Severn Trent Water’s £566 million Green Recovery program, launched in 2021, is more than just a post-pandemic resilience boost; it’s a bold stride towards a smarter, more sustainable water infrastructure future. The initiative, centered in Coventry and Warwickshire, is the UK’s first ‘smart water data region’, and it’s already challenging norms and sparking debate in the sector.
At the heart of the program is the installation of over 150,000 smart water meters and a region-wide lead pipe replacement scheme. But this isn’t just about digitizing asset records. Severn Trent, in collaboration with key partners like MGISS, is embedding a new standard of geospatial accuracy and accessibility. This isn’t just about where assets are; it’s about how they’re positioned, their depth, orientation, and how they interact with the environment. It’s about creating a 3D model of the network that supports enhanced decision-making across the entire water lifecycle.
The lead replacement aspect of the program is a logistical marvel. Thousands of new supply pipes needed to be accurately mapped, verified, and connected without service disruption. Traditional mapping methods were out; speed and precision were in. Enter MGISS, enabling field engineers and contractors to collect, process, and visualize data using real-time GNSS technology integrated into Esri’s ArcGIS Field Maps. The result? High-accuracy data capture workflows that support better traceability, faster verification, and more efficient follow-up work scheduling.
One of the standout innovations is Z-Transform, a real-time elevation transformation tool developed by MGISS. It provides consistent and accurate orthometric height data, crucial for leak detection and maintenance planning. With many areas using inconsistent vertical datums or lacking reliable elevation models, Z-Transform is a game-changer. It equips field teams to capture the precise location and depth of each new asset as installation progresses, automatically delivering this data to Severn Trent’s central GIS environment.
The benefits of this scaling of 3D data quality are manifold. It enables reliable leak detection and pressure management, streamlined maintenance planning, flood risk reduction, and resilience planning. It’s futureproofing for digital twins and AI applications, laying the groundwork for predictive analytics, automated asset management, and intelligent network simulations. In short, it’s elevating the entire network lifecycle.
But the success of this program isn’t just about the technology. It’s about a shared commitment to quality, a culture shift towards data accountability. Field operatives are trained to validate data on-site, reducing rework and eliminating the need for return visits. This isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it done right, the first time.
The program has also trialed innovative detection and monitoring technologies, including non-invasive identification methods for pipe materials. These innovations, integrated with digital mapping tools, provide a more complete view of the asset environment while minimizing disruption to customers.
Over 17,000 lead pipe connections have been successfully replaced, covering more than 43,000 meters of newly laid infrastructure. Each one is captured, geolocated, and uploaded in real-time to Severn Trent’s systems. This is smart metering needing smart mapping, and Severn Trent is leading the charge.
The implications for the sector are profound. With climate change and aging infrastructure posing dual pressures, programs like this could be the blueprint for sector-wide change. Spatial accuracy is the powerhouse of a smart water strategy, working from project inception to ensure reliable operations, efficient maintenance, and sustainable growth.
The experience in Coventry and Warwickshire has shown that with the right tools, training, and commitment, large-scale change is possible. It’s innovative, effective, and enduring. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a water company embraces a data-driven, transformative approach. And it’s a challenge to the rest of the sector: are you ready to follow suit?