Institute of Water Magazine - Spring Edition 2017

SPRING2017 ISSUE193

IN THIS ISSUE MARKET REFORM BUGS IN WATER ASSET MANAGEMENT

INSTITUTE OF WATER JOURNAL

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Having been involved in the publishing of The Institute of Water Journal so heavily for the last 9 years, it is a privilege to be asked to write the introduction to our first edition of 2017, in what is such an important year for the industry with the opening up of the market from April, and being such a busy time in the current AMP period for both water companies, contractors and supply chain alike.

With this in mind, I am very much looking forward to attending this year’s Annual National Conference and Exhibition, which will be held in Manchester between the 14th and 16th of June at the Chetham’s School of Music. The Conference will be entitled ‘Together We Achieve More’, with a focus on collaboration, to explore how best to drive the industry forward at this changing time, with speakers from water companies, supply chain and regulators.

scientists, and we also keep up to date with some of the latest developments in Asset Management with various showcases from our industry supply chain.

There will also be a change this year with the President’s Dinner and Awards being held on the Wednesday evening at the majestic Manchester Cathedral.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my near decade of publishing with The Institute of Water, not only because it is such a crucial industry to all our existences, health and welfare, but equally having met and worked with so many fantastic people who have educated me so much. The Institute of Water as an organisation has opened my eyes to how important people and the development of people is to the development of an industry and I have particularly enjoyed dealing both formally and informally with such a diverse range of people from across the whole industry, from water companies, regulators, consultants and supply chain.

In further new developments, we are excited to announce the upcoming arrival of a new Institute of Water publication which will be a peer reviewed technical article publication.

You can read more about in the Members News section of this edition.

The industry famous Saint Gobain night will also be expanded to accommodate 200 guests this year, and I recommend booking early as it always sells out which can lead to disappointment. Bookings are now open for the Conference as a whole, the President’s Dinner and Awards and also Saint Gobain night.

Within this edition, we lead off with a focus on Market Reform, with articles from OFWAT, an interview with Northumbrian Water Business’s managing director, Lucy Darch, as well as comment from consultants and supply chain.

We also focus on Water Quality with an imaginatively titled ‘Bugs in Water’ feature, including an article from John Fawell from the World Health Organisation, also the Scottish Water Regulator, as well as water utility

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my colleague, Dan Barton, IOW’s marketing and communications manager, on the arrival of his first born, Felicity, who arrived safely on New Year’s Eve. The family are all doing very well.

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Features 20 Rising Stars 30 Market Reform

46 Bugs in Water

64 Asset Management

Regulars

4 Members Update 10 Environment News 16 Mentoring 22 WaterAid 88 Area News

Martin Jameson Director, JimJam Media Ltd

Institute of Water HQ: 4 Carlton Court, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0AZ Website: www.instituteofwater.org.uk President: Peter Simpson Chairperson: Natalie Akroyd Chief Executive: Lynn Cooper Editorial, Marketing & Communications Manager: Dan Barton Tel: 0191 422 0088 Fax: 0191 422 0087 Email: dan@instituteofwater.org.uk Advertising: Martin Jameson Tel: 07342 850 289 Email: martin@jimjammedia.com Designed and produced by: JimJam Media Ltd Email: sales@jimjammedia.com

The Institute of Water is the only professional body solely concerned with the UK water industry. We can 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 details on how to join visit www.instituteofwater.org.uk today.

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WELCOMING BOB TAYLOR TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Taylor - Operations Director – Drinking Water Services at South West Water - has joined our Board to fill the vacancy created when Martin Baggs stepped down in December.

Bob is a Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng, FICE) with a BSc in Civil Engineering, an MSc in Environmental Engineering and an MBA. Bob has worked in the water industry for more than 30 years and has spent time in Australia, United Arab Emirates and Central and Eastern Asia.

Since 2013 Bob has worked in the UK, first as Director of Operations, then MD at Sembcorp Bournemouth Water. Following the acquisition by Pennon Group he was appointed to his current role in January 2016. Bob is responsible for drinking water services across both South West Water and Bournemouth Water, with a staff of around 500.

Bob has board level experience spanning fourteen years and is currently a Director of two businesses within the Pennon Group.

Bob - a member since 1991 - said of his appointment:

“It is a great honour to be invited to join the Board of IoW, in my view the most relevant and inclusive professional body in our industry. This represents a great opportunity for me to give something back to an organisation I have respected, supported and benefitted from throughout my career in the water industry. I am very much looking forward to working closely with the IOW Board in supporting the evolving needs and aspirations of our membership”.

BIG CHANGES FOR INSTITUTE OF WATER PUBLICATIONS Change of name for Institute of Water Journal The Institute of Water Journal has a new name; The Institute of Water Magazine. After confirmation that the Institute will publish a new ‘technical’ and more traditional Journal it was decided that the existing publication would benefit from a name more befitting and suited to its content. As such the Institute of Water quarterly publication will now be known as ‘The Institute of Water Magazine’.

The Institute of Water is delighted to announce a brand new publication called the Institute of Water Journal.

New publisher for Institute of Water Magazine

Content will be published in print up to 2 times a year and all content will be made available online exclusively to Institute of Water Members. This new Journal is being headed up by an editorial panel which includes each of the Vice Presidents from the Institute’s Board of Directors.

JimJam Media Limited has been successful in acquiring the contract to publish the Institute of Water Magazine over a 3 year period. JimJam’s Business Development Director, Martin Jameson, has a wealth of experience in publishing and the water sector and helped grow the Magazine to its current levels of success in a previous role. We’re delighted to welcome Martin and JimJam Media on board!

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New publication

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This publication will include in-depth case studies, research pieces and reports covering all things water.

Robin Price, Vice President Science, said: “As we continue to expand our offering to our members, and continue to look for opportunities to increase technical knowledge and skills across the industry, we are in the advanced stages of developing a new technical journal to sit alongside our quarterly magazine.

“The journal will be fully peer-reviewed by senior figures in the water industry and academia, and will feature technical articles on a wide range of topics from universities, water companies, suppliers and regulators.”

The first edition is due to be published in April 2017 in hard copy, and we anticipate that up to two editions will be published every year. The team are also looking more widely at our on-line technical offering, and how articles for the new journal and other technical content could be formed into a ‘Wikipedia’-style search function within the Institute of Water website.

We are certain that the new journal will be a valuable addition to our membership offering, and will support Continuous Professional Development for everyone.

If you’d like more information about this new publication, or would like to have your content published please contact dan@instituteofwater.org.uk.

MEMBERSUPDATE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Professional ethics encompasses the organisational and personal standards of behaviour expected of a professional individual.

The Standards for Registration as an Engineer, Scientist and Environmentalist and our own Requirements for Corporate Membership include the need to demonstrate “professionalism” by working within defined frameworks of personal and professional standards and adhering to a moral, ethical and professional code of conduct.

The Society for the Environment requires all applicants for professional registration to sign up to a code*1 that covers conduct, ethics and CPD. Science Council Registrants agree to be bound by the code of professional conduct of their Licensed Body as well as by the Science Council Model Rules of Conduct for Registrants.*2

The Statement offers guidance on how to exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner and sets a standard which members should apply in their working habits and relationships and. It suggests four fundamental principles that should guide members in achieving the high ideals of professional life: ■■

Accuracy and rigour

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Honesty and integrity

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Respect for life, law and the public good

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Responsible leadership: listening and informing

The Engineering Council, in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering and a number of professional engineering institutions, has created a Statement of Ethical Principles*3 to which it believes all professional engineers and technicians should subscribe.

WHISTLEBLOWING The Engineering Council has supplemented the work on ethics by publishing Guidance on Whistleblowing*4 and we have revised our Code of Conduct*5 to require members to raise a concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others (‘blow the whistle’) and support a colleague or any other person to whom they have a duty of care who in good faith raises any such concern.

The Guidance covers the questions: ■■

What is whistleblowing?

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What are my obligations if I have such a concern?

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What does the relevant legislation say?

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How do I raise a concern?

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Where can I get advice?

Members are encouraged to read the Guidance on Whistleblowing and the Statement of Ethical Principles and to ensure they are familiar with our own Code of Conduct. *1 CODE OF CONDUCT for Environmental Professionals www.socenv.org.uk/CodeofConduct

*2 SCIENCE COUNCIL MODEL RULES OF CONDUCT for Registrants http://sciencecouncil.org/web/wpcontent/uploads/2016/01/The-ScienceCouncil-Model-Rules-of-Conduct-forRegistrants.pdf *3 STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES for the Engineering Profession www.raeng.org.uk/publications/other/ statement-of-ethical-principles *4 GUIDANCE ON WHISTLEBLOWING for Engineers and Technicians www.engc.org.uk/publications *5 Institute of Water Code of Conduct www.instituteofwater.org.uk/individualmembership-levels

SAD NEWS We are sorry to announce the passing of two long-serving Institute of Water members, Douglas Mucklow, Scottish Area, and Sidney Mason, Eastern Area.

Douglas was 101 years old and had been a member since 1965. Sidney was 99 years old and had been a member since 1966. Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

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WELCOME NEW COMPANY MEMBERS Langham Industrial Controls

Business Stream

Since February 1996, Langham Industrial Controls have been involved in the installation, maintenance & verification of Flow Meters throughout the UK.

Business Stream is the third largest water retailer in the UK.

Our reputation is based on our ability to work closely with the customer, as part of a team, to attain a high standard, with efficiency, honesty and reliability.

Major investment in our engineering facilities, include a Doosan Lynx 220 LSYC Turning Centre giving increased efficiency in the manufacture of our Hydrant Flow Meters.

We are confident that our Horizontal and Vertical Hydrant Flow Meters are industry leading in the UK Water Industry and now look forward to exploring export markets.

Please visit www.langhamcontrols.com

Natural Cement Distribution Natural Cement Distribution Ltd have been manufacturing and distributing high quality Natural Cement products both nationally and internationally from South Yorkshire in the UK for many years.

All our products are based on a Natural Cement binder that has been in use for over 200 years in both the construction and mining industries and recently extensively within the railway industry.

Other advantages of our product are

There are no chemical additives involved in the manufacturing of Natural Cement making it one of the most environmentally friendly cement products that is available.

One of the main advantages of our products is its fast setting properties which for our customers is often a main priority when selecting a product.

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We produce products that are safe to use with marine life and potable drinking water.

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Our products are chemical resistant

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They can be used in both wet and cold conditions

Natural Cement products have been involved with many projects within all sections of the railway industry, Civil Engineering, water industry and utilities as well as construction industries throughout the UK and worldwide.

They have worked in a competitive water market for nine years, that’s longer than anyone else. We are the industry experts who put customers are the centre of everything we do.

Since 2008, Business Stream’s expertise has helped our business and public sector customers to save nearly £160million, and conserve more than 24 billion litres of water.

That means customers have reduced their CO2 emissions by more than 42,000 tonnes - that’s the equivalent of taking 11,700 cars off the roads.

Customers have also benefited from a wide range of innovative products and tailored services from our specialist teams.

With competition in Scotland now firmly established, Business Stream is extending its foothold in England, following the acquisition of the nonhousehold customer base of Southern Water. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Business Stream also has offices in Glasgow and Worthing, and employs around 250 staff. www.business-stream.co.uk

MEMBERSUPDATE

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE COUNCIL LAUNCH MAJOR INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Our Vice President Science and Board Diversity Champion, Robin Price spoke at the launch event in London.

The science and engineering professions have taken a big step forward to improve diversity and inclusion across science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers.

The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Science Council have launched a new framework, the first of its kind, to help professional bodies assess and monitor their progress on diversity and inclusion, and a launch event was held at the Institution of Civil Engineers in December.

Many initiatives have been taken to attract and retain more women and young people from ethnic backgrounds into science and engineering careers but far more needs to be done to make STEM more attractive to, and inclusive of, people from a wide range of backgrounds. A new Royal Academy report shows that while engineering graduates are highly employable, there is a noticeable difference in how quickly different ethnic groups fare in the job market: 71% of white engineering graduates find full-time jobs after six months compared with just 51% of black and minority ethnic (BME) students.

The science and engineering communities have a long way to go in building a more diverse culture: ■■

8% of people in professional engineering roles are female, according to Sir John Perkins’ 2013 Review of Engineering Skills, and only 4.6% of those registered with their professional institutions are female

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20% of physics ‘A’ levels are awarded to girls (IOP, It’s Different for Girls report 2011)

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15% of engineering and technology first degrees are awarded to females

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5% of engineering and technology first degrees are awarded to people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds (EngineeringUK report 2016), compared with around 6% in professional engineering roles (Academy Labour Force Survey data analysis, 2013)

Professional bodies play an important role in supporting scientists and engineers throughout their careers, recognising and upholding their professional standards as well as providing continuous professional development.

The new progression framework builds on this and centres on identifying diversity and inclusion practice in relation to eight functions common to professional bodies.

It gives professional bodies the opportunity to assess each of these functions against a fourlevel maturing model.

Photo courtesy of Pat Langford Photography

“The Institute of Water was delighted to be part of the pilot for the new framework, and our results and the work that we have done so far on diversity, equality and inclusion compare really favourably to other professional bodies.

There’s a lot more to do, and our Diversity Action Plan is still very much a live document, and I’ll be reporting on our progress throughout 2017.”

Robin said

The aim is to support discussion, initiation, planning and assessment of diversity and inclusion work.

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CORPORATEMEMBERSHIP

CHANGES TO CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP In 2016 the Institute of Water’s Membership and Standards Committee agreed to alter the criteria for becoming a Corporate Member.

The old process required applicants to submit a report and attend an interview however these requirements are no longer in place.

The new criteria states that applicants must have been working in the water industry for 5 years or more and must submit a CV and a referral form signed by somebody that can verify their length of service. Corporate Members must still be committed to Continuing Professional Development and adhere to our code of conduct.

A Corporate Member of the Institute of Water is a team player who is competent in their area of work, reliable, informed, motivated and committed to the water industry and its customers.

Applicants are expected to have acquired these attributes through a combination of knowledge and experience.

Awarded on the basis of competence and commitment demonstrated through length of service in the UK water sector: no academic qualifications are required.

For more information and to apply visit www.institituteofwater.org.uk/individualmembership-levels.

Becoming a Corporate Member is a great way to demonstrate your commitment and competence in the water sector, but don’t take our word for it, hear what some recent Corporate Member applicants had to say...

Patrick Ryan

Sophie Straiton

Dan Herron

Technical Trainer, Severn Trent Water

Innovation Scientist, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

Mechanical Engineer, Northumbrian Water

Having come from an operational background in water distribution and emergency response, I was delighted to take the opportunity to become a Corporate Member of the Institute of Water. It is an important designation for me, and shows my ongoing commitment to our industry.

I recently took the opportunity to upgrade my membership with the Institute of Water from Associate to Corporate level. I believe that by being awarded Corporate Membership, my commitment to the water industry and to continual professional development is professionally demonstrated.

As an engineer within the water industry, I see it very beneficial to have a Corporate Membership with the Institute of Water. This level of membership gives me access to different information out of my current working remit, thus allowing me to improve my knowledge of different parts of water treatment and developing a more technical understanding of other areas of the business.

The Institute of Water provides a real insight into all areas of what we do, an example of this was the Institute’s inaugural Science Conference at the Royal Society last September, a brilliant event that I attended thanks to my membership.

They are also engaged in helping to develop not just graduates and apprentices, but also frontline staff, as demonstrated by their EngTech, EnvTech and RSciTech accreditation schemes.

I am proud to be a Corporate Member of the Institute of Water, and know that continued membership will be a help my CPD.

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Through being a Corporate Member I have taken a pledge to take responsibility for my own personal development and I am motivated to ensure that I maintain active in my continual professional development.

I feel that the Institute of Water provides great support and opportunities to its members to enhance and strengthen knowledge, networks and personal skills and I would encourage all members to be actively involved.

Being a Corporate Member with the Institute is also very well recognised across the water industry. It aids in building a professional profile, also giving you potential to have any reports/ studies published in their academic journal.

I would heavily recommend any individual within the water industry, looking to develop and learn; to become a Corporate Member.

Working together for the Environment INSTITUTE OF WATER ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE 2017 16th March 2017 | Innovation Birmingham Campus, B7 4BB | 10.00-16.30 A unique conference taking place at a critical time for the UK water industry. Hear senior figures in government and regulators set out their objectives for a sector in which high performance and trust can earn a lighter touch regulation to facilitate innovation – and deliver more for customers and the environment.

Confirmed speakers include: • Sarah Hendry, Director Floods and Water, Defra • David Black, Senior Director Water 2020, Ofwat • Harvey Bradshaw, Executive Director Environment & Business, Environment Agency • Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive, Scottish Environment Protection Agency • David Elliott, Group Strategy and New Markets Director, Wessex Water • Peter Simpson, Chief Executive, Anglian Water Services • Peter Gammeltoft, former EU Commission Head of Water and Marine Ann Bishop, Managing Partner at Indepen will chair a Panel Discussion and Q&A session.

In addition, there will be presentations on case studies of innovative, collaborative solutions. to environmental challenges.

BOOK NOW at www.instituteofwater.org.uk.

The Environment Conference is free to Institute of Water members. The fee for non-members is £150+VAT. Visit our website to sign up as a member and benefit from the discounted rate.

J o i n a s a m e m b e r n o w a t w w w. i n s t i t u t e o f w a t e r. o r g . u k instituteofwater.org.uk

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ENVIRONMENTNEWS

SOCIETY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT HONORARY FELLOWSHIPS The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) awards Honorary Fellowships to people who are notable and outstanding champions for the environment and who embody the values of the Society.

Each licensed professional body can put forward proposals for Fellowship, and at the SocEnv Council meeting on 30 November 2016, two of the four Fellowships awarded were proposed by the Institute of Water.

Our second Fellowship proposal was for Chris Smith, the Right Honourable Lord Smith of Finsbury.

We were delighted to gain approval for our proposal that Peter Simpson, IWater President and Chief Executive of Anglian Water, should receive an Honorary Fellowship.

Chris is well known for his career as a politician, most notably as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, but also for his earlier role as Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment.

Peter’s career in the water industry has seen him working in the USA and Czech Republic, where he helped to drive improvements in the environment and in drinking water quality. He has been Chief Executive of Anglian Water since 2004 and has personally led their ‘Love Every Drop’ campaign, driven by his personal commitment to proactive prevention of environmental impact, rather than reliance on end-of-pipe solutions.

Peter has worked alongside Defra Ministers and Secretaries of State in successive governments, on initiatives relating to improving bathing water quality, drought management and secure, resilient water supplies. He is a member of the Prince of Wales’ Corporate Leaders Group, which provides international leadership on mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

When asked what the award meant to him, Peter said: “I was deeply touched to be made an Honorary Fellow of the Society for the Environment. This is something that I’d like to share with all of those who’ve been on Anglian’s Love Every Drop journey: employees, partners, communities and customers.”

“This journey has seen us lift our aspirations beyond short term outputs to outcomes. I am particularly proud that we have recognised the importance of collaboration which has seen step changes in our catchment work and that innovation is now an integral and important part of the day job. This way of working has led to dramatic improvements in our compliance and set new benchmarks in areas such as capital carbon and leakage. So whilst it is lovely to accept such an award I think it should be shared with the others on this journey.”

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Chris’ love for active enjoyment of the environment is demonstrated by his Presidency of the Ramblers’ Association but it was in his role as Chairman of the Environment Agency from 2008 to 2014 that he was able to make a real and lasting difference to the state of the environment.

Chris saw the Agency’s role as connecting people with their surroundings and acting as a conscience for the environment. He conveyed the need for partnerships, professionalism and a focus on outcomes rather than process in a series of pithy ‘brutal truths’ that resonated with staff and stakeholders.

Since leaving the EA Chris has been the inaugural Chair of the UK Water Partnership and has continued to use his expertise and influence in support of environmental causes.

On learning of the Honorary Fellowship award Chris said: “Even in the age of Trump - especially in the age of Trump - we need to make the case for the environment ever more clearly. To talk about the developing impact of climate change, about the need to use water wisely, about the huge importance to communities of local green space. Receiving the accolade of an Honorary Fellowship of the Society for the Environment encourages me to carry on making that case as strongly as I can.”

SocEnv also awarded Honorary Fellowships to the outspoken journalist and campaigner George Monbiot and to noted academic Professor Tim Benton, who is well known for his work on global food security (and much more).

INDUSTRY VIEW THE SOCIETY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Professor Ian Barker

Vice-President Environment Institute of Water The number of Chartered Environmentalists is increasing (are you one yet?) and there’s a new and very informative SocEnv website (www.SocEnv.org.uk) which is well worth visiting.

SocEnv has also been meeting with senior government officials to explore how environmental professionals can help policymakers during these ‘interesting times’. As Lord Chris Smith said when he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of SocEnv ‘We need to make the case for the environment ever more clearly’, and the Society is looking to be more proactive on policy advice to government.

The Society for the Environment has taken a leadership position of showing government the importance of using environment professionals to provide sound, evidence-based advice.

It is publishing a report entitled ‘Our Vision for Excellent Environmental Policy and Practice’ with insight from professionals across the environmental sector. And whatever happens with Brexit, SocEnv is using its membership of ENEP – the European Network of Environmental Professionals - to help to ensure that the UK is able to maintain close working links with fellow professionals across Europe, to exchange knowledge, best practice and support professional development.

At the SocEnv Council meeting at the end of November Sarah Hardy from Defra gave a few insights into the government’s long-awaited 25-year plan for the environment (a consultation might even have been published by the time you read this). She confirmed that the underlying theme would be delivering locally in line with natural systems, such as river catchments, and through working in partnerships to seek to incentivise new sources of funding.

Investment would be targeted for multiple benefits, and markets would be important. Government will expect regulators to be tough on those who wilfully disregard their responsibilities, but to act fairly and proportionately.

We may well hear more on this from Sarah Hendry, Defra Director of Floods and Water, at the IWater Environment Conference on 16 March.

I hope to see you there!

FINDING TALENT TO TACKLE WATER 4.0 Stuart Melling

Local Business Unit Manager – Drives and Controls, Robotics and Motion, ABB Limited Germany recently suggested expanding the principles behind Industry 4.0 with the idea of “Wasser 4.0” or Water 4.0: the digitalisation and networking of automation and monitoring systems and the introduction of smart technologies in water and wastewater treatment.

The water industry is already addressing digitalisation with operators connecting, communicating and working with the treatment, collection and distribution systems, using SCADA. However there are challenges ahead. While today’s sensors and controls generate an abundance of data, there is often not enough usable information, creating a scenario of data richness/ information poverty. We need the right information, with the correct accuracy, to the right people in an easy and digestible format.

Also, while data is collected by telemetry, PLCs and SCADA systems, the mere thought of connecting this to the internet or the “cloud” causes angst among most experienced communications or telemetry specialists.

That is before the industry stops twitching about cyber security or which communication protocols to choose between Profibus, Ethernet or the Water Industry Telemetry Standard (WITS). So for tomorrow’s engineers, Water 4.0 offers plenty of challenges. But where are these engineers? Water 4.0 provides a great platform to show to younger people why a career in water is worth pursuing and to instill a sense of purpose and value for water engineering.

However, the skills required are not traditional ‘engineering’ skills.

Data analytics and statisticians are needed to create algorithms and analytics logic to use the data effectively. Electrical engineering graduates are being replaced by data analytics engineers. The industry must be more effective and better co-ordinated at encouraging more young people to take STEM careers, through both apprenticeships and university. It needs to take the lead and invest in training and development.

My own company, ABB, is already preparing its employees for the fourth industrial revolution, through its many apprenticeship schemes and continuous learning programmes. Recently at the World Economic Forum, ABB underscored its commitment to a “future ready” workforce by joining the Global Apprenticeship Network, a coalition of committed companies, international organisations and business and employers’ federations that create work-readiness programs for young people and foster skills for business.

It is initiatives like this that we hope will help change the perceptions of engineering as a profession, educating not only the young but parents, teachers and the wider population about the great career opportunities and experiences on offer.

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DRILLINGANDTAPPING UK Drilling & Tapping

A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM Drilling and Tapping 2017 is coming up! WWT recently featured a Q&A with Lesley Barratt of Clancy Docwra, who won the Ladies category of the Institute of Water’s Drilling and Tapping competition this year along with her daughter Kayleigh.

How many times have you competed in the Drilling and Tapping competition?

It was our third time this year, and the first time we’ve won. Our winning time – 4 minutes 32 seconds – was the best we’ve done in competition, although we have done sub 4 minutes in the training shed. We have the same roles each time: I’m the driller and Kayleigh is the service layer. We’ve also competed once in America, which is a very different technique: you have to have three team members for that. As a result of our UK win we’ll also be going to Holland next November, so that’s another technique we’ve got to learn!

What do you do in your day job, and does it involve this kind of work?

How much do you practice, and what’s the key to success?

I’m a Depot Administrator for Clancy Docwra in Lincoln. I deal with traffic management for the work that we’ve done, I then put it on the system for costings and do purchase orders, whatever’s needed really. Kayleigh is a resource controller, which involves planning the different work teams that go out and liaising with highways, Anglian Water and with the operations side. We are both office-based, so Drilling and Tapping is not part of the day job.

We get one day a month off from work to go and train in Anglian Water’s training shed; we’ll usually go on one evening as well, and sometimes on a weekend too if we have time.

Jason is our trainer and he also trained the Clancy Docwra men’s team. The machine we use in the training shed is older and more worn than the one in the competition, which is a newer machine, so it’s never quite the same – nerves comes into it as well, so you have to keep composed! The key is working together and doing it as a team. We just say that whatever happens on the day happens, we will just do our best.

What first encouraged you to get involved with Drilling and Tapping?

My husband, Jason Barratt, has won it six times in the UK now, and also won the world title in America. Jason got asked through work to do it, and had been doing it a couple of years and we went with him to support him and to watch, so we would always be in Birmingham when it was on.

Then one year Malcolm Holmes [Anglian Water judge and co-organiser] got a call to say that some ladies teams had dropped out and asked whether we would compete. That call was on a Sunday and by Tuesday we were in the arena actually competing!

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What do you enjoy about the competition?

To me, it’s a bit of fun, it’s going to meet people who have the same interests. As time has gone on there are more ladies entering: this year there were the most ladies teams that there have been. We’ve made really good friends through it.

