innovative and collaborative research...inform strategic and policy decision making. • CP447 Metering and charging for greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting (2012). • CP431

2013

innovative and collaborative research

January

1

Portfolio - through Collaboration

Innovation

2013 is, I believe, a tipping point for innovation in the water sector. We have the opportunity to build on the initiatives that have emerged over the first half of AMP5: TSB funding for innovative solutions for water scarcity, the European Innovation Partnership, Ofwat encouraging business plans to deliver outcomes and to move away from a dependency on capital-based solutions and the Environment Agency wanting to make space for innovation.

I can see the beginnings of a shift, a move from talking about innovation, to making innovation a reality. The shift is not apparent at all levels; more could come from Government and BIS, but within the water companies and prime contractors, and their supply chain, there are initiatives and individuals taking a lead. WRc is supporting the sector by leading and facilitating innovative thinking and converting this into action. We have developed the concept of an Innovation Accelerator in response to a need flagged by the supply chain at last year's WRc Open Innovation Day and picked up by the UKWRIP; we will be following this through to delivery this year.

The Collaborative Portfolio Programme is another way that WRc supports innovative thinking and delivers innovative solutions. Through open discussion and dialogue, we identify the key issues and problems facing our clients now and in the future. Fifteen new projects and four User Groups are now available for your company to benefit from. These were distilled from more than 70 initial ideas that were reviewed with key clients. We are also bringing in new skills to deliver the projects; these include Unipart and Gemserve who both bring out-of-sector views and experience.

We will be hosting a second Open Innovation Day on the 24 April. Feedback from last year's was very positive and we plan for this year's to be as enjoyable and as interesting. Whether you are able to join us or not, your views count and I welcome any comments or suggestions you might have on how we can improve Portfolio or suggestions for a project you would like to see included.

Ian WalkerWRc Innovation Director

You can contact me on: Tel: +44 (0) 1793 865155 Email: [email protected] or on LinkedIn

January 2013

Topic Area Title Ref. Page

Water Resources Quantifying real impact of exploiting r

Metering An effective large (100mm) meter replacement strategy CP502 6

Asset Management Increased compliance through effective lead indicators CP503 7

Water Treatment Getting the best out of powdered activated carbon CP504 8

Risk Assessment Benefitting from microbial source tracking CP505 9

Environmental Mgt. Catchment strategies for managing metaldehyde CP506 10

Wastewater Treatment Cold weather nitrification - Building the case CP507 11

Sewerage Pollution risk at critical locations in sewer networks CP508 12

Waste Protecting sludge recycling from POPs CP509 13

Waste Co-digestion - A full scale practical test CP491 14

Technology Lower OPEX from smart control of auto-desludging CP510 15

Technology Delivering risk reduction at small WwTW CP511 16

Customer Service Data - Getting it right for the water retail market CP512 17

Business Processes Embedding innovation in your business CP513 18

Asset Maintenance Reducing costs of reinstatements of small excavations CP514 19

ainwater/greywater CP501 5

2

New Proposed Projects Targeted atCurrent Issues and Problems 2013

2

New Proposed Projects Targeted atCurrent Issues and Problems 2013


Metering Smart meter user group CP515 20

Water Treatment Disinfection forum CP404 21

Env. Modelling SIMCAT user forum CP516 22

Technology Instrument user group CP378 23

3

User Groups Targeted atCurrent Issues and Problems 2013


Wastewater Treatment Phosphorus & metal consent requirements CP488 24

Wastewater Treatment Advanced aeration efficiency CP489 24

Drinking Water Quality Rapid tracking of hydrocarbons in drinking water CP482 25

Drinking Water Quality Reducing white water contacts CP485 25

Sewerage Defining & managing health risks from sewage flooding CP467 26

Business Planning TR61 version 12 software CP500 26

Water Distribution New methods for service reservoir inspection CP464 27

Data Management Geographical information user group 2012-14 CP024 27

4

Ongoing Collaborative ProjectsYou Can Buy Into 2013

Project Appreciation and Objectives

Business Benefits to Clients

Work Programme

Project Output and Implementation

Related WRc Work

With the ever growing need to conserve the UK's water resources, rainwater harvesting (RWH) and greywater recycling (GWR) solutions are developing fast. The agenda is being driven by system manufacturers, training providers and the environmental/sustainability lobby. Water companies are being encouraged by their regulators to consider alternative ways of meeting the water demands of their customers but are not generally an active stakeholder in the area of RWH/GWR. Some companies have been involved in trials and it is recognised that there is likely to be a significant impact on public relations, environmental and social credentials should a water company oppose such systems.

