now stainless steel and fully encapsulated in wax as standard. In addition across the range, standard and extended warranty packages will be available.
The three distinct variants are The Series 21/50 : this product is a direct replacement for the Series 21/00 and is the valve designed for use for below ground and buried service applications as defined in BS EN1074:2 / BS5163:2004 and should still be the preferred option for most applications. It retains the ability to replace the stem seals under-pressure and maintains the “2-turns to the inch” thread pitch. To achieve conformity to the standard this valve has passed a 2500 cycle test and has been proven to withstand remarkable strength tests. The Series 21/58: this is a variant of the Series 21/50 which is designed to withstand salt laden environments where there is either close proximity to the sea or in processes such as desalination and nitrate removal where greater protection is required. This range utilises a higher grade of stainless steel in both the fasteners and the spindle and has a thicker coating applied. These valves also fully conform and are type tested to BS EN1074:2 / BS5163:2004.
The Series 21/75: this valve type has been developed in recognition that the new AMP cycle is focussed around pumping stations and production in both the sewage and potable water cycles. As most valves in these sectors are used in chambers or above ground they tend to be operated using lighter or more controlled equipment such as hand-wheels and actuators. The driver for this range therefore is to reduce the effort required which makes them easier to use and therefore less costly to operate. The valves fully conform to EN 1074:2 but still retain the ability to change the stem-seals in-line and contain the same wedge as the Series 21/50. All of the above ranges are fully WRAS approved and all come with lifting bars as standard; all fasteners are stainless steel and further protected by hot-melt plugs. Coating application and testing is in accordance with WIS 4-52-01. The first part of this brand new range the Series 21/50 DN80-150mm, was launched in April with the remainder being rolled-out later in the year. The Series 21/58 and Series 21/75 will also be launched during this period. The full AVK resilient seat gate valve range covers nominal diameters from DN50mm to DN600mm and is therefore the most comprehensive in the UK Water Sector. A full suite of supporting information is available on our website; otherwise please contact our sales office for any information. AVK UK: +44 (0) 06104 601188
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Smart Water Metering – 2010 and beyond By Dene Marshallsay (Artesia Consulting) and Andy Godley (WRc), on behalf of the IMI Water metering: the current position At the present time in England and Wales about 37% of homes are metered, the rest mostly pay based on the rateable value of the home. Consumers can switch to a metered bill if they wish, and in areas where water bills are high, such as the south-west, this has resulted in about 64% of households paying for water via a meter. Where maintaining the balance between supply and demand is challenging, for example in the south east, companies can force the pace of metering through introducing policies for compulsory metering on change of occupancy, and in the cases of Folkestone and Dover Water and Southern Water, full compulsory metering has been implemented. The largest of these, Southern Water, expects to be ‘fully’ metered by 2015. The result of these regionally based water metering policies is that about 50% of homes in England and Wales are expected to be metered by 2015, with some companies as high as 95% and some still less than 30%.
So where does smart water metering fit into this picture? The fact is that a proportion of the meters currently being installed by water companies include some ‘smart’ meter functionality, such as leak identification and remote meter reading. One factor that could influence attitudes to smart water metering is the impending roll out of smart energy meters. Under this energy programme, by 2020, twenty seven million households will be visited, 46 million smart energy meters will be installed and the means to get data to and from every home established. Inevitably the roll out of smart energy meters will have an impact on water metering, consumers getting their smart electricity and gas meters with in home displays, might wonder when their smart water meter will follow. It is certain that smart water meters will be a topic of debate and form a strategic place in some water companies’ metering plans going forward.
The Intelligent Metering Initiative (IMI) The Intelligent Metering Initiative (IMI) has provided a focus for discussions, knowledge sharing and research into smart water metering for the past few years, and during 2010 the IMI has focussed its activities in two main areas –
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Suppliers IHD
Other
Data Function
WAN Mod
Network Operators
E
HAN G
WAN W
Other Authorised Parties
W
Development of good metering practice interacting with the development of the smart energy metering programme and developing good practice for metering.
Energy smart metering The aim of this stream of work was for the IMI to work with its members and Ofwat to ensure that access to the central communications network being developed for energy smart metering remains an option for water and that DECC/ Ofgem and water companies are fully aware of any future wider implications or benefits from the roll-out programme. The IMI has therefore drafted minimum data requirements, carried out data traffic analysis and considered whether water companies could take advantage of the role out process to promote water efficiency alongside energy efficiency. These have been included in our responses to the consultation on Smart Metering for Electricity and Gas by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). In September IMI held a workshop on Zigbee communications as being used by British Gas for the home area network (HAN) in their smart energy metering roll-out. The objective was to help water companies understand if this technology would also be suitable for communication with a water meter. There was a detailed presentation by an expert on Zigbee describing the operation, structure and development of the system. It appeared to most
in the room that there were significant technical obstacles to be overcome to provide a Zigbee link from a water meter located on the in a boundary box to the HAN with the technology as it currently stands. This could be a challenge for the water sector.
Development of good metering practice The IMI operations group provides a forum for water company members of the IMI to discuss the practical issues associated with implementing metering policies, and to develop guidance that can be used to provide some consistency of approach across the industry. Guidance notes have been produced for dealing with practical metering issues relating to: properties with communal facilities (in particular sheltered housing); understanding properties that are uneconomic to meter; third party logging of meters; and access to meters. Work is currently underway on common billing agreements and metering communal hot water supplies.
New groups Following the Walker Review on charging and the energy sector pushing forward with installing smart energy metering into every home in the UK, water metering has received a renewed impetus. As recommended by the Walker Review, Ofwat has set up its Smart Water Meter Group with
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fEaturE:SMART WATER METERING the remit to determine the costs and benefits of smart meters, to inform any decisions on approach and potential roll-out of smart meters, and co-ordinate and help shape work on smart water metering within the water sector. Water uK has also set up a strategic metering group and practitioner’s network under their customer policy advisory group. the imi liaises with these groups to discuss how the groups could interact and ensure that within all this activity there was no duplication of effort. Whilst the ofwat and Water uK groups are developing their respective work programmes, it is clear that there is an ongoing need for both groups and the industry at large to access knowledge, technical and research resources. the imi has partly fulfilled this role over the past 3 years, alongside key research projects carried out through uKWir. one of the strengths of the imi has been the flexibility and ability to carry out specific tasks at short notice, along with its objectiveness and co-ordination of information and knowledge.
Future Activity as the new groups formulate their programmes over the next few months, the imi will continue to liaise with them to identify future needs and potential options. the imi will support any inputs to the second round of responses to the ofgem prospectus and maintain its web-site and knowledge base for access by imi members and the wider industry. However, during these activities the imi will also develop its proposals to continue with its activities and will hold an end of year workshop to discuss and agree the imi’s future actions. it is clear that there remain many areas to be addressed by the industry relating to metering and smart metering covering a range of technical and strategic issues. companies will start amP 6 planning in earnest next year (some have already started) and a clear steer is needed on metering policy, plus there needs to be evidence, data and tools to develop the business case. is there sufficient time and funds to do this? it is essential that each of the industry groups is clear in its aims and there is no duplication of effort. funding streams will also need to be developed to support this work effectively. for further information on the intelligent metering initiative (imi) visit www.imi-metering.co.uk or contact info@imi-metering.co.uk. Tel 01926 314166.
IF WE CONTINUE WHAT WE ARE DOING, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE PROBLEMS WE ALWAYS HAVE! By Steve Leigh, Groundbreaker
Steve is known to many members as Chair of our Eastern Area. Steve, who also chairs the SBWWI Metering and Leakage Working Party, looks ahead to their Annual Leakage and Water Management Seminar later this month. With Pr09 now being concluded and the water industry bracing itself to meet ever more demanding constraints on its output and restrictions on emissions and income, it is even more important that lessons being learnt in various parts of the industry are clearly and concisely conveyed to other practitioners. it is therefore essential that an integrated approach to water management is maintained with both the regulated business and those organisations who offer solutions to remedy the inherent problems. as close associates of the institute of Water, the Society of British Water and Wastewater industries (SBWWi) is delighted to announce its 11th annual leakage and Water management Seminar ‘new challenges: new Solutions’ taking place on tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 november, 2010 and sponsored by groundbreaker, i&P, rPS Water and Vag Valves. this is the only forum where leakage management and water measurement are assessed together, providing best value for any practitioner in the water industry attending to attain the most “rounded” views of the industry today. the programme covers the innovative approach taken by united utilities to cut leakage and operational expenditure by using advanced metering techniques. We will also be looking at the impact of the Street Works act on utility costs, together with many related and topical issues. contributors across the two days include ofwat, Ea, water companies and the supply chain,
where discussions will include: regulatory challenges; potential opportunities for smart water metering and water companies’ approaches to future metering; an in-depth forum discussion on Winter Event Planning; and some of the solutions available to meet these challenges. During the refreshment breaks the exhibition area will provide the opportunity for delegates to see some of the technologies that are available in the metering and leakage arena and discuss the day’s event whilst networking with their peers. the first day will conclude with a drinks reception, hosted by sponsors and exhibitors, at the nearby Holiday inn in advance of the evening meal. this will provide the opportunity for further networking in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with accommodation available at reduced rates for those who wish to remain overnight. in addition, for those fitness fanatics out there, we have negotiated greatly reduced rates to attend the nearby nuffield fitness centre, for full use of their facilities. all in all, the event offers great value for money to any delegate attending as it not only investigates the problems, but goes a long way to providing solutions to the uK Water industry: a great opportunity for cPD. contact: SBWWi Tel: 01926 831530 email angela@sbwwi.co.uk further details or download the programme from the SBWWi web site www.sbwwi.co.uk/ forthcoming_seminars.php
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Northumbrian Water By John Mowbray, Director of Corporate Affairs
John has over 25 years experience in the water industry, all of it with NWL and its predecessor companies. John has been a member for ten years and is a former President of Northern Area. John will be speaking at next year’s Conference in Swansea on the theme of Communicating Value to the Community. In this article he reveals some of the things Northumbrian Water does for the communities it serves, beyond the provision of water and waste water services. northumbrian Water is expected to provide a secure supply of water, a basic necessity for health, and to protect or enhance the environment when we return waste to it. However, our stakeholders also expect us to: n behave fairly and responsibly; n use resources wisely; n improve quality of life; and n contribute to economic development. We take our corporate responsibilities seriously. our aim of balancing economic, social and environmental priorities underpins all of our activities and is an integral part of the way we do business. We support the communities we serve in a number of different ways. as well as providing financial support and facilities, we encourage employees to volunteer their time, skills and expertise through our ‘Just an hour’ scheme. these activities generally support projects that make the areas we serve better places in which to live, work or invest. the programme focuses on key themes throughout these communities but, increasingly, we are developing initiatives designed to tackle lasting and sustainable change in specific areas. over many years, we have contributed resources with a value equivalent to at least 1% of our annual pre-tax profits (through cash, employee time and expertise or use of our facilities) to projects which benefit the communities we serve.