Although it is a competition on the day and we go in to win, we’re happy for whoever wins, it’s nice to see them and we get together and have a drink and a chat afterwards. We give each other tips as well – if we’re struggling with something we’ll say do it like this, and vice versa.

What would you say to somebody who was thinking of entering the Drilling and Tapping competition?

Just do it. It’s brilliant, it’s really good fun and I’d recommend it to anybody.

Are you confident of defending your title at Utility Week Live 2017?

Well, we’re definitely going for it, so we’ll do our best!

THE INSTITUTE OF WATER

ANNUAL DRILLING AND TAPPING COMPETITION at Utility Week Live conference and exhibition in Birmingham

The next competition will be on 23-24 May 2017 and is now open for entries.

Enquiries to Lucy Archer at lucy@instituteofwater.org.uk or visit www.drillingandtapping.co.uk for details.

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SCIENCE I have recently been awarded with a Registered Scientist status with the Institute of Water.

I joined the Water Industry five years ago when I started work with Anglian Water in the Regional Water Quality team. Prior to this I completed an MPhil, an MSc in Environmental Engineering and gained experience of water and sanitation issues in developing countries.

I have always been challenged to develop myself within my professional role and I am fortunate to work for a company that has encouraged me to obtain a professional status. Writing the report for the application process and maintaining my CPD log has enabled me to reflect on my achievements and highlight areas for future improvement.

Linda Olsson

Risk Scientist, Anglian Water Registered Scientist

I have had great support from my mentors and I have been able to discuss the application process with colleagues who recently achieved their professional status.

By becoming a Registered Scientist I am entitled to a professional qualification which I regard as recognition of high level of professionalism and dedication.

A year or so ago I went to an Institute of Water professional registration workshop. The offer of the Science Council backed Chartership was sold immediately. I never did a degree, I had a full time job, and the possibility of part time study with Anglian Water. I did not know what to expect then, but have loved every bit of my 25 years plus.

With Institute of Water the CPD plan focuses me on what I can do to seek and recognise learning opportunities in many forms; it’s a kind of renewed interest in my development.

I recognised the value in professional registration for me and was really encouraged to give it a go.

Here I am, a year on, Chartered Scientist. Go for registration in whatever discipline you choose, you won’t regret it.

Karen Gilbert

Catchment Quality Scientist, Anglian Water Chartered Scientist

I have pondered getting chartered over the past couple of years.

Each time I read the requirements I came up with a list of reasons why I couldn’t do it: “it looks like a lot of work”; “I’m not sure I’ve done enough to deserve it”; “I’m very busy at the moment, I’ll do it next year”! Then last year Robin Price from Anglian Water came up to London and gave an inspiring talk which convinced me that I needed to get chartered.

At this point I have to thank Stevie Youell and Jacky Atkinson at DWI for answering my dumb questions and holding my hand through the application process which, with their help, wasn’t nearly as daunting as I first feared.

The staff at the Institute in Gateshead were brilliant, cajoling me along and being forgiving when pressure of work meant I didn’t meet deadlines.

Guy Franklin

Inspector, DWI Chartered Scientist

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The professional interview, although I was nervous beforehand, was actually great fun as I was talking to fellow enthusiasts about science, engineering and public health.

I would encourage others to become chartered, not only for the recognition but also for the chance to sit back and take stock of your career to date and think what you would like to do in the future. So, stop procrastinating and get on with it, it might even be fun!

NEWREGISTRANTS ENGINEERING I applied for EngTech Registration after being put forward by our management team, at the time I didn’t know too much in detail but after a seminar held by the Institute of Water it was clear to see this was a great opportunity I couldn’t turn down, having come to Anglian Water from an Electrical Engineering background I saw the EngTech qualification as a well-recognised qualification which could give me an enhanced professional status within this sector.

Currently I’m an Electrical Asset Technician at Anglian Water’s largest water treatment works and having this status shows I’m always looking to develop my skills and knowledge.

Joshua Daniel

Electrical Asset Technician, Anglian Water Engineering Technician

Over the next year I hope to continue developing through my CPD, set goals and exceed them also to further my career prospects within the Water Sector by working towards IEng the CEng Qualifications.

I would recommend anyone looking to develop their career to become a registered EngTech.

I decided to apply for EngTech registration after attending an open day with the Institute of Water for Anglian Water employees. There we looked at the environment, engineering and scientific professional recognition within the water sector and understood how committed Anglian Water is to the ethos of Institute.

I have worked in the electrical industry for 38 years, since leaving school and have gained a great wealth of experience in most aspects of this field. I joined Anglian Water 18 years ago after having worked at various military establishments for the civil service and their private counterparts both at home and abroad.

Stewart Priestner

Electrical Asset Technician, Anglian Water Engineering Technician

I felt proud when I received my EngTech Certificate of Recognition which I feel has acknowledged my skills, expertise, commitment and enthusiasm to the electrical industry and the companies I have worked for and I would hope this will encourage other work colleagues to endeavour to gain their own professional recognition.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to apply for a professional registration in science, engineering or environment, or would like some further information, contact Sarah Dunn, Professional Registration Coordinator via sarah@instituteofwater.org.uk or 0191 422 0088.

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MENTORING

MENTORING MONTH 2017 January was Mentoring Month here at the Institute of Water.

All month we have been introducing you to some of our mentors and mentees and finding out what they hope to achieve from signing up to our mentoring platform. Below is a profile of one of our mentors, Laura Wilkinson, from Northern Area and one of our mentees, Philip Jordan from Midlands Area. You can read about more mentors and mentees like Laura and Mark on our website: www.instituteofwater.org.uk/mentoring.

MEET A MENTOR Name: Laura Wilkinson Age: 31 Job Title: Technical Advisor Company: Northumbrian Water Length of time in the industry: 9.5 years Status: Available for mentoring

I do not have the opportunity in my current role to mentor people therefore Institute of Water scheme was a great option.

Why did you Sign up to the Mentoring Platform and what did you hope to achieve from the experience?

I hope that my experiences can help to inform the mentee so they can identify opportunities and gain a clearer view of career direction.

I signed up to the mentoring scheme as it was a great opportunity to support others whilst also allowing me to develop further.

I believe that The Mentoring Platform can allow the mentee to realise their full potential whilst providing a strong support network; this will be rewarding for both mentor and mentee.

I hope to inspire and motivate others; in doing this I will improve my leadership and communication skills.

MEET A MENTEE Name: Philip Jordan Age: 29 Job Title: Project Manager Company: Severn Trent Water Length of time in the industry: 5 years Status: In a mentoring partnership Why did you Sign up to the Mentoring Platform and what did you hope to achieve from the experience?

I signed up to the mentoring platform because I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain new ideas from leaders outside my own company.

I’m aiming to move into a middle management role and I was confident that insight from a great mentor would help me achieve my goal and pick up some hints and tips along the way!

Feeling inspired?

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How have you found the process so far?

The process was very simple. I filled in an online form stating what I was looking to gain from the mentoring experience. The system matched me with a range of mentors who were offering advice from the specifics that I was looking for.

Having picked out a mentor, we initially chatted by e-mail to make sure that we were both clear on what the other was looking for from the mentoring experience.

After an initial face to face meeting, we now talk regularly by phone. Before signing up to the mentoring platform, I wasn’t convinced that “mentoring by phone” would work but actually it is a simple and effective way to share wisdom even though my mentor lives more than 100 miles away!

Visit www.instituteofwater.org.uk/mentoring or contact mentoring@instituteofwater.org.uk to find out more about becoming a mentor or a mentee and sign up to our online mentoring programme.

Driving Excellence across the UK Water & Waste Water Utility Sectors McCrae Training Limited is a professional training, assessment and consultancy business operating across the Water & Wastewater Utility Sector. The company has successfully developed and grown over the last five years through utilising experience from the sector, robust organisational structure and most importantly the delivery of high quality services to clients throughout the UK. The range of training, assessment and accreditation services that we offer include: • Utility Sector MA Programmes from Sewerage and Drainage Diplomas NVQ / SVQ Level 2 to Water Treatment Process Operators NVQ / SVQ Level 3 • National Water Hygiene (NWH) • Scottish Water DOMS 1 – 13 • Utility SHEA (Water, Wastewater, Waste Management and Telecoms) • Water Industry Registration Scheme Operative and Supervisor Development Programmes • NVQ / SVQ Water Industry Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Qualification in Network Construction Operations Water • NVQ / SVQ Water & Waste Water Design Qualifications • Safe Control of Mains Connections (SCMC)

• Valve Operations/Pressure Testing/ Disinfection/Commissioning Training • Electro Fusion and Butt Fusion Jointing of PE Water Mains • Higher National Units in Water Network Distribution & Treatment Processes • Water Jetting Association – City & Guilds Safety Awareness & All Associated Modules • Street Works Qualifications for Operatives & Supervisors • E-Learning H&S Platform • First Aid / NEBOSH / IOSH Training Programmes • Accredited Plant Training • Specialist Business Support Consultancy

T: 01355 246 235 E: info@mccraetraining.co.uk

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WATERAID

For the first time in history, 9 in 10 people around the world have access to safe, clean water.

And that’s thanks to support like yours. Since WaterAid was founded by members of the UK water industry in 1981, employees, customers and contractors from across the industry have supported our vision of safe water for everyone everywhere.

Together we’re making important progress towards that goal. Every year 78 million people are turning on a tap or using a pump for the first time. If we can reach just 8% more people a year, together we’ll achieve our ambitious goal by 2030.

For the many families around the world who now have access to clean safe water, it has made way for change in other aspects of their lives including health, education and livelihoods.

Many people don’t realise the progress that’s been made in all sorts of areas of development.

Almost half (43%) of people asked said they couldn’t imagine that clean, safe water would be accessible by everyone, everywhere, ever. But in the last few decades, around the world, people’s lives have improved in all sorts of ways.

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A billion fewer people are now living in extreme poverty.

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The number of newborn babies dying has halved - as has the number of mothers dying during childbirth.

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9 in 10 children in developing countries are enrolled in primary school.

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The number of people who are undernourished has halved.

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And people are living longer, healthier lives – with life expectancy in some African countries nearly doubling.

Yet, despite this progress, there’s still a lot to do.

1 in 10 people still don’t have safe water to drink and use for cooking, washing, and growing food.

1 in 3 people still don’t have a decent toilet.

And as a result, around 315,000 children under five die every year from diarrhoeal diseases almost 900 children every day.

Join WaterAid on 22 March, World Water Day, to go #Blue4Water and show your support for a world where everyone everywhere has safe, clean water.

Find out more at www.wateraid.org/uk/ blue4water

CHANGING LIVES

MUSINGO EDIRISO, UGANDA

Musingo Ediriso (pictured with his grandsons) has seen huge progress in Kidula village, Uganda throughout his lifetime.

He was part of the project that first brought safe water to the village in the 1990s. He said: “Our village is now modern. At home we drink milk, we have enough food to eat and we sell coffee for an income.” Since the arrival of electricity in the village, Musingo has used the money he makes from selling coffee to buy a television and sound system.

Credit: WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

THE MOYENDA FAMILY, KASUNGU DISTRICT, MALAWI

Due to a lack of clean water, Rafiq Moyenda remembers a childhood dominated by illness.

Now his village in Kasungu District, Malawi has a regular supply of clean water, life is very different for his family. He works as a farmer and runs a local grocery shop and barbershop, and his wife bakes and sells doughnuts.

His daughter no longer suffers from diarrhoea and can spend more time in school. Rafiq said: “We are the happiest people in Malawi. Having water feels like heaven on earth.”

Credit: WaterAid/ Dennis Lupenga

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Utility Sector Training & Assessment Associate Opportunities As a direct result of our continual growth across the UK Water & Waste Water Sectors, McCrae Training are currently seeking Water and Waste Water Associates to join our team.

Associates would be required to work across our Modern Apprenticeship Programmes & Trailblazers, together with Higher National Lecturing, technical training and delivery of our range of EUSR ‘Gold Provider’ utility sector tailored training programmes.

Your work would involve class room based training along with site based assessment of candidates’ competency.

Associates joining our team require the following attributes: • A passion for the development of people • A passion for the Water / Waste Water Industry • Structured and organised approach to work to our high-quality UK accredited processes and systems • Technical knowledge within the Water or Waste Water Sectors

• Experience of training, teaching or assessment (preferred, but not essential) • Excellent communication and administration skills • Organised and willing to work across the UK • Willingness to share your knowledge and experience for development of others

To apply for an Associate position with McCrae Training Ltd or for further information please send your CV, your last 2 years CPD and a covering letter to info@mccraetraining.co.uk.

T: 01355 246 235 E: info@mccraetraining.co.uk

www.mccraetraining.co.uk

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INTRODUCING OUR 2017 RISING STARS

The Institute of Water’s tailor made programme developed in partnership with the main utility magazine Utility Week to celebrate and reward eight young members who have demonstrated both the potential and an appetite to progress in the water industry.

Charlotte Plumb

Operations Performance Analyst, South East Water Charlotte joined South East Water two and a half years ago and at the age of 22 has rapidly made a significant contribution to the leakage effort before moving into a challenging role as an Operations Performance Analyst. Charlotte is working through a number of service delivery projects to identify improvement initiatives. As part of her ongoing development she is enrolled in an NVQ and Diploma in Water Engineering.

Naimh McElroy Graduate Civil Engineer, Water and Waste Water, AECOM

Since enrolling in a career in Civil Engineering Naimh has been particularly interested in the water industry, focusing on a number of water based modules whilst at university. Naimh graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2015 with a First Class MEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and began working for AECOM in their Water and Waste Water section.

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This initiative brings together a collection of unique opportunities, designed to develop the skills and professional excellence of new talent in the water sector. The initiative particular focuses on providing professional development in the skills areas that are not traditionally tackled or made available to individuals.

Unlike many others she has chosen to qualify during her employment.

Her current role together with the formal training provides the perfect opportunity to widen her knowledge and experience learning everything from Water Treatment to Plant Engineering.

Charlotte’s message to the industry: With a changing world and ever heightened customer expectations the water industry must be agile to meet the many challenges ahead.

The industry has so much to offer young people and professionals in a variety of interesting and exciting careers. I firmly believe we undersell our fantastic industry and should do more to develop and attract the bright young people of tomorrow to share the current wealth of knowledge and experience to secure our industry’s bright future.

Throughout her time in the industry she has gained considerable experience while working on a variety of projects in both potable and waste water. This includes a major scheme to refurbish valve towers at a number of impounding reservoir, Base Maintenance of Waste Water Pumping Stations and Sewer Rehabilitation projects. Through her role on these projects Naimh has enhanced her knowledge of the water industry and the importance of water to our society.

Naimh’s message to the industry: In Northern Ireland the cost of potable water is not widely known as we have no direct water charges. By increasing the public’s knowledge of this cost I believe it would greatly improve how we use water and would reduce the amount of water waste produced. It would also give a better appreciation for maintenance works of both the sewerage and the water main network.

RISINGSTARS

Jonny May

Mechanical Design Engineer, MWH Treatment After graduating with an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Warwick, Jonny worked on a variety of appropriate technology projects in Uganda for EFOD, the Development Technology Workshop and Rwenzori Hydro. These included feasibility studies, design, construction and implementation of self-managed micro hydro systems in rural communities, research into power pole protection methods, roof-water harvesting, EcoSan design, and the development of level measurement systems for underground rainwater harvesting tanks.

Following his time in Uganda, Jonny joined MWH Treatment as a graduate in 2015. At MWH, Jonny has worked on a number of wastewater treatment non-infrastructure projects, and is largely focussed on delivering SR15 upgrades for Scottish Water as part of the ESD joint venture. Jonny is currently working towards becoming a chartered engineer.

Sarah Murray

Scientific Officer, Affinity Water I joined Affinity Water is 2014 after graduating from Lancaster University with a BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences degree.

I spent two years on the graduate scheme undertaking six month rotating placements across the business including the Operations Centre to the Water Saving Programme.

This involved working on many interesting and varied projects from supply issues caused by population increase to finding solutions to problems occurring during AMR meter reading.

In June 2016 I got the role as Scientific Officer (Compliance and Regulation) in the Water Quality team working on the Drinking Water Safety Plans.

In his work, Jonny continuously seeks to implement new technologies and innovative ways of construction project delivery and build better, safer and more efficient solutions. This recently took him to Colorado where he presented ideas on the implementation of ‘The Left Shift’ to MWH at their annual global conference.

Jonny’s message to the industry: No other sector has such a far reaching influence on human health, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and national security as water.

With climate change, retail competition, population growth posing unprecedented threats to the status-quo; it is critical that we work together to increase efficiency and adapt to the evolving challenges of the water industry.

Innovations surrounding BIM and big data promise to provide a platform to meet these challenges. Yet it is only through a holistic approach to asset management, with inter-company knowledge sharing and collaboration across the asset lifecycle, that we can fully realise the benefits of the technology available to secure a sustainable future, whilst maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction.

I am a member of Affinity Water’s WaterAid committee and have organised many events including the Ricky Road Run which raised nearly £30,000 for charity.

I am reasonably new to the industry and the Institute of Water, having joined the Institute just over a year ago and I am currently working towards Chartered Scientist status.

Sarah’s message to the industry: With non-household Competition starting in April this has the potential to reduce inter company collaboration just as we have started to really learn from each other and share ideas. Strong inter company relationships are key for progressing new ideas, developments and solving problems.

The challenges individual water companies face are unlikely to be unique, there will be someone undergoing a similar problem somewhere else in the country. Therefore with effective communication and collaboration we could save time, money and effort.

It is often seen as senior staffs’ responsibility to make these connections but everyone can learn from making connections with others doing a similar role to themselves around the industry, sharing ideas about how they operate and issues they are having.

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Nigel O’Donoghue

Water Treatment Process Engineer, WRc Nigel began his career in the UK Water Industry by carrying out a thesis with Northern Ireland Water on telemetry control as part of his MSc. in Water Engineering (Queens University Belfast). The work consisted of alarm management and rationalisation with several recommendations from the data analysis involved leading to proposals that were trialled and later implemented nationwide. The success of the project earned Nigel a position to continue this work.

The quality of the work carried out during his time at Northern Ireland Water was also recognised by professional bodies such as CIWEM, helping Nigel to win the CIWEM NI Young Members Papers Competition 2014 and get shortlisted for the CIWEM Young Environmentalist of the Year Award 2014.

Sophie Straiton

Innovation Scientist, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Sophie joined Welsh Water in 2011 after completing a BSc (Hons) in Biology from The University of Sheffield followed by an MSc in Environmental Management, Wildlife and Landscape Conservation from Sheffield Hallam University.

On the Welsh Water graduate scheme, Sophie worked in many different areas of the business including Asset Strategy and Planning, Capital Delivery, Local Asset Management and water and waste water Innovation.

Since completing the graduate scheme, Sophie has been working on Innovation projects across the business.

Sophie’s current role is an Innovation Scientist within the Water Assets team, with responsibility for introducing and project managing the trials of new technologies within the business and managing the innovation programme, focused on clean water networks.

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In 2015 Nigel started his current position as a water treatment process engineer in WRc. While with WRc he has been involved in investigating and assessing new emerging technologies for use in the UK Water Industry like evaluating novel adsorbents for tackling problematic micropollutants. Nigel’s work has ranged from relatively straightforward filtration media testing to more challenging tasks like treating industrial wastewater from the production of catalytic converters in cars. He has also provided consultation to water utilities and governmental bodies worldwide on potable water supply industry best practice.

Nigel’s message to the industry: I believe it is our moral and social responsibility to utilise our expertise and assets to help provide solutions to the global water crisis where appropriate via applied research. For example, tackling, niche water supply problems in regions that don’t have the water infrastructure, social and economic foundations that we sometimes take for granted.

In a highly commercial environment this is easier said than done but with world leading asset management, research and collaboration, including well established collaboration with renowned universities, such an aspiration should be part of an industry which fundamental is built on provision of public health.

Sophie has also had a key role in the planning and implementation of a new innovation process within Welsh Water.

Sophie is an active member of the Institute as Welsh Area events chair and is working towards becoming a chartered environmentalist.

Sophie’s message to the industry: Through my role in innovation I have experienced first-hand the benefits that can be gained through collaborative working. This includes sharing best practice, learning and coming together to bring new products into the industry, to ensure that we continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers.

As the industry confronts challenges such as climate change, population growth and increasing customer expectations, it is essential that we continue to strengthen collaborative, sustainable and innovative working within and between companies to ensure we get the best value for money for our customers and the environment now and into the future.

RISINGSTARS

Rose Jolly

She now works in Developer Services as a Regional Account Manager, managing a cross-functional team responsible for ensuring the end to end delivery of new water connections to customers. Rose has been the Committee Secretary for the Midlands branch of the Institute of Water since 2014 and is regularly involved in organising educational events for its members.

Rose graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Masters in Physics & Astrophysics.

Rose’s message to the industry:

Regional Account Manager, Developer Services, Severn Trent

She entered the water industry through Severn Trent’s Business Leadership Graduate Programme in September 2013. As part of the graduate programme she rotated between different departments to gain a broad understanding of the business and gain key skills to progress in her career.

She worked as a Sewage Treatment Team Manager, responsible for all sewage treatment in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

She then moved on to work as a Customer Journey Specialist, where she developed and rolled out a company-wide app to allow employees to report customer issues.

This is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the water industry.

Whilst all companies are driving to improve performance our key focus must always be our customers. The government has announced over one million new homes need to be built by 2020 to manage the housing crisis.

The water industry has a key part to play in this by providing wholesome water to these customers within the tight timescales in which they are required.

We must carefully plan for the additional demand on the water network, whilst also considering the increasing impact of climate change on our resources.

Kirstin Watt

Kirstin is a member of the Institute of Water Scottish Area Committee where she is currently serving as Publicity Co-ordinator. She is also Lead for the Innovation Awards, Scottish Area Newsletter and is a member of the Events sub-committee.

Graduating top of her year with a First Class Honours Degree in Geography from the University of Glasgow, Kirstin was successful in securing a place on the Specialist Graduate scheme offered by Scottish Water.

Kristin’s message to the industry:

Specialist Graduate, Scottish Water

Commencing in 2014, this consisted of four rotational placements, each with a duration of six months, allowing her to spend two years gaining a holistic introduction to the Water Industry.

Having recently completed this programme, Kirstin has adopted her first substantive position as an Intervention Manager within the Strategic Customer Service Planning Directorate of Scottish Water.

This will see her play a key role in the Intervention Definition Process for wastewater assets in order to identify needs, scope options informed by local studies, select preferred options and confirm affordability and priorities.

This will ensure that within the Capital Maintenance programme for SR15 and SR21 planning, investment decisions are evidenced and risks are managed proactively.

Considering the rising political, economic and environmental uncertainty of late, I believe that the Water Industry must be prepared to respond to the challenges that will undoubtedly arise in the near future.

In conjunction with continually evolving customer expectations and advances in technology within an increasingly globalised world, there has never been a greater requirement for collaboration within the Industry in order to safeguard the service that we all provide.

I view knowledge sharing as one vehicle for success in building our resilience and, in doing so, securing our position as a trusted Industry.

Continual improvement is no longer an option; we must invest in innovative, informed and aspirational decisions today for the benefit of posterity.

I am very much looking forward to the professional and personal development opportunities that the Rising Star programme will provide over the course of the next year.

I have come to realise that the Institute of Water rewards its active members who engage with all that is offered and I’m grateful for this platform that will help me to reach my full potential within the Industry.

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ENERGYANDUTILITYSKILLS

INAUGURAL ENERGY & UTILITIES WORKFORCE RENEWAL AND SKILLS STRATEGY Our water industry is vital to UK society, supporting public health, protecting the environment and powering the economy.

This includes 31,000 new jobs, 100,000 vacancies from existing employees that are set to retire and a further 90,000 people who will leave to find new roles. Recruiting to meet our evolving skills needs has not been easy.

By Nick Ellins

Group Chief Executive, Energy & Utility Skills In addition to what is done each and every day to deliver essential services to around 65 million citizens, the combined energy and utilities sector is responsible for delivering the majority of the National Infrastructure Plan – a plan that is recognised as the backbone of industrial strategy and forms the foundations for economic growth.

Yet while there is a UK Government owned National Infrastructure Plan for Skills that covers housing, construction and transport, no strategic workforce renewal and skills plan has ever existed for the vital businesses in our sector.

Nothing exists either at government level to ensure the priorities of UK quality, environmental and economic regulators can be delivered, and even those very long-term sector regulatory strategies, statements of direction, and price review documents have no explicit recognition of the workforce challenge to ensuring sustainability and resilience. UK Government education policy only sees water businesses as either advanced manufacturing or construction, and the new Apprenticeship Levy in England is completely agnostic as to where the talent flows to.

Without a safe, skilled, sustainable and affordable workforce to undertake the activity, all the aspirations for our sector become meaningless. The energy and utilities sector employs around half a million people, but requires 221,000 new recruits over the next 10 years.

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While some individual companies either have high profiles and/or find local recruitment achievable, the collective sector has low visibility, often failing to explain the vital nature of the work it does for society and struggling to attract those school or college leavers. Around 1% of higher education leavers choose to enter the UK energy and utilities sector, with fewer than 5% of engineering graduates employed within it, compared to the retail sector which attracts twice as many science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) graduates.

With employment levels at an eleven year high and many other sectors already competing aggressively for the remaining talent pool, often with the ability to offer higher salaries, individual utility-based businesses cannot simply be left to manage the risks of sector resilience alone.

Energy & Utility Skills has been working to find a solution to that disconnect.

More than 30 Chief Executives from across the UK utilities spectrum have been collaborating to build and release the first ever workforce renewal and skills strategy.

The launch takes place on 9 February 2017.

The Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership contains Anglian Water, Balfour Beatty, Clancy Group, McNicholas, Morrison Utility Services, Northumbrian Water, Pennon Group/South West Water, Scottish Water, SSE, Sutton and East Surrey Water (acting for all water only companies and new entrants), Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and others.

The work has been done in close partnership with economic regulation experts Oxera and Utility Week.

The vision is that “through our partnership, we will ensure a safe, skilled and sustainable workforce provides the essential services that our customers seek and meets the UK’s needs from the energy and utilities infrastructure.”

