Menu
24/03/2009
Water Industry 'Must Modernise'
The water industry needs to invest more in new technology and innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century, according to a new Independent report published today.
The Council for Science and Technology (CST), the Prime Minister's top-level science advisory body, found that investment in Research and Development (R&D) is low for the sector generally, whilst performance varies considerably between companies when it comes to investing in technology and applying innovative solutions.
Despite an industry with a capital investment of £3 billion per year current R&D expenditure is just £18 million per year - about 0.5 per cent of their capital investment.
The study 'Improving innovation in the water industry: 21st Century challenges and opportunities' found that the regulatory regime provides insufficient rewards for innovative solutions.
It also recorded not enough attention is being given to long-term technology planning within the water sector in responding to its environmental impact, while water companies have difficulties recruiting highly skilled people.
"Much of our water infrastructure is the product of engineering innovations from Victorian times," Project leader Professor Michael Sterling said.
"This is not a sustainable position for the UK to be in. The water companies have made progress over the last 15 years becoming more efficient and meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards.
"However, the industry needs to do more if it is to be world class and supply the nation's water needs in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way."
The report calls on water companies to work more with universities and research organisations when it comes to R&D to access leading edge technologies and expertise.
It also cites the fact that the government currently provides funding for R&D to energy companies through bodies such as the Energy Technologies Institute and the Carbon Trust – and proposes that they should do the same for the water sector.
(JM/BMcC)
The Council for Science and Technology (CST), the Prime Minister's top-level science advisory body, found that investment in Research and Development (R&D) is low for the sector generally, whilst performance varies considerably between companies when it comes to investing in technology and applying innovative solutions.
Despite an industry with a capital investment of £3 billion per year current R&D expenditure is just £18 million per year - about 0.5 per cent of their capital investment.
The study 'Improving innovation in the water industry: 21st Century challenges and opportunities' found that the regulatory regime provides insufficient rewards for innovative solutions.
It also recorded not enough attention is being given to long-term technology planning within the water sector in responding to its environmental impact, while water companies have difficulties recruiting highly skilled people.
"Much of our water infrastructure is the product of engineering innovations from Victorian times," Project leader Professor Michael Sterling said.
"This is not a sustainable position for the UK to be in. The water companies have made progress over the last 15 years becoming more efficient and meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards.
"However, the industry needs to do more if it is to be world class and supply the nation's water needs in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way."
The report calls on water companies to work more with universities and research organisations when it comes to R&D to access leading edge technologies and expertise.
It also cites the fact that the government currently provides funding for R&D to energy companies through bodies such as the Energy Technologies Institute and the Carbon Trust – and proposes that they should do the same for the water sector.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
18 January 2007
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
11 August 2008
Water Companies Submit Water Pricing Proposals
The UK's largest water and wastewater services company, Thames Water, has announced it expected its bills to rise by about 3% a year above inflation. However, the company said its £6.5bn investment plan would be the largest spending programme carried out by a UK water company.
Water Companies Submit Water Pricing Proposals
The UK's largest water and wastewater services company, Thames Water, has announced it expected its bills to rise by about 3% a year above inflation. However, the company said its £6.5bn investment plan would be the largest spending programme carried out by a UK water company.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