We have five focus areas for community investment and partnership and these are:
Community Involvement this is employee driven and includes: n Just an hour, the employee volunteering scheme, with 26% of employees participating and last year giving over 7,890 hours n cheque it out, which enables employees to support their local charities, community groups, sponsored events etc n Payroll giving, where employees donate to charity from payroll and the company incentivises the giving n care for safety, where employees trigger payments to charity by reporting hazards and reducing the numbers of accidents (£49,000 last year)
Water for health
n School awards n ongoing support at Healthworks and castle View Enterprise academy-low level (see opposite)
Environmental partnerships, sustainability and biodiversity this covers a range of partnerships linked to our sites where we work with other partners to develop the site and includes: n conservation partnerships to support management of our sites with organisations such as the Wildlife trusts and Broads authority n Branch out initiative to support conservation activity n Kielder Partnership, where we work with partners to secure the development of the tyne Valley (see opposite)
this covers activity which promotes water for health messages to different audiences and includes:
Community Partnership
n Sporting partnerships
WaterAid
n Water coolers in schools
this is a budget to help kick-start other funding opportunities to support the charity which we have supported since its creation. We have raised almost £4 million since 1997.
n Bottled tap water n H2o gang
this covers community partnership and support to build goodwill in the communities we serve
n curriculum support for the water cycle, water efficiency and climate change
AWARDS The community work reaches out to all the areas we serve and in April 2009, we received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Sustainable Development. Additionally, we are members of the FTSE4GoodIndex, one of only seven companies nationally to achieve the
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new highest platinum plus ranking in the Business in the Community (BITC) Corporate Responsibility Index and awarded the BITC Big Tick award for its impact on society, power in partnership and for being a healthy workplace.
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FEATURE:community relations
Some of our support has longer term benefits and some of these are highlighted in the following case studies. 1. Healthworks NWL granted a 99 year lease to County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) on a redundant building at our Easington waterworks and worked in partnership with the PCT, the District of Easington Council, the Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and other stakeholders to develop services for the local community in an area where census records show one of the worst health records in the country. Beyond providing the building, we contributed research, marketing and communications support to improve awareness of the centre and helped with events to promote healthy living, targeted at primary and secondary schools and day centres, and linked to our ‘Water for health’ campaign. Healthworks achieved almost 10,000 visitors in its first year alone and now provides over 45 health and community support services. It acts as a community focal point where service providers
and community groups can come together to address issues that affect the quality of life in the local community. Facilities range from a juice bar to a gym and information kiosks, some of which can be used in a privacy setting, with many more planned. Healthworks has been so successful that the plans for phase two were brought forward and include a GP practice securing its long term future. This was opened in November 2009.
2. Castle View Enterprise Academy We are lead sponsors of Castle View Enterprise Academy, which serves the north west of Sunderland and contains some of the most deprived wards in the region. It opened in September 2009 and our aim is to create a centre of excellence with a clear focus on raising standards of academic performance and enabling every student to achieve their personal best in all areas of academy life within a safe, secure
and stable environment. In the first year, the number of students with 5 GCSE’s from grade A to C, including Maths and English, rose from 25% to 40%
3. Kielder Partnership Kielder Water & Forest Park includes the largest man-made reservoir in the UK and is surrounded by Kielder Forest, the largest man-made woodland in Europe. We have worked with partners in the Kielder Partnership to develop and regenerate the economy of this rural area through tourism development. This benefits from the impact of £5.4 million capital investment and key developments include the Kielder Observatory, Lakeside Way trail, six new art installations and five flagship mountain bike trails. As a result, direct and indirect jobs have been created, tourism days have increased by 26% and direct/ indirect spend has increased by 33% contributing nearly £13 million to the local economy.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2009 citation read: "Northumbrian Water Ltd receives The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its ongoing and impressive commitment to sustainability. It has actively striven to promote best practice within its sector and is committed to ongoing review and continuous improvement. With a commendable and ever improving environmental performance in place, it is, however, Northumbrian's extremely impressive social and economic initiatives which elevate it to the status of sector leaders.
A diverse suite of programmes have been implemented, encompassing local procurement, strong apprenticeship programmes, individual up skilling and the continuous leverage of their spending power, employment and wider economic presence to ensure maximum benefit for local communities. Northumbrian's driving commitment to sustainability governance provides an example and benchmark across sectors, demonstrating that strong leadership and ambition can make a tangible difference to communities both local and more widely."
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FEATURE:community relations
Charlene McBride, Regional Community Manager, Glasgow & Ayrshire, with MSP Des McNulty
Scottish Water By Alan Thomson, Head of Corporate Relations
Scottish Water has one main vision – to be Scotland’s most valued and trusted business. It’s a very simple statement of ambition about how Scottish Water wants to lead, about doing the right thing for Scotland and its communities, about shaping our own future and taking the initiative and being innovative in delivering value and service for our customers. Our customers are our top priority and working with our stakeholders and communities is very important to us. Scottish Water’s investment programme is one of the biggest in the UK - and from 2010-15 we plan to invest nearly £2.5 billion to continue the transformation of the services we provide. A key part of our success in delivering massive investment is our ability to ensure our customers know what we are doing for them. But we don’t just work for our customers. We work with them. We firmly believe that this approach helps all parties to deliver a better outcome and communities feel more positive about their experience of us. Our Community Relations team are central to our success and their main purpose is to ensure that we liaise effectively and positively influence our stakeholders, including MSPs, MPs, MEPs, councillors, community councillors and customers throughout Scotland.
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We always aim to keep our customers informed. We explain: The benefits of the work we are doing in the local area, which might include delivering clearer, fresher drinking water or greater security of supply; How it might affect the local community and individuals, such as allowing for growth through increased capacity; and How we can best limit any disruption while the work is being done. The ability to engage with our customers and stakeholders – and listen to their views and opinions - is essential. Where possible, we aim to make sure we take their priorities into account when we make decisions on policymaking and community projects. We are committed to carrying out a range of ways of communicating with customers and community groups locally. The level and nature of these depends on the type of project planned and we let customers and stakeholders know about our plans in a variety of different ways. These include: n Letters to community representatives and customers
n Community newsletters and updates through local media n Customer meetings on site n Community council meetings n Information days and exhibitions n Focus groups and opinion surveys n Internet updates and feedback forms on www.scottishwater.co.uk Our Community Relations team have an indepth knowledge of current and future capital programmes and they advise and influence project managers, delivery partners and contractors and discuss issues related to our customers with them. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone at Scottish Water, and everyone working with Scottish Water, is on message and always puts the customers and their communities first. This kind of community engagement helps us to get it right first time and we firmly believe that’s the way we will achieve our vision to be Scotland’s most valued and trusted business.
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SERVICE RESERVOIRS
WATER TOWERS
WWTW
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STONBURY 27 YEARS AS MARKET LEADERS IN THE REFURBISHMENT OF WATER RETAINING STRUCTURES & ASSOCIATED ASSETS RESERVOIR REPAIR & REFURBISHMENT - STEEL TANK REPAIRS & COATINGS - WATER TOWER REFURBISHMENT SEWAGE TANK REFURBISHMENT - CONCRETE REPAIR - CLEANING & CHLORINATION - CORROSION PROTECTION SECURITY WORKS INC ACCESS COVERS - DESIGN & INSTALLATION OF LADDERS, HANDRAILS & WALKWAYS - EU HYGIENE TRAINING
Northern Office: Unit 2, Phoenix Enterprise Park, Grovehill Road, Beverley, E.Yorkshire, HU17 0JG t 01482 881198 e enquiries@stonbury.co.uk Southern Office: 187c High Street, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0JB t 01234 750924 e enquiries@stonbury.co.uk
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MWH
Pipe dreams? Sandra Rolfe-Dickinson, MWH Technical Director and expert in Pipeline Engineering says better methods to assess the condition of pipelines are vital for improved asset management in the water industry.
uK water companies are under huge pressure to deliver their amP5 programmes as efficiently as possible. to meet these demands, there will be an ongoing need to maximise existing assets. in my field, these assets are pipelines conveying water and wastewater. condition assessment of pipelines is becoming more prevalent, with results beginning to be used on a catchment or network-wide basis to prioritise replacement and rehabilitation programmes. understanding the many possible failure mechanisms of pipelines of different materials is a key part of that decision-making process. research is underway around the concept of “smart” pipes, able to remotely sense changes and feed back to operational staff. this will enable timely interventions to prevent future failures. Some of this technology is aimed at monitoring pipeline contents in terms of composition or pressure to detect potential system failures, whilst other technology is aimed at actual material deterioration of the infrastructure. in the uK, the university of Birmingham is leading research around “nanotechnology” built into pipe walls, to detect changes and degradation in the pipe material.