From that strategy will now flow sector-wide initiatives aimed at bringing new energy and focus to the areas of workforce renewal that are testing employers most.

There are economies of scale from such collective action, and perceived wins for improving resilience, competence, productivity, transaction costs, innovation, sector attractiveness and sustainability.

Together, we are demonstrating leadership in workforce renewal and skills enhancement, combining the views of employers from across the four nations on how we create an optimal safe operating environment, and secure the right people, with the right skills and behaviours, in the right place, at the right time, at an affordable cost. This strategy sets out for the first time the evidence for those views, including the pressure points locally and regionally, and the tensions that will exist as other sectors also find themselves competing for talent to deliver their critical investment plans.

The strategies, seek to help accelerate collaboration with governments, regulators and relevant audiences across the four nations, encouraging joint action, and call for explicit reference to workforce sustainability in the main policy, resilience and regulatory strategies.

Failure to secure the skilled workforce required to deliver such infrastructure projects could lead to higher project costs, delays, reduced quality, reliance on overseas skills, loss of intellectual property, stifled innovation and damage to the UK economy and its global competitiveness.

The achievement of success requires us all to work and act as one.

This document begins the discussion, through providing a strategy framework that seeks to secure successful skills provision to 2020, and will continue to evolve as part of an extensive programme of change and cooperation.

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A flood contingency plan will help maximize staff safety, minimize property damage and consequent business interruption in a flood event.

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DRĂ„GER

TOXIC SLUDGE, AGGRESSIVE CHEMICALS & FLAMMABLE GASES Work in water treatment plants, sewer systems, tanks or pipelines can be dangerous.

The possibility of flammable gases and the dangers of confined space entry, combined with potentially hazardous situations such as the release of toxic gases and exposure to aggressive chemicals, mean it is essential to protect employees from contaminated effluents and residues. In addition, they face direct contact with corrosive substances that are used in water treatment plants such as chlorine compounds, sulfuric acid, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and other hazardous materials.

The way a process is designed may result in a high risk to persons, property and environment.

In order to reduce the risk arising from those plants, it might be necessary to automatically activate safety measures to avoid dangerous situations.

Depending on the acceptable risk, the required reliability of protection systems can be ensured by employing the effective measures of failure avoidance, failure detection and failure tolerance.

This to a degree depends on the actual risk, the so-called Safety Integrity Level. For gas detection systems, which have to activate safety relevant countermeasures in case of pre-defined gas concentrations, an important question comes up: What is the probability of failing to perform the required countermeasure or safety function in case of a demand from the process, for example a gas release if an undetectable dangerous failure has occurred?

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So, during development and design of devices and subsystems of safety relevant systems, the main target is to keep the probability of failure as low as possible, failure avoidance or to detect failures by diagnostic functions, failure detection. In case of a detected failure to force the safety system to go into a safe state, failure tolerance.

When it comes to fixed gas detection systems which are operating 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, it is the gas detection control system which is pivotal to the overall functionality and control of the safety relevant countermeasures implemented as part of the overall safety system design.

The Dräger REGARD 7000 has been designed to meet individual requirements and suit a wide range of different infrastructures including those designed with stringent Safe Integrity Levels.

From interpretation of analogue transmitter signals and support of remote access via HARTÂŽ*, along with complex alarms which can be fitted to suit the individual requirements including switching delays, allowing for a fully flexible control system with high integrity and availability. The modular structure of the system makes it possible to adapt the design to suit your exact needs and therefore allows alterations and expansions at any time.

Connection via MODBUS RTU with higher-level systems and via the Bridge Module, to existing REGARD systems can also be achieved.

Utilising a masterless architecture prevents the entire system from failing if one component fails, also making it easier to add-on independent subsystems. The use of optimised software filters in signal preparation, the option of suppressing the alarm and the comparison of analogue and digital transmitted measurement values, mean that false alarms are prevented more effectively than ever before. Special signals (errors, warnings, etc.) that are transmitted in analogue form are always correctly identified, facilitating the assessment process.

The REGARD 7000 supports operation by preparing documents directly at the source.

A simple menu structure and user-friendly displays on the dashboard, as well as the easy to learn operation and the associated symbols, ensure that operation is as safe and secure as possible. The documentation frequently required by monitoring institutions for example, can also be generated by the REGARD 7000. *available Q3 2017

Incorporating

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FEATURE: MARKET REFORM

MARKET OPENING NEAR THE START From April 2017, nearly every business water customer in England will be able to choose who they pay for their retail services.

Customers will no longer talk to the water company for their area as they have to today. They will instead have a choice of retailer. Customers should be free to choose their retailer by looking at who has the best deal for them.

A lot of effort is going into preparations for the market, including testing of the Central Market Operating Systems and companies providing assurance that they will be ready for the market.

An enormous amount of policy, communications, IT and regulatory work has gone in to getting the biggest market of its type in the world ready for April. The pace of achievement has continued to accelerate. The work to open the market is well on track.

There are now more than 2 million supply points registered on the new central data system – which relate to over 1.2 million business customers charities and public sector organisations which could be eligible to switch to a new retailer from April 2017. There are 15 companies licensed (December 2016) to provide water retail services with more in the pipeline.

Ofwat meanwhile has been busy working in partnership with DEFRA, water companies and other stakeholders to get all of the market arrangements in place, with companies getting their strategies in place for the new market.

It has been an immense effort to open the business retail market in England to competition in April next year and we want to thank our Open Water partners and companies across the sector.

Significant change in the shape of the water sector has begun in advance of the market. Some of the incumbent companies such as Portsmouth, Thames and Southern have applied to exit the market to new entrants, and others, such as Severn Trent and United Utilities have made an early move to change size and shape to maximise their own advantage in the market. The market will see innovation as customers start to benefit from the retail market - through better account management, through multi-site billing and through water efficiency.

Accurate billing flexibility on frequency and methods of payments will also be an innovation in the water sector that will benefit customers.

There will be innovations no one has even thought of yet!

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The effort to make the market work for customers cannot stop now. Ofwat believes that all eligible customers should have access to impartial and reliable information, enabling them to feel confident about the market and able to make an informed decision about their choice of water retail services provider.

The Open Water website provides a range of impartial, independent information for customers on the new market and includes a list of retailers who have been licensed by Ofwat.

Protection for the customer is an important aspect of the new market. So back-billing has for the first time being limited to 16 months and there will be continuity of service if a retailer either goes out of business or a water company chooses to opt out of the retail market. These are just two elements of Ofwat’s Customer Protection Code of Practice.

It’s important that customers feel confident in the market, for the vast majority they are being offered choice of water retailer for the first time. Customers need to be aware of the water market, and be confident in the processes and protections available. Customers will be influenced by their experience of switching in other sectors, such as energy and bank accounts, both good and bad.

The evidence suggests that most customers may still have a low level of awareness of the water market and understand little about how it will actually work. Few may recall any communication from their water company, who have a responsibility to raise awareness of choice to their existing customers.

So there is more to do in this critical area that goes beyond having the systems and processes in place. Wholesalers will need to make sure that they provide a level playing field for all retailers.

It is essential that customers understand that they will get the same level of wholesale service even if they are with a different retailer from the one associated with the wholesaler – the choice and options customers face is for retail services.

Retailers who have a large number of customers in an area have to be careful not to exploit this power at the expense of the market – customers have to be treated fairly and Ofwat will make sure market participants are delivering this.

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MARKET REFORM IN THE WATER INDUSTRY As market reforms take hold, driving innovation and embracing change is going to be ever more important to attract and sustain investment in the water industry for the benefit of customers. Ken Gedman, Business Consultancy Director at MWH, now part of Stantec gives his views on what the future might hold.

It is easy to think out of the box, but very difficult to see how radical transformation can be implemented in an industry which sees the pace of change as challenging.

(and benefits) they want and what else can stimulate change in the industry? Maybe we need to think a little differently and beyond the paradigms we operate in today.

New and innovative Service Providers being formed…

What might the future hold…?

In the run-up to competition in the nonhousehold retail market we have seen some surprising non-household retail models forming, largely falling into three broad categories: 1. Some companies have decided to exit the non-household retail market altogether, gaining from divesting these activities to new entrants in the English retail markets.

Ken Gedman

Business Consultancy Director MWH

What are the Outcomes we are looking for…?

As far back as 2015, Ofwat stated some clear outcomes for reforms in the industry: ■■

Value creation and allocation;

■■

Improved incentives for the long term;

■■

Looking beyond immediate boundaries;

■■

Support the development of the market;

■■

Incentives to act in the customers’ interest; and

■■

Active investors joining the sector.

To achieve these outcomes, as an industry, we need to be more disruptive in our thinking, challenge the norms and create attractive propositions for both customers and investors.

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2. We have seen others create joint ventures with their traditional competitors to retain and extend their reach of services to non-household customers in England (and potentially Scotland).

3. Some organisations have chosen to retain a traditional approach, establishing separate retail businesses to preserve or extend their market share.

Whichever organisational and retail arrangement has been established, each is attempting to create differentiated value propositions for their current and prospective customers. Some state benefits arising from their investment in customer-facing systems, including mobile ‘Apps’ to help customers manage their accounts.

Some are differentiating through their focus on particular customers or sectors, e.g. farmers, small businesses, voluntary organisations. Others are offering a range of value-added services to provide advice, helping to save water and save their customers money.

Although these changes can be described as innovative, are customers getting the market

There is some scepticism that opening up retail will be a burden to water companies and not deliver the benefits (through efficiencies and innovation) to customers that are expected.

There is an argument that the margins aren’t there to stimulate customer switching or that customers may be reluctant to switch because it’s too much effort for too little gain. This argument appears to get stronger when applied to the future potential for opening of competition in the household retail market.

This suggests that customers aren’t being innovative enough or, at worst, are unaware of the opportunity market reforms present. What if large, national, non-household customers decided to seek a retail licence, cut-out the middle-man and buy their water and wastewater services at wholesale prices?

With it being announced that a major pub retailer and brewer (Greene King) has become the first non-household water customer to apply to provide its own retail services when the market opens in April, this innovative approach is therefore not wild speculation. It’s also not hard to imagine that others will follow their example, disrupting some of the added-value other established retail operators are looking to provide.

The process for applying for retail licences is not easy and there will need to be more streamlining of the process to realise the outcomes Ofwat is looking for from market reform.

FEATURE: MARKET REFORM Ofwat too will need to facilitate game-changing innovation in the industry, through swift response and support.

Checks and balances to protect customers’ interests need to be in place, but support for innovative models and rewards are also needed to secure investment and drive the pace of change.

Looking ahead to the potential of household competition opening, this presents its own challenges and opportunities for wholesalers and retailers. The industry is expecting retailers in other sectors to enter the water retail sector, using their experience in the gas and electricity markets to drive efficiencies through scale.

This has the potential to lead to consolidation of current incumbent retailers with new entrants, providing savings to customers by bundling utility bills and offering discounts – e.g. one bill for gas, electricity, telephone, broadband, mobile telephone and water.

Integrating information platforms and metering technology will be needed to support better data to aid consolidated and accurate billing and customer confidence in switching between providers. This may also need a consolidated view of how these retailers would be regulated.

Changes in retail competition, in addition to upstream wholesale separation market reforms, may also stimulate game-changing approaches to water and energy production.

Water companies have been utilising and investing in their assets to drive sustained savings in their own energy needs and reduce carbon emissions.

Utilising advanced wastewater treatment (digestion) processes to generate energy, coupled with utilising land to establish solar and wind electricity generation has delivered real savings and environmental benefits.

Taking this a step further, could further investment in these facilities and technologies be used to reduce the national infrastructure need for new large scale energy generation facilities?

To replace them with more smaller scale, dispersed and sustainable energy generation by companies operating not only as water wholesale companies, but instead water and energy wholesale companies? Again, should this happen, this will need a consolidated view from regulation or even the consolidation of regulators.

What does this mean…?

Whatever happens in the future, it is certain that market reforms will drive change for the water industry.

Retail competition will be stimulated by innovation coming not only from the current incumbents, but the disruptive change from new entrants and customers alike, particularly as customers’ awareness and confidence changes.

Water companies (and their investors) have some strategic choices to make. It seems reasonable to suggest these decisions may be needed sooner rather than later to ensure they are positioned at the forefront of disruptive change, not just reacting to it.

Regulation will also have to change both to support and stimulate disruptive, new entrants into markets and particularly if consolidation between water and energy sectors is used to drive attractive benefits in retail.

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WHAT IS NWG DOING ABOUT MARKET OPENING, AND WHY? The opening of the non-household water market will stimulate the development of new customer propositions and service experiences.

What are NWG’s plans for market opening? Why? The preparation for the market opening has been an intense period of activity for Northumbrian Water, as we’ve set-up an entirely separate business, NWG Business, with it’s own premises, systems and people. We have invested in a new CRM and Billing Platform called Gentrack Velocity (best known in the UK as Ovo Energy’s platform). We believe our service experience will be enhanced by Velocity as it is a single system containing all our customer data which will link directly to our website – giving customers 24/7 access to their account.

Lucy Darch

Managing Director NWG Business

How does NWG view the opening of the market? Why? For many years businesses have been able to choose their gas, electricity, telephony and broadband suppliers and many have taken these opportunities.

From April, businesses in England will also be able to choose their water and waste water suppliers and we expect this to be an opportunity that particularly appeals to multisite businesses, so that they can consolidate their bills to one supplier making it easier for them to manage their bills.

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Our retail team moved in last October into new premises in Durham and this gives the new retail business it’s own home and identity. We will employ 80 people when we open in April, and so there has been a big focus on recruitment and training as we build the team.

What opportunities does NWG see via market opening? Why? Naturally we expect that some of our customers may switch to another supplier and that does need to happen for the market to be working.

However, we also want to offer our customers a great reason to stay including great service, competitive prices and access to total water management propositions. Building on our leading customer service offer we aim to add automation, proactivity and enhanced digital capabilities to ensure our billing is accurate and where customers have a need to contact us that we are easy to deal with via the channel they choose – email, phone or web.

We aim to grow our existing business and we expect to win customers nationally with a product set and tailored propositions that appeal to the needs of multi-site, intensive user and SME customers. Our innovative new system, Velocity, offers us the opportunity to offer all utilities via one CRM and Billing Platform.

During 2017 we will launch our gas and electricity products and we believe that this will offer customers a simple one-stop-shop for their utilities making it simpler.

What threats/challenges does NWG see via market opening?

Why? Communications between wholesalers and retailers will be challenging when the market opens as there is still the need to develop a communication protocol and therefore initially there will be different communications required per wholesaler.

This means that retailers will need to monitor their communications closely.

What is NWG’s long term objective re market opening?

Why? NWG Business’ objectives are to understand our customers’ needs and provide propositions that meet those needs leading to sustainable growth in our portfolio across multiple utility products.

We want to provide accurate, easy to read bills and develop a great reputation in the market.

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GENTRACK

SETTLING THE SIM SCORE DURING MARKET REFORM Adrian Alexandrou

Gentrack Account Director

As one of Ofwat’s key regulation tools, the Service Incentive Mechanism, or SIM score as we now know it, has placed a magnifying glass on the water utilities industry since it was introduced in 2010.

As one of Ofwat’s key regulation tools, the Service Incentive Mechanism, or SIM score as we now know it, has placed a magnifying glass on the water utilities industry since it was introduced in 2010.

Aspects of SIM have been frequently and publicly scrutinised by the Consumer Council for Water and as a result, it is arguable that a ‘top of the league table’ headline is as big an impetus for water and sewerage providers to improve customer service levels as the financial penalties and incentives placed upon them.

Water market reform is a heartbeat away and despite the screening out of non-households during the modified SIM survey 2015/16 Annual Report, contacts for business customers will remain in the sample data and separate reporting to reflect new market changes will ensue.

Businesses and organisations, financially discerning and information-hungry by nature, will no doubt be referring to SIM score results of yesteryear and results which are yet to come.

But in its review of the SIM survey published in January 2014, CC Water said that water companies have been reluctant to communicate with customers in case it attracts negative SIM points as a result of unwanted contacts. It said that some companies are still lagging with frequently poor performance on the qualitative survey, despite the penalties.

As well as deregulation on the horizon, the SIM survey is also developing as Ofwat casts a more scrupulous eye on research techniques which have switched from more quantitative to more qualitative data, less use of multiple choice questions and ‘no notice’ given on the survey and results required at the close of play the day after.

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In addition, a measure named the Customer Effort Score (CES) is one of the latest methods which looks at four different customer experience perspectives. Cognitive (thinking effort), emotion (emotional effort and distress), physical and time taken (versus expectations).

If customers have to make an effort in any of these areas then they are ultimately less likely to bother, according to Corporate Executive boards.

To gain a cross-section of high scores it is important that all water only and water and sewerage providers take a specific, strategic approach to meeting customer satisfaction levels.

The 2015/16 SIM survey looked at the proportion of useable records, records with unobtainable and/or no useable numbers held by ‘water only’ (WOC) and ‘water and sewerage’ companies (WASC).

The development of integrated billing and customer management systems is the main area where there is opportunity for achieving SIM score growth. The vast majority of queries are related to billing and therefore systems that streamline service processes and access to customer information, are likely to render the biggest improvements to the customer experience.

Low scorers achieved 25% of records which had to be sent for number matching, while others achieved lower scores between 6 – 9%.

Northumbrian Water showed improvement in data quality with the highest number of usable records and valid records at 74%, as well as a low proportion of unobtainable numbers at 4%, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve high scores across the SIM score board.

Although SIM survey customer satisfaction levels have risen by 4.24 % from the previous year, improved communications and quicker response times from water companies were reported to be the main areas that if addressed, can deliver more satisfied customers.

They will need to determine fairly quickly how to operate, learn and compete in the new Open Water market.

The ultimate key to winning in a competitive water market with SIM score scrutinisation being a key measurement customer delight, will be the provision of software designed to support unique customer journeys.

And when the need to stand out above the rest is nothing short of essential, you’ll be looking to the flexibility of this mission critical software to enable you to ‘play your way’.

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37

CROSS8

IS DEREGULATION A TURN ON FOR THE CUSTOMER?

It is almost with us. Years have turned into months have turned into weeks, and soon we will be just days away from the April 2017 English nondomestic water industry deregulation.

So how is the water industry preparing, and what are the concerns of both the suppliers and their customers?

What concerns do customers have ahead of the water market deregulation?

Based on experiences in other competitive markets, non-household customers are keen to avoid contracts which lock them in or roll-over automatically, complicated tariffs, including a variety of hard-to-find ‘hidden’ extra charges, and poor customer service. Instead, they want single billing, transparent costs, and they want them in easy-to-understand language. No longer can water companies get away with bad practice, knowing their customers simply cannot walk away from them.

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How are companies being pressurised into improving their standards of service?

What steps can companies take to keep and enhance their reputation in a deregulated market?

The benefits that around 1.2m English business owners stand to receive can be fairly well measured at by looking north of the border.

Since the 2008 deregulation, Scottish businesses saved in excess of £100m on water bills.

Extra competition led to falling prices.

In addition, businesses saved over 20 billion litres of water, and 34,000 tonnes of carbon.

They must understand their customers’ needs and requirements. In a deregulated English nondomestic market, the customer is free to search around for the best deal.

The standard of customer journey offered will be a key decision factor in how suppliers win trust and loyalty of not only their existing customers, but also as they attempt to build a pathway to attracting new customers. This is achieved by successfully delivering a high quality service which has reliability and efficiency as bywords and perceived as offering superb value for money.

The above should not be seen as some kind of ‘customer focussed Holy Grail’, one representing a standard so high it cannot be adequately reached. Instead, it is eminently achievable.

Following deregulation in Scotland, while bills and prices were going down, one notable KPI actually went up - customer satisfaction levels with their water providers, which rocketed by a phenomenal 26 per cent, though obtaining accurate statistics is difficult. It is possible, therefore, to satisfy both customers and shareholders at the same time.

Customer journeys have no obvious end; instead, they are a continuous pathway towards providing a better service. Businesses have to understand that every customer is different. This time, in an open market, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

Doing nothing is not an option either.

Companies must ensure that their websites and electronic communication channels are cutting edge. It is also key to ensure customers’ responses are sufficiently monitored, stored and subsequently acted upon.

The customer journey will be crucially important as suppliers will need to keep evolving and maintaining their compliant operations as the business split between wholesale and retail.

They must be especially clear in the messaging to their customers, as the retail arms take on new names from the names they have used for many years in the past. www.cross8.co.uk

18th UK Young Water Professionals Conference University of Bath, 10 -12 April 2017

The 18th edition of the IWA Young Water Professionals Conference returns in April 2017 with a bigger focus on breaking the boundaries of communication across sectors, generations, cultures, disciplines and societies in order to achieve a more Sustainable Water World.

A Water World Without Boundaries The IWA UK-YWP conference will focus on delivering tools for cross-field engagement and career development for water professionals. In addition to the usual inspiring keynotes and young speakers, flash presentations (1’) and round-table discussions there will be a carefully prepared suite of workshops that will increase the interaction between the participants. The YWP conference in Bath will foster professional development and solidify a much-needed network of opportunities, ideas, skills and best practices.

Themes will be about, but not limited to: water management, technology improvement, inclusion of social and cultural aspects and establishing funding, policy and/or regulation instruments. The event welcomes representatives from water companies, regulators, supply chains and researchers with a young mind and spirit! We provide affordable fees for everyone to participate. Join us! The Call for abstracts is OPEN until 10 January 2017.

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Information & registration: go.bath.ac.uk/ywp

For sponsorship opportunities as well as delegate and exhibition packs, please contact iwaukywp@gmail.com

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ECHO

TACKLING BILLING ISSUES IN A CHANGING MARKET: What water companies should do to improve practices and customer satisfaction.

Where are water companies currently going wrong?

Billing blunders are commonplace in every industry – whether it’s human error or a problem with an automated process, mistakes occur. But, it’s when errors happen on a regular basis, or become difficult to resolve, that more long-term problems, i.e. loss of customer trust and loyalty, occur.

Research shows us the billing issues that frustrate customers the most are receiving bills that are higher than expected without warning, bills that are complex and difficult to understand, and being put on a higher tariff than necessary. These are three key areas to address ahead of increased competition.

Article by-lined to

Nigel Baker

Managing director at specialist outsourcer Echo Managed Services Water market opening is set to be an exciting and transformative time for anyone involved in the retail water industry. However, in light of increased competition, it’s also an important time for providers to review operations – both for non-household customers and the domestic market, which could open up to competition as early as 2020.

At Echo Managed Services, we recently undertook consumer research investigating the billing practices of a range of industries and found that consumers ranked water companies in the bottom half of the table, behind telecoms, credit card and broadband providers.

So what can water providers do improve this important customer touchpoint?

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What are the consequences of getting billing wrong?

An obvious consequence will be loss of custom, where customers have choice. Our billing report found 45% of consumers would consider switching to a competitor due to billing blunders, while one in seven would switch instantly, without hesitation – a sobering statistic.

Customers are also becoming more confident in raising complaints and contacting industry regulators when problems arise. One only has to look back over the last 12 months to see the rise in the number of customer complaints against water companies – with ten out of the 21 water companies in England and Wales recording increases in written customer complaints.

Respond to errors quicker When it comes to billing errors, it’s important a company is proactive in solving them. Customers want reassurance the issue will be investigated and resolved in a timely manner - in doing so, companies can expect a boost in customer trust and loyalty.

Clearer bills Bill clarity was found to be the biggest concern of customers in our latest report, ‘The Secrets of Better Billing’. We found a third of consumers wanted companies to avoid jargon and be more transparent – doing so will not only make bills easier to understand, but also avoid unnecessary and repeat contacts.

It’s all about choice Offering customers choice is a key component of good customer service – this is particularly important when it comes to how customers receive their bills.

Our research found that whilst online billing is growing in popularity, almost one in four customers prefer to receive paper bills. Offering choice and not pushing all customers down the online route will likely improve customer satisfaction.

Bill reminders ahead of payment date Something as simple as an automated email or SMS bill reminder, ahead of payment date, can have a massive impact on customer relations and debt mitigation. It gives a customer time to ensure there are funds available to pay the bill – lessening the likelihood of missed payments.

What water companies should do to improve billing practices

With Open Water almost upon us, and the likelihood of competition in the domestic water market, it’s important for companies to consider how they will appeal to customers - both business and household - who may face an ocean of choice.

Billing is a key touchpoint in the customer journey and it’s clear that poor experiences can impact the bottom line. So what steps should water companies take to improve?

Reviewing and improving current billing practices and processes is imperative to the delivery of better customer service - which could be a key competitive differentiator.

FEATURE: MARKET REFORM

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BRISTOL WATER

FACILITATING COMPETITION A National Accredited Entity Scheme for the Retail Market Designing your own scheme from scratch would not be an easy thing to do, so doing something with Lloyds seemed to be the most sensible option.

Simon Bennett Bristol Water

As part of Bristol Water’s programme to ensure we are ready for retail, in early 2016 we started to investigate the world of Accredited Entity Schemes and how this could work successfully for both Retailers and Bristol Water (as a wholesaler) as part of the biggest water market in the world.

Background In 2011 the UK Government published the White Paper “Water for Life”, which set out plans to increase choice and improve service for water customers as well as stimulating innovation and drive more sustainable approaches to managing our water resources. To enable this, the Draft Water Bill, published in 2012 created a new competitive market for retail water and sewage services to non-household customers. From April 2017, over 1.2 million eligible businesses and other non-household customers in England will be able to choose their supplier of water and wastewater retail services.

Part 3 of the Wholesale Retail Code introduced by the Open Water Programme introduces Accredited Entities (AE) into market, where Wholesalers have an accreditation scheme in place. A scheme will authorise qualified entities to perform certain activities such as disconnections and meter exchanges on behalf of the Retailer as an alternative to the Wholesaler carrying out those activities.

Existing Schemes and Options There are a few existing schemes in place, the largest being the National Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) which was set up to govern self lay activities but does include some metering and disconnections activities for the Scottish retail market. There has been very little take up by companies for just metering and disconnections, so this scheme would have needed significant changes and required developing for the new English market.

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Bristol Water and Anglian Water both contacted Lloyds Register to investigate whether the existing WIRS could be changed and developed for the new market to include such activities as temporary disconnections for non-payment and the subsequent reconnection work.

