South East Water has struck a significant deal with Southern Water, marking a pivotal moment in the water quality testing sector. This new partnership will not only expand South East Water’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities but also substantially increase the volume of commercial water quality tests conducted annually. The move is set to ripple through the industry, potentially setting new standards for water quality testing and compliance.
The Farnborough-based laboratory, a hub of round-the-clock activity, is already a powerhouse in water quality testing, conducting half a million tests annually for South East Water customers. With this new contract, the laboratory will see a 50% increase in commercial tests, bringing the total to 1.3 million annually. This surge in activity will be facilitated by a 30-strong recruitment drive and an expansion of the laboratory’s physical footprint, converting office spaces into additional testing areas.
The partnership will see South East Water’s team of microbiologists and chemists undertaking all testing required under the drinking water regulations for England and Wales. This includes crucial tests for bacteria such as E. coli and Total Coliforms, as well as Cryptosporidium and inorganic chemistry. The laboratory’s ISO 17025 accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and its adherence to the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s stringent regulatory requirements ensure that the testing services provided will be of the highest standard.
Dr Neil Hudson, Head of Water Quality at South East Water, expressed pride in the laboratory team’s dedication and expertise. “We are delighted to have secured this new contract with Southern Water and be able to use our deep knowledge and extensive experience to provide a first-class water testing service for its customers,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Guy Franklin, Southern Water’s Head of Water Quality Compliance, who emphasized the importance of maintaining high drinking water standards. “Our drinking water quality is among the very best in the world, so it is vital that we carry out the right level of testing to make sure we continue to maintain and improve these extremely high standards,” he stated.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond the immediate increase in testing capacity. It signals a potential shift in the sector towards greater collaboration and specialization, with water companies leveraging each other’s strengths to enhance service delivery. This could spur innovation in testing methodologies and technologies, driving the sector towards even higher standards of water quality and safety.
Moreover, the expansion of South East Water’s laboratory and the recruitment of new staff could have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth. The partnership also underscores the importance of robust water quality testing in ensuring public health and safety, a message that resonates strongly in the current global health climate.
As the contract commences on 1 July 2025, all eyes will be on South East Water and Southern Water to see how this partnership unfolds and what lessons can be learned for the wider water, sanitation, and drainage sector. The deal is a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of excellence in water quality testing, setting a high bar for the industry to follow.