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getting such technology into general use will be costly. and as water and wastewater pipelines do not present major health and safety concerns in the way that oil and gas pipelines do, it will be a long time before it is commonplace. in the meantime, we face the ongoing deterioration of our widespread cast iron pipelines. Historically, they were manufactured in different ways, leading to different inherent flaws. this makes their condition assessment notoriously difficult, especially as there is no recognised standard procedure addressing all the issues identified in practice. traditionally, assessment of the remaining life of cast iron pipelines has been carried out using pit depth measurements, the age of the pipeline, and the philosophy that the deepest internal and external pits coincide spatially in the pipe wall. corrosion rate to date is calculated, and a linear extrapolation is then used to determine remaining life. it is now recognised that brittle grey cast iron materials are far more likely to fail by combined stress in the pipe walls rather than through-wall corrosion. in addition, the shape of the graphite flakes within the pipe wall affects the pipes’ potential to burst. remaining life calculations on cast iron pipelines
are not straightforward, particularly as conditions can vary tremendously along the length of a pipeline, and only a small number of physical samples will be available for decision-making. Studies in canada are trying to model cast iron pipeline failure prediction using Winkler type pipe-soil interaction models. these have been combined with possibility theory and fuzzy arithmetic. this tries to account for the elements that contribute to failure but are generally not recorded, such as internal and external loads, temperature changes, loss of pipeline embedment, pipe properties, future corrosion rates etc. this is the complete opposite of “smart” pipes. it’s easy to criticise long-used methodologies, but finding a reliable alternative procedure is fraught, with many causal effects of failure speculated upon but not yet fully predictable by science. in the interim we need a more robust approach than current offerings. i envisage statistical analyses of field-based data, including laboratory analyses of samples, to determine original pipe manufacture as well as corrosion to date and remaining strength. the trick will be determining how the applied stresses are combined, and how future corrosion rates are predicted. this will be a winner!
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GPS PIPELINE MATERIALS
The barrier pipe system you can trust Barrier pipes are commonplace in brownfield redevelopment, securing water supplies against permeation by a myriad of possible chemicals present in the ground. as industrial land reuse increases so too has the number of barrier pipe options available. Potentially this can create a great deal of confusion amongst unwary installers about compatibility of various components and their compliance to the requirements of the Water industry Standards. WiS 4-32-19 is the Water industry Standard relating to polyethylene barrier pipe systems for potable water in contaminated land. it requires that each variation of the system must pass the appropriate testing and for good reason. Pipes, fittings and joints have to be proven to comply with the WiS in combination. if not, the result will certainly not be WiS 4-32-19 approved or compliant and the performance of the installed pipes and fittings will be in question. for this reason, when choosing barrier pipe systems it is crucial to insist on fully compliant and approved systems. the Protecta-line barrier pipe system is both compliant and approved to WiS4-
32-19. its second-to-none approval status brings complete peace of mind ensuring water quality is not compromised. Extensively independently tested, it was the first to receive formal approval to WiS 4-32-19 by obtaining a BSi Kitemark for the entire system. the system is also WraS and Secretary of State approved. gPS PE Pipe Systems introduced the Protecta-line® system to the uK market in 1997 and has the most complete and fully integrated range of pipes, fittings and joints in sizes up to 355mm. Protecta-line satisfies the demands of contractors and water companies alike in delivering water quality to their customers.
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TALIS
Tyco Waterworks Europe becomes TALIS Tyco International sells Waterworks Europe to the private equity firm Triton. From 1 October 2010, the new group enters the market under the name TALIS. The new TALIS brand is positioning itself as a versatile valve engineering company in the water sector. The European market leader of water supply valves & fittings has been sold by its parent company, Tyco International, to the investor Triton with effect from 30.09.2010. The new company TALIS includes famous European brands such as Erhard, Frischhut, Strate, Schmieding, Unijoint, Wafrega, Bayard, Belgicast and Atlantic Plastics. In future, these nine strong international brands will form the TALIS Group of companies. The CEO of the new company will be Jan van Ooijen, who was also responsible for the sector under the previous owner Tyco. The company attaches great importance to ensuring the constancy of its products and contacts for customers under the new TALIS brands. In future, TALIS would like to take on an even greater leading role in the market, with its customers, especially through the improved use of the synergies between the individual brands and locations. TALIS has production facilities in Germany, England, Spain, France, Poland and the Netherlands. The company has 1,500 employees worldwide. The new brand focuses on versatility in all areas of valve engineering for water. Due to its international orientation and the different specializations of the product brands, TALIS is capable of offering a wide range of valves & fittings of all types for controlling water flow. Applications encompass water flow from the reservoir to the consumer‘s front door as well as water supply and sewage disposal for customers in the industrial and public sectors. TALIS designs,
manufactures and supplies all types of valves, hydrants, and fittings and offers a broad service package. Apart from the common, standardized products, the portfolio also includes customized solutions, whereby the firms in the TALIS Group can call upon their technical knowledge and a customer-oriented method of working. Customers associate the renowned and traditional brands, for example, Belgicast, Bayard and Erhard, with longstanding experience and top quality in the production of valves, such as gate valves and butterfly valves for the drinking water industry. All components used in this area fulfill current regulations. The TALIS product portfolio with more than 20,000 products covers the whole water cycle. Accordingly, the TALIS motto is: “Your Choice in Water Flow control“.
Press Enquiries: Simon Drain. Tyco Waterworks. Atlantic Plastics (part of the Talis Group). Edison Rd, Hams Hall Distribution Park, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1AB tel: +44 (0) 1675 437 951 fax: +44(0)1675 437 909 E-mail: sdrain@talis-group.com www.talis-uk.com
UK Press Contact: Eileen Holmes-Ievers. In Press Public Relations Ltd. St John's Chapel, High Street, Lambourn, Berkshire. RG17 8XL. Tel. +44 (0)1488 674200 E-mail: eileen@inpress.co.uk www.inpress.co.uk
TALIS sees itself as a multi-national company which, with its product brands, is positioned in the whole of Europe and can, therefore, ideally meet the individual needs and regulations of the markets.
About Triton Triton is a leading independent European private equity investor, which concentrates on companies in the German-speaking and north-European area. Triton invests in market leaders in attractive niches with a high potential increase in value. Further information available from TALIS Marketing in Germany, contact: Thomas Hammer, Tel. +49 7321 320-0
Due to its international orientation and the different specializations of the product brands, TALIS is capable of offering a wide range of valves & fittings of all types for controlling water flow.
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Water Operations Roadshow Cardonald Training Solutions are running a series of presentations around the UK on our HNC Water Operations course and how it will beneďŹ t you and your organisation. At the introductory workshops, expert lecturers with up to date industry experience will discuss the course content, units, method of delivery as well as offering a question and answer session.
Why Choose Cardonald Training Solutions? Since 1990, Cardonald College Glasgow has been the only UK provider of an accredited HNC Water Operations course. Previous contracts have included Anglian Water, Bristol Water, South West Water and Scottish Water with over six hundred successful students to date. The two year course is offered on a distance learning basis and is speciďŹ cally designed for people employed in the water industry as it builds on industrial experience to provide a broad understanding of the main operational areas of the business. After successful completion of the course, candidates may be able to progress on to a range of university courses.
Upcoming Roadshow Dates and Locations Thursday 18th November 11am at Bristol Water, Bristol BS13 7AT Tuesday 30th November 1pm at Burn Hall near Huby YO61 1JB. Visit cardonald.ac.uk/ts for more dates and to register your interest. For further information contact David Holliday 0141 272 3292 trainingsolutions@cardonald.ac.uk www.cardonald.ac.uk/ts IOW 168.indd 52
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www.martin-strudwick.co.uk For all Technical and Sales Enquiries
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contact Martin on Mobile 07885 222831
please contact Julie in our office on
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Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 17.30 Friday 08:00 - 14.00 Closed Saturday Appointments outside the above hours by prior arrangement only
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Invest in your future with a professionally accredited Masters’ degree from Cranfield’s Centre for Water Science, an internationally recognised centre of excellence in teaching, research and consultancy. • MSc Water and Wastewater Engineering • MSc Water Management with options in
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– Community Water and Sanitation – Environmental Water Management – Global Water Policy and Management
• MTech Water Processes – Advanced Professional Masters We also offer funded research opportunities and an extensive portfolio of short courses for your continuing professional development.
T: +44 (0) 1234 754086 E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/iwo
Register for our next Open Day at: www.cranfield.ac.uk/openday
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22/10/10 11:06:06
We know our assets from our elbows At RSK Group we know that challenging times lie ahead for the UK’s water industry We know that times are tough, money is scarce and legislation is getting tighter. We know that customers want reliability as well as social and environmental sustainability. We know that the water industry can and must do better with its asset managment. With over 20 years’ experience of supporting leading energy, utility, pharmaceutical and manufacturing players, we also know what it takes to help the best get better. And, unlike conventional consultancies, we know how to consult in the boardroom and fix the problem in the field.