Lloyds suggested Paul Bramhall of Anglian Water and I got together with them to investigate and develop this idea further.

The Work so far We met with the existing WIRS Advisory Panel at the end of June 2016, but existing members felt they were not in a position to ratify our proposed changes to WIRS and felt that an AE scheme would be better sat outside of the existing self-lay arena. Therefore the idea of a WIRSAE scheme was formed.

A working group was set up, jointly chaired by Paul and myself and now includes the market operator MOSL, Lloyds Register, Wholesalers, Retailers and a representative from the Water UK metering group. Our proposed scheme would still be governed by Lloyds Register and a Water Industry Registration Scheme AE Advisory Panel (whose membership would be draw from all parties).

The Scheme is being structured and prioritised around the Market Operational Codes for metering and disconnection activities. It will include a generic code of practice on how to carry out the work and this if required can be supplemented with Wholesalers addendums.

The proposal is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Lloyds (endorsed by Water UK).

The WIRSAE Requirements document has been drafted by the group and is with Lloyds for authorisation and pricing. The group have also completed their first draft of the generic code of practice for metering and disconnections.

How Registration will work The registration scheme assessment process seeks appropriate evidence that an AE wishing to perform the activities for which they seek accreditation, understand and comply with all the necessary technical and legislative requirements to satisfy the water industry criteria for adoption of the installed assets.

The WIRSAE compliance will be demonstrated by means of a thorough assessment of the AE’s procedures and processes prior to work commencing and a technical audit of work in progress. The cost of any scheme will be covered by the AE. The essential feature of the accreditation process is to provide assurance that the practices and procedures against which accreditation is awarded are consistently applied and maintained. The scheme also picks up on areas such as customer service, hygiene, quality of work and involving the wholesaler in site audits. It also plans to allow three types of Registration, full (all activities), partial (allowing some accreditation on route to full) or scope (allowing AE’s to cover select areas only such as disconnections for non-payment).

The Generic Code of Practice The Code of Practice provides the basic standard framework for AEs undertaking non household metering and disconnection activities and covers all stages, from planning through to notifications, physical installations, exchanges, data and reporting of the completed works back to the Retailer. This code is not intended to replace or take precedence over legislation and its requirements but instead is a mechanism to facilitate an understanding of the main standards, obligations and responsibilities of an AE when undertaking work on the Wholesaler assets. It is aimed at the management level of AEs in order to facilitate and enable the development, management and cascade of the methodology’s and requirements throughout their organisation. It is not designed to give explicit work instructions to AEs nor should it be interpreted as a way of avoiding legislative and regulatory requirements. AEs will need to have their own internal detailed working procedures, training and practices in order to comply with the accreditation requirements of WIRSAE and to ensure that all requirements are met when operationally delivering metering and disconnection service activities.

When will the Scheme be ready?

The aim is to have a scheme in place for market opening however this will depend on individual Wholesaler decisions on which market activities they are including in their scope .

Although this will be a national scheme, market participants will need to decide whether it’s suitable for them and which market activities they wish to undertake in the new market For further information, please contact simon.bennett@bristolwater.co.uk

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ZTECH

GOING BACK TO Z-TECH ROOTS!

Some of you will know that before starting Z-Tech Control Systems, Michael Swinhoe started Z-Tech as ‘Z-Tech Dyno Systems’ – a company founded to follow Michael’s passion for motorbikes (more specifically the Kawasaki Z’s) with one of the very first mobile dyno tuning systems (a rolling road), built

by Michael and friends.

They took the dyno to the Isle of Man TT race from 1996-2000, where they conducted power runs and tuning on motorbikes, specifically at the Suzuki stand – they even repaired the TT 750cc class winner’s bike in 1998 before his winning run!

Z-Tech Control Systems is now some 17 years old, built on foundation on being the gold standard, all about solving customer problems and building long-standing relationships.

Going back to our roots, Z-Tech are excited to announce the sponsorship of Lukasz Zuchowski, a very promising and worthy motorcycle racer who has completed in the British Motorcycle Racing Club at club level for the 2016 season.

Lukasz is a Bus Driver by trade, and has selffinanced his racing. With Z-Tech support he will now move into the National Series for 2017, with the ultimate aim of competing in the all-Electric TT Zero in 2018 – a spearhead in electric vehicle development.

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Michael Swinhoe said: “Lukasz bought my own Kawasaki ZX10r to convert into his race bike and after hearing his story we discussed the possibility of sponsorship at the following Z-Tech Board meeting. He’s currently one of the only entrants to be totally self-funding, and the Z-Tech Board welcomed the idea to help him out – he came third in his championship, on his own, so definitely has the talent.”

SUPPORT Z-TECH FOR WATERAID

“We need to get Lukasz through another year of traditional racing, then he will have enough experience to enter the all-electric Isle of Man TT – and we’ll spend the year looking at suitable electric motorbike manufacturers for the 2018 race.”

Z-Tech will be updating on progress throughout 2017, and we welcome you to come along to see the racing for yourself, with complementary tickets for Institute of Water members – email sales@z-tech.co.uk for details.

Dates and locations: Silverstone International: 29-30 April; Snetterton 300: 20-21 May; Donington Park National: 17-18 June; Brands Hatch GP: 15-16 July; Oulton Park: 4-5 August, Brands Hatch Indy: 26-27 August - Bank Holiday, Cadwell Park: 16-17 September, Snetterton 300: 7-8 October.

As part of Lukasz’s promotion, we’ve commissioned these limited edition t-shirts, he’s no. 17, we are 17 this year - a winning combination.

If you’d like to show your support, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ Z-TechWaterAid and donate a minimum of £10, ALL of your money will go to WaterAid!

Problem Solvers z-tech.co.uk Helpline: 01223 653500 engineers@z-tech.co.uk

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE

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45

Whether or not you like bugs very much depends on which part of our industry you work in!

For those involved in drinking water, bugs are to be feared and avoided at all costs, but for those involved in treating wastewater, they are positively embraced!

In a series of articles all about bugs in water, we’ll hear about the good, the bad and the ugly. From understanding the global public health implications of bugs in water, to how they are regulated, we’ll look at new ways of counting and monitoring them and we’ll see how they are used to treat our waste and to control other problem creatures.

Love ‘em or hate’ em, bugs are an incredibly important part of our industry – we hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about them...

Dr Robin Price

Vice President Science, Institute of Water and Head of Water Quality, Anglian Water

PATHOGENS AND DRINKING WATER - STILL A THREAT? We use chlorine, and we measure E. coli and enterococci as indicators of faecal pollution, and although this has served us well, Cryptosporidium showed the flaw in relying on these indicators as a means of demonstrating safety. The problem is that Cryptosporidium is very resistant to chlorination while E.coli is quite sensitive so we can kill the indicator but leave the pathogen unharmed.

Viral pathogens are also typically harder to remove and less sensitive to chlorine and UV than E. coli, e.g. hepatitis A and adenovirus respectively. The reliance on retrospective measurement of indicators is considered to be too little, too late.

Professor John Fawell

Advisor to World Health Organisation and Visiting Professor, Cranfield University

Waterborne pathogens cause disease and we have learnt to our cost that we cannot afford to become complacent about the fact that most of the time we appear to suffer no harm, at least in developed countries with advanced infrastructure.

Outbreaks still occur even in developed countries and we have only a limited understanding of the burden of waterborne disease from sporadic cases not easily identified as waterborne.

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As a consequence WHO changed to a much more preventative approach in the third edition of the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, introducing water safety plans with operational monitoring to confirm treatment is optimized at all times.

Consequently it is important to determine the ability of the system to deliver safe drinking water by assessing the level of treatment required to achieve the removal necessary. The Guidelines illustrate this with the use of reference pathogens to measure necessary levels of removal in an individual supply, Campylobacter for enteric bacterial pathogens, enterovirus for viruses and Cryptosporidium for parasites.

Although we normally associate the major threats with surface water it is also important to consider how protected groundwater sources are against ingress by the different types of pathogens. WHO is currently revising its guidance document on pathogen removal by treatment processes.

Monitoring E.coli can provide a high degree of reassurance that enterobacterial pathogens have been removed because there are such high numbers of E. coli in raw water but the Guidelines suggest that it may be desirable to include some other more resistant indicators such as bacteriophages or bacterial spores (not the vegetative organisms) for improved monitoring.

However, designing the system to be capable of delivering safe water and maintaining safe water in distribution remain the top priorities. It is debatable whether enterococci provide additional benefits over E. coli in drinking water but bacteriophage appear to provide a reasonable surrogate for enteric viral pathogens. Total coliforms may come from non-faecal sources and can regrow in distribution and do not represent a measure of risk to health but they can provide a means of identifying ingress into service reservoirs and distribution. As such the next step should always be identifying and fixing the cause.

In the future, there will be better tools available for monitoring pathogens, or at least verifying their removal but the hazard identification and risk assessment approach embodied in water safety plans has been a very important step forward and has helped to teach us that simply having a free chlorine residual is not a guarantee of drinking water safety.

We have made great strides in assuring the safety of large drinking water supplies from waterborne microbial pathogens in developed countries over the last 150 years and we now need to make the same gains in large and small resource limited supplies in all parts of the world.

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER

WHEN SNAILS ATTACK‌.

Using nematode dosing for snail control in plastic media filters Common control measures of excessive snail populations can involve flooding filters with, for example, ammonia rich effluent at elevated pH or hypochlorite. The design of the filters at this site precluded flooding and as this would have led to loss of treatment there would have been a need for a sidestream process to maintain compliance whilst the filters recovered.

Tom Wakerley

Service Delivery Scientist, Anglian Water Services Snail infestation of plastic media trickling filters is a common problem encountered by water recycling centre technicians. In moderate numbers their presence may be beneficial, keeping the biomass in check through natural grazing, but if the population become excessive they can become detrimental to treatment performance.

The impact is usually restricted to the physical issues that result from the accumulation of shells such as clogging of the media and damage to pumps, but with large enough snail populations, grazing of the biofilm can become so significant as to inhibit treatment.

A site in the Anglian Water region that utilises first stage and tertiary nitrifying plastic media filters to meet a tight ammonia consent has historically suffered from a seasonal loss of nitrification performance.

The issue has typically appeared in Spring and to a lesser extent in Autumn with the cause being traced to the hatching of excessive snail (Physella acuta) populations. The subsequent grazing on the primary and nitrifying filters, combined with the seasonal slough, results in considerable loss of biofilm with large areas of the media stripped completely clean.

The trial has been successful in controlling the snail population and maintaining compliance but further research is required to maximise the efficiency and efficacy of the technique.

Critically, an accurate method of predicting when to initiate dosing is required as well as an assessment of the volume of nematodes required for a given scale of snail infestation.

With these constraints in mind, an alternative solution was sought.

Nematode dosing has been successfully used in agriculture to control slug and snail populations since the 1990s. The nematode in question, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, is a natural parasite of several gastropod families and will suppress feeding and eventually cause death in target species whilst having no impact on the biofilm or the other fauna present in trickling filters.

A trial was initiated to assess the effectiveness of this method when applied in a water recycling centre. Commercially available nematodes were sourced, comprising tubs of 250,000,000 individuals. Initially flow to the works were controlled whilst 16 tubs of nematodes were applied to the dosing chamber of each filter with flows recirculated across the filters for several hours.

Following this initial treatment, an ongoing dose of 3 tubs every 2 days to each filter was then applied until the snail population was visibly reduced and nitrification performance had returned.

Nematode dosing offers effective biological mitigation without the detrimental impact that can be posed by other control methods.

instituteofwater.org.uk

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UNIVERSITY OF BATH

FARMING ALGAE TO TREAT WASTE WATER A collaborative project between the University of Bath’s Water Research & Innovation Centre (WIRC) and Wessex Water is using high rate algal ponds to remove nutrients from waste water and creating an added value by-product. The £0.45M project is funded by UKWIR and forms part of their phosphorus removal trial programme.

Every day over 11 billion litres of wastewater is produced in the UK through domestic and industrial use. This wastewater must be cleaned, or treated, before it can be safely released back into the environment or risk causing serious harm to both human health and nature. As a chemical engineer, my work through the Water Research Innovation Centre at Bath is about researching better, more efficient methods for wastewater treatment. One area of this work involves a particular focus on how we might use natural and sustainable solutions for our wastewater challenges.

Dr Tom Arnot

Water Innovation & Research Centre (WIRC @ Bath) University of Bath

Professor Rod Scott

One of these challenges is of course finding solutions to reduce the levels of phosphorus from our water bodies, which, with pressure from the Water Framework Directive (WFD), has become an increasingly important area for both water utility companies, the Environment Agency, and the wider water stakeholder community. Many of our lakes, streams and rivers fail to meet the strict standards set for nutrients under the WFD and whilst our sewage treatment works (SWTs) are overall achieving high rates of nutrient remove, more needs to be done if we are to meet the challenging targets.

High levels of phosphorous in waterbodies upsets the natural balance of many plant and fish species. If levels become too high, eutrophication occurs leading to algal blooms and over-crowding, which in turn creates a downward spiral leading to a dramatic loss of plants and insects, and ultimately depleted oxygen levels which cause reduction or elimination of fish populations. The knock-on consequences for the whole food chain are therefore considerable. But what if the problem of algal blooms caused by high levels of phosphorus could in fact also be turned into the solution?

We can help you reimagine your water R&D

Water Innovation & Research Centre (WIRC @ Bath) University of Bath

48

In the lead up to 2020 water companies across England will be trialling a range of new and different technologies aimed at finding a sustainable and effective solution for phosphorous removal, as an alternative to the traditional and increasingly expensive approach to ferric dosing. These technologies include the use of magnetite, and at least two different approaches to the use of algae. One of these is a project we’ve pioneered with Wessex Water – a installation involving high rate algae ponds (HRAPs) which we’ve installed at the SWT in Beckington in Somerset. These have been successfully used in other countries but to date not demonstrated in the UK. We’re keen to see what impact HRAPs might make in solving the phosphorous problem.

The principle behind HRAPs is a simple and satisfying one. In essence they are shallow ponds where the waste water being treated is continuously circulated by paddlewheels. Within each pond, algae harness sunlight to grow and draw nutrients from the waste water, they use carbon dioxide from a low rate gassing process.

If algal growth is successfully maintained, very low levels of phosphorus (and nitrogen) are left on the water as the majority are locked up by the algal biomass. The water and algae mixture then transfer to a tank where gravity separated occurs.

From this tank we get cleaner water which can be returned to the environment or reused, and nutrient rich algae biomass that can be used as biofuel or an agricultural fertiliser, or simply blended with digestate from other treatment works as a fertiliser supplement.

Water Innovation & Research Centre

Through the Water Innovation and Research Centre at the University of Bath our experts work with industry, academia, and other stakeholders instituteofwater.org.uk to tackle the fundamental issues surrounding sustainable water. Through

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER We believe using HRAPs has the potential to be both environmentally sustainable and economically attractive for companies and customers.

From September 2016, we will be trialling this technology for 12-months at large pilot scale (up to 3.5 m3 day-1) to see how well this process functions across the different seasons when light levels and environmental conditions vary.

The trial will provide valuable information as to whether HRAPs can be an effective new water treatment technology for use in the UK. Our very early results though are positive.

Through collaboration with Wessex Water and this pilot trial at Beckington we hope that we can demonstrate how a natural system like algae can be used to treat waste water on a small scale. We will be assessing treated water quality, the algal biomass which is produced, energy consumption, and capital expenditure.

We will also explore options for further use or processing of the algal mass for value recovery.

In parallel with this work we have a postgraduate student project funded by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Informatics: Science and Engineering.

He is working on metabolic modelling of algal metabolism, and directed evolution to improve algal performance in relation to phosphorus uptake, and to further refine the operating conditions in the HRAP systems.

[HRAP trial]

Together this information will provide the basis for a techno-economic evaluation of the potential for HRAP treatment to be deployed at larger-scale sites.

Here the challenge will be in bringing down the cost of treatment to levels that are truly competitive with existing and established alternatives.

We can help you reimagine your water R&D

[GA-ADV-02A-Modular raceway]

Water Innovation & Research Centre

Through the Water Innovation and Research Centre at the University of Bath our experts work with industry, academia, and other stakeholders to tackle the fundamental issues surrounding sustainable water. Through WISE, our Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Informatics: Science and Engineering, we work with collaborative partners to train the next generation of skilled water scientists and engineers.

To explore a partnership with water research experts and students at the University of Bath for your organisation, contact water-research@bath.ac.uk.

go.bath.ac.uk/water-research

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BUGS IN THE WATER

Matt Bower

Operations Team Leader at Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland When I was given “Bugs in the Water” as the title for this article, I was dubious. I’m no PR consultant (as anyone who knows me will testify), but having spent most of my career, alongside everyone else in our industry, trying to keep “bugs” out of the water, this didn’t strike me as the most helpful title.

When a task or objective, such as achieving microbiologically safe drinking water, is so fundamental to our working life, there is always the risk that it becomes over-familiar – we take short cuts, make assumptions and complacency can set in.

In our industry, much of our perspective on microbiology is driven by the parameters in the drinking water regulations. Because DWI or DWQR gets worked up about the percentage compliance for coliform samples at our treatment works or consumers’ taps we naturally assume that coliforms are one of the most significant organisms that we could hope (not) to find in our water. They aren’t. Different laboratory methods for total coliforms don’t even identify the same subset of coliform species. What coliforms are is ubiquitous in large numbers in the environment and reasonably susceptible to our disinfection methods. If we find them in the water, we know that something has either managed to bypass the disinfection process at our treatment works or entered our network due to an integrity issue. They are a trigger for further investigation and, perhaps, action.

If our 100ml sample comes back clear for E.coli, are we allowed to sit back and breathe a sigh of relief? Well not really – that’s 100ml out of perhaps several megalitres produced by our treatment works every day. Has it occurred to us that some pathogens such as viruses and protozoan parasites like Cryptosporidium are far less vulnerable to chlorine than E.coli, so a passing sample tells us nothing about the risk from these? We need to be certain that our treatment process is operating effectively on a continuous basis and that every litre of water that passes through is thoroughly disinfected.

This is where a drinking water safety plan approach to risk assessment plays a vital role.

Eschericia coli (E.coli) is a scarier proposition – finding one of these is a clear indication that faecal contamination has occurred. That needs to open up the possibility that a range of pathogens (organisms that cause illness) may be present – the World Health Organisation lists 12 organisms or groups of organisms that are pathogens known to be transmitted by water and a longer list of potential pathogens. Even some strains of E.coli can cause serious illness and death, as we are periodically reminded when there is an outbreak of E.coli O157 or similar strain due to contaminated meat, uncooked vegetables or dairy products. Cases of illness due to poorly managed private water supplies occur occasionally, and remind us not to be complacent.

That’s a very good question – we analyse for colony counts incubating at both 22oC, to mimic the environment, and at 37oC which mimics what goes on in the body of warm blooded mammals.

What about some of the other microbiological parameters – colony counts or Total Viable Count (TVC)? What exactly do they tell us?

All bases covered then – except that data from these determinands is very hard to interpret – we are really looking for trends rather than individual results, something that is difficult to do with a dataset, on public supplies at least, that is often zero with sporadic peaks into low single figures. I have seen occasions when TVCs have provided an early warning of an issue - a rising trend preceding a coliform detection at a storage point for example – but in my experience this is quite rare.

That’s why there is no harm in occasionally pausing to consider the science involved, and the expectations of the public and health profession as a means of refocusing our attention on the subject.

Bugs. Many scientists involved in drinking water have probably resorted to the term at some point or another, perhaps in trying to explain the need for chlorination to an aesthetically offended member of the public or in trying to improve the mass appeal of a press release. I’ve used it too – guilty as charged – but I still cringe when I hear the term. To me (and I reckon many folk), “bugs” instinctively brings to mind an image of something green, wriggling and sporting a fine set of antenna.

No-one likes to think that their glass of pristine tap water contains life forms of any shape or size, but few people understand what water does actually contain by way of microbiology.

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[Traditional microbiologial analysis of water samples]

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER My personal opinion is that microbiological methods have moved on and there are now better means of yielding information on the effectiveness and persistence of disinfection throughout the supply system. It may be time to take the opportunity to review the regulatory inclusion of this parameter if it becomes possible to do so.

Microbiology in the UK water industry has shown an improving trend over the past 14 years so that we are, rightly, at the stage where E.coli is almost never detected in a sample taken at a treatment works. Below is the chart for Scottish Water treatment works, but a similar trend would no doubt be seen elsewhere in the UK.

Below is the chart for Scottish Water treatment works, but a similar trend would no doubt be seen elsewhere in the UK. 0.40 0.35 0.30 Percentage samples containing coliforms

0.25 0.20

Percentage samples containing E.coli

0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

This improvement is due to a number of factors – I’ll take effective regulation as a given, by the way: ■■

improvements to control of sampling and analytical techniques

■■

investment in sample points at treatment works and storage points

■■

improvements to water treatment to ensure water is better prepared for disinfection

■■

better understanding and control of the disinfection process

■■

capital investment and enhanced maintenance at storage points

■■

improved management of chlorine residuals and turnover in the distribution system

There is undoubtedly further to go.

On my travels I still have encounters with poorly designed disinfection processes, storage points that would benefit from maintenance (or decommissioning altogether) and sample points that are less than ideal when it comes to providing a representative sample of water.

Thankfully, such instances are becoming less common.

There is plenty of scope for using sound science to further enhance our control of microbiology in water supplies. Advances in modelling enables profiling of flows through contact tanks and water age in distribution systems.

Genetic methods allow differentiation of any microbiology that we do find in our system and identification of potential sources. Our understanding of biofilms in distribution systems, a potential cause of water quality deterioration, has improved so that we are better able to manage these.

Scotland, for example, has many very small public water supplies with a limited and well understood distribution system. Given the ongoing balance between effective disinfection, aesthetics and the minimisation of by-products, with careful management and some investment is this something to which we too should we be aspiring?

One particularly promising method used increasingly by a number of water companies is flow cytometry. This enables individual microbial cells in a sample of water to be counted (as opposed to traditional analytical microbiology methods that culture organisms on nutrient media).

Clever use of stains enables a distinction to be made between intact (and potentially viable) cells and those ruptured during treatment.

This can provide a direct measurement of the effectiveness of a disinfection process or, by measuring cells in the inlet and outlet, of the integrity of a storage point. It’s all a very long way from 3 day plate counts.

What of the future?

Much of Western Europe struggles to understand the UK’s fascination with chlorine as a disinfectant. By thoroughly treating water to remove microbial food sources and by maintaining extremely clean distribution systems, they demonstrate that it is possible to operate with little or no chemical disinfectant.

[Basic disinfection using sodium hypochlorite at a small water treatment works]

instituteofwater.org.uk

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BUGS IN THE WATER - NO CAUSE FOR ALARM For over a hundred years, one of the cornerstones of the microbiological analysis of drinking water has been the culture based Hetrotrophic Plate Count (HPC).

by Aidan Marsh

Flow Cytometry Project Leader Northumbrian Water While there have undoubtedly been improvements in the materials involved and the supporting quality system, the method itself is largely unchanged since its conception. In years gone by, this method may have yielded more meaningful data, but as water quality has improved over the years, colony counts have dwindled and today are typically so low as to rarely yield sufficient data to perform any meaningful trending. In more recent years this traditional method has received further criticism as the development of culture independent methods such as flow cytometry have demonstrated that typically only 0.1-1% of the indigenous bacterial community within water can actually be cultured.

Flow cytometry is itself a simple technology, which simultaneously measures multiple parameters of single particles as they flow in a fluid stream through a laser beam. Parameters measured include particle size and internal complexity, and when combined with fluorescent staining a raft of other particle characteristics and components can be assessed. As water microbiologists, the particles we are most interested in are of course bacteria and within the water industry viability staining of bacteria with SYBR Green1 and Propidium iodide is commonly used to differentiate between living and dead cells. This methodology has unlocked a wealth of data highlighting the sheer abundance of life in nearly all natural waters and demonstrates the complexity of the population dynamics between indigenous bacteria and their environment.

Following the incorporation of flow cytometry into the Swiss drinking water methods there has been mounting interest within the UK water Industry to investigate the potential of this technology. Our research project started in January 2016 and we have been looking at two main parameters. These are the Total Cell Count (living and dead, TCC) and the Intact Cell Count (living, ICC) of bacteria that exist within our waters.

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What we have seen from work so far is that disinfected water direct from water treatment works (WTW), with a good chlorine residual, typically contain around 55,000 TCC/ml and 2,000 ICC/ml. Many people assume that drinking water is completely void of all bacteria, consequently these numbers may at first appear alarmingly high and some may call for the chlorine to be increased. But, here at NWG we are taking a more holistic approach.

Drinking water completely void of all bacteria at the customer tap is not a sustainable goal, it needs to be free from pathogens and a uniform quality. There are similarities with probiotics and a healthy digestive system. The water distributed needs a certain amount of natural flora to protect against opportunistic pathogens. We all know that a course of antibiotics can occasionally leave a person vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens. Similarly, over-chlorination of drinking water may cause a vacuum in a normally competitive ecosystem and in the absence of competition opportunistic pathogens may proliferate. Therefore, rather than trying to achieve eradication of all bacteria with ever increasing amounts of chlorine, our approach has been to use flow cytometry data to understand the complex bacterial population dynamics within our treatment and distribution systems. A better understanding of these indigenous populations and the driving forces behind population change will allow us to make informed decisions to optimise our operations both at WTWs and within distribution.

One aim is to produce a more biologically consistent water, which will be more robust to opportunistic pathogens and requires a lower dose of chlorine to reach our customers in wholesome condition. The benefits of this approach would be seen in fewer failures and reactive investigations, a modest chemical reduction and fewer chlorine related taste and odour contacts. The two principle benefits of flow cytometry are the optimisation of water treatment works and performance management of service reservoirs.

Within WTWs all of the main stages of treatment can be performance monitored by making pre and post process measurements of the TCC and ICC. The performance can then be measured by calculating the percentage reduction.