The objective of this project will be to fully understand the true benefits, financial impact and risks to a water company of the growing market for RWH and GWR. This will ensure that a company is properly informed before making strategic decisions to support, or reject, these solutions and that the water industry is seen as an active stakeholder in the introduction of these systems.

• Confidence: A comprehensive review will ensure that all factors are considered when evaluatingthe value of these systems to a water company and that decisions are supported by an evidencebased cost benefit analysis.

• Ownership: A clear plan to fill essential knowledge gaps will enable the water industry toformulate its approach to the inclusion of these systems in water resource and surface watermanagement plans.

• Maximising effort: The identification of other initiatives will allow participating companies todistinguish between those activities which need to be driven by themselves and those wherethey need engagement with others.

1. Identification and prioritisation of factors which impact on the costs and benefits to a watercompany of installed RWH or GWR systems issues through a project workshop and literaturereview.

2. Collate evidence on possible risks, benefits and financial impact to the water industry. 3. Undertake qualitative assessment of each prioritised issue and identify gaps.4. Identify initiatives by key stakeholders which could impact on trends and timescales for

introduction of RWH or GWR systems.5. Map out activities in a strategic planning workshop to maximise benefits and minimise risks to

water companies and allow the water industry to influence the direction of implementation.

• Situation report detailing the issues, evidence, qualitative assessment and gaps in knowledge toinform strategic and policy decision making.

• CP447 Metering and charging for greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting (2012).• CP431 Managing the risks to drinking water quality from rainwater and greywater (2012).• CP433 Integrating an Ecosystem Services approach into Cost Benefit Analysis (2012).• Various projects relating to calculation of water use in new buildings compliant with the Part G

Building Regulations.

5

CP501

Quantifying the Real Impact ofExploiting Rainwater and Greywater

New Projects PortfolioCollaborativeResearch



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

50 to 150mm turbine type meters form a critical part of a water company's metering stock for non-household revenue, bulk metering and district meter applications. As these meters wear, their performance changes, particularly at low flow-rates, affecting accuracy, repeatability and starting flow.

Replacement on failure is no longer adequate as meters can operate for many years at poor performance levels, particularly at low flows. This has implications for the accuracy of nightlines, used for leakage estimation and targeting of leakage control activities, under-registration and revenue. Having a quantitative understanding of long term performance of this group of meters is now critical as their outputs are being used by increasingly sophisticated software to maintain and further reduce leakage and to manage distribution networks. Replacement therefore needs to be a balance between the change in performance and the cost of replacement - replacement too early leads to unnecessary costs balanced against replacement too late that leads to poor data, inaccurate nightlines and revenue losses.

This new project will help identify where that balance lies and looks in depth at one specific group of meters - the 100mm turbine meters - chosen for their importance in district and commercial metering. However, given that other meter sizes are geometrically similar, results should be scalable using a suitable flow-related factor which will be identified. The primary objective of this work is to gain evidence on how key performance attributes - accuracy, repeatability and starting flows - change as meters age to help plan replacement strategies.

• Cost effective meter replacement for meters sized 50-150mm.• Maintenance of performance for nightlines to improve leakage management.• Protection of revenues.• Reduced non-household meter under-registration.• Improved data for sophisticated network analysis tools.

1. Participant companies will supply an agreed sample of meters.2. Meters will be tested across their operating range.3. WRc will supplement these results with additional data from its test database.4. Identify a suitable scaling factor by comparing results with test data from WRc's database for

other meter sizes.5. Analysis of results for trends and reporting with recommendations and guidance on replacement

strategies.

• Full technical report including all test data and analysis with recommendations and guidance.• Electronic database of 100mm meter test results that can be used by Asset Managers to cross

check their own meter stock when developing replacement strategies.

• CP324 Long term performance of domestic meters (2008).• CP360 Commercial meter under-registration (2010).• CP461 District and commercial meters - the new generation (2012).

CP502

An Effective Large (100mm) MeterReplacement Strategy

6


7



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

The correct selection and use of lead indicators in water and wastewater treatment provides forewarning of asset or compliance failure. Depending upon the timescale of interest, lead indicators can provide information to:

(a) operations, to prevent asset/compliance failure (short-term benefit);(b) planning and strategy teams, to determine the most cost-effective measures to intervene to

minimise risk of service failure (medium or long-term benefit).