Asset strategies · Asset management surveys · Asset data Inventory services · Intelligent asset management
RSK Group – we safeguard your business environment www.rsk.co.uk/water · water@rsk.co.uk
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22/10/10 11:06:17 23/7/10 11:09:37
PROCESS INSTRUMENTS
Pi LAUNCHES TURBIDITY METER/SUSPENDED SOLIDS METER WITH A DIFFERENCE There are many Turbidity Meters and Suspended Solids analysers on the market but Pi has recently launched one with a difference! the difference is that it isn’t just one…the criuS SoliSense is a probe that incorporates multiple measurements in a single sensor which allows the probe to measure all the way from low ntu to percent solids. many applications require a specific range, for example, filter monitoring on a water treatment works requires a turbidity meter to measure 0-5 ntu. a specific application with a specific range. on the same treatment works, what of the inlet monitor? it could be as low as a single figure ntu but could also be many hundreds of mg/l and it is here the compromises start. Do you select an instrument that is accurate at low ntu or high mg/l? the criuS SoliSense means that you don’t have to compromise at either end! across all markets there are many such applications that require a sensor to be able to measure across a range of solids that would previously have meant buying multiple analysers. the SoliSense does this by utilising a multiple emitter and detector sensor array that looks at forward scattering of light, side scattering of light (nephelometry – transmission of light) and back scattering of light, all in the same sensor. a big concern for the development team at Pi was the answer to the question ‘can a multiple sensor probe be as good at each measurement as a dedicated sensor probe?’ Well, the good news is that the data back from SoliSense shows that it can! the SoliSense is set to greatly reduce the cost of measuring variable solids in water samples and with its integrated self-cleaning mechanism, and its awardwinning electronics the SoliSense is set to change the way people think about solids in water.
Pi has been providing instrument solutions since 1998 and supplies through Distributors, under Private label/oEm agreements and to End users within the Water, Waste, chemical, Paper, Pool and leisure industries. With offices, a laboratory and new manufacturing facilities in Burnley, lancashire, Pi operates globally with customers in Europe, america and the middle East, including, technostar (Egypt), Scottish Water (uK), crow Wood leisure (uK), northern ireland Water (uK), and chemtrac (america). more recently Pi has received awards for innovation and has quadrupled its turnover in three years. For more information on the latest innovations in water instrumentation, please visit www.processinstruments.net or contact: Mike Riding Process Instruments (UK) Ltd Process House, Dominion Court, Billington Road Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5UB Tel: 01282 422 835 Email: mike.riding@processinstruments.net
The only institute solely concerned with the UK water industry. We support and develop your career whoever you are and whatever you do. We do this by providing a unique learning, developing and networking framework. For more information go to: instituteofwater.org.uk
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Drives & Motors Products, systems and life cycle services meeting water industry legislation including MCERTS, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and AMP cycle.
For Aeon’s full product range please visit the website Aeon International Limited Lion Court, Hanzard Drive, Wynyard Business Park Wynyard, Billingham, TS22 5FD United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1740 661236 Fax: +44 (0)1740 661237 www.aeon-online.com contact@aeon-online.com
ABB Ltd Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4BT Tel: 01925 741 111 Email: energy@gb.abb.com Web: www.abb.co.uk/energy
Visit us at www.cobasuk.com to view our range of high density tapes and compounds.
Leaders in pump manufacture, installation, service and repair
feralco FERALCO (UK) LTD
Jon Nix Caprari Pumps UK Ltd Bakewell Road Peterborough PE2 6XU T: 01733 371605 F: 01733 371607 E: info@caprari.co.uk
COBAS Nickel sealing and anti-seize tapes, are unique for sealing threaded items in extreme environments.
Tel: (01773) 719922 Fax: (01773) 719933
They consist of PTFE (TEFLON*) and Nickel powder giving a material which can operate up to 1000 deg c in most liquids and gases. It has WRaC approval for use with potable water and is available in both tape form and a compound in a syringe.
PO BOX 5, Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 3UD www.gavalves.co.uk
Ditton Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0PH, UK T: +44 (0) 151 802 2910 F: +44 (0) 151 802 2999 M: +44 (0) 7760 174973 barry.lilley@feralco.com www.feralco.com
Today it has manufacturing facilities in England (Widnes) and Scotland (R&J Garroway in Grangemouth).
GA Valves are manufacturers and distributors of valves to the water & sewage industries. Including gates, checks, air valves & miscellaneous valves.
Rapid growth has seen Feralco Group expand its manufacturing base to become a world leader in high performance aluminium chemicals, blends, dispersions and sols. Supply is backed by a first-class support service including application, handling and process optimisation expertise.
UK distributors and Technical Support of Dorot Flowcontrol valves.
Feralco (UK) Ltd was formed in January 2001 following the merger of the Laporte and Alcan water treatment chemical businesses.
Gee and Company Holborn Hill Birmingham B7 5JR T: 0121 326 1700 F: 0121 326 1779 www.geeco.co.uk info@geeco.co.uk
Our Solution is Clear Quality Design • World Class Products Specialists in Chemical Dosing
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Paul Coleman ACII Kingsbridge Risk Solutions Limited Kingsbridge House, Wargrave Road Twyford, Berkshire RG10 9NY Email: water@kibl.co.uk Telephone: 0118 960 2400 Fax: 0118 934 9764 Mobile: 07917 386207
Kingsbridge are commercial insurance brokers and we supply insurance and risk management advice for all businesses and professionals involved with water, waste water treatment and environmental risks.
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22/10/10 11:07:14
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY
MWH. One of the world’s largest providers of Business Consultancy, Programme Management, Engineering, and Environmental Services to the Water Industry Contact us Graham Dickinson, Marketing Director Dominion House, Temple Court, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6GD Tel: +44 (0)1925 845000 For more information please email: mwhuk.info@mwhglobal.com or visit www.mwhglobal.com
MWH-Institute of Water Journal-1010.indd 1
Paul Henderson Sales & Operations Director
Water Quality Engineering: Asset Refurbishment, Reservoir Cleaning & Disinfection, Underwater Robotic Inspection & Cleaning, Pipeline Chlorination & Pressure Testing.
1 Waverley Place, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 0RS T: 01835 822 835 M: 07767 653 764 F: 01835 822 919 E: info@pantonmcleod.co.uk W: www.pantonmcleod.co.uk
15/10/2010 15:43:02
Telford House, 105 Dalton Avenue, Birchwood Park Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6YF T: 08707 558 811 F: 01925 847 976 W: rpsgroup.com 6 Albany Business Centre, Wickham Road Fareham, Hampshire PO17 5BD 01329 234 888 martin.topps@pipetech.co.uk www.pipetech.co.uk
RPS is an international consultancy providing advice upon:
The Water Industry’s most comprehensive range of Drilling, Drilling & Tapping and FlowStopping Machines and Pipeline Tooling and Equipment
the development of land, property and infrastructure the exploration and production of energy and other natural resources the management of the environment the health and safety of people We trade in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia and Asia and undertake projects in many other parts of the world.
UTS Engineering Limited
To find out more contact: Scott McCrae 07748 624874 scott.mccrae@utility-design.co.uk www.utility-design.co.uk
UDS Training offers a comprehensive range of services from National Water Hygiene Utility SHEA Scottish Water DOMS Manual Handling IT Master Training Organisational Development
Verder UK Ltd T: 0113 222 0250 F: 0113 246 5649 E: info@verder.co.uk www.verder.co.uk
Verder manufactures and supplies high quality pumping solutions throughout the world to a variety of industries including: water and wastewater, printing, packaging, chemical, industrial, food and beverage, construction and pharmaceutical.
Connor House 30 Pilgrims Way Bede Industrial Estate Jarrow Tyne & Wear NE32 3EW
Tel: 0191 428 4003 Fax: 0191 428 4004 Email: info@uts-ltd.com Website: www.uts-ltd.com Managing Director: Shaun W Sadler Sales Director: Shaun P Donnelly
Water Matters (UK) Limited 280 Juniper Way Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 0DR jbrain@watermatters.biz
Water Matters (UK) Limited, providers of water leak detection and repair services to Industrial and Commercial customers throughout the UK
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22/10/10 11:07:29
Excavation size for cut off saw
• Cuts ductile iron, cast iron and clay pipe • No wood cutting chainsaw training/PPE required • Faster and safer than a cut off saw • Faster than a pipe cutter • Single point access • Diamond grit abrades material away • Vastly reduces time and operator effort • HAV’s for hydraulic saw is 4 m/s freehand
Excavation size for PowerGrit
• • • • •
Greatly reduces size of excavation and backfill Reduced digging out by hand underneath the pipe Reduced carbon footprint Safe cutting method with reduced operator effort Extremely rapid cut, typically 1.5 to 2 minutes
for 250 mm D.I. pipe.
•
No fumes in excavation with hydraulic saw
Demonstrations To organise an on site demonstration of this innovative new product please give EC Hopkins a call on 0121 506 6095.
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NORTHERNAREANEWS
Family Day, National Railway Museum, York This year’s Family Day was held at the National Railway Museum in York, a popular venue for all ages. After tea and a chance to catch up with friends, the excited children (and John Butcher) could not be contained any longer, and were released into the exhibition halls. By Helen Edwards The museum has a huge number of engines to admire from all angles; inside and outside, above and below; including the world famous Bullet Train and the Hogwarts Express! The collection contains everything railway-related you can think of – luggage weighing scales, signal boxes, carriages, china and cutlery - the list is endless. The museum engages children with lots of interactive activities. Next to Queen Victoria’s railway carriages we sat down for a story of her visit to York to attend the races. We learnt that her train was the only one in the country with a toilet and that they had to stop the train when she wanted to use it – fascinating facts for 5 year olds!
The science used from the Rocket to the Bullet was explained in another demonstration. Complex theories, such as Newton’s laws of motion, were explained using balloons and cuddly elephants on bungees. However the highlight was the demonstration of steam powered pistons, which involved firing Barbie from a steam cannon – all in the cause of science education of course! Some people were able to enjoy the tastes of the Yorkshire food and drink festival, but those with children found it difficult to drag them away from the museum! A great day was had by all, and I’m sure that there will be plenty of return visits in the future.