For example the overall performance of Gunnerton treatment works can be monitored using data from Figure 1 which shows the TCC and ICC for raw water entering the treatment works and data from Figure 2 which shows the same information for the water as it exits the treatment works. The percentage reduction is then calculated and the performance trended in Figure 3. By monitoring performance as well as the TCC and ICC at each stage in the treatment process we can use online telemetry from the WTW to start to identify the driving forces behind changes. Once we have an understanding of these processes we can put procedures in place to mitigate their impact and thereby begin to optimise performance. This data supports the existing online and manual measurements traditionally used to optimise the treatment process.

Monitoring TCC and ICC in service reservoirs (SR) is an area of work in which we see a huge amount of potential. By trending cell counts from service reservoir water samples we have better information to understand the relationship between free chlorine and cell counts. We’re hoping to learn more about the affects of water temperature and residency time on the rate of bacterial growth. By combining all of this we aim to trend cell count behaviour. This would provide us with an early warning system, allowing us to remedy the situation long before it reaches a level that might cause a conventional coliform failure. A further benefit is this will allow us to refine our service reservoir maintenance programme, as it would allow us to identify SRs in most need of maintenance, ensuring we achieve the most cost effective increase in performance.

There is a great wealth of information offered by flow cytometry that simply isn’t available using traditional culture based methods. At NWG we would like to see the incorporation of flow cytometry into the SCA Microbiology of Drinking Water part 7 as a Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) approved alternative to the HPC method.

There are some major challenges still to overcome, however, before making this a reality.

The challenges centre on how best to interpret these numbers in terms of water quality as this is a critical first step in setting any advisory limit or standard.

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER

At NWG we have been working on a tool that simplifies the flow cytometry data, this allows us to assess the likelihood that the sample may contain culturable bacteria. Our innovation is a risk scale from 0 to 10 and we have called this the Water Quality Risk Score. This describes the likelihood of the water containing culturable bacteria. We have found this approach to be a very useful allowing rapid interpretation of results. Over the course of the last year we have identified a key risk value or limit, when this is approached or breached this provides an intervention opportunity to investigate before conventional culture based failure.

5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 Cell Count ml-1

3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000

TCC

2,000,000

ICC

1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0

160616 160623 160630 160707 160714 160721 160728 160804 160811 160818 160825 160901 160908 160922 160929 161006 161014 161018 161020 161027 161104 161110 161117

TCC and ICC numbers vary greatly even in treated final water and this variation only increases as the water travels throughout the distribution system. Consequently what is normal/acceptable for one WTW/Service reservoir/network is not necessarily acceptable for another. Therefore, each system would require its own set of failure limits which would undoubtedly become confusing and data intensive. The flow cytometer numbers themselves may further exacerbate this confusion as working with such large numbers can be unwieldy and difficult to convey change in a coherent way.

Fig 1. Total Cell Count (TCC) and Intact Cell Counts (ICC) of raw water arriving at Gunnerton WTW.

Fig2 . Total Cell Count (TCC) and Intact Cell Counts (ICC) of treated water as it leaves Gunnerton WTW. 180,000 160,000 140,000 Cell Count ml-1

This would be simpler if a correlation between TCC or ICC and HPC’s existed, but unfortunately no such relationship has been found. This suggests that while TCC and ICC on their own provide valuable performance data, they may not necessarily make for reliable water quality indicators.

120,000 100,000

TCC

80,000

ICC

60,000 40,000 20,000

A Water Industry flow cytometry working group meeting is being held in February 2017 and it is anticipated that by working collaboratively we will all be able to benefit from shared learning, establish a standardised procedure based on best practice and ultimately expedite the arrival of flow cytometry as a routine method.

160616 160623 160630 160707 160714 160721 160728 160804 160811 160818 160825 160901 160908 160922 160929 161006 161014 161018 161020 161027 161104 161110 161117

Fig 3. Overall performance of Gunnerton WTW measured as a percentage reduction in Total Cell Count (TCC) and Intact Cell Counts (ICC).

101 100 99 98 97

TCC

96

ICC

95 94 93 92

160616 160623 160630 160707 160714 160721 160728 160804 160811 160818 160825 160901 160908 160922 160929 161006 161014 161018 161020 161027 161104 161110 161117

Within the UK water industry flow cytometry is still largely in its infancy, although more and more water companies are realising its potential and investing in this technology.

While fluorescent staining with SYBR Green1 and Propidium iodide is commonly used there is as of yet no standardisation between water companies with regards to processing of samples and interpretation of results.

0

Cell Count ml-1

This approach also makes conveying results much easier and doesn’t require the recipient to have detailed knowledge of flow cytometry. While we still need to gather more data and there may be some fine tuning of the risk score formula, we believe that this multi parameter risk based approach yields the best correlation between flow cytometry data and culture methods and therefore the best water quality interpretation.

It is this interpretation that could create a new standard, allowing the HPC method to be succeeded by flow cytometry.

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53

IDEXX

THE EVOLUTION OF COLILERT: NOW AN ISO REFERENCE METHOD

The path towards regulatory acceptance for a new product is a tough one in any industry, however, it is even more challenging when competitor products have been on the market for a long time, and are well understood by customers and regulators alike.

This is why, despite its numerous advantages, it took more than 20 years for IDEXX to gain sufficient acceptance for its Colilert®-18 product that it was able to evolve from an alternative test procedure into an ISO reference method.

The methodology and science behind Colilert was invented by Yale scientist Steve Edberg, and he set up the company Environetics to commercialise the test. This was acquired by IDEXX in 1993, and many of the people who worked for Environetics at the genesis of Colilert are still with IDEXX today.

The Colilert story stretches back to the mid1980s, when the Regional Water Authority (RWA) in New Haven, Connecticut, began to observe a larger than normal number of false positives for microbial coliforms in its drinking water tests. These events resulted in residents being advised to boil their water before drinking to avoid illness. In each case where it was a false positive this was unnecessary as the water was not actually contaminated, but safety first had to prevail.

Colilert-18 is run using the IDEXX QuantiTray®, a 51-well tray designed to assist in the enumeration of bacteria in water samples. It is a semi-automatic method that relies on the most probable number model. Sample and reagent are automatically distributed between the wells in a procedure that takes less than a minute of operator time, and the tray is then incubated at 36°C for 18 hours.

The Authority approached scientists at Yale University, local to the RWA in New Haven, to see if they could create a method for detecting coliforms that would be at least as quick to run as the traditional tests, but more accurate.

The 24-hour test they invented became Colilert-24, and a faster, 18-hour version, Colilert-18, reached the market in 1994. Both were recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency respectively in 1992 and 1996.

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[Early product packaging]

The test is sensitive enough to detect a single organism in a 100ml sample of water, and the results are easy to interpret: if a well is coloured yellow after incubation, it contains coliforms; if it also gives a blue fluorescence under UV light, then E. coli are present.

The lower false positive rate saves money by preventing unnecessary call-outs; the lower false negative rate offers the potential to save huge amounts of money on remediation of missed bacterial contamination events.

[Today’s product packaging]

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER Growing acceptance Although Colilert reached the market in the 1990s, it took some time for it to gain this widespread acceptance, and it was not until 1998 that it was included in the US Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

If any new method is going to succeed, there has to be a good reason for its introduction.

In the case of Colilert, the need was for a test with a lower incidence of false positives, but other viable reasons would include the removal of toxic or hazardous chemicals from the testing protocol, or to replace an extremely complicated procedure with something simpler.

If there is that good reason for change, any replacement test will still need to represent a significant improvement if it is going to gain market acceptance over well-known existing tests. Accuracy is what the authorities were asking for, but they ended up with a new method that ticked three ‘improvement’ boxes: Colilert proved to be easier, faster, and more accurate.

The test is easy to use and interpretation of results is as simple as observing a colour change. Traditional testing methods take 48 hours, so with Colilert-18, results are available in less than half the time; in contrast to the traditional method, no confirmation step is required and the results after 18 hours are definitive. It also has those allimportant lower false positive and false negative rates.1 Substantial proof of improvement is important, too, and a huge amount of data has been collated to show this is the case for Colilert.

IDEXX has, of course, carried out studies, but many independent experts around the world have also run comparative studies with other methods, and in the vast majority of these cases, Colilert was found to be favourable.

[The early Colilert/Quanti-Tray development team]

Becoming an ISO standard Many steps are required if an alternative method is to become a reference method. First and foremost, as well as convincing users of the test’s utility and accuracy, the regulators must be convinced too. For Colilert, the process started in the US, with an application to the Environmental Protection Agency to include it in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater in the US a year or so after the product was launched. It now has formal approval in 23 countries across Europe, and nearly 50 around the world.

Each approval process requires a substantial dossier to be addressed to the regulatory authority, and this needs to be done on a country by country basis.

Becoming an ISO standard is even more laborious and typically, it takes three or four years from the first application to its award. Work began on submitting Colilert in 2008, and at that time it was not immediately clear that a commercial method would ever be made a standard.

The process involves the submission of dossier to the ISO water quality for microbiological methods committee, which has 31 participating countries.

Each country has one vote, and for an enquiry draft to be approved, it must achieve a twothirds majority of the votes cast by members, and no more than one-quarter of the total number of votes cast can be negative.

Abstentions are excluded when the votes are counted, as well as negative votes not accompanied by technical reasons. This process of submission and voting takes place four times, with comments from the countries being incorporated into the documentation for the next round of voting. This might seem slow, but it does ensure that the document is well accepted by the committee, as its members are able to work on it to create a format that achieves a good consensus.

[Colilert’s advanced manufacturing facility at IDEXX US headquarters in Westbrook, Maine]

Colilert-18 was finally made a the ISO 9308-2 standard for the enumeration of E. coli and coliform bacteria in all types of water in 2012.2

This acceptance has made additional recognition with further authorities easier to attain. For example, Colilert-18 was added to the European Drinking Water Directive in 2015, where it is now included as one of only two reference methods for coliform and E. coli detection, the other being based on membrane filtration, subsequent culture on a chromogenic coliform agar medium, and calculation of the number of target organisms in the sample.

When Colilert-18 first became an ISO standard, it was the first published with the inclusion of performance characteristics. Previous standard methods did not include data about false positive rates, selectivity rates and other such technical characteristics, but IDEXX felt it was important to be up-front about all its characteristics.

Now, every new or revised ISO standard in the domain of water microbiology has to comply with this approach; prior to 2012, it was common for standards not to include any characterisation of the method at all.

In the time since its launch, Colilert has become one of the most widely used drinking water tests globally. It is used throughout the world by water authorities, and by users as diverse as the US army and large cruise liners. It is even used in space, as astronauts on board the International Space Station use it to test their water, safe in the knowledge that the test will give them a reliable insight into the safety of what they are drinking. The path to reach this point of success has involved a lot of work from IDEXX, across many of its disciplines – scientific, regulatory, sales and corporate management – and what started out as a way to solve a small, localised problem, has grown into a product protecting billions of people around the globe.

References 1 http://www.waterrf.org/ publicreportlibrary/4024.pdf 2 http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/ catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail. htm?csnumber=52246 ® Registered trademark of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries

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WATER INDUSTRY COLLABORATION TO UNDERSTAND ALGAL TASTE AND ODOUR RISK Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water hosted a “Deep Dive” event in Cardiff on the 10th January 2017 to initiate a wider collaboration within the water industry to investigate the problems of Geosmin and MIB (2-Methylisoborneol).

Dr Phillippa Pearson Catchment Manager Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Dr Rupert Perkins

Cardiff University & Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water / Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) Innovation Intern

The event concluded with all water companies present and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) agreeing to form a Working Group to share data and experiences to better understand the issue and future management options.

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In recent year’s problems of taste and odour associated with blue green algal metabolites, specifically Geosmin and MIB, have increased in many raw water sources.

Several suggestions have been made as to why these metabolites are produced by these organisms, but this is still largely unknown, along with the environmental, chemical, physical and biological stimuli for their production.

This limited understanding has implications for utilising catchment management solutions.

It is possible that problems associated with the production of Geosmin and MIB in surface water sources will increase as a result of climate change.

Customer Impact Geosmin and MIB metabolites can cause earthy and musty tastes and odours in waters, with levels detectable by customers at concentrations as low as 1-10 ngl-1.

Whilst these metabolites occur naturally, and there are no known associated health risks, their impact on customer acceptability of drinking water can be significant.

The DWI’s Chief Inspector’s Report (CIR) on Drinking Water 2016 - Quarter 2 highlighted that Geosmin and MIB contributed to 13% of failures to meet drinking water standards in England and Wales between April and June 2016, in contrast to pesticides which accounted for 5% of failures in the same period.

FEATURE: BUGS IN WATER Geosmin and MIB can be removed through treatment such as Granular Activate Carbon (GAC), but as in the case of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, these compounds are now being detected in new catchments, especially upland surface waters with fairly pristine catchments, at increasing concentrations and often where the receiving treatment works does not have an existing removal treatment stage.

The Quarter 1 2016 CIR recognise the benefits of managing issues within the catchment to improve compliance, reduce cost and for the wider benefit of the environment, wildlife and their habitats.

Our ability to manage Geosmin and MIB within the catchment will be dependent on improving our knowledge of their origins and causes.

Scientific Understanding of Issue Despite recognition that this is an increasing issue, our knowledge within the Water Industry and the scientific research community of the sources and causes of Geosmin and MIB production is extremely limited. Although probably a prime source, blue green algae (cyanobacteria) are not the sole producers, with actinomycetes and higher plants also known to synthesise these compounds. The reason why organisms produce these metabolites, as well as the environmental, chemical, physical and biological stimuli for their production, are not understood. This limits the potential for catchment management to be used to address this issue at source and to avoid significant future treatment costs.

Problems associated with the production of Geosmin and MIB in surface water sources are likely to increase due to climate change, with warmer, drier summers favouring blue green algae in reservoirs and lakes.

Reductions in river abstractions and surface water flows, along with lower water tables reducing groundwater flows are likely to result in shallower lakes and reservoirs, favouring blue green algal production.

This requires a detailed analysis of current knowledge and data and further research to address the unanswered questions, best facilitated by communication and collaboration within the Water Industry and its partners.

Deep Dive Event The Deep Dive event brought together representatives from 13 Water Companies (Affinity Water, Bristol water, Dee Valley Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water, Scottish Water, Severn Trent Water, South East Water, South West Water, Southern Water, Thames Water, United Utilities and Wessex Water) and the DWI attended to discuss the magnitude of the issue.

This activity was partly driven by the NERCDCWW strategic partnership and Dr Rupert Perkins, a freshwater ecology specialist at Cardiff University, who is currently working for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water on a 12 month NERC Directed Innovation Internship.

The event aimed to establish knowledge exchange and maximise collaborative efforts between water companies to cover the following key thematic areas: (1) what is the extent of the problem? (2) What do we know (with evidence) about the causes of taste and odour events? (3) What existing information and data are available for a collaborative solutions through the Working Group? (4) What research is required to fill our knowledge gaps and to agree if the industry could take a collaborative approach going forward?

The morning session consisted of an overview of the issue within the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water region and Samantha Vince summarising the DWI perspective, after which the day was spent with breakout discussions to focus on establishing the current state of knowledge on the spatial and recent temporal variation of the issue across the UK, and the magnitude, timing, location, trigger levels for customer contacts.

Establishment of Working Group The outputs from the day established a strong desire amongst all water companies represented and the DWI, for a collaborative, data sharing and analysis approach.

It was agreed that the best way to take forward this work was to establish a Working Group to share available data on causes and identify current knowledge gaps.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water have agreed to take leadership of the Working Group.

The Working Group will aim to promote communications between the water company members as well as with other organisations, e.g. academic research, innovators and consultancies to facilitate long-term partnerships to enable end-user directed research to mitigate the risk of taste and odour issues throughout the UK. All those present at the “Deep Dive” event recognised the importance of this issue and the potential impact on future water quality and water treatment costs associated with climatechange induced increases in factors such as algal bloom frequency.

The next meeting of the Working Group will be held in Cardiff on the 27 June 2017 and would welcome new members.

For further information please contact: Dr Phillippa Pearson: phillippa.pearson@dwrcymru.com Dr Rupert Perkins: rupert.perkins@dwrcymru.com

There is already anecdotal evidence to suggest a westerly and northward spread of Geosmin and MIB production within UK water company sites, with increased frequency of associated taste and odour problems reported by customers. Therefore, with an increasing frequency and potential severity of the problem, the costs of water treatment are likely to increase and/or customer acceptability failures are likely to increase.

To mitigate this, possible implications regarding land management decisions in the future need investigation as early as possible.

It is therefore vital to address this problem now within our catchments and surface water reservoirs which are “our first line of defence”.

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Who is at risk during the disinfection of new assets?

By Iain Weir & Ceris Van De Vyver In this article we will review the reasons why chlorine is so widely used in the water industry, the mechanisms of disinfection and de-chlorination, and consider the environmental and reputational risk to all stakeholders when discharges interact with the environment.

Untreated discharges from commissioning works can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem of the receiving watercourse as they are often highly toxic to aquatic organisms.

There have been several high-profile prosecutions in recent years and six figure penalties are common, but while health and safety planning gets the highest priority many projects are still neglecting to consider environment risks during planning and delivery.

Common usage levels and their impact

The need for disinfection Public health is a key factor in the provision of potable water, and therefore all microbiological risks must be addressed, and to achieve good quality clean wholesome water companies, contractors and consultants must use products and chemicals to mitigate health risks.

History of disinfectact use In 1854 Dr. John Snow was the first person to prove through an epidemiological survey in Soho, London that Cholera was a waterborne disease. Also in the US, “Typhoid Mary” became widely known as a carrier of the Typhoid disease around the early 1900’s.

Permanent water chlorination began in 1905, when a contaminated water supply caused a serious typhoid fever epidemic in Lincoln, England. They successfully used chlorination of the water to stop the epidemic and with the continuous use of chlorine to disinfect water, waterborne epidemics began to gradually reduce.

Chlorination of water is currently the most common method used to treat water and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid.

Mechanism of disinfection When chlorine is added to water it rapidly hydrolyses and forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which is a very strong disinfectant. There are various chemicals which are widely used to generate HOCl with the most commonly utilised being:Hypochlorous Acid Production Chlorine gas:

Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + HCl

Sodium hypochlorite: NaOCl + H2O → HOCl + NaOH Calcium hypochlorite: Ca(OCl)2 + 2H2O → 2HOCl + Ca(OH)2 Hypochlorous acid then dissociates readily in water to produce hydrogen and hypochlorite ions: HOCl ↔ H+ + OClHypochlorous acid Hypochlorite ions

Whilst the benefits of chlorine can protect public health, it can also be highly problematic if high concentrations are released directly into the environment. Uncontrolled chlorine releases into the environment can cause fish kills and enormous damage to the ecosystem. The individual or organisation causing the release can face very heavy fines as well as enormous reputational damage.

In addition to prosecution from environmental regulators such as the EA, NRW, SEPA or NIEA, uncontrolled or unexpected discharges can create customer contacts which will seriously impact on a water company’s SIM performance and ultimately lead to financial penalties from OFWAT. To reduce or remove environmental and financial risks it is essential that sufficient planning is placed on the discharge element of the project.

Unfortunately, the planning element is rarely considered for “routine” projects. Whether there are significant flows of relatively low chlorine levels (typically encountered during mains flushing or tank emptying) or smaller flows with high levels of chlorine (which are often encountered during commissioning works and pipeline disinfection) the treatment of these discharges can be a critical to the protection of the environment but are not seen as project critical.

De-chlorination methods The most prevalent methods of addressing this issue is to treat the water with a strong reducing agent such as Sodium Thiosulphate (often in pentahydrate crystal form). Alternatively, liquid Sodium Bisulphite solution can perform the same function as well as further alternatives based upon the same chemistry such as Sodium Sulphite (Na2SO3) in tablet form and Sulphur Dioxide gas (SO2). Commercially available products such as Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid can also neutralise chlorine solutions but these would almost certainly be excessive in cost for large scale industrial use with large flows and/or high concentrations of chlorine.

Typical dechlorination reaction:NaHSO3 + NaOHCl → NaHSO4 + HCl

The summation of the chlorine containing compounds HOCl and OCl- is often referred to as the free chlorine content.

Tel : 01896 663 330

Whilst levels of free chlorine in drinking water are generally maintained at relatively low levels (0.5 mg/l would be typical in UK drinking water), much stronger solutions (in excess of 50 mg/l) are utilised to disinfect new pipework and infrastructure prior to going into public drinking water supply.

Sodium Sodium Sodium Hydrochloric Bisulfite Hypochlorite Bisulphate Acid

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info@pantonmcleod.co.uk

Panton McLeod De-chlorination using thiosulphate crystals placed in a hessian sack or net bag is still widely used, these crystals dissolve when placed within the discharge flow and through a simple and quick redox reaction will reduce the chlorine into compounds which are less harmful to the environment.

Asset Inspection

However, whilst this process is effective at removing chlorine (assuming the crystals have not all dissolved and an empty sack is left in the flow) it is a very crude method of introducing the treatment chemicals and it is very likely that (at least initially) excessive amounts of the reducing agent will be taken into solution. Consequently, the excess chemicals will then target the next available oxidisable component in the water which will generally be dissolved oxygen.

It is very well documented that release of excess reducing agents such as sodium thiosulphate will scavenge oxygen in the receiving water and significantly reduce the levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the system.

This action can have an even greater detrimental impact on the ecosystem than chlorine. A study has also shown that when Sodium Sulphite (Na2SO3) tablets were placed across a flow of 200 l/min with 1.8 mg/l free chlorine the DO concentration decreased significantly from 8.08 mg/L to 2.91 mg/L within 25 minutes.

Reservoir Cleaning

Pipeline Commissioning

It is therefore critical that a carefully controlled and monitored chlorination and de-chlorination process is designed and implemented for each project.

So what does good look like?

How can client and contractor work together to deliver the best project outcome? Teams at Panton McLeod work across the UK on diverse projects ranging from routine DMA flushing through to disinfection of major new assets and their associated pipework. One such recent project being the new 90Ml Severn Trent reservoir at Ambergate.

Iain Weir, Panton McLeod’s Chief Technical Officer has over 20 years’ field experience and can recognise best practice in project planning and delivery, “It’s quite simple, the best approach involves early stakeholder engagement and an open and collaborative working environment.“ “We live in different times now, agencies such as the EA should not be seen simply as enforcers of regulations, or as bodies who police the industry, the best projects openly invite input at the design stage from all parties.”

Mixing and THM Removal

Water Quality Support

“This allows the actual design of the project to support easier commissioning and management of discharges, we are often asked to provide engineering support during these early stages and by working as one team it is possible to reduce the cost, risk and timescale of nearly every project.”

“Over the years we have developed several bespoke systems to protect the environment in which we work, these include onsite dosing, treatment and monitoring systems but we also work with clients to reduce or ideally remove the need to discharge anything offsite during our works, in many cases we have been able to return the treated effluent to the head of the treatment works. Where we do have to disinfect or de-chlorinate waters we use dedicated in-house equipment that is capable of accurately achieving the required concentrations while constantly monitoring any discharges.”

To find out more about Panton McLeod’s work on new assets and pipelines sign up to the new “Into Supply” newsletter at go.pantonmcleod.co.uk/supply or visit www.pantonmcleod.co.uk

Emergency Response

Water Quality Engineering www.pantonmcleod.co.uk Tel : 01896 663 330

Panton McLeod to exhibit at WRc innovation day 2017 We are delighted to have been chosen to exhibit at the 2017 innovation day being held on 26th April. We hope to see you there, visit www.wrcplc.co.uk/innovation-day-2017 to book your place.

www.pantonmcleod.co.uk

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@pantonmcleod

HWM

NEW TELEMETRY DATA LOGGER IMPROVES ASSET VISIBILITY AND REDUCES TOTEX Asset monitoring specialist HWM has upgraded the industry-leading MultiLog LX with innovative added features, improving its capability.

The new MultiLog LX-2 is an advanced, low-power telemetry data logger designed with long asset life and harsh environments in mind.

The unit’s secondary channel enables enhanced investigation of events such as transient pressure spikes and provides a more accurate reading of minimum night flow.

The data logger can be programmed, and its firmware safely and reliably upgraded, remotely.

Removing the need for expensive and timeconsuming site visits helps to reduce the unit’s totex and carbon footprint.

The logger can be configured to automatically accelerate its scheduled transmission logging rate to improve asset visibility during critical alarm events.

Enhanced features, including fast logging to 25 Hz and accelerated logging during target windows, give increased asset visibility when monitoring potentially-critical events such as network bursts, improving network conditions and customer satisfaction.

As with all HWM data loggers, remote telemetry, asset management, configuration, third-party integration and export are handled seamlessly via the company’s DataGate cloud server, allowing data to be accessed at all times from any location.

New features include optional 3G network support, multiple sensor support, improved secondary fast data (25 Hz) and accelerated dial-in during alarm events.

In addition to digital flow and pressure, the types of sensor supported now include status, LNS (acoustic) and SonicSens (ultrasonic level), as well as industry-standard SDI12, Modbus and analogue (0-1V, 0-10V & 4-20mA).

agreenerlife

Balance more than just your finances By installing Wilo high efficiency pumps, not only could you cut your energy bills by up to 90%, but you would reduce your carbon footprint by several tonnes and contribute to the planting of new trees to secure all our futures for many years to come.

For more information visit www.wilo-solutions.co.uk or call 01283 523000

Go with the future today WIL101 Genral Env 115x180clr_IWJ.indd 1

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27/01/2017 09:38

WAGO

A SIMPLE SWITCH TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE

SMALLER JUST GOT STRONGER

PFC100 Controller: High performance packed into a smaller footprint

A recent Ofwat report highlighted “resilience” as a leading concern for the water industry.

For the end customer this can be interpreted to mean having access to safe, reliable, clean drinking water 100 percent of the time, with no supply interruptions. The challenge for the industry is in how to achieve it.

The recommendations in PR16 are likely to dramatically increase competition, and squeeze margins further. With reliability being one of the most important criteria for customer satisfaction, it follows that water and wastewater companies need to do their utmost to achieve maximum uptime.

There are many ways to increase reliability, but a method that’s often overlooked not just in water but across a wide range of industries is by making a simple switch in how electrical wire connections are terminated. For decades engineers and electricians have traditionally relied on screw terminals, and many still swear by them. They’re relatively cheap and easy to use, and are widely used in junction boxes and cabinets across the UK. However, screw connections will eventually become loose over time due to repeated temperature cycling, and are prone to connection failures due to vibrations and shocks.