In order to understand the probability of asset failure (and the subsequent consequences of failure on customer service), there is a need to monitor lead indicators in real time so that resources can be allocated effectively to mitigate such risks and avoid unwanted failures.

In addition, lead indicators provide an effective means of monitoring process 'drift', long before any failure or compliance issue occurs, to highlight sub-optimal process efficiency.

The objective is develop or identify suitable lead indicators that can be used by companies to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring and auditing of water treatment and wastewater treatment assets to optimise operation and improve compliance; and offer confidential company-specific recommendations for improvements to current practice where required.

• Mitigated and reduced operational failure risks.• Effective allocation of human resources.• Improved practice in performance management across water and wastewater treatment

functions.

1. Identify current industry practices in performance management of water and wastewatertreatment facilities, in particular the use of indicators for early warning of compliance or processefficiency issues. Cross reference to out-of-sector practices (e.g. chemical processing).

2. Review practices relating to the use of lead indicators for treatment process performancemanagement and, building upon relevant research develop good practice guidance.

3. Benchmark company practices against good practice and make company-specific confidentialrecommendations.

• Good Practice Guide for performance management of water and wastewater treatment assetsthrough the adoption and use of lead indicators.

• A confidential company-specific report which makes recommendations for migration from currentpractice to good practice, as required.

• Strategic review of forward-looking indicators for treatment assets for a large water andsewerage company.

• Multiple projects to implement water and wastewater treatment monitoring and control strategiesfor individual water utility clients.

• Work on behalf of UKWIR on the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in watertreatment for managing cryptosporidium risk, and evaluating process-based control as amanagement and regulatory tool for the water sector.

CP503

Effective Increased Compliance through

Lead Indicators


8



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is used as an adsorbent to remove organic micropollutants from water, most commonly on a temporary basis in response to a short-term problem with pesticides, taste & odour compounds or algal toxins. It provides a flexible and low capital cost approach compared with granular activated carbon (GAC), and could be used to enhance treatment in conjunction with GAC. Decisions on PAC deployment often need to be made quickly in response to an emerging event; present guidance on selecting and using PAC is very limited. The decision process is complicated by the wide range of PAC products available, including several new types, each with particular characteristics which determine suitability for a given application. The most effective dosing point within treatment also needs to be identified. PAC is difficult to handle, presenting serious reliability and performance issues with slurry preparation and dosing equipment. The objective of the project is to address these issues by providing definitive guidance on all aspects of PAC selection and implementation for a range of micropollutants of current concern in drinking water production.

• Timely and appropriate decisions on PAC deployment made with greater confidence, withinformed awareness of the benefits that provided by newer powdered adsorbents.

• Most cost-effective implementation of low-cost capital solution within existing treatment streams.

1. Comprehensive survey of PAC products through contact with the major UK suppliers and users,including identification any new products available or imminent.

2. Extensive programme of laboratory tests, supported by analysis of targeted micropollutants, tocharacterise the performance of selected PACs, both established and new, for upland andlowland surface water.

3. Case studies to capture and share operational experience, highlighting the technical challengesto using PAC and ways of dealing with these.

4. Identify problems with handling, storage, preparation, application and dispersion of PAC, andapproaches, new products or equipment to overcome these problems.

• Comprehensive and definitive application guidance manual designed for use by for treatmentworks managers and operators.

• Dissemination workshop to promote and support effective implementation of the guidance.

• Emerging Pesticides (UKWIR, ongoing).• CP354 Metaldehyde removal (2008).• CP317 Emerging organic micropollutants (2007).

CP504

Getting the Best Out ofPowdered Activated Carbon


9



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Water and wastewater companies currently make significant operational decisions on the basis of microbiological indicators, such as coliforms, whose presence indicates a problem but imparts little other information of real value. Microbial source tracking (MST) is a new approach that offers water companies considerably more insight. Application of these techniques could trace sources of faecal contamination associated with cross connections to storm water drains, identify sources of contamination in recreational waters or water used to produce drinking water, and more reliably determine the cause of bacteriological failures in treatment and distribution. The UK has some experience of MST, but its application has been limited to assessing bathing water quality.

However, application of MST is not straight forward; success depends on using the most appropriate technique (to discriminate between different types of animals, the origin of the faecal material), the right method for conducting the laboratory examination and interpreting the data, and a properly implemented monitoring programme. Such complexity is hampering adoption of MST as it makes it difficult for water companies to compare different approaches and select the one that would be best for a particular application.