NWL Service Reservoir Inspection & Cleaning By Simon Cyhanko Earlier this summer, individuals from Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and Northumbrian Water gathered at Northumbrian Water HQ in Durham for a day event focussed on Northumbrian’s current accelerated service reservoir inspection and cleaning programme. The morning session involved a number of presentations with Water Quality Manager Alan Brown opening the event. Alan focussed on the need for the current accelerated programme, given a deterioration in service reservoir water quality performance during recent years. Distribution Operations Controller Simon Cyhanko then explained how the accelerated programme was made to happen within the Operations side of the business. This presentation highlighted how the planning of the reservoir outages and inspections has been left to regional operational staff with ongoing support being provided by both Water Quality and Investment Delivery teams. Details of programme performance reporting were also provided. Regional Operations Controller Stephen Thompson then took the stage and provided an operational insight into what the programme has looked like on the ground. Stephen detailed the process being adopted to isolate, inspect and flood test, clean, chlorinate and return the reservoirs to service….as well as some of the problems along the way. Finally, Project Manager Luis Mosquera detailed the role of the Investment Delivery team within the programme. All reservoir inspections and remedial works within the programme are undertaken by our contract partners and Luis has a key role to play with co-ordinating these works. After lunch all guests were asked to gather their PPE in preparation for a site visit to Bridgehill service reservoir. On site, Team Leader Jon Walton and his
team explained the operation of the site as well as the tools and equipment involved within the inspection and cleaning programme. Overall, the event highlighted how this accelerated programme had succeeded to date due to an excellent team effort between Distribution Operations, Water Quality and Investment Delivery teams and the effort and enthusiasm of all involved. Excellent feedback was received from all the guests and a return invite has already been received from colleagues at both United Utilities and Yorkshire Water. In a nutshell, a fantastic day!
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WELSHAREANEWS
Summer Forum
Climate Change and Sustainability – A ‘Waste’ Perspective
Peter Perry, Operations Director for Dwr Cymru, opened the day for us by suggesting we were an industry at the forefront of climate change. In his opening comments he said that flooding, drought, changes in raw water quality and the impact on our customers were the key challenges for the industry. By Adrienne Walsh The first session, introduced by our Area President Tim Williams, opened with Vanessa Ashton (Water Aid Regional Development Manager for Wales & SW) and Chris Wingham (MD Mildren Construction). Both had recently returned from Mali, representing WaterAid. They provided a brief film on their experiences and commented how some of the most sustainable measures were the simplest and most effective. For instance a hand pump far outweighed a technical solution involving solar power and electric pumps because the locals had no tools or knowledge to maintain it. This generated a debate which supported the view put forward. Simon Tait from Bradford University followed. His presentation was on the European funded project “Prepared”. The crux of the project considers how sharing information from the industry and councils within Europe will assist in managing climate change. Key to the presentation was involvement of planners – both social and technical - in the design and build of infrastructures to minimise the impact of climate change. This was followed by a presentation from Mary Dhonau, who has had first-hand experience of flooding. Although at times she had the audience laughing, when you consider
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what she went through not just once, but on several occasions, you appreciate her drive to make changes. There are several devices that you can now purchase to minimise the risk of your property flooding. A lengthy debate was held on the three presentations prior to lunch. Steve Wilson, Head of Waste, Dwr Cymru and Vice President of IW Wales, introduced the second session of the day. Normally after being fed and watered, audiences tend to doze during this session but this was most definitely not the case. The first paper given by Martin Jolly of Black and Veatch considered his involvement in the UKWIR project to develop a Compendium of best practice in the energy efficient design and operation of water industry assets. Martin’s role in the project was to look at the UK market. His view was that the most obvious small changes had the potential to reduce our carbon footprint. By looking at both sides of the industry, potable and waste, he demonstrated where savings could be made in energy use and therefore reductions in carbon and power costs. By utilising pumps differently, such as operating pumps at a reduced frequency by running them longer, or, turning off tertiary/ additional treatment if final effluent quality is
within consent limits, the companies would not only reduce energy and therefore carbon but would save financially. David Balmforth followed and gave his view on surface water and urban flooding. He suggested there are no surprises on the location of urban flooding which contributes significantly as a cause to flooding due to the way development has taken place. Going forward, solutions should be integrated such that consideration is given to creating flood paths and sacrificial storage, managing flow above ground, reducing flow in drainage systems and maximising drainage capacity. This requires engagement with key stakeholders and integration across all professions and industries. He concluded that given the complexities of urban flooding, climate change, growth and creep will have a large impact but can be managed using integrated solutions and models. This led nicely onto the next presentation given by Bob Vaughan from the Environment Agency (EA). He provided an insight to the EA work ongoing at a catchment level which has the impact of reducing effects downstream such as limiting the flow into drainage systems thereby reducing the potential for flooding. History has shown that farming and management of catchments
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WELSHAREANEWS have changed significantly – even down to the size of sheep! This has resulted in increased run off during periods of heavy rain and increased localised flooding. Various initiatives such as SCaMP have influenced other areas in developing their own catchment management schemes and in Wales this has resulted in the concept of Glastir, a new sustainable land management scheme in Wales targeted at farmers. Support will be given for farmers to create native woodland on their land particularly where it is likely to help minimise flooding downstream. Several examples currently in place were discussed. Again a lengthy and interesting discussion was held after the presentations.
Family Day visit to Elan Valley
By John Gunson
Having listened to the impact of climate change, the causes of flooding and the need for industries to reduce our carbon footprint by others, our final session considered what DCWW is doing to address two key issues ie our carbon footprint and surface water flooding. This session was introduced by Dave Bayliss, Sewerage Network Strategy Manager and past Area Chairman. Jeremy Jones presented the AMP5 Strategy for Surface Water Reduction. He went through the process of how DCWW included this strategy within the PR09 process, that it was rejected and how other stakeholders helped influence OFWAT in getting the investment case back on the agenda. He highlighted that DCWW were different due to its set up. He emphasised the traditional solutions of building more and bigger sewers is unsustainable. The challenge is to reduce existing and deter additional flows by influencing a change in behaviour and this is across everyone not just the water industry. Some examples given included “greening up” traffic slowing measures by planning trees and small grassy areas rather than concrete – simple but effective. Working closely with local authorities, new build, car parks and industries can incorporate natural drainage to help the sewerage network cope better with climate change and increasing urbanisation. Advanced Digestion is a process that is being installed at a number of wastewater assets. Barry Oliver from Imtech Process demonstrated with case studies how this treatment process produces energy that allows sites to be self sufficient for their power needs. In the case of Afan we will even become a net exporter sending at least one megawatt of electricity back to the National Grid. In addition to this, the digested sludge will be further dewatered to produce an enhanced treated sludge cake which will be used as an agricultural fertiliser across south Wales. Alison Warman representing CC Water for Wales in her closing comments complimented the Area on hosting the event. She summed up the day by acknowledging the number of ongoing initiatives and that the first class presentations were given by an excellent group of professionals. It certainly gave her some new ideas to think through. The venue and facilities were ideal, the presenters were all knowledgeable and generated good discussion. Thanks to everyone who attended and presented.
On Saturday 10th July members of the Welsh Area and their families made their way to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre for a Families Day Event. Some travelled considerable distances to be there and a few got lost due to being geographically embarrassed by their SatNav. Everyone spent an hour exploring the visitor centre, which has exhibitions explaining the history of the Elan Valley estates, the ecology of the area, the reasons the dams were built and how they were built. The exhibits are extremely interesting and include interactive exhibits for the children. There is also an adventure playground at the site, where eventually all the children both big and small ended up. The Centre then provided an excellent buffet lunch before we were taken by the Head Ranger, Mr Peter Jennings, to visit the Pen y Garreg Dam. We were taken inside the dam itself, through a tunnel within the structure, coming out into the daylight at the draw off tower. The views from the draw off tower
across the dam and reservoir were unique and not to be missed. From the dam the more adventurous part of the group were taken by Peter on a guided walk back to the Visitor Centre. This took us approximately 4 miles back down the valley alongside the Garreg Ddu Reservoir, past the Garreg Ddu viaduct and alongside the Caban Coch reservoir. On the walk we discovered the fact that the area gets 235 days of rain a year on average, that day being one of them as some of us got extremely wet. We returned to the Visitor Centre to meet the other half of the group who had been taken on a less energetic walk on the nature trail closer to the visitor centre. Over tea and coffee in the cafe both groups exchanged tales of their adventures: all agreed it had been an excellent day. The group then returned home by differing routes, myself in a much quieter car than I had travelled up in, as I was the only one not asleep.
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MIDLANDSAREANEWS
President’s Day at Carsington Water
By Sarah Williams
Institute of Water members and their friends and family met for the Midlands Area President’s Day at Severn Trent Water’s Carsington Water reservoir. They spent the day learning about the site and its history and how it is now managed, followed by a chance to participate in watersports for the young and young at heart members.
reservoir to the base of the draw off tower, and for those who were feeling fit and not worried about heights; the group climbed the 166 open grill steps to the top of the tower, giving them chance to experience the spectacular 360º views.
40 people joined Andy Smith, Midlands Area President, for a visit to the reservoir’s dam. They had the opportunity to explore the tailbay area, and Duncan Wratten and Paul Bingham from STW Asset Creation explained the chequered history of the dam, from the collapse which happened in the 1980s when it was first built, luckily before the reservoir had been filled, to the engineering principles of the new (completely sound) one!
The group also joined site manager Ben Young, who has responsibility for the team of Rangers who manage the reservoir and its surrounds to learn about how the site is run from an ecological perspective. Amongst other things he demonstrated the use of natural reed beds to filter the farming chemicals from the water of streams before it enters the reservoir, and gave everyone an opportunity to visit the bird hide and see a resting Little Owl across the reservoir and the other birds around the site.