Spring pressure connectors, which gently apply force to the wire, holding it in place without damaging it, are a low-cost way of practically eliminating screw connection failures across the water treatment plant. With tool-free operation they are up to 50 percent quicker to connect, significantly reducing wiring time and freeing up electrical engineers to concentrate on other tasks, as opposed to spending hours repeatedly tightening screws.

• Extremely compact and maintenance-free design saves control panel space • 600 MHz processing power allows seamless automation of complex industrial systems • Cost-effective configuration via e!COCKPIT engineering software • Scalable modular system ready for future challenges

Many connector variants have much stronger resistance against overcurrent, vibration and shock compared to screw connectors, significantly increasing reliability.

Maintenance-free operation means that, unlike screws, they don’t require regular re-tightening. The push-in mechanism means that the same connector can accommodate several different types of wire, such as solid, stranded or finestranded with ferrules.

Reliability has always been crucial in the water industry, but with one simple, low cost change to how wires are terminated, companies could dramatically reduce connection failures and reduce equipment downtime.

• Comprehensive on-board data security packages • Two ETHERNET interfaces for extensive compatibility • Linux® operating system • CODESYS 3 runtime system Telephone E-Mail Internet Search for

01788 568 008 ukmarketing@wago.com www.wago.com “WAGO PFC100”

WAGO Limited Visit: http://global.wago.com/uk Telephone: 01788 568008 Email: ukmarketing@wago.com

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SELWOOD

SELWOOD IS YOUR PUMPING SOLUTIONS PARTNER Quality, expertise and outstanding service Selwood is the UK’s market leader in pump rental solutions and a world leader in the development and manufacture of pumps and related equipment.

We are renowned for quality, expertise and genuine 24/7 365 days-a-year service backed by one of the country’s largest fleets of quality pump products.

Combining decades of experience with a modern, forward-thinking outlook, we are proud to deliver the very best in products and service across the water, environmental and construction industries.

We know that each customer and each project is unique. We are proud to deliver bespoke installation, site surveys and exceptional customer service from our extensive network of rental branches across the UK. We have delivered thousands of installations, from small to large scale, all with exceptional customer service. Our customers include Anglian Water, Canal & River Trust, Wessex Water, Network Rail, E-On, Dorset County Council, United Utilities, Scottish Power, Morrison Utility Services, Skanska, Tarmac and Galliford Try. We invest in our employees heavily and always ensure that our staff are trained to the highest industry standards.

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We develop our own British made diesel and hydraulic pumps for rental use worldwide and are at the forefront in utilising submersible pumps.

Selwood’s extensive product range includes: ■■

The Selwood Seltorque vortex pumps, which are the foundation on which the company’s international reputation has been built.

These ‘S Range’ pumps are available from 4” to 12”, with solids handling capabilities of up to 5” and total heads of 32m. We have just introduced the S150M, a medium head addition to Selwood’s solids handling range.

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The Selwood ‘C Range’ C150 chopper pump - the ideal solution for pumping solids, sludge and rags. Super silent options are also available.

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Our ‘D Range’ offers robust high performance pumps from 3” to 8”, particularly suitable for water companies, pump hirers and high-flow applications

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Our specialist “H Range” pumps, available from 3” to 8”, are ideal for high head de-watering, with up to 158m heads for quarrying and mining. Our ‘H Range’ also features abrasive resistant pump ends, ideal for those more arduous applications. Super silent options are available on most models.

Selwood’s pumping solutions specialists offer assistance, site surveys and advice from a nationwide network of pump rental branches.

To find your local branch, visit www.selwood.co.uk or call 03330 142 000.

Our industry is changing.

Explore the innovations and technologies that are transforming utilities.

Meet the people who are driving this change.

Water

NEC Birmingham 23rd May 2017 24th May 2017

Electricity

Gas

The essential show for essential services www.utilityweeklive.co.uk

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FEATURE: ASSET MANAGEMENT

Enterprise Enterprise Decision DecisionAnalytics Analytics

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PLASTIC PIPES

THE HEALTHY HEART OF OUR WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM Building the blocks for a long life Background The UK water industry, constantly striving for new solutions to technical and financial challenges, has pretty much tried every material or renovation option on the market.

This was particularly the case in the 1980s when major infrastructure renewal got underway in large volumes, using spray linings, cured in place linings, ductile iron, PVC, polyethylene, GRP and other options.

What we have seen is a maturing of this approach and standardisation to a tighter set of solutions.

Julia Trew

Standards Manager, BPF Pipes Group

Through a long running and successful joint initiative, the Plastics Pipes Liaison Group, members of Water UK and the BPF Pipes Group have updated and published one of the fundamental building blocks to achieving a leak-free pipeline: the specification for fusion jointing of polyethylene pipes, or WIS 4-32-08: Issue 4 “Fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems using PE80 and PE100 materials”.

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Water utilities and manufacturers are confident that well designed and well installed plastic piping systems which genuinely survive in service for more than 100 years are now a real option.

We have experience of pipes in service for more than 50 years on far inferior polymer materials to those offered today. There is a huge body of science that is now debating not just 100 years but the potential for over 200 years in some applications like drinking water supply.

We have a pipeline system which can demonstrate its value as a reliable asset, its versatility in terms of how you get it into the ground, and the ability for rapid return to service of supply infrastructure to consumers.

Through the collaboration of water industry and manufacturing, it has been possible to openly share knowledge of construction methods and failure modes: using these as a basis for optimising the solution to meet the need for a long-life asset. This has led to the recent publication of WIS 4-32-08: Issue 4 “Fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems using PE80 and PE100 materials” which provides the opportunity for pipeline installers to follow best practice and truly deliver a longlasting asset.

Polyethylene pipes already minimise leakage through reducing the number of joints required by supplying continuous lengths in coils. The solution for a pipe system that will last for more than 100 years is to have a compatible jointing system that will last just as long.

Compatible – the changes to the specification allow utilities to comply with the Public Procurement Directive by aligning requirements with the European Standard for “Plastics piping systems for water supply, and for drainage and sewerage under pressure. Polyethylene (PE)”, EN 12201. In particular, the tests used to assess the integrity of completed joints now match those used by manufacturers in type testing the products in the factory.

It is possible to measure the quality of the joint throughout the supply chain.

FEATURE: ASSET MANAGEMENT Correct – “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others” (George Orwell, Animal Farm) and so it is with products and equipment. By purchasing pipes and fittings which have been tested and certified to BS EN 12201 parts 1 to 3, the water industry is already giving itself the best possible chance of installing a pipeline system fit for the expected lifetime.

So it is when choosing welding equipment and welding services. The 4th edition of WIS 4-32-08 reflects the trend to ‘fully automatic’ machines and was released to equipment manufacturers in June 2016 to allow time for updating software to match the improved processes in the specification.

Clever – pushing together surfaces of molten polymer has great potential for a fully fused joint, or through bad alignment and insufficient pressure/time could be the weak link in the whole pipeline. After much research work into the optimal conditions for heating and cooling, this specification includes a requirement for the pipes to be held in alignment clamps at a given interface stress for the full cooling time. The cooling times and guidance for jointing at low temperatures have also been amended to offer improved joint performance and onsite resilience.

Competent – with compatible and high quality products, optimised processes and welding equipment, the final piece in the jigsaw is subject to the human factor. The updated specification seeks to clarify best practice and provides a solid foundation for the training of installers.

Plastic pipes are very much moving to standard designs for use within utility infrastructure.

They are benefiting from research and engineering which is now confidently predicting systems that can last in excess of 100 years and we can see a big picture that tells us it is worth mastering welding techniques on site to get the solutions we want.

Collaborative - the Plastics Pipes Liaison Group recently hosted a workshop to explain the improvements to WIS 4-32-08, attended by representatives from across the entire water industry.

Positive discussions around improving the quality of fusion jointing throughout the supply chain, along with required equipment changes, reflected the growing commitment of the industry to ensuring that our future water supply system is built on these strong foundations.

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R2M

MOLECOR IS TAKING OFF Approx 20 years ago MoPVC was introduced as a super strong pipeline material. It was an immediate success performing for all that time without issues.

However a few years ago manufacturers could no longer make it cost effectively so opted to concentrate on producing PE. As a result for the last few years PE & Ductile has been widely used for repairs and open cut schemes.

Since then Spanish company Molecor developed a patented method of manufacturing MoPVC which was not only cost effective but to a much higher Class 500 standard. Their unique method also allows the Socket to be formed at same time guaranteeing class 500 orientation on the socket. Socket strength is crucial to guaranteed lifetime performance of a pipeline system.

As a result Molecor Class 500 MOPVC is changing the way water companies do repairs and also offers a 3rd option when designing pipelines.

Now available in in blue and black Molecor is manufactured in accordance with ISO 16422:2014 and is supplied exclusively in the UK

by R2M Ltd. The company is now supplying R&M and larger open cut schemes all over the UK in sizes from 90-800mm dia.

Feeback from water companies has been very encouraging with comments such as ‘incredibly light but strong’, ‘so easy to lay’, ‘progress is much faster’ ‘operatives find it so easy to manoeuvre around’. No special fittings or process are required to join it so the Totex costs savings are way ahead of other materials.

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Molecors unique and patented manufacturing process is now being adopted all over the world.

Manufacturing MOPVC to Class 500 gives it a much more defined layering of the wall structure resulting in a thin walled pipe that is light in weight and yet so robust it is almost indestructible.

Many water companies invited R2M to explain the benefits of Class 500 MOPVC to their “New Products Committee.” They were sufficiently impressed to carry out their own tests on the pipe material followed by trial installations for R & M & open cut projects.

It was reported back that installations were straight forward and there was less chance of injuries associated with heavier materials such as PE and Ductile Iron.

Response times for repairs were greatly improved and the cost savings were significant.

Moving forward water companies are now asking their Tier 1 contractors to identify open cut schemes and use Molecor pipe for new installations. Many large contractors are now realising the benefits and the feedback is all positive. As one contractor recently told us ‘We installed 300m of 400mm Molecor in a day and a half.…unheard of’!

Confidence in the product is growing and it is becoming clear that for R& M and open cut, Molecor is becoming the pipe of choice as more projects are being laid with this super strong Class 500 Pipe.

FEATURE: ASSET MANAGEMENT

& Molecor Class 500 MOPVC pipe from R2M Stocked and Distributed exclusively by R2M

• DWI Reg 31 and WRAS certified.

• Manufactured to highest Class 500 orientation.

• Largest Range: 90mm to 800mm.

• Highest Pressures: 12.5 bar, 16 bar, 20 bar & 25bar.

• Guaranteed Socket: Socket formed on initial orientation, ensuring Class 500 strength.

Socket strength is integral to longevity of any pipeline.

• Integral Sockets: Easy push-fit with integral seal. Can be achieved manually up to 315mm.

• International Standards: Manufactured in accordance to BS ISO16422:2014.

• Lightest Pipe: Class 500 pipe ensures both strength and lightness. Saving costs on mechanical lifting equipment and improving health & safety on site.

• Carbon Footprint: Thinner wall equals lower raw materials, resulting in lowest carbon footprint.

• Extremely robust: Eliminating crack propagation and making pipe almost indestructible.

Unit 6, Metcalf Drive, Altham Industrial Estate, Accrington BB5 5TU T: 01282 778030 sales@r2mltd.co.uk www.r2mltd.co.uk instituteofwater.org.uk

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BENNING UK

HOW MODULAR TOPOLOGY ENSURES MAXIMUM AVAILABILITY FOR CRITICAL SYSTEMS A water utility failure will rapidly lead to serious problems for its hundreds of thousands if not millions of users – and a modern utility’s availability depends critically on the uninterrupted service from many electrical and electronic systems distributed across its sites.

As diverse as these systems are, they all share a requirement for clean, uninterrupted power to perform their role successfully.

Additionally, as utilities confront these realities, they must do so using power protection solutions that offer the highest possible availability along with the lowest possible energy consumption and personnel costs.

Rackmount modular technology One way of achieving this is to use power protection and conversion systems employing rackmount modular topology. This approach, particularly in the form of UPSs, is becoming increasingly popular in industrial applications.

Standalone mono-block systems, typically without redundancy, that offer inadequate levels of availability are being replaced by modular solutions that, when implemented by experienced industrial power protection providers like Benning, deliver the dual benefits of high availability and low total cost of ownership.

Availability is maximised by increasing mean time between failures (MTBF) and reducing mean time to repair (MTTR). Modular topology, achieves both by using N+1 parallel redundancy and ‘hot swap’ modules.

Figure 1 shows a parallel redundant module configuration, where a total UPS capacity of 160 kW supports a 120 kW load. If one 40 kW module fails, the remaining three continue to support the load, without interruption, until the faulty module is replaced. It shows an N+1 redundant configuration, where N = 3.

Additionally, a hot swap module can be repaired by exchange within minutes rather than the hours needed to repair a mono-block system in situ. This significant reduction in the system’s MTTR increases the system availability by a factor of 10.

Rack-mounted modular technology also reduces both capital and operating costs (CAPEX and OPEX). Because the ‘hot swap’ of modules allows quick, simple and incremental UPS capacity changes, the UPS can be easily right-sized to run on the optimum part of its efficiency curve – and re-sized if the site load ever changes.

This future-proofs the system and reduces OPEX by minimising power losses and cooling costs.

CAPEX is minimised by eliminating expenditure on unnecessary UPS capacity.

Furthermore, modular technology offers cost-savings by minimising maintenance costs, reducing the need for site engineer training and simplifying spare parts holdings.

Utility implementations Benning implements this topology using industrial grade, high quality modular DC power, AC inverter and UPS back-up systems.

Components are over-specified, which greatly extends the system’s operating life and any required mix of rectifiers, inverters, static switch & DC/DC modules can be deployed within bespoke systems cabinets to perfectly fit the requirements of each application and customer.

The result ideally suits the utility sector, which demands very high power availability, low running costs, industrial build quality and long design life solutions. For harsh or dirty environments with a high risk of subjecting equipment to water and dust ingress, IP protection from IP20 to IP54 is available.

Fig.1: Redundant module configuration

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These industrial grade power protection components and systems find their way into many utility applications, including: ■■

Safety and control systems

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Telemetry and communications systems

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Emergency pump or valve/actuator systems

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Switch tripping applications

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Instrumentation systems

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Quality monitoring and control systems

WFW case study example The Wasserversorgung Fränkischer Wirtschaftsraum (WFW) site modernisation project provides a good example of why Benning’s approach is so well-suited to water utility applications. Based in Bavaria, the association is responsible for water to approximately 1.3 million people over a 3,400 km2 area. WFW’s initial interest in Benning arose because of the high quality of products offered, their expertise in modern system design and extremely competent customer service. WFW was also impressed with the business’s broad portfolio of well-known water companies.

However, Benning’s technical response to WFW’s specific challenges was of critical importance.

The site included the Feldheim hydropower plant, whose energy supply can be restored independently of the national grid during a power blackout. Additionally, the submersible pumps within WFW’s Genderkingen waterworks must continue to receive uninterrupted power during a mains power failure.

In these contexts, WFW required plant availability and efficiency to be maximised. To achieve the necessary power supply bridging, they favoured a modular N+1 redundant scheme.

This would ensure that a component failure would not cause a power loss. WFW also required ‘hot swap’ capability to help reduce the time necessary for maintenance and service.

In response, Benning designed a solution comprising Tebechop 3000 HDI modular rectifiers feeding Invertronic compact modular inverters.

These were assembled into a custom enclosure, in which the Invertronic inverters can provide an output of up to 8,800 VA. The Tebechop rectifiers also feed a two string, 335Ah battery system to provide a back-up time of 12 hours.

FEATURE: ASSET MANAGEMENT This two string design ensures the systems have back-up even during battery maintenance. A remote monitoring system, allowing visualisation of system conditions and optional connection into larger monitoring resources, has also been provided.

The project’s success owed much to Benning’s support from start to finish as well as their products and technology. After developing a system concept optimally tailored to the needs of the application, its local branch responded quickly to WFW requests; they managed the integration of the AC and DC distribution systems, with components from other suppliers, into the system design.

Overall, WFW found that the organisation’s project planning was excellent, with comprehensive approval documentation and a common-sense approach.

The Benning DC and AC power system started operation just a few weeks after delivery. WFW has noted that in addition to its high availability and energy efficiency, the installation offers flexibility together with scalability. They have seen that the modular design, combined with the rectifier and inverter hot swap plug-and-play capability, increases system availability and significantly reduces operating costs.

Conclusion WFW’s site modernisation project is one example of how water utility installations can benefit from industrial-grade modular power protection systems. The user’s ability to swap out modules within minutes ensures a very high level of power system availability, while considering redundancy in the design ensures that a component failure does not lead to power loss.

Modularity also facilitates reduced costs, due to better electrical efficiency, lower CAPEX costs and minimised training requirements.

Benning has helped many water utilities to benefit from the modular concept, by implementing it with industrial-grade, overspecified components integrated into enclosures and solutions developed specifically to customers’ requirements.

These system deliverables are complemented

by Benning’s start-to-finish project support, extending from the early design phase of the products, through to manufacturing, FAT, delivery, offload and positioning, installation, SAT, commissioning and training.

A comprehensive service and maintenance contract ensures that the system life is maximised through preventative maintenance regimes.

[One of the ‘hot swap’ modules being removed on one of Benning’s modular UPS Systems, the Enertronic Modular SE.]

WORLD CLASS POWER SOLUTIONS

Making sure that water works.

MODULAR POWER PROTECTION SYSTEMS FOR THE WATER INDUSTRY

Benning designs, manufactures, installs and supports industrial grade modular power protection solutions that deliver class-leading availability and lowest total cost of ownership.

Contact us today Benning UK | 0118 973 1506 | benninguk.com

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AQUAM

INDUSTRY FIRST AS AQUAM TAKES LEAD LINING TO THE TAP In a first for the water industry, Aquam has undertaken a programme of lead pipe lining works for Yorkshire Water that goes right up to the customer’s tap.

There is a requirement for water companies to reduce the levels of lead found in drinking water to below10μg/l, in accordance with European water quality legislation.

However, while utilities have responsibility for service pipes up to the boundary of the customer’s land, lead pipes on the customer side are privately owned.

“Our trials and data analysis show that the seamless switch to stable temporary supply offered by the Overland Service Vehicle can make a quantifiable budgetary impact. Use of the OSV in reactive deployment trials elsewhere have resulted in ODI savings of hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Aquam consultant Roman Boryslawskyj said, “As well as inconveniencing householders and customers, the financial penalties for utilities failing to achieve their targets on the Reliable Water Index can be immense. Each second over target can attract £85k of penalty.

PU coating applied to the lead pipe has proved to repair small holes in the pipes, impacting on water leakage in addition to lead leaching

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Reduced need to dose certain chemicals during the treatment process

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As the current pipe is refurbished there is no longer a requirement to use plastic pipe, which has resulted in fewer plastic pipes been produced and less pipe being wasted.

Steve Taylor, innovation technician at Yorkshire Water said, “The Serline lead pipe lining has gone very well to date. We have three lining rigs deployed in Rotherham and by using the Aquam Overland Supply Vehicle we can work onsite all day with minimal disruption to customers’ supplies.

In a trial supported by Ofwat, Yorkshire Water is undertaking the relining of lead pipes in 1,000 council-owned properties. Aquam was identified as the ideal partner to carry out the works, due to its package of the Overland Supply Vehicle (OSV) and Serline advanced pipelining system, which is available to utilities.

A seamless service for the rapid refurbishment of lead pipes is provided, while customers and the community remain largely unaffected.

■■

[Service pipes can be cleaned and lined through a newly installed manifold service mounted (MSM) meter box without the need for additional excavations.]

More efficient Based on an initial lining contract with Yorkshire Water for 2,000 communication pipes, the system has proved to be around 80% more efficient than open-cutting trenches on busy main roads, resulting in a dramatic reduction of open excavations outside customers’ houses and reducing traffic hold-ups in built-up areas during works.

“We have been lining right into the main without excavation on the ferrules, though the stop tap and from the stop tap to the property.

In Rotherham this has reduced the number of excavations and made the civils works safer.”

Aquam’s Serline system has delivered over 12,000 lead linings for UK water companies to date. The trial with Yorkshire Water in Rotherham, which began in October 2016, will continue to March 2017.

Yorkshire Water has also identified the following environmental benefits:

[Cleaning and lining systems are delivered onsite in Rotherham.]

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■■

Reduction of 1,876m3 (188 lorry loads) of excavated material going to landfill and the equivalent in backfill material

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Size of each excavation reduced by an average of 80%, cutting carbon footprint

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Noise pollution reduced dramatically as the time spent outside customers’ properties with plant was cut by 80%

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Construction method much less intrusive than traditional methods, vastly reducing pollution risk

[Water is continuously supplied whilst the service pipes to the rear of the houses are lined.in Rotherham.]

ELIQUO HYDROK

THE HYDROSLIDE ROLE IN THE LOUTH FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME The market town of Louth, on the River Lud, has suffered from flooding on many occasions, most recently in 2007. Consultants Atkins was commissioned to conduct a feasibility study into the viability of a flood defence scheme.

The initial stages identified a preferred design with the construction of two online flood storage areas; the brief from this point was to develop their outline design. The maximum allowable outflow (to prevent flooding) for each storage area had been calculated as a part of the preceding hydrological study, and therefore was known at the start of the design. The exact volume of storage, being dependent on the method of controlling flows, had at this stage been calculated assuming no additional flows were impounded.

Conversely, low storage can be achieved through the use of a mechanical and electrical setups, however these would have significant maintenance costs and potential reliability issues.

The control structure design of the project required a balance of two factors: maintenance and storage. Using options with no moving parts (fixed weir, orifice, vortex type flow control etc.), which solely limit the flow, result in increased storage, but are able to offer very low maintenance costs.

The other advantage of the HydroSlide is that it is adjustable by up to 30% during an event (via a spindle) to increase or reduce flows as required.

This means that if the actual downstream maximum allowable flow is found to be different than that predicted by the mathematical model due to insufficient data, a change in the

Accepting some moving parts, and therefore some maintenance, allowed the Eliquo Hydrok HydroSlide to be considered. A HydroSlide consists of see-saw on a pivot with a plate at one end and a float as the counter balance at the other. As the water level increases the float rises causing the plate to close across the orifice opening and restricting outflow . Although it has a moving part, the discharge curve holds tightly to the optimum discharge, plus or minus five percent.

structures, or a blockage, the problem could be overcome without having to wait for the flood to subside. The ability to provide the more refined level of flow control, with relatively little maintenance, and the advantage of postconstruction in-event adjustment led to the HydroSlide being adopted.

To discuss how the Eliquo Hydrok HydroSlide solutions contact Dave Armstrong 01726 861900, dave.armstrong@eliquohydrok.co.uk Extract from a paper by David Scopes IEng MICE, Engineer at Atkins Ltd, Peterborough

HYDROSLIDE RIVERS FLOW CONTROL REGULATORS A proven cost effective technique for controlling flows

HydroSlides can be configured to provide varying ‘stepped’ flow rates for discharge.

and alleviating flooding Maximises permissible downstream flows Adjustable to ± 30 % from design flow Minimises upstream storage through constant discharge Simplifying design and construction of dam structures Manufactured to meet any design requirements

www.eliquohydrok.co.uk I T 01726 861 900

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Improving customer experience with online communication and data sharing tools By designing bespoke online tools, ITS Stonbury have steered customer communication to fit the social media culture of today, maintaining customer interaction whilst building rapport and satisfaction through offering a fitting and efficient means of customer communication. Customers are informed at an early stage, kept updated throughout works and are even able to voice their opinions and ask questions - which has shown a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction.

This software is easily utilised by any customer facing organisation and can offer and reap the mutual benefits of a customer-centric innovation, taking interactive communication and satisfaction to a whole new level. intouch raises the bar and opens a completely different approach to the SupplierCustomer relationship in a generation where anything but slick, quick and effective delivery and exchange of information will rapidly become a thing of the past.

inprogress - keeps clients

intouch - get your

assetsafe - get a handle

informed and engaged without site visits.

customers onside and then keep them there.

your assets and make them work harder.

Keeping your clients regularly updated on the progress of your works, is a challenge. Client visits to site accompanied by endless email threads and phone calls are expensive in terms of time and organisational effort. Bringing your project team together in one place at one time, is becoming less and less feasible logistically.

Building a lasting and trusted customer brand is key for the success of your business, when your works are surrounded by busy communities, whose day-today existence is unavoidably disrupted.

Dialogue with these communities can be poor and customers feel they do not have a voice. This leads to reputational damage and spiralling complaint levels that cost you time and money to resolve.

Every organisation wants to deliver optimum value to its customers, its shareholders and its investors by “sweating its assets to the max”.

But you can’t sweat it if you don’t know you have it, where it is and what condition it’s in – and so your business performance (as well as your credibility to external bodies and stakeholders) can suffer.

intouch slashes these risks at a stroke, in one rapidly deployable community portal. Designed specifically for large, public-facing enterprises, it enables you to connect with a large number of customers directly, obtain their feedback on your works and their impact, handle their objections and monitor and respond to burgeoning issues. A customer complaint becomes a positive experience, driving up customer satisfaction and building a brand they can trust.

assetsafe puts you back in control of your assets, in one rapidly deployable portal. It’s a secure online asset database, visible to your team from any PC or mobile device, that maps an asset it to its location and all its critical associated information. This covers not only asset records, maintenance, programme works, and audit trails, but the photos and videos that add indispensable visual

inprogress solves the entire problem in one rapidly deployable client portal. Developed to enable your clients and all critical stakeholders, to follow the progress of works, comment on them and receive responses and updates remotely from their web enabled device. inprogress allows users to update visual and technical detail via an interactive platform for the discussion of the works and their consequences, allowing slick and effective management of project communication.

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clues as to the state, availability and deployability of every asset.