The objective for this project is to provide companies with the ability to select the most suitable MST techniques and to achieve its potential benefits through a selected series of case studies.

• Operational decisions based on true understanding of the nature of microbial challenges; moreeffective targeting of interventions and more cost efficient and compliant operation.

• Reduced failures through informed and better targeted interventions.• Demonstration of due diligence to regulators, interested bodies, and the public alike regarding

good environmental stewardship and public health protection.

Phase 1

1. Critically review the currently available techniques by systematic analysis and assessment ofpublished studies and from ongoing or recently completed MST studies in the UK.

2. Develop guidance for companies and report on effective ways of applying MST.3. Identify suitable case studies, select laboratory with appropriate capability for conducting the

analysis and develop logistics.

Phase 2

4. Practical demonstration linked to case studies identified in consultation with the liaison group.

• Evidence based assessment of the benefits of MST to improve management of drinking waterand wastewater operations.

• Fully inclusive guidance for water companies on the design, execution and interpretation of MSTfocusing on key applications.

• Management and practical role in the EU Aquavalens project evaluating new microbiologicaltechniques for pathogen detection in water and food (ongoing).

• Partner in the STREAM Project - Next Generation Gene of sequencing for the water industry.• CP353 New Microbiological Techniques - Assessing the benefits for safeguarding water quality

(2009).

CP505

Benefitting from MicrobialSource Tracking


10



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Sixteen water companies have 78 separate undertakings from DWI for managing metaldehyde and are either carrying out catchment investigations or working actively with farmers to reduce metaldehyde concentrations in potable water supplies.

Following several years with low pest levels, the cool, wet weather during 2012 has provided the ideal environment for slugs and consequently concentrations of metaldehyde have increased significantly in rivers and reservoirs across much of England, although with some local exceptions. This suggests that voluntary measures alone may be inadequate to ensure drinking water compliance during adverse weather conditions and water companies are now questioning their strategies for tackling metaldehyde.

Companies are required to report to DWI in March 2015 and are currently developing business plans for catchment management schemes in AMP6. Yet to date there has been no formal or systematic national evaluation of the successes and limitations of different catchment based approaches for identifying and mitigating metaldehyde risks. This study will undertake a detailed comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of current approaches, (the data from 2012 provides an ideal data set), and use this to produce an evidence based assessment of the role catchment management can play in controlling metaldehyde.

• Reduced risk of non-compliance through more effective catchment management strategies.• Cost savings through better informed investment and operational decisions.• A stronger position for negotiating further mitigation strategies with agrochemical companies and

regulators.

1. Review metaldehyde sources, pathways and risk factors.2. Document the mitigation measures and delivery mechanisms currently employed to manage

metaldehyde.3. Analyse patterns and recent trends in metaldehyde exceedances to assess the relative influence

of weather, cropping patterns, pesticide usage, catchment characteristics and managementactivities.

4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of water company initiatives in case study catchments.5. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of additional mitigation measures and alternative

mechanisms for controlling metaldehyde.

• A comprehensive technical report evaluating the effectiveness of current voluntary approachesand presenting options for optimising future mitigation strategies.

• A dissemination workshop for catchment and drinking water quality managers to review how thefindings can be used to further develop catchment management plans and treatment strategies,and their implications for PR14 and beyond.

• Pesticide trend analysis for the catchment sensitive farming water quality monitoringprogramme (Environment Agency, 2010).

• Treatment for new and emerging pesticides (UKWIR, 2010-11).

CP506

Evidence Review of Catchment Strategiesfor Managing Metaldehyde


11



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

There is a need to understand more fully the ability of WwTWs to meet stringent ammonia standards during periods of cold weather. These limits may not be achievable in cold weather conditions, despite relaxation clauses within existing Environmental Permits, and can be prohibitive in cost terms. Detailed advice is required to assist operators to have informed and constructive dialogue with the Environmental Regulators on the interpretation of exceptional weather conditions, particularly where they might be considered to be out-of-line with other European Countries.

Building on the outputs of UKWIR WW04: The Implications of Cold Weather on Nitrification Treatment Processes 2011 undertaken by WRc, this project will collect performance data from WwTWs across the UK together with experiences from other colder countries to identify which treatment processes are most resilient during cold weather conditions.

The objective is to develop a robust science base, supported with an in-depth review of European practice for regulating WwTW performance in cold weather conditions, to understand where UK and European Practice could be better aligned. This will enable fully informed and constructive discussions with the UK Environmental Regulators, who have expressed interest in this project.