Attendees then had the unusual and interesting opportunity to walk through the tunnel under the
Many chose to visit to the fully interactive exhibition in the visitors’ centre, teaching visitors
Summer School
about a variety of aspects of the water industry, key facts and messages. Did you know that a sewer in Coventry was used for the filming of one of the mini chase scenes in the film The Italian Job? The day was topped off for some by a gorgeous homemade 2 course lunch at the site’s restaurant. For the more intrepid members, the afternoon was spent kayaking or sailing, providing lots of entertainment for all and leaving some distinctly more damp than others! Many of those who attended also took advantage of the other facilities around the reservoir, either hiring bikes or following the trails to watch the wildlife and view the beautiful surroundings. The day received extremely positive feedback from those who attended and sets the bar for next year’s event!
By Gary Cox
This year’s Summer School started like any other weekend event with delegates arriving, thinking ‘what am I doing here in my own time?’ By the end of the weekend they had changed their mind with comments like:
like this: Enterprise could lose a project manager to Saturday evening TV. Well done James, a brilliant quiz and everybody enjoyed it.
“Excellent event and amazing facilitators/organisers” (Louise Moir, Severn Trent Water) and
Scores were awarded for all activities, including the quiz, with an overall prize to the first and second placed teams. We always like to make the Summer School competitive, with the scores being very close by the end of the Saturday, leaving the underdog a chance to win during the evening. This year was no exception: the underdogs from the day events came back to take the first place prize. Well done - you did deserve it.
“Very interesting weekend” (Pat Taylor, P N Daly) Activities undertaken this year included bridge building and it was interesting the number of people who consider a bridge to be a moving structure. I do hope none of the delegates go into bridge building Isambard Kingdom Brunel would not have agreed with the structures we built that weekend. Saying that though, without the structures being built that day we would not have had so many people end up in the pond. The weekend involved a number of activities culminating with a quiz hosted by none other than Vernon Kay (James Burgess, Enterprise). Let’s put it
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The Midlands Area Summer School was held at the Hollowford Centre on 10th – 12th September. A big thank you to all the people who attended and an even bigger thank you to Cheryl Rowell, Natalie Akroyd and James Burgess who helped me pull the event together. How fitting that the theme was ‘Teamwork’: without all involved the weekend would not have been possible.
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NORTHERNIRELANDAREANEWS
Why are we talking about energy? Autumn Seminar, Europa Hotel, Belfast, 1st October
By George Irvine Sam Phillips, National and Area President welcomed all to Belfast and hoped all would have an informative and enjoyable day. He then introduced the Keynote Speaker Iain Osborne the CEO of the Utility Regulator in NI. Iain posed the question “Why are we talking about energy” and suggested:n Financial costs – long term energy prices are upwards and oil will be $100 a barrel by 2020; and n Carbon costs – we have to value carbon properly Drivers of carbon emissions in the water industry are mainly in sewage treatment and sewerage systems but mains renewal, new mains and pumping are also major players. Water industry energy use has steadily increased since 1990 and is projected to increase by 42% from 2007 – 2013. Placing a value on water resources is important and Northern Ireland has the unique opportunity of sharing resources on an all island basis. We also need to ensure the polluter pays and encourage and reward the efficient use of water including the reduction in hot water usage. Charging and metering should be considered along with improved innovation. The regulators role is to reward efficiency and ensure sustainable leakage levels and carbon emissions are built into planning. Noel Williams, Head of the Energy Savings Trust in Northern Ireland highlighted some of the multiple benefits of water efficiency. He explained that the Trust deals mostly with domestic usage and that approximately 25% of domestic CO2 emissions are from hot water usage. Domestic energy consumption is 58% space heating and 25% hot water while CO2 emissions are 47% space heating and 22% hot water. Noel went on to demonstrate an interactive water energy calculator that can be used to quantify energy use in the home and showed savings to be made. After a short break, Dr. Lucian Gill, Director of Oceans-ESU, enlightened us on some low cost treatment ideas. Commodities and oil prices are steadily rising year on year leaving high energy solutions to water and waste water treatment more expensive. Dr. Gill presented a number of low cost treatment processes he was involved with using reed beds, where the treated water was then recycled as process water. The projects were both large and small, ranging from a domestic sewage plant for 120 persons to the largest reed bed system in the world treating 50,000m3 per day. Algae ponds were another low cost solution. Daniel Fitzsimons, Utilities Manager at Quantum Controls, gave us the benefit of his knowledge on energy saving equipment. He told us that 95% of motors are oversized and the use of variable speed drives can save energy and money. A recent application tried on a screw pump installation for Severn Trent saved £8,400 pa with a pay back time of 1 year. Pump flow increased by reducing power and this also reduced noise. Quantum Controls have also developed a high efficiency motor that meets new European standards which require at least IE2 efficiency levels by June 2011 and IE3 levels by 2015. After lunch Maureen Taylor, National Chair, gave a brief history of the Institute
and the benefits there are for members. These include web site, Journal, networking, mentoring and events such as today’s Seminar. She also outlined the various Professional Registrations available through the Institute of Water. Charlie Pollock and Karen McDowell from NI Water’s Energy Savings Team showed us what NI Water is doing to reduce energy and carbon emissions. Energy use has grown steadily from 180 Kwh/day in 2000 to 280 Kwh/day by 2010 and NI Water is the largest user of electricity in the province. In the same period carbon emissions have increased from 100,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes. Tough reductions in energy and carbon emissions have been set for the coming years. The main reason for the increases in the past was the use of energy intensive plant to comply with legislation. The NI area strategy is based around energy efficiency, increased use of renewables and carbon reduction schemes. A dedicated team has been set up to help achieve this and all relevant directorates are involved.
The key elements for successful energy management are Organisational, People and Technical and we need to balance all three to succeed. Karen McDowell gave us a brief insight into the innovation and technology programme with 58 projects which included ½ hour metering, automation and telemetry control of valves, Belfast WWTW potential savings of £220k, wind generation, intelligent pumping and sustainable catchment management planning. Next it was the turn of Andrew Calvert, Energy Optimisation Manager, Yorkshire Water, to tell us about Yorkshire Water’s Energy Journey. His first piece of advice was to make sure our staff knew the reductions they could make! The energy use increased from 100,000 kWh in 1989 to 300,000 kWh in 2005 and Yorkshire Water set a 2% reduction target year on year and to generate 10% of their energy requirement. A dedicated energy team was set up with close links to operations and capital teams and an energy production technician has been employed to help achieve their goals. Combined heat and power from sewage gas was the main energy generation process with wind power also a major player. Improved gas production was a priority. The final presentation was by Greg Turner of Veolia Water on energy reduction in action. Greg explained the water energy relationship. Carbon tools included a carbon footprint calculation programme, advanced process control software and an emissions factors database. Studies showed that six of the treatment plants emitting most CO2 covered 82% of the treatment carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of the whole business has confirmed that energy use is the most significant contributor. In Northern Ireland Veolia are developing a steam turbine at Belfast Incinerator and it is anticipated it will generate 3.2 MW of power into the grid. Sam Philips summed up the day and thanked all the speakers for their contributions.
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22/10/10 11:08:26
SOUTHWESTAREANEWS
TMA Has the Traffic Management Act worked and do we require more legislation? By Simon Bennett These were the questions asked of our four speakers during the street works seminar at WRC on 7th September. The session was chaired by Yours Truly and we had a lively debate! Hugh Rickard of Wessex Water was first up giving the views of his company and some of his own. Hugh explained about the aim of the Act to improve co-ordination and reduce congestion. Road works being registered was a major step forward but as yet this was not happening everywhere. Congestion has not yet been reduced and the question was posed whether the Minor Works Notice was having a greater affect than the old daily whereabouts. For the Authority view, Phil Cameron of Gloucestershire and also Vice Chair of JAG UK talked about the ‘highway from hell’ and asked if it was all a storm in a tea cup. He explained that FPN's*1 had improved data quality and that communication had improved tenfold since the Act came in to play, but this is not always mirrored nationally. On the question of permits and lane rental, the Councillors will have the final say! The view of the software providers was given by Pete Rogers of EXOR who talked about the lack of time to prepare systems and this should be taken into account for any future legislation. Had it worked for them? Yes it had helped sell their systems but also allowed them to work closer with their Utility and Authority clients to provide tailored solutions. Last but not least was the contractors view from Jason Parfitt of Daniel, looking at how average durations of work have reduced, how noticing has now become an art, difficult to recruit notice senders and street works personnel. Also that the spirit is still not there yet and Local Authorities should not use FPN's/ Section 74 as a revenue stream!
So to answer the question: Did the TMA work? Maybe not on all parts but what it has done is brought all parties closer together (this event was a great example of this) and the communication with our travelling public has improved no end. But there is still always more to do and by working together and not against each other, we will get there in the end! Do we need more legislation? NO THANK YOU! *1 Fixed Penalty Notices of £80 - issued on utilities for poor noticing
Our top 5 Street works songs 1.
Highway to Hell - AC/DC
2.
Road to Nowhere - Talking Heads
3.
Road to Hell - Chris Rea
4.
Alternate Route to Vulcan Street- Super Furry Animals
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Incident On 57th Street - Bruce Springsteen
Mains cleansing through Ice Pigging…and more! Following on from a successful seminar in 2007, the South West Committee though it would be beneficial to our members to catch up with Joe Quarini (Bristol University) and Nick Haskins (Agbar Environment UK) to find out how the Ice
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Pigging technology has developed. 15 members and guests attended the evening event held at the offices of Bristol Water. From what was very much a technology in its infancy in 2007 - using pumpable
By Frank Van Der Kleij
ice as an alternative to traditional mains cleansing methods - this technology has now developed into a highly effective alternative to conventional pigging of larger mains. Joe and Nick took us briefly through the development
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22/10/10 11:08:32
SOUTHWESTAREANEWS
Dr Allen Bolton Golf Day
By Simon Bennett
20 golfers got lucky with the weather to compete for this annual trophy. This year’s event was held at the acclaimed Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club, which is located in the heart of Cornwall on the outskirts of the old county town of Bodmin. The event was sponsored by Colin Taylor's Domestic Sprinklers.
