Northumbrian Water has just secured a £9.5 million windfall to spearhead three pioneering projects, setting the stage for a seismic shift in the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. This latest funding round, won through the Ofwat Innovation Fund’s Water Breakthrough Challenge, brings Northumbrian Water’s total to 19 successful bids over five years, a feat unmatched by any other company in the industry. So, what does this mean for the future of water management?
Firstly, let’s dive into the projects themselves. ‘Smart Skies Healthy Waters’ is a world-first initiative that promises to revolutionise waterway monitoring. By deploying automated drones and robotics, coupled with cutting-edge water sampling techniques, Northumbrian Water aims to deliver real-time, on-site results and lab-grade analysis. This ‘drone and lab-in-a-box’ system isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about protecting both inland and coastal waters, ensuring they remain safe for customers and the environment. Imagine a future where water quality is monitored in real-time, with immediate responses to any detected issues. This is no longer a pipe dream; it’s a reality on the horizon.
Next up is ‘Net Water PositiHyve’, a project that tackles the issue of precious drinking water resources being squandered on industrial purposes. By recycling treated wastewater and reusing it at large industrial sites, Northumbrian Water is set to make a significant dent in water wastage. This isn’t just about saving water; it’s about rethinking our relationship with this vital resource. It’s about creating a circular economy where water is valued, not wasted.
The final project, ‘Stream 3’, builds on previous work to create an open data platform. By unlocking and sharing data across the water industry, Northumbrian Water aims to improve decision-making, deliver value for customers, and benefit the environment. In an era where data is king, this project could be a game-changer. It’s about collaboration, about breaking down silos, and about using data to drive real change.
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water, puts it succinctly: “Securing these latest bids through the Ofwat Innovation Fund is testament to our commitment to use innovation and technology to look for changes to the way that we work for the benefit of our customers and the environment.” This isn’t just about Northumbrian Water; it’s about driving collaboration across the entire water industry. It’s about making a difference for all water company customers, up and down the country.
The Ofwat Innovation Fund, delivered by Challenge Works in partnership with Arup and Isle Utilities, is a key driver in this mission. It’s about ensuring the water sector is ready for the challenges of the future. It’s about better outcomes for customers and the environment. And with Northumbrian Water’s latest projects, it’s about turning these aspirations into reality.
So, what does this mean for the sector? It means we’re on the cusp of a technological revolution. It means we’re rethinking our relationship with water. It means we’re embracing data and collaboration. It means we’re not just talking about the future; we’re building it. And it’s happening right here, right now, with Northumbrian Water leading the charge. The question is, who’s ready to follow?