Learn more at www.itsstonbury.co.uk

clean water

waste water

steel

concrete

civil engineering

INDUSTRY LEADERS IN THE REFURBISHMENT OF WATER RETAINING STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED ASSETS

REFURBISHMENT: RESERVOIRS - WATER TOWERS - CONCRETE/STEEL TANKS & VESSELS - DAMS - SPILLWAYS AQUEDUCTS - PIPE BRIDGES - PIPEWORK - CLEAN WATER & SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS NEW BUILD: CONCRETE/ STEEL TANKS & VESSELS WORKS: INSPECTION SURVEY - RELINING SPECIALIST COATINGS - CORROSION PROTECTION WATERPROOFING - CONCRETE REPAIR - CLEANING & CHLORINATION DESIGN/INSTALL: SECURITY WORKS INC LPC4 ACCESS COVERS - ACCESS LADDERS, HANDRAILS & WALKWAYS - SURGE VESSELS - SUPPLY/INSTALLATION M&E WORKS CIVIL ENGINEERING: DEEP EXCAVATION - STREETWORKS - DEMOLITION - INTERNAL, EXTERNAL & UNDERGROUND PIPEWORK - VALVES - DRAINAGE - RETAINING WALLS - ACCESS ROADS, HARD STANDING & PARKING AREAS CABINETS - SMALL BUILDING INSTALLATION - DEMOLITION - FLOOR SLABS & SCREEDS

Head Office: Chawston House, Chawston Lane, Chawston, Bedfordshire, MK44 3BH t 01234 750924 e enquiries@stonbury.co.uk www.stonbury.com instituteofwater.org.uk 75

HUBER TECHNOLOGY

SUPPLYING ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS HUBER Technology has won a contract to supply their industry leading ROTAMAT® Ro3 Sludge Acceptance Screens to one of the UK’s largest Wastewater Treatment Works.

After a rigorous tendering process, HUBER Technology has been awarded a contract to supply three large sludge screens which will form part of a new state-of the-art sludge treatment and anaerobic digestion facility in the North of England. The new facility will replace the existing sludge and bio-solid incinerator and enable the more efficient and effective treatment of sewage combined with the additional benefit of renewable power production from the waste water effluent.

The robust ROTAMAT® Ro3 Sludge Acceptance Plant is well proven within the UK Water Industry with nearly 500 units supplied.

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At the heart of every ROTAMAT® Ro3 Sludge Acceptance Plant is the ROTAMAT® Ro1 fine screen, which is manufactured completely in stainless steel and offers high removal efficiency and a low head loss. The main advantage of this unit is the integrated screenings press.

The ROTAMAT® Ro1 fine screen, with its rugged construction is cleaned by tines passing through the bars of the screen. The integrated screenings press transports the screenings out of the container, dewaters them, reduces them in volume and finally discharges them into a skip.

In addition, the screenings are washed and the press water is returned downstream of the screen. As a result, the screenings are clean and can be disposed of as landfill. The whole cleaning process takes place in a closed system avoiding odour annoyance outside.

The efficiency and rugged construction of this type of sludge acceptance plant is able to cope with throughputs up to 230 m3/h and has proved its reliability in every day operation.

The unit is the best-selling machine of its type in the UK. Compact construction, together with intelligent technology provides the conditions for continuous operation - day after day, year after year.

The ROTAMAT® Ro3 Sludge Acceptance Plants are designed and built as a packaged item of plant.

For more information please contact us Tel. 01249 765000 or www.huber.co.uk

HWM

HWM’S PRESSURE CONTROLLER HELPS BOURNEMOUTH WATER REDUCE LEAKAGE AND BURSTS Pegasus+ saves 1 Ml/d and cuts bursts by 54% The Pegasus+ pressure control system from multiutility monitoring and telemetry specialist HWM has helped Bournemouth Water (BW) reduce leakage by 1 Ml/d and achieve short-duration burst reductions of 54 per cent.

The pressure controller is responding directly to data recorded by HWM loggers at critical points (CPs) in the network and adjusting the delivery pressure. Phase one of the project has been completed, resulting in 17 new Pegasus+ installations.

Phase two, currently undergoing commissioning and delivering predicted savings, will see another 62 units installed.

There were several reasons why BW chose HWM as the supplier for the project: ■■

C P modulation - Pegasus+’s ability to control the delivery pressure of the pressure management valve, based upon always achieving 20m at the CP within the district metered area (DMA).

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T ime control - Tables built within the controller allow for specific time intervals during a day, week, month or year to control pressure at specific settings.

For example, at peak demand, opening the valve slightly more than during low demand, when the valve could be throttled down.

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S upplier confidence - BW has a long history of working with HWM and was reassured by the available support and product quality.

BW knows that, if problems arise, HWM will be on hand to provide the necessary support to resolve the issue.

■■

alue for money - HWM supplies a product V capable of achieving the required level of control to help with good pressure management. Pegasus+ offers the same level of advanced technology as more expensive rivals.

Having traditionally adopted pressure management measures only in areas with existing high pressure, BW decided to use pressure management to reduce leakage across parts of its distribution network.

BW’s models showed that extensive pressure management could take place at DMA level and predicted potential savings and benefits that included: leakage reduction; overall volume savings leading to reduced production costs; reduced short-duration bursts; and extended asset life for the ageing network.

WATER PROCESS SOLUTIONS

ENCORE® 700 - PRECISION DOSING, BUILT TO LAST A need for robust, reliable and consistently high performing chemical dosing systems has never been greater within our treatment industry.

With reliable, high performing long life assets, operators can turn attention to forward planning and innovation for continual gains and wider treatment advances.

The Encore®700 diaphragm and plunger metering pumps are a solid, no risk step in this advancement. Proven to operate decades in service, consistently delivering high metering performance across a vast array of chemicals it stands proud among its peers in today’s choices of chemical metering pumps.

Supplied and supported from Water Process Solutions in Kent, the pumps are configured specifically to suit each application - this ranges from simple water metering through classic treatment chemicals such as poly, lime, alum, hypo, caustic, ammonia and acids to perhaps less obvious fluids such as hydrazine, oil and vinegar.

The Encore®700 is a non loss motion pump, it is driven by a rotating crankshaft, where the eccentricity can be smoothly adjusted during operation.

There are no return springs, and the diaphragm or plunger moves with a simple harmonic motion. The fluid velocity profile is sinusoidal at all stroke lengths; adjusting stroke length simply alters the amplitude of the sine wave. This

design allows pump valves to operate with far greater efficiency and minimal system vibration. This design and build quality enables metering precision, reliability and longevity.

The Encore®700 can be configured to dose a wide range of chemicals with capacities of 2500 l/h and Plunger discharge pressures capable of 200 bar. Please contact us here at Water Process Solutions to discuss how the Encore®700 can benefit your metering application.

Contact us: aran.bray@waterprocesssolutions.com +44 (0) 7557363728

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AVK

AVK UK LIMITED HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED TO SUPPLY VALVES AND HYDRANTS ON TWO SCHEMES FOR END CLIENT SCOTTISH WATER

[Amlaird Pipeline gets ready for first connections]

The schemes, Gorbals (Corsehouse) Pumping Station for contractor ABV Alliance (Amey, Black & Veatch JV) and Caledonia Water Alliance, (CWA) Morrison Utility Services, AECOM) respectively has a combined value to AVK UK of approximately £1.5m.

Gorbals (Corsehouse) consists of the construction of a new Pumping Station and tie-ins to three existing service reservoirs at Drumboy, South Moorehouse, Thornlibank and Amlaird Treatment Works and is part of the £120m Ayrshire Improvement Scheme. It began late 2015 with a project completion date of April 2017 and has a value to AVK UK Limited of approximately £1.2m.

Wilson McPhail

Country Manager for Scotland & Ireland T:+44 (0) 7515 576658 E:wimc@avkuk.co.uk www.avkuk.co.uk

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Over 200 valves on the Gorbals (Corsehouse) scheme have been supplied and include: ■■

ate Valves (including Gearbox, Electric G Actuators and Ancillary Equipment)

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Recoil Check Valves

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Flow Control Valves

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Air Valves

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Ball Valves

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Hydrants

Sizes range from DN25 up to DN1000mm with pressure ranges from PN16 and PN25.

AVK UK has been working closely with the ABV engineers and the project manager for the scheme from January 2016 to support and recognise any potential value engineering solutions.

As a result of this AVK UK provided calculations to change the design from originally specified conventional NRV’s to Recoil Check Valve (reducing a risk of a surge by up to 90%).

This was achieved by utilising support from design engineers from AVK UK Limited’s sister company Glenfield Valves Limited.

Close collaboration between AVK UK Limited’s Project Manager for the scheme, Wilson McPhail, and the ABV Project Managers and designers has been key to ensuring that the valves and hydrants are ‘fit for purpose’ and on site at the right time.

FEATURE: ASSET MANAGEMENT He explained, “ We have been working with the ABV designers over the past several months to select optimum valves including: Flow Control Valves, Recoil Check Valves for pump protection/ surge prevention and a number large actuated Gate Valves.

We have used our Glenfield office (Prestwick), to offer technical support to ABV from our design engineers who have supplied surge calculations, performance curves and other technical documentation including drawings to support our technical offering.

This was key to giving ABV the peace of mind to allow them to progress onto the manufacturing and construction phase.

Our Kilmarnock assembly and distribution facility was also used to ensure that initial critical delivery dates on phase one were met by using their stock of DN900 Gate Valves and fitting actuators and gearboxes in just a few weeks which allowed ABV to start some early tie-in work and ensuring they met their initial delivery commitment.”

[Building work starts on the new Corsehouse Pumping Station]

AVK UK also faced a logistical challenge with there being five different sites for this one scheme, it meant that AVK UK and the ABV team had to ensure all deliveries were suitable for each of the five different sites, this included consideration of vehicle restrictions, site access, offloading facilities and other specific delivery rules for each of the five sites.

AVK UK continue to work closely with ABV having daily contact and site meetings, this service will continue right through to the commissioning stage and until the project is handed over to Scottish Water.

The Amlaird Pipeline is 13-Mile strategic pipeline running from Newton Mearns to the Fenwick/ Waterside area for Scottish Water. The pipeline is being laid by the Caledonia Water Alliance. AVK UK Limited has been commissioned to supply valves for the pipeline and has an approximate value of £320k.

The Construction of the first phase started in early 2016 the £120 million investment by Scottish Water in its drinking water network; this will benefit more than 200,000 people and businesses in much of Ayrshire and parts of East Renfrewshire. The expected completion date is in April 2017.

The route of the first phase section of water main is being constructed mainly through farmland and open moorland. It starts at Waulkmill Glen Reservoir in the north and goes south via Drumboy Hill, close to the M77 and A77 to Amlaird Water Treatment Works near Fenwick with branches to the South Moorhouse and Corsehouse water treatment works.

AVK UK Limited has supplied 69 valves on the Amlaird Pipeline and include: ■■

9 x DN900 Metal Seated Gate Valves, PN16

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5 x DN900 Metal Seated Gate Valves, PN25

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5 x DN1000 Metal Seated Gate Valves, PN16

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50+ Air Valves, Gate Valves and Hydrants

The pipeline had a tight delivery program, through working closely with CWA, AVK UK supplied and worked to a delivery schedule with numerous ‘milestone dates’ giving regular updates to both CWA and Scottish Water and successfully managing to deliver the valves early.

AVK UK supported and value engineered design alterations on all valves with the integral bypass arrangement being specially altered for this project to satisfy site-specific requirements.

This was accepted after the submittal of GA Drawings to ensure it met with the designers’ expectations and approval. This demonstrated the flexibility and willingness of AVK UK and its designers to offer customer and site-specific solutions.

AVK UK worked closely with the CWA designers over a number of months to carefully select and locate the Air Valves across the 13-mile pipeline route using their unique Air Valve sizing software.

Once each location and size was agreed by both AVK and CWA, a final report was signed and submitted by AVK UK to CWA was also used by alliance designer AECOM as part of their final hydraulic analysis.

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HWM

HWM TO SUPPLY SEVERN TRENT WITH WASTEWATER MONITORING SYSTEMS Project thought to be largest of its kind anywhere in the world.

Multi-utility monitoring and telemetry specialist HWM, in partnership with field services expert Enviromontel, has won a contract to supply, install and maintain fixed-point sewer network monitoring equipment for Severn Trent (ST).

In what is thought to be the largest project of its kind, ST is targeting better monitoring of its wastewater networks in order to improve performance and customer service, as well as reduce flooding and pollution incidents.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, ST decided that HWM offered the greatest overall value and was best able to help ST achieve its strategic objectives. HWM is due to provide three separate products over a five-year period, all based on the company’s new Intelligens data logger: ■■

7 00 Intelligens Flow monitoring systems, capable of recording parameters such as velocity and depth.

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3 ,000 Intelligens WW and SonicSens ultrasonic sensors, used to record the level of flow.

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1 ,130 Intelligens Flood Alarm systems, which register that the level in the sewer has risen beyond an acceptable height and transmit an alarm.

The intrinsically-safe (ATEX Zone 0) Intelligens is housed in a rugged IP68 enclosure and fitted with a GPRS modem for remote monitoring and reprogramming. The unit’s advanced power management allows for over five years’ data collection and transmission under standard operating conditions.

An alarm regime can be configured for each channel and threshold conditions set to trigger faster logging and accelerated data transmission during alarm conditions.

The data logger and associated interfaces are compatible with a variety of sensors including Doppler-effect velocity, hydrostatic depth, ultrasonic level, radar level and digital inputs from rain gauges or float alarms. This allows HMW to offer complete monitoring systems suitable for permanent or temporary flow surveys, level monitoring or flood level alarm.

Typical applications for the equipment include foul, combined and storm water sewers, as well as adopted private sewer monitoring, but it can also be used for open channel or outflow monitoring. The benefits of long-term monitoring in wastewater networks include a reduction in both the frequency and impact of pollution events. Permanent installation of remote monitoring equipment helps to alert network operators to immediate problem sites. It also improves understanding of network performance and delivers data to assist with the development and testing of advanced network models.

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN TRAINING SESSION PUTS HARMONICS ON THE MENU Lunchtime training session gives water industry staff the essentials on harmonics and how to deal with them.

Four topics are covered:

ABB has created a Lunch ‘n’ Learn training session to offer a short introduction to harmonics and their effects.

The training is one of many services offered as part of ABB’s 20+20 vision for improving customer outcomes in the water industry.

Under Ofwat’s latest Asset Management Plan, AMP6, water companies are being encouraged to re-focus attention away from the traditional area of spending less on capital and towards a total expenditure, or TOTEX, approach.

This places more emphasis on controlling operational and maintenance costs.

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Stuart Foster, UK & IE water industry manager - drives & controls, ABB Limited, says: “Harmonics can raise maintenance and repair costs, so keeping harmonics and their damaging effects in check should be a priority for water companies. The lunchtime learning session is a convenient way to ensure staff are made fully aware of this essential subject.”

Ideal for people with a basic knowledge of electrical installations, the sessions last no longer than 45 minutes and can be held at customer premises or at an ABB facility.

The session covers the causes and effects of harmonic distortion, as well as how to avoid or mitigate them.

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The fundamentals of harmonics

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Mitigation techniques

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Dealing with a mixture of single and threephase harmonics

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The latest G5/4-1 recommendations and how they affect harmonic management

Knowing how to mitigate harmonics is a vital aspect of avoiding their worst effects.

Mitigation techniques covered on the course will include chokes, transformers, active supply units, active filters and passive filters.

Companies interested in booking a course for their staff should email energy@gb.abb.co.uk, call 07000 DRIVES (that’s 07000 374837), or visit ABB’s dedicated harmonics website: http://new.abb.com/uk/campaigns/watertotex/water-harmonics

SMITH FLOW CONTROL LTD

REMOTE VALVE OPERATOR EASES WATER AND WASTEWATER PROCESSES FlexiDrive controls valves up to 30 metres away The FlexiDrive from Smith Flow Control helps workers in the water and wastewater industry remotely operate valves in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.

The FlexiDrive’s linear drive cable transfers torque from a handwheel to any conventional wheel-operated valve up to 30 metres away, accommodating 540 degree bends in the cable run.

FlexiDrive can be used in the most extreme climates, making it suitable for water and wastewater applications.

Valves in underground pits that create a risk of falling, or in areas with odours from chemicals or waste, can be operated from a safe location.

A submersible version of FlexiDrive is available that operates valves in up to 15 metres of water.

FlexiDrive is completely maintenance-free and available in two sizes to accommodate large and small valves.

HEAVY DUTY CHOPPER PUMPS AND MIXERS PTS - Submersible Chopper Pump

Heavy duty submersible chopping pumps, ideal for applications that require a preliminary chopping of the solid material suspended in the liquid being pumped.

TBM - Submersible Mixer

Horizontal, submersible mixers for mixing and homogenizing processes in sewage treatment plants. The design, construction and use of propellers with a self-cleaning profile are a guarantee of durability and efficiency.

01630 647200 Institute of Water.indd 1

www.ttpumps.com 31/01/2017 12:38:21

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SOURCE ONE ENVIRONMENTAL

FITTING A ROUND PEG INTO A SQUARE HOLE

[A Pipe Doctor no-dig repair patch was prepared to bond the pipe to the culvert]

Connecting a round pipe to a square box culvert in Whitehaven recently posed a challenge for contractors MetroRod Cumbria, as traditional methods couldn’t be used.

Instead, flexible Pipe Doctor no-dig patch repair and Sealguard II grout products, both supplied by Source One Environmental (S1E), were used to create a reliable joint.

“The run-off from this particular location was to a sensitive water course, so our repair had to be environmentally-friendly, causing no contamination, and therefore we couldn’t simply concrete the pipe in” stated Steve Oakes, Metrorod Cumbria owner and MD. Tony Hickman, Technical Sales Manager of S1E, volunteered to attend site with the Metrorod team to develop a solution together. “When we arrived, we found groundwater flooding from the culvert over the garden of a brand-new property on a development site,” commented Tony.

“The Metrorod team discovered various issues to be resolved, but found that the leakage was because the original pipe was not properly connected in to the culvert.”

The culvert was a 400mm wide x 500mm high oblong shape. The original pipe was of vitrified clay but the upper section was to be replaced with 300mm diameter twin wall, which would need connecting directly to the culvert. A Pipe Doctor patch was wrapped around a 300-400mm packer and inserted into the pipe and the pipe was then placed in position. The packer was then pushed further through the pipe into the culvert and then inflated, while timber was used to pack the culvert into a 400mm square.

“The packer will inflate to 300mm to push the patch against the inside of the 300mm pipe.

Where it leaves the pipe, and has more space, it will continue to inflate to 400mm to bond against each side of the now-square culvert,” explained Tony.

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“It is not uncommon for Pipe Doctor patches to be used as an adaptor between two different sized pipes or other conduits. This method leaves a smooth internal bore within the pipe, with a gentle taper between one size and the other. In this case, I drilled holes into the pipe so that the patch created a mechanical lock with the pipe in addition to its chemical bond to the internal surface,” he continued.

[The Pipe Doctor patch & packer were inserted into the pipe, then positioned, for ease of installation]

Once the patch had cured, the packer was deflated and removed, leaving the pipe bonded into position. Some water was still leaking from the corners of the square culvert around the circular pipe and the SealGuard II product was used here to seal up these voids.

SealGuard II is a high-performance hydrophobic polyurethane grout, designed to swiftly stop high flow water ingress. It can be injected into flowing water of up to 3 litres per second and reacts in under 3 seconds.

[Sealguard II was used to fill up the remaining voids between the square culvert and round pipe]

“Despite there still being a fairly high level of water, we stopped the flow within seconds and repaired all leaks within a minute,” said Tony.

Metrorod attended site the following day to complete the works. The adjoining downstream pipe was installed, using a patch to connect it to the pipe fitted the previous day. A hole was drilled within this pipe for easy insertion and removal of the packer and an inspection chamber added to this hole once the patching connection was complete.

“The repair we created has channelled the water flow properly, with no chance of any leaks.

The products we used are durable so we know we won’t need to make any further repairs any time soon. Tony’s knowledge on-site was a great help to finding a solution that worked,” commented Steve.

[The final repair saw the water channelled properly, with no leaks]

STEVE VICK INTERNATIONAL

SUPPLYING AUTOMATIC PIPE CUTTING MACHINES TO SRI LANKA Steve Vick International (SVI) has supplied two N450 Keel Cutters to Megatech (Pvt) Ltd, their agent in Sri Lanka, for use by the island’s Water Resource Board.

The machines are designed to automatically cut steel, cast iron, ductile iron, plastic and other types of pipes.

SVI are the exclusive worldwide supplier of Keel Cutters. The machines track automatically around the circumference of the pipe wall at a cutting speed of approximately 140mm per minutes.

The Water Resource Board will be using the machines for cutting pipes from 150mm to 700mm diameter. Mr Senarath of Megeatech says, “Compared with other methods of pipe cutting, such as manual cutting or pneumatic machines, Keel Cutters are especially suitable for cutting under water, when repairing damaged pipes in operation and where there are a large number of cuts.”

An important feature of the machines is that, if required, they can accurately bevel the edge of ductile iron and steel pipes whilst tracking around the pipe, enabling easier welding and coupling.

A larger model, the N600, is available to cut and bevel pipes from 250mm up to 1600mm at a speed of up to 100mm per minute.

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MaNuFacTuRERs & suppliERs OF valvEs, FiTTiNgs & siTE sOluTiONs FOR ThE uk & glOBal waTER, wasTE waTER & gas iNdusTRiEs

PO BOX 5, Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 3UD www.gavalves.co.uk

GA Valves are manufacturers and distributors of valves to the water & sewage industries. Including gates, checks, air valves & miscellaneous valves.

Northampton Office 8 Rushmills, Northampton, NN4 7YB, England T: +44 (0) 1604 601188 F: +44 (0) 1604 604818 E: customerservice@avkuk.co.uk

www.avkuk.co.uk

UK Drilling & Tapping Do you have what it takes to enter a Drilling and Tapping team this year?

Find out more at www.drillingandtapping.co.uk or contact Lucy Archer via lucy@instituteofwater.org.uk.

UK distributors and Technical Support of Dorot Flowcontrol valves.

Surge control systems and compressed air engineering from Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd

Tel: 01527 577888

www.surgevessels.co.uk

Telford House, 105 Dalton Avenue, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6YF T: 08707 558 811 F: 01925 847 976 W: rpsgroup.com

RPS is an international consultancy providing advice upon: the development and management of the built and natural environment, the exploration and production of energy and other natural resources We employ 5,000 people in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

Ditton Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0PH

feralco FERALCO (UK) LTD

Feralco is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high performance water treatment chemicals throughout Europe.

Our product range includes both traditional aluminium and iron based coagulants and other innovative high basicity products together with pH correction chemicals to optimise performance and improve treatment efficiency. All products meet EU CEN standards.

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T: F: M: E:

+44 (0) 151 802 2910 +44 (0) 151 802 2999 +44 (0) 7760 174 977 andrew.campbell@feralco.com

www.feralco.com

Applications include the treatment of drinking water, papermaking, retention and sizing, process water, sewage and industrial effluents. Products such as aluminium sulphate have been joined by new products including highly cationic inorganic polymers to satisfy the demand for higher quality water and to meet tighter discharge consents. Feralco can provide specialist advice and technical support to help ensure that the most cost effective methods of treatment are employed.

• Specific extra cover for Legionella disease • Very competitive commercial rates • Secure fixed rates for up to 2 years • Interest Free payment scheme available • Professional advisers with technical expertise Insurance and Risk Management advice for all businesses involved with water, waste water and environmental risks

Jonathan Swainbank Senior Account Executive Kingsbridge Insurance Brokers 9 Miller Court, Tewkesbury Gloucestershire, GL20 8DN Email: jonathan@kingsbridge.co.uk Telephone: 07790 839480 Web: www.kibl.co.uk

EK Business Centre, 14 Stroud Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0YA T: 01355 246235 E: info@mccraetraining.co.uk www.mccraetraining.co.uk CABWI / SQA / EUSR Accredited Centre offering a comprehensive range of training services: • Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) - Training Packages • Network Construction Operations (Water) • SW DOMS (Modules 1-13) National Water Hygiene • Utility SHEA (Water & Waste Management & Core) • Safe Control of Mains Connections (Water) • NRSWA Street Works Courses for Supervisors and Operatives • Water Industry Modern Apprenticeships

BUSINESSCARDDIRECTORY

Tel: 07884 004 802 E-mail: u.d.s@live.co.uk Web: utilitydesignservices.com Web: utilitydesignservices.co.uk Proactive and professional civil engineering design consultancy services.

We have extensive experience and expertise within the design of water network distribution & water network trunk mains. From initial overview through to detail civil design, while also equipped to provide planning, project management and construction support services.

We would welcome the opportunity to visit you for an initial consultation to discuss your aims and needs. We would endeavour to incorporate our design and engineering solutions to match your business requirements.

Unrivalled service, unrivalled product offering As experts in procurement with single-source capability, fwb provides an expansive range of products to suit water industry requirements.

Whatever your requirements, we offer a suitable & competitive solution with the very best product and technical expertise.

Whieldon Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4JE Tel: 01782 744333 Fax: 01782 744577 www.fwb.co.uk email: sales@fwb.co.uk

JimJam Media is a specialist contract publishing company with particular expertise in compiling and publishing industry specific journals, magazines and other publications for professional industry bodies as well as industry and business support organisations.

Martin Jameson Tel: 07342 850 289 Email : martin@jimjammedia.com

Publisher to the

www.jimjammedia.com

SUMMER EDITION - PUBLISHED END MAY Pollution Flooding/SUDS Customer Service BIM To advertise your company Contact Martin Jameson on 07342 850289 or martin@jimjammedia.com

INSTITUTE OF WATER

A N N UA L C O N F E R E N C E 1 5 | 1 6 J UN E 2 0 1 7 CHETHAMS SCHOOL OF MUSIC, MANCHESTER CHAIRED BY THOMAS FAULKNER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SKANSKA

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BUGS IN THE WATER Northern Ireland Area Lunch and Learn Event 19 January 2017, NI Water The Northern Ireland Area were delighted to invite Dr Patrick Dunlop, a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Ulster to deliver a lunchtime presentation, entitled ‘Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance’. Dr Dunlop is a Chartered Biologist with a strong academic background in applied science.