Fast-forwarding to the end: who won the prizes? 1st Place
Neil West (South West Water) 41 pts
This Par 70 course is set in a sheltered wooded valley which lies in countryside of a softer hue, concealing one of the finest golf challenges in the South West. The course has been beautifully moulded into the landscape and this has produced a course that offers an enjoyable challenge to golfers of all abilities (which is what is required for an Institute of Water Golf Day!)
2nd Place
Simon Bennett (Bristol Water/Daniel) 38 pts – playing better golf since he stepped down as National Chair
3rd Place
Paul Henderson (Panton McLeod) 35 pts
It all starts at the 1st hole, a short par four provides the option for a gentle lay up to the generous landing area - or do you take on the water with the opportunity of a birdie or eagle? Yes a few went in (the water, not the hole for birdies!)
Longest Drive Colin Taylor (Domestic Sprinklers)
Nearest the Pin Colin Taylor (Domestic Sprinklers)
Our thanks go once again to Richard Barton for organising the event. See you all again in 2011.
phase of the project and explained the challenges of developing the technology.
and efficient planning since they are dealing with a perishable product.
They went on to describe the way the ice is made using a large ice-making machine capable of making 10 tonnes of ice in 24hrs! This volume of ice can be used to clean several kilometres of large diameter mains. In the last couple of years alone more than 100 km of main has been successfully cleaned in a number of water companies in the UK, the mains varying in material type and up to 18” in size. Nick went through the logistics of cleansing mains using ice and explained the requirement to effective
Trials continue to take place at Bristol University to optimise the pig and use it in different environments. During these trials further information is being gained on the optimum ice pig, i.e. speed of travel and stiffness and length of pig. One frequently asked question is on the potential thermal shock damage of the ice pig, and Joe explained that tests have shown that the thermally generated stress of the pig is typically less than the stress due to hydraulic pressure of the fluid.
This again was a very fascinating presentation and Ice Pigging has proven to be a technology that can be successfully used to clean water mains. Using ice as way of pigging a main has a clear number of benefits and the future might even bring more. Joe finished the meeting with a overview of the Chinese calendar, 2008 Year of the (Ice) Pig, 2010 Year of the Tiger – using the ice pig as a carrier pig; trials to remove zebra mussels with the ice pig, 2012 Year of the Dragon - development of the ice pig into a healing pig?? We are looking forward to hearing more about ice pigging in the future!
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22/10/10 11:08:36
EASTERNAREANEWS
The Ted Terry Challenge Cup, 15th July 2010
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By Steve Leigh
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A cheque for £200 was handed over to our preferred charity.
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Overall winner Pat Boyle receives the claret jug from Pauline Terry.
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Newly appointed Area Vice President Andrew Mackintosh of Anglian Water won the nearest the Pin and Groundbreaker prize.
For the third time Eastern Area ran the annual Ted Terry Challenge Cup for golfers of varying handicaps at Peterborough Thorpe Wood Golf Club. The “Claret Jug” first prize to the best score under Stableford rules was again presented by Pauline Terry, who insisted on travelling from her home in Dorset to be with us.
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Groundbreaker Systems and Sensus Metering Systems provided the prizes for the longest drive and nearest shot to the pin respectively; Area Sponsor A-Plant also provided a selection of prizes.
was Pat Boyle of the A-Plant team with 41 points.
The first “challenge” of the day was avoiding the heavy showers that punctuated the day. High winds added to the challenge – particularly on the more exposed fairways - but this is what we have come to expect when organising an event on St Swithin’s Day!
Nearest the Pin and Groundbreaker prize went to newly appointed Area Vice President Andrew Mackintosh of Anglian Water. It was suggested that he aimed too far left of the pin and a particularly helpful gust of wind brought it back on track: we cannot comment on an “act of God” in this respect.
The final scores reflected the very close competition that the event encourages, and with a full audit of scores by an independent scrutiniser, the runaway winner of the Claret Jug
The team prize was won by “Men for Hire” [otherwise known as A-Plant] led by Paul Coxon; runners-up were “Buds of May [May Gurney] just
Longest drive and Sensus Metering Systems prize went to last year’s overall winner Kevin Lawson of GPS PE Pipe Systems.
4 points behind, with “Senseless Men” [Sensus Metering] another 3 points back. Ted would been proud of the way people came together to both celebrate the spirit of friendship and raise £100 for our preferred charity – the Macmillan Cancer trust, a sum matched from Area funds as part of our charitable donations. We all continue to remember Ted in many ways but once a year this event gives us all an opportunity to come together in a common spirit. Eastern Area looks forward to July 14th 2011 for the next running of the Ted Terry Challenge Trophy.
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22/10/10 11:08:50
SCOTTISHAREANEWS
One Big Family
By Paul Sexton
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The Scottish Area Family Fun Day went Go Ape this year at the aerial assault course at Beecraigs Country Park on a fantastically sunny August afternoon. The event was generously sponsored by Grontmij, Biwater Leslie, Balfour Beatty, Veolia Water and VAG, and so was completely free to over 50 members and their families. 30 people took on the aerial assault course, whilst members with younger kids headed for an afternoon of Beaver Hunting and playing around the excellent facilities in the park (see below). Expert staff at Go Ape tutored members and their siblings (aged from 10 to 24!) in the use of safety equipment before letting them loose on the 800m course which included a 250m zip wire. Both groups gave rave reviews of their afternoon of fun and converged for a BBQ and games to finish
of the day. Thanks to Scott and Kevin who flipped what seemed like an endless number of burgers for a lot of happy and hungry people. After everyone was fed and watered games were played, while the sun still shone. A competition to win the Big Bruno Beaver involved painting an adult of your choice to look like a Beaver. This was hilarious, but not as hilarious when the paint could not be removed by the face wipes supplied! The best face painter was Megan Henderson, niece of Nikki Day. A last game of football concluded this very successful day, although, the tackle on Kevin Moffat almost resulted in a red card (and a broken leg). Thanks to everyone involved in making it a memorable one.
Has Anyone Seen My Beaver? If you went down to the woods today, you sure were in for a surprise – as lots of Beavers were hiding, with sweets and prizes galore. As the big kids were swinging from trees during the Annual Family Day, the smaller children were making their way through the forest nearby looking for posters of Bruno the Beaver which indicated a Beaver was about! Never mind what a Bear does in the woods, a Beaver hides goodies for children to find. The children were soon running on excitedly, peering under branches and looking in hollows in the trunks. As most of them had not met before, it was great to see them laugh and search together, the bigger ones helping the tots. Halfway round we found juice and cheesy
biscuits and we stopped for a picnic with sandwiches. Given this energy burst we started off again and found many more Bruno’s with bubbles and medals for all. By the time we had completed the walk, all Beavers were accounted for and some cookies had been discovered! You would think that after an hour’s saunter the kids would be ready to have a laze. WRONG – off we went to the park to wait for the big kids and the grown-ups lazed on the grass while the kids ran round the park, energised by the chocolate they had found in their goodie bags. A big thank you to Wilson MacPhail and VAG, who provided the mini Bruno the Beavers. Bruno is the mascot of the group and wears green dungarees – not easy to find in the
By Kathy Auld woods. They have now all got new homes with the children who found them and no Beavers were hurt in the making of this Family Day. When I contacted Wilson I asked if the beaver came in any other size as I needed a bigger one. VAG, amazingly, made a “one off” Bruno that was about 2feet tall. He came on the hunt with us, tucked into my rucksack and was later won by a lucky little girl after the BBQ. Paul Sexton, Scottish Area VP and I walked round setting the trail and then again doing the hunt. Paul did it a third time to take down all the posters and found members of the public following them – goodness only knows what they were going to find at the end of a trail of Beavers!
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22/10/10 11:08:57
SCOTTISHAREANEWS
‘SR10 – To Infinity & Beyond’
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Autumn Seminar, 17th / 18th September 1
Bob Irvine, Deputy Director for the Water Industry and Climate Change, Scottish Government.
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Winning Team in progress.
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Douglas Millican , Finance and Regulation Director, Scottish Water, Nigel Earnshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Scottish Water Solutions and Dave Holloway, Senior Technical Advisor SEPA.
By Mark Dickson / Scott McCrae This years’ seminar was a sell out with over 75 delegates attending at Tulliallan Police College. The seminar opened with a very thorough assessment of the challenges for the next 5 years and beyond for the industry in Scotland, with speakers from SEPA, Scottish Water and Scottish Water Solutions. Improvements to customer service, compliance and efficiency all featured strongly and there was a healthy debate on the wider role of the industry in helping Scotland’s economy prosper - for example through the development of renewable energy sources. This was followed by sessions on how we can harness the potential of the high calibre people in the industry, ensuring that we can develop existing talent and nurture fresh talent to rise to continuing changes and challenges throughout the water industry. There was also an enlightening insight from the Scottish Government on their role in Water and Wastewater Services. A number of delegates took the opportunity to
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find out more about Institute’s mentoring scheme and we have no doubt that some successful mentoring will follow. Dinner on Friday evening was followed by the annual tradition of a quiz night and a charity raffle. A great time was had by all and over £400 was raised and donated to the ‘Pakistan Disaster Relief Fund’ for the victims of the devastating floods. On the Saturday morning, presentations included an insight into the development of competition from a Licensed Provider (Business Stream) and a presentation from Scotland’s Roads Commissioner on the impact of the water industry on roads infrastructure. A team event was run throughout the seminar, promoting networking amongst delegates with the winning team demonstrating innovative solutions and lateral thinking. Exhibitors, including ITT Water & Wastewater UK, ProcessPlus, Scotjet, Panton McLeod and Class One Traffic Management, set up impressive stands, showcasing the latest in technological advances from process instrumentation and
service reservoir cleaning, to innovative approaches to traffic management. Our thanks go to all exhibitors and company representatives who supported the seminar and donated prizes for the Disaster Relief raffle. The seminar was a resounding success with delegates telling us the calibre of speakers and presentations were of the highest standard they have experienced and one delegate saying ‘this was the friendliest seminar I have been at for years - I had great fun and learned loads’. A special vote of thanks to Stan Wardle and Alex Rae for ensuring the Quiz is once again a talking point for months to come, with excellent banter and red cards for the rowdy teams who dare challenge quizmaster ‘Wardle’ - not for the faint hearted I may add. Finally, we would like to thank the delegates for supporting our 2010 Autumn Seminar and helping make it an event to remember. We look forward to seeing everyone back again next year.
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22/10/10 11:47:58
SCOTTISHarEaNEWS
Now You See It… Then You Won’t GLENCORSE WTW By Kathy Auld a 24-strong group visited the new innovative glencorse WtW (part of the Edinburgh Drinking Water Project) on the outskirts of Edinburgh on 26th august. this £130m project, that includes the provision of storage tanks and replacement of aging mains and laying of twin connecting mains, was visited by us last year, when only the civils were underway. Black and Veatch are constructing - based on a Design and Build arrangement - a water treatment works that will supply up to 175mld of water to up to 450,000 people in the country’s capital. What a difference a year makes! the astonishing 90million litre clear Water tank (cWt)has been constructed, with 490 internal columns holding up the roof that is approximately the size of 2 football pitches. Some of us were privy to the inside of this cavern – not many will be able to say they have been. the storage tank will act as a buffer to manage the demand, ensuring there is enough water for Edinburgh throughout the day. 18 hours of storage will be available to the city of Edinburgh when the works has been fully commissioned. the main treatment building is impressive too. the last time we visited only the foundations could be seen, now there is a complete structure, with the filter gallery being finished. as part of the intensive consultation exercise Scottish Water promised that the visual impact of the Works would be minimised for the overlooking Pentland Hills regional Park and the neighbours in close proximity. as such the buildings and cWt will all have a “living grass roof”. the roof on the main treatment building has been turfed and looks amazing. the grass - a wild grass mix - has been cultivated on the shores of loch leven and is transported and placed as it arrives. irrigation systems ensure the turf is well watered until established. the only maintenance this will require is removal of tree saplings that have taken root on an annual basis. the 15km of pipelines is well underway. on our last visit we saw the extrusion and laying of the pipes. in a world first, finnish company, KWH, brought their extrusion plant to Scotland. Saving on transport costs, time and lowering the
carbon footprint of the project, the pipes were manufactured in a mobile pipe production plant adjacent to the pipeline route. avoiding transporting the pipes by lorry meant that much longer pipes could be made and laid directly into the trenches using fewer welds: definitely an example of fine innovation. another example of innovation and environmental awareness is the installation of a hydro turbine that will produce up to a third of the energy required to run the plant. the raw water comes in by gravity and will get to Edinburgh the same way. the treatment process involves coagulation, flocculation, Dissolved air flotation (Daf) and rapid gravity filtration as well as Disinfection. the Daf and filtration process has been combined into one process unit – the counter current Dissolved air flotation and filtration system (cocoDaff). this innovative system reduces the Works footprint size and the size of the flocculation tanks. this significantly helps to achieve the low impact building structure. While we were there, testing of the filters was just starting and we witnessed the first test of one of the filter beds: it was looking good. the sludge produced is passed into the sewer that runs past the Works – handy. the visit was appreciated by the whole group and thanks must go to Senior Project manager, Kenny naylor, Project managers lynsey tweedlie, roy Dahl and Bethan Emmanuel for the presentation, showing us round and answering the many questions. the first of the institute of Water branded thermal mugs were given to them for their time.
DAVID AND IAN CATCH CRABS IN OBAN By Kathy Auld Well it had to happen – it is Scotland after all. Woke up in the tent to the sound of rain, with just enough time to sort out the waterproofs and we were off. 15 hardy souls left taynuilt pier on a windy morning on 3rd July. the fishing started near the mouth of the sea loch and the speed of catching fish set the pace for the day – slow! the rain came in squalls, but in between the sun broke through. it didn’t spoil the day though as there was the usual banter and cheer. many different species were caught: mackerel, cod, ling, gurnard, rays, whiting and spurdogs. David laurie and ian Wilson both caught crabs munching on their squid bait (and they counted apparently). the dubious count of the 2 crabs did not affect the overall boat score and Boat 2 took the crown, even although they had ‘left’ their score sheet on the boat. the winner again was alan Dick – someone really needs to come and stop his name being on the trophy for the 4th time (even Scott mccrae is welcome back).
SPONSOR WANTED the rain didn’t dampen the spirits and the day was enjoyed by all. many thanks to our Sponsor, mcnicolas construction ltd and the skippers Donald and ronnie for the refreshments and fishing.
We were let down by our second sponsor very late in the day and there is the opportunity for someone to sponsor a boat for next year. the sponsor will obviously get their logo and company name mentioned, as well as a host place and 2 spare places on the boat, all for £550. So if you fancy a day on the water (weather not guaranteed) then contact Kathy auld, Scottish area.
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22/10/10 11:09:24
SOUTHEASTAREANEWS
President’s Day, Science Observatory and Herstmonceux Castle
By Steve Youell
On 21st August over 60 members and their families arrived at the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle for a day of Science and History. The day began with a tour of the Science Observatory - home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory from the 1950’s to the 1980’s until the light pollution and weather in the area started to interfere with the astronomy. It used to house the Isaac Newton Telescope, which is one of the largest telescopes in the world, until it was transferred to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands.
by Chair Catherine Fearon who presented the Presidents Cup (won by South East Area for the largest increase in membership last year) to everyone and then started the raffle by drawing the first ticket. Simon Ashdown from South East Water won the first prize: tickets to the famous Southern Water Race day at Fontwell. Other prizes included cuddly toys and various alcoholic beverages.
Many of the telescopes still remain and we were treated to a tour of these and were shown how they work and how the copper domes open and close. In addition to the telescopes there is a range of hands-on science based activities including water, light, earth and forces, and I think it is safe to say that it wasn’t just the children who could have stayed there all day!
After lunch we were allowed to explore the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle. The castle was originally built as a country home in the mid-15th century by Roger Fiennes, who was the appointed Treasurer of the Household under Henry VI. It is now owned by the Queen's University of Canada through the generosity of Drs Alfred and Isabel Bader, and is now an International Study Centre attracting students from around the world.
Lunch saw Area President Chris Edmondson give a short speech thanking everyone for coming and for their support during the year. This was followed
This topped an excellent day and many thanks have to go to Chris Edmondson and Southern Water for organising and sponsoring the event.
Olympic Park Bus Tour By Steve Youell The London 2012 Olympic Games are now less than 2 years away and the Olympic Park site is now well under development. On 21st October 30 members were given the opportunity to take a guided bus tour around the Park to see the current development and Park layout. The Park is situated in the Lower Lea Valley and is 2.5km2 in size – the same area as 357 football pitches - and its development is being overseen by the Olympic Delivery Authority. For the last 400 years much of the area was used for industry however since the late 19th century half of the site had been used as a landfill and as a result around 75 per cent of the land had some contaminates within it including petrol, arsenic and other heavy metals. The first part of the development was titled ‘demolish, dig, design’ and this saw the clearing of the land, demolition of the present buildings and moving the 200km of powerlines from overhead
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pylons to underground tunnels. In addition the River Lea waterway has been widened and developed to create green corridors for wildlife and allow materials to be transported to the site via barge. By the end of 2008 this phase had been completed and the second phase titled ‘the big build’ began. This phase saw the construction of sites including the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Velodrome and Olympic Village as well as transport links and infrastructure. This part of the construction is due to be completed by summer 2011. After the Games the site will be developed so that it will provide long term benefits to the area and the local community. The bus tour lasted just over an hour and allowed us to see the whole Park. Our tour guide, Neil Shaftain, an Engineer with Atkins, was able to provide information on the potable and non potable water systems, including
V rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, that the Park will utilise during the Games and after the area has been transformed. The Games will bring unique opportunities to the area of the Lea Valley and the development, when completed will see over 7 million people visit the site during the Games with over 800,000 people expected to use public transport (which is offered for free with the purchase of a Olympic Ticket) on the busiest days. Our great thanks go to Atkins Global and especially to Neil Shaftain who organised the day and gave the tour.
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22/10/10 11:09:45
WINTER SEMINAR 2010 Presented by the Eastern Area
“THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE” listen, learn, develop, achieve
24TH – 25TH NOVEMBER 2010 Wyboston Lakes Conference Centre, Bedfordshire OFWAT has placed an increased emphasis on customer satisfaction. Awareness of this change is essential. The industry needs to embrace this challenge by implementing strategies that will maximise performance and deliver an exceptional customer service.
A unique opportunity…. The seminar will host a variety of speakers from the water and customer service sectors. It will provide an exceptional opportunity to discuss and understand the key aspects that have defined and will continue to define the customer experience.
Companies & Individuals will benefit from… Knowledge Sharing Networking Continued Professional Development Speakers from… OFWAT, Water UK, Consumer Council for Water Veolia Water, Anglian Water, Henley Business School, Harding & Yorke, Accord Partnerships UEA, Watershed Associates, Halcrow, Centre for Public Service Partnerships, HomeServe
Proudly Sponsoring the Institute of Water Eastern Area
For a booking form or further information please contact Sharna Richings at Sharna.Richings@Veoliawater.co.uk or Mandhy Senewiratne at SenewiratneM@Halcrow.com IOW 168.indd 71
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