His research interests focus on the design and application of nanomaterials for the disinfection of water/wastewater and the production of selfcleaning and self-disinfecting medical devices/ surfaces; and also development of biological sensing technology, including rapid identification of organisms associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Initially, Dr Dunlop outlined the background to the accidental discovery of antibiotics by Alexander Fleming and their subsequent adoption as a ‘miracle cure’ that would save thousands of lives from the Second World War onwards.

However, as Fleming himself pointed out - the misuse of antibiotics would allow the very bacteria they were once able to destroy, to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that would ultimately make them an even more significant threat to human health.

There have already been cases reported in the USA of patients contracting these ‘superbug’ infections that are resistant to every available prescribed antibiotic.

The prevalence and complexity of AMR in the environment is a major challenge that Dr Dunlop and his research colleagues are currently tackling.

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The spread of AMR through agriculture, the food chain and water supplies means that the problem has to be addressed on several fronts – necessitating a collaborative approach, in terms of both geography and expertise.

Common ‘hotspots’ for environmental contamination have been identified, for example hospital waste waters and effluents – yet there is little consistency in the processes by which this is managed between different countries.

For example, new EU regulations (Brexit permitting!) aim to standardise the approach for ‘priority substances’ listed in the Water Framework Directive – but the development of the necessary innovations in treatment processes will come at considerable economic cost.

Fortunately, it is not all bad news. Research is focusing on identifying the genetic code that can confer antibiotic resistance – it is known that bacteria can ‘transfer’ resistance to one another – a phenomenon that is even more effective when the bacteria themselves are stressed by unfavourable conditions, or inadequate dosage of antibiotic.

In addition, Dr Dunlop’s team at the School of Engineering are pioneering a technique called photocatalysis – whereby a water sample containing the AMR bacteria is exposed to a combination of light and a chemical catalyst which results in multiple chemical pathways which kill the bacteria. It appears that this method is particularly successful, as the probability of the bacteria adapting to the multiple mechanisms of attack is relatively low.

The immediate focus is to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use as much as possible – but in future this will be only a part of the solution. Updates to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive detailing how and where we treat and reuse water and these new collaborative networks will be instrumental in addressing this issue for future generations.

Dr Dunlop’s presentation was followed by an engaging question and answer session. It was agreed by all delegates, from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds, that this ‘Lunch and Learn’ session gave an invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities into this very significant field of research, which the water industry along with others will need to address in the near future.

NORTHERN IRELANDAREANEWS

NORTHERN IRELAND AREA JOINT MEETING WITH PIG On Wednesday 23rd November 2016, members from the Northern Ireland Area hosted a joint meeting with PIG at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast.

Stephen Hemphill from Mutual Energy, a company which owns and operates the Moyle HVDC Interconnector linking the electricity grids of Scotland and Northern Ireland, gave a very interesting presentation on the development of an innovative repair for submarine cables and a recently developed project to replace elements of the submarine cable system.

The Moyle Interconnector, which is a critical piece of energy infrastructure, began experiencing faults in its’ cable systems in 2010, with the result that it had only been able to operate at half capacity since June 2012.

In 2013 Moyle gained the support of the Utility Regulator to replace the faulty elements of the submarine cable system, but with the enduring solution not expected to be delivered until late 2018, encouragement was given to engineer innovative ways to confidently secure at least 50% capacity reliably in the interim.

Stephen’s presentation detailed in depth how Mutual Energy developed a world first subsea insitu power cable repair and how they delivered a fasttracked cable submarine renewal project safely, cost effectively and at least two years ahead of expectations.

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SOUTH EASTAREANEWS

PRESIDENTS DAY 2016 Area President Kevin Brook (Primayer) welcomed 70 members and their families to this year’s Presidents Day. In a change to its normal autumn date the venue this year was Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland in London.

Members were treated to a ride on the Giant Wheel, where we were taken 60m above the Hyde Park venue and experienced great views across the London skyline before dining out in one of the many establishments (including, of course, liquid lunches at the Bavarian beer tent).

Many of us then stayed to enjoy further entertainment including the various theme park rides and gift stalls.

We would all like to thank Kevin and Primayer for an excellent and enjoyable out

OPEN WATER EVENT The 24th January saw the South East Area, in conjunction with Affinity Water, host the second in a three part series of events examining the opening of the non-household market.

Over 50 people attended the full day seminar which ran in two parts - first half providing the audience with the wider context of the market with the second half focusing on experiences of both wholesalers and retailers so far during shadow operation.

Speakers and content of the morning session:

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Simon Cocks (CEO at Affinity Water): Introduction to Affinity Water and the market as a whole

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Milo Purcell (Deputy Chief Inspector DWI): Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) perspective

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Marc Tritschler (Director at PA Consulting): Overview of the market codes

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Wayne Johncock (C17 Technology Director at Thames Water): Systems development from both a retailer and wholesaler perspective

Speakers and content of the afternoon session: ■■

Jo-Ann Lee and Callum Graddon (Wholesale Services at Affinity Water) - Preparation and learnings from a wholesaler perspective

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Siobhan Kennedy-Hall (Business Development Manager at Water2Business) - Preparation and learnings from a joint venture retailer perspective

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Nick Hayes (Commercial Director at Waterscan) - Preparation and learnings from a new entrant retailer perspective

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Jeremy Downer (Market Reform Delivery Director at SES Business) - Preparation and learnings from an incumbent retailer perspective

The speakers provided an excellent overview of the preparation that has occurred to date in order to ensure the industry is ready for April 1st.

Thanks go to all the speakers, to Affinity Water and all those who attended and made it such an engaging and interesting event.

WELSHAREANEWS

WISDOM BREAKFAST EVENT The Welsh Area held an informative and interesting breakfast event in December to learn more about the WISDOM project, presented by Dr Tom Beach from Cardiff University and Sophie Straiton from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

WISDOM stands for Water Analytics and Intelligent Sensing for Demand Optimised Management and was a three year project involving academic, industrial and water utility project partners from the UK, Italy, France and Spain.

The WISDOM project is a member of the ICT4Water project cluster funded under the EU 7th Framework Programme. The WISDOM project has developed and tested an intelligent ICT system that enables ‘Just in time’ actuation and monitoring of the water value chain from water abstraction to discharge in order to optimise the management of water resources.

During the breakfast event, we learnt about some of the key outputs of the project which have allowed the WISDOM system to be validated and demonstrated.

This included studying WISDOM’s ability to optimise pumping schedules on the clean water network to reduce energy costs and to apply data driven modelling techniques to predict the occurrence of combined sewer overflows in waste water networks.

In addition we learnt about the importance of semantic models and ontology within WISDOM which has allowed WISDOM to achieve a significant step towards creating interoperable systems in the water industry.

If you would like to know more about the project, please visit the project website www.wisdom-project.eu

2016 CHRISTMAS SOCIAL The Institute of Water Welsh Area would like to thank everyone who came to this year’s Christmas social at the Amazon Adventure, Tree Top adventure Golf.

During the evening we enjoyed two competitive and fun rounds of mini golf through the ancient explorer and tropical trails, with plenty of food and drink to keep us going. At the end of the night the team and individual scores were announced and congratulations goes to Gary Fielding for getting the highest score!

Thanks once again for all those who made the evening so enjoyable, we hope to see you all at the next Institute of Water event soon.

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AUTUMN SEMINAR 2016

The Scottish Area Autumn Seminar took place in Howden Park Centre, Livingstone of Friday 9th September.

The water sector is facing challenges with climate change, aging assets, a growing population and possible skills gaps.

We know we must be more resourceful and innovative, adapt to new technology and the changing expectations of customers and employees. A challenge made sharper by generational change in the industry.

With this backcloth the theme of this year’s seminar was Risk and Resilience.

The day was split into 4 sessions with insights into the industry being shared by Roseanna Cunningham, the Cabinet Secretary for Water in Scotland, Regulators, Industry Senior Leaders and Future Leaders across the following areas: ■■

Risk and Resilience in the Scottish Water Industry

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Challenges for Investment & Strategic Capacity

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Building a Resilient Team

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Building a Resilient Asset Base

Each of the sessions provided an insight into the current challenges and thinking in the industry.

The first session was opened by Douglas Millican, CEO Scottish Water.

The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Water, Roseanna Cunningham then talked about the balance of risk and cost to the industry and how the industry in Scotland works together to ensure it can address future challenges. She then set out the challenges ahead for Scottish Water.

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This was expanded upon by Alan Sutherland CEO of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland and Sue Petch the Drinking Water Quality Regulator.

In the second session, we heard from Dickson, the newly appointed Executive Director of Capital Investment at Scottish Water, who described the current investment challenges in water in Scotland. Steve Canney, Chief Operating Officer of aBV, built on this and in the context of delivering large utility investment programmes, challenged some of the paradigms of the regulatory models in the UK. This session continued with Mark McEwan, General Manager for Customer Service at Scottish Water who talked about the challenges of delivering strategic capacity in Scotland and how Scottish Water had gone through business change with their Developer Mission. The session ended with Nicola Barclay who described the risks and challenges facing Developers in this economic period and how collaborative working between Scottish Water and Developers in Scotland was essential.

After lunch, the third session examined building a resilient team with talks from Nick Ellins, CEO of EU Skills on the challenges around industry skills; and Paul Campbell Scottish Water’s lead on organisational learning and development who talked about Scottish Water’s capability pipeline. James Somerville the 2016 Scottish Area Rising Star talked about his year with IoW and the session ended with a very thought provoking piece on personal resilience led by Gary O’Sullivan from Pathfinder.

The final session of the day concentrated on building resilience in Scottish Water’s asset base.

This started with an overview of the renewal of Scottish Water IT infrastructure by John Cairney Head of IT Strategy & Architecture; a talk by Konstantina Kagia, graduate engineer on water asset capability; and a talk by Allan Mason on Scottish Water’s approach to rural communities.

The last talk of the day was led by Richard Grierson on Scottish Water’s Shieldhall Tunnel project.

The £100m tunnel in south west Glasgow, which at 3.1 miles long will be five times longer than the Clyde Tunnel and at 4.7 metres in diameter big enough to fit a double decker bus inside, is a key part of Scottish Water’s £250m, five-year programme of work to improve river water quality and the natural environment.

The programme is the biggest investment in the Greater Glasgow area’s waste water infrastructure in more than a century.

The 2016 Autumn Seminar was an excellent and informative day.

Thank you to all of the speakers, delegates, exhibitors and our main event sponsors, Pathfinder and Mott McDonald who helped make the 2016 conference a successful day.

Belinda Oldfield Scottish Area President

SCOTTISHAREANEWS

ANNUAL FISHING COMPETITION 2016 The 2016 fishing competition, generously sponsored by WGM Engineering, was held Saturday 20th August. 2 full boats of Institute members and families we set out from Oban at 9am to fish for Spur Dog, Whiting, Rays, LSD’s and anything else that wandered into our path.

Although the weather the night before had been torrential rain, the day broke to a light and airy climate, and we were all thankful! After a nip of Brandy, kindly donated by Robbie Vennard to toast “tight lines”, we made our way up to the sea loch which gave us spectacular views of the coastline and the river. Once anchored in our respective skipper’s chosen spot we dropped our first lines, and waited!

As usual there was plenty banter on each boat as we landed our fish (some more than others!).

At the end of the day we disembarked on the pier happy with the day.

The winner AGAIN was Alan Dick with 14 fish, 2nd place was shared between father and son Andy and Kenny Spiers. A bottle of Malt, donated

by Alan Dick and went to Paul Maxwell for Heaviest Catch with a whopping 11lb Spurdog!

Altogether 94 fish were landed, with the boat hosted by Scott McCrae the winner.

Many thanks to WGM Engineering for sponsoring this event and providing lunch and refreshments and to Justin for coming along to host it! Also thanks to Colin and Ronnie and their mates for skippering the boats and taking the fish off the hooks of those who were squeamish (Justin!).

Those who stayed the weekend met up in the evening after much needed showers and enjoyed a lovely meal and a few drinks. Looking forward to next year already

RETIRED MEMBERS SOCIAL GROUP Some retired members in the Scottish Area have set up a social group and are looking to expand the membership.

The group met three times last year, and had a lunch together at Inchture where old memories were rekindled along with some photographs from memory lane. They had two day trips and visited the Falkirk Wheel and the last trip was to Fraserburgh Lifeboat station. Thee group is looking to have day trips and social events at various places of interest, not necessarily specifically related to the water industry, but along the lines of previous IoW visits in the Scottish Area (e.g. bus trips, factory visits, engineering projects).

If you are interested in helping to organise these excursions or simply just to get back in touch, please econtact us and we will reply to you as soon as possible. If you know of any other water industry ‘retiree’ who might also be interested, please encourage them to get in touch: the more the merrier.

SCOTTISH AREA PRESIDENT In taking over as President for the Scottish Area, Jim Panton is keen to continue and build on the momentum started by the outgoing President Belinda Oldfield, focusing the efforts of the area on the Circular Economy.

Jim and Belinda both agreed that working in partnership with other similarly focused organisations is key. In early February 2017, Belinda organised a round-table discussion on the circular economy, supported by the Scottish Government’s Hydro Nation programme, which pulled together representatives from a number of different organisations.

The next stage of the programme is to expand this to a wider audience with Jim now organising a Circular Economy Leaders Summit in Scotland on the 26th of May 2017.

We are open to any suggestions for the format of the social group but primarily we want to keep it relaxed, informal and friendly.

The events are open to all retired water industry workers and their spouses.

Please feel free to contact one of us for more information: Alex Rae, 01382 563230 fourraes@btinternet.com Les Angus, 01569 740001 lesangus001@btinternet.com Stan Wardle, 01674 672691 stanwardle@yahoo.co.uk

OBITUARY We are sorry to report the death of Douglas Mucklow at the age of 101.

Douglas was a Retired Life Member and had been a member for over 50 years. His last “road trips” with his daughter were in 2015.

One was to Glen Lyon where they just happened to be discharging waste from the dam, the other to Glen Esk. This was supposedly to see Invermark Castle but Douglas requested a detour to see the local water treatment works! Douglas died in a care home in Newport on Tay.

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PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION WORKSHOP On 2 December 2016, members ran a workshop to encourage 36 attendees from different water companies and consultancies to consider professional registration through the Institute of Water.

The workshop covered all three disciplines of Science, Engineering and Environment and was held in Peterborough.

Dr Robin Price opened the event with an enthusiastic presentation on the benefits of being registered and what was on offer and then recently awarded Chartered Scientist’s Karen Gilbert and Nick Womack described passionately how and why they went through the process.

The group then split into three tables to discuss in more detail the opportunities open to members and what they actually need to do to be successful.

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The event closed with a presentation from Catherine Fearon and Nicola Johnston on CPD with a live demonstration of the Institute of Water online CPD tool.

The event was an excellent opportunity for networking and for those that were interested in becoming registered to ask their questions to those that had recently achieved their awards.

The Eastern area will continue to run this event at least annually and are looking at possibilities of joining up with other areas in the future.

This event falls on the back of a series of professional registration events held at various locations over the autumn 2016 focused on the technician level, which were also a huge success.

Thank you to all those that supported these events.

Catherine Fearon IW Eastern Area Membership Secretary Water Quality Regulation Manager, Anglian Water

EASTERNAREANEWS

TAKING A JOURNEY THROUGH MARKET REFORM An Anglian Water Wholesale Perspective

As April 2017 fast approaches and the topic of Market Reform sits on the tongue of many across the industry, the Institute of Water, Eastern Area Committee took the opportunity to organise and run an event to increase awareness and understanding. With the opening of Shadow Market in October last year, it was an ideal time to take those working in the Water Industry on a journey through Market Reform. The event was open to both members and non-members of the Institute of Water.

Lead by Don Maher, Head of Wholesale Market Services at Anglian Water, the event was split into three parts. For the first part of the session, attendees received a presentation on the background of Market Reform presented by Don Maher and guest presenter Tom Notman, Director of Customer Engagement at MOSL, who gave insight into the market and the role of MOSL. In the presentation, attendees openly discussed the benefits of competition and reasons why customers may wish to switch Retailer. Don Maher expressed how Retailers are Anglian Water Wholesale customers’ and explained how all Retailers will have different requirements.

Attendees were given an insight into the need for a level playing field and the importance of ensuring that Wholesalers treat all Retailers fairly.

The second part of the session took attendees on a journey through Market Reform. Split into three groups, members of Anglian Waters’ Wholesale Market Services Team gave a walk through of the market, starting with the Non-Household Customer, moving onto the Retailer and finishing with the Wholesaler. Attendees discussed what they believed mattered to Non-Household Customers and the expectations Non-Household Customers may have, in particular around fair pricing, good customer service and innovation.

Conversations then led onto the role of the Retailer in the new market and how Retailers may engage with customers and work effectively with Wholesalers. Last but not least, discussion was had around the challenges Wholesalers face in the new market. Attendees actively engaged in the sessions and many great thoughts and questions came to light.

Revived by coffee and refreshments, the final part of the session consisted of three stations.

The first station was run by Tom Notman and Pam Nash (MOSL Portfolio Manager) and gave attendees an insight into the role and challenges for MOSL in the new market. Station two, run

by Wesley Thomas, Systems, Performance and Equivalence Manager and Garry Beaver, Market Reform Operational Lead at Anglian Water, took attendees through Anglian Water’s approach to

systems in the new market. A demonstration of Anglian Water Wholesale’s portal was given and attendees were taken through Anglian Water’s Retailer Notification System which will be used

by Retailers in the market to identify customers affected by operational events.

The third station provided attendees with information on Anglian Water’s Wholesale Service Centre. Run by Matt Garfield, Wholesale Service Centre Manager and members of the Wholesale Service Centre at Anglian Water, the station took attendees through Anglian Water’s approach to the new market and the continuous retailer engagement sessions the Wholesale Service Centre are carrying out.

The event was drawn to a close by Kara Sadler, Eastern Area Committee Secretary, and attendees were asked to take a short survey on the event.

Over 40 people across the industry attended the event and 89% stated they now have a good understanding of the new market with the remaining 11% stating they now have some understanding of the new market.

The feedback from the event has been very positive and the survey showed an average of 4/5 in rating. Overall the event was a great success.

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UNITED UTILITIES SEMINAR - THE HAWESWATER AQUADUCT

One of United Utilities’ most critical assets, the Haweswater Aqueduct, has just been accessed by a team of ‘Aquanauts’ to undertake maintenance on sections that were identified after an initial inspection in 2013.

This is only the second time in the Haweswater Aqueduct’s 61 year history that it has been isolated, drained and a team has gone beneath the surface to inspect the huge construction from the inside.

But how do you go about getting inside an asset which is responsible for supplying two million customers, accounts for 35% of United Utilities regional supply and in places has a diameter of 96 inches?

Our Haweswater Aqueduct Business Lead, John Butcher and Construction Manager John Dawson took the audience on a journey which gave insight to the technical issues that had to be overcome, the health and safety issues and the sheer size and scale of such an undertaking.

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The aqueduct was out of service for 31 days from the end of September, whilst 52 kilometres of tunnel were inspected and repairs made.

That is a total of 400 megalitres a day which had to be supplied by other water sources and treatment works so that our customers didn’t notice a thing.

The evening was a great success, attracting delegates from a mixture of water and wastewater providers and supply chain, with one member commenting: “It was fascinating to hear from two presenters who impressed with the sheer breadth of their knowledge, the scale of the project and the innovative approaches they took. These events are great for promoting best practice as well as benefitting my personal development.”

NORTHERNAREANEWS

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN 2017 SPONSORS Since our first year of sponsors in 2015 we have continued to develop our offering to external partners.

This year we are delighted to welcome seven partners to the Northern Area team.

Our sponsors are: Z-Tech Control Systems Hardy Services Natural Cement Stonbury Sheffield Water Centre Aluline Middlesbrough College STEM Centre Interserve

This represents five supply chain partners (three contractors and two manufacturers) and two academic institutes. We hope that each of them will enjoy their association with the IOW Northern Area and gain a lot both from networking and the opportunities to develop their people.

But ask not what the Institute can do for you, instead what can you do for the Institute, so this year in line with our focus on partnership and collaboration we have asked the sponsors to take a lead in organising one of our events.

The theme for the event is innovation and our friends at Sheffield Water Centre have offered to provide the venue but after that it’s up to our sponsors.

So watch this space, it is bound to be a brilliant event with the calibre of the people involved.

If you would like to be part of the team we still have a few places left for sponsors contact paul.henderson@pantonmcleod.co.uk

MEET MATT Our new Water Asset Planner.

As new recruit to the Northern Area Committee, I wanted to introduce myself to our members.

I recently joined Northumbrian Water after moving from Scottish Water’s Asset Management Graduate Scheme to take on a new challenge as a Water Asset Planner. In this role, I’m responsible for understanding, scoping and promoting issues that require capital investment for treatment and distribution assets.

Following a brief stint as joint Communications Officer during my time on the Scottish Area Committee, I have recently taken on the Communications Officer role for the Northern Area.

After some contemplation, and in the interest of the Institute’s collaborative nature, there were a number of lessons learnt which, with the support of the committee, we hope can improve the way in which the Northern Area operates to provide service to its members. I must give credit to all in the Scottish Area, I hope we can repay the ideas at some point! Moving forwards, the Northern Area will be working on splitting into sub-committee groups in order to be more focused and timely in planning and delivering events.

Outside of working life and my committee role, I enjoy discovering new music and getting to as many gigs as possible and avidly follow the trials and tribulations of Newcastle United FC.

A further thought relates to the personal and inclusive nature of the Institute – an Institute for all. The committee are striving to become more visible and accessible to members and are hoping to implement a regional newsletter in order to keep our members up to date with goings on in between national quarterly updates.

Following my recent transfer from the Scottish to the Northern Area Committee I was asked to consider ways in which the Northern Area could learn from their neighbours.

A final point that I am hoping to be able to implement is to make use of technology to widen our membership engagement and approach ways of working with a fresh set of ideas.

As we are all aware, learning and development never ceases and I am looking forward to working with the rest of the committee to continue the development of the Northern Area of the Institute of Water. Hope to see you at an event soon!

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WATER RETAIL COMPETITION Challenges & Opportunities

On 2nd November 2016 the Institute of Water South West Area, in collaboration with Future Water Association, held a one day seminar examining the challenges and opportunities presented by water retail competition.

The morning session was rounded off by Kate Bremner of Business Stream. She gave us an interesting perspective from her experiences of the open market in Scotland which has delivered customer benefits in terms savings in water, carbon and energy as well as reduced costs.

Around 50 delegates were hosted by WRc for this informative and entertaining event.

• New Entrants Perspective from Paul Horton, Future Water Association

MOSL CEO, Ben Jeffs, opened the event by providing the latest news on progress towards market opening in April 2017. He described the mechanics of the process to set up the market and revealed that it was largely on track to achieve a successful opening on time.

Richard Laikin from PWC then provided some insights on how this first phase of water retail competition fitted into the longer term “Beyond 2020 the Future of Regulation”.

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The afternoon session was dedicated to views on the Retail market from 4 different perspectives:

• Water Company - Wholesale View from Julian Tranter, Thames Water Utilities Ltd • Water Company - Retail View from Siobhan Kennedy-Hall, Water2Business • Supplier’s Perspective from Mike Sillence, Clancy Docwra

The speakers provided insight into what they saw as the challenges and opportunities that were becoming apparent as we move towards market opening.

Can we ensure a level playing field, will customers move for small savings on their water bill or will they be attracted to bundled services, will all the retail companies survive in the longer term and what new entrants can we expect?

The day was rounded off with some lively debate around these and other issues.

Thanks go to Future Water Association for help with the organisation and WRc for sponsoring the event.

SOUTHWESTAREANEWS

SHALE OIL AND GAS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WATER INDUSTRY The Truths, Myths and Legends Speakers

Andrew Gunning Partner, RSKW Ltd

Dr Tom Arnot

Collaborative water industry research University of Bath @WIRCBath Sponsors RSKW Ltd and @WIRCBath

In November the South West Area investigated the truths, myths and legends of Shale Oil and Gas Exploration with RSKW Ltd. In a packed room at the University of Bath, around 70 attendees listened to Andrew Gunning, Partner at RSKW Ltd. Such was the demand for attending this event that the evening’s proceedings were also streamed live via the internet to an additional 65 people. This was a joint event with the Pipeline Industries Guild and CIWEM. Andrew Gunning described how shale oil and gas exploration was initially developed in the US. As an emergent phenomenon, this resulted in a rapid increase in onshore drilling using the evolving techniques of horizontal drilling and ‘fracking’. RSKW are part of a European consortium currently mid-way through the delivery of a €2.7 million project, researching the environmental aspects of Shale Gas operations.

Dr Tom Arnot, University of Bath, then gave attendees the opportunity to hear about WIRC@Bath and the WISE CDT. The Water Innovation Research Centre (WIRC@ Bath – go.bath.ac.uk/wirc) launched in November 2014 and is a major initiative between the University of Bath and Wessex Water.

WIRC@Bath is a multi-disciplinary research Centre which tackles challenges around the whole water cycle via its key themes: urban water management, catchment area management, water supply from source to tap, wastewater collection and treatment, water in the circular economy, sensors and big data, water awareness and customer behaviour, and coastal & ocean engineering.

Launched in September 2014, the WISE CDT (Water Informatics: Science & Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training – www.wisecdt.org) is a joint initiative between the GW4 Alliance: the universities of Exeter, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff and EPSRC. The WISE CDT has forged strong links with the water industry internationally and is delivering ground breaking research integrating ‘big data’ with ‘smart technologies’ and ‘water infrastructure and engineering’ for sustainable future water solutions.

An excellent evening bringing facts and substance to an emotive area and a look to the future for the water industry with what collaborative research might achieve. For those who missed it, the podcast is still available at: https://uniofbath.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/ Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=95104be1-1439-49bd8295-81959a618674

The project - known as SHEER (SHale gas Exploration and Exploitation induced Risks) is funded through the HORIZON 2020 programme.

The project outputs will inform the legislation for and regulation of Unconventional Oil and Gas across the whole of Europe. www.sheerproject.eu In his presentation, Andrew reflected on experience gained from project work for UK water companies and the EU SHEER project, covering geological, groundwater and general environmental perspectives, as well as strategic risk management. In particular, Andrew’s talk considered risks to drinking water aquifers, the regulations in place to mitigate those risks and areas where further investigation is required.

A lively question and answer session followed!

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