• Evidence and science based dialogue with environmental regulators regarding future regulatorycontrol practice in relation to WwTW cold weather nitrification in the UK.

• An understanding of the implications of UK cold weather events and how they are likely tochange in the future in order to optimise business planning processes.

1. Collate regulatory practice in other European Countries and review ammonia toxicity standardsfor low temperatures.

2. Collate and analyse water company data.3. Collate information on treatment processes most resilient to cold weather conditions;4. Analyse frequency of UK cold weather events;5. Produce guidelines in consultation with the Environmental Regulators.6. Hold workshop with participants and representatives from the Environmental Regulators.

• Guidance on expected performance of biological sewage treatment processes during, and after,periods of extreme low temperature, based on evidence, to support dialogue with the regulatoron weather related effects outside the control of the operator.

• UKWIR WW04: The Implications of Cold Weather on Nitrification Treatment Processes (2011).

CP507

Cold Weather Nitrification -Building the Case


12



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Sewerage operators are experiencing an increase in the number of pollution incidents caused by failures in the sewer system. Pollution incidents should be prevented because they impact on the environment, affect customer service scores, risk a prosecution and result in reputational and financial damage to the company.

A very high proportion of these incidents are occurring in parts of the sewer network that have relatively low blockage rates and no previous history of incidents. It is therefore not practical to use, for example, established blockage prevention measures to reduce the number of pollution incidents.

This project will enable companies to proactively identify critical locations in the sewer network, where an asset failure would be more likely to cause a pollution incident, and to take measures to reduce pollution risk from an asset failure at that location. Overall the project will enable more effective proactive management of the sewer networks to minimise the number of pollution incidents.

Reduced numbers of incidents through:

• More effective focus of interventions on those parts of the system where an asset failure wouldbe most likely to lead to a pollution incident.

• More effective use of monitoring, to identify the onset of asset failures at critical locations, andapplication of low cost physical interventions, to reduce the number of critical locations.

1. Overview and examination of sewer network pollution incidents and pollution incident data andselection of a number of examples for more detailed investigation.

2. Detailed assessment to identify the mechanisms that lead asset failures to cause a pollutionincident and to identify critical locations.

3. Review and assessment of low cost modification of systems to reduce the probability that assetfailure will cause pollution.

4. Review of monitoring options and equipment that provide early warning.5. Development of methodology and guide for assessment and adaptation of sewer networks.

• Procedure for sewerage planners / operators to identify critical locations in the sewer system.• Guidance for sewerage operators on interventions that reduce the criticality of identified

locations.• Guidance for sewerage operators on low cost innovative early warning monitoring.

• CP312 Propensity of properties to flooding (2008).• CP258 Proactive low cost monitoring for sewer cleaning (2009).• P9112 Operation guidance for pollution prevention and control in sewer systems (2001).

CP508

Reducing Pollution Risk at CriticalLocations in Sewer Networks


13



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Future beneficial opportunities for recycling sludge are reliant on access to the agricultural landbank as a cost effective and sustainable outlet. Sludge is now in direct competition with organic wastes from the digestion of commercial wastes being spread to land under the PAS110 quality scheme and environmental permits.

Attention across the EU is now turning to a specific list of emerging priority pollutants - persistent organic pollutants or POPs. These are characterised by perceived potential environmental or human health threats but lack published standards or risk evaluations. The food retail chain and consumers have concerns that sludge and other organic wastes may contain harmful levels of residual organic chemicals. Future regulation is likely to require a reduction in the permitted concentrations of these substances in treated effluent and will draw attention to the possibility of increased organic contamination of sludge. Without clear evidence the wastewater sector will be vulnerable to poorly informed conjecture from lobby groups and to a loss of this important recycling market.

This project will provide evidence and increase current understanding of the potential risks from emerging priority substances and POPs on monitoring burdens and agricultural recycling outlets for sewage sludge and the risk that they pose to future sludge recycling markets.

• More secure long term planning and proactive management of sludge treatment and disposaloptions.

• Evidenced based protection of the efficacy and appropriate use of the landbank for sludgerecycling.

1. Identify and short list emerging priority substances and candidate POPs. 2. Determine the sources and occurrence of these substances.3. Assess chemical and physical properties of short listed POPs to inform on the fate and

behaviour of these substances during treatment, storage and land application of sludge toidentify conditions that maximise removal of target contaminants.

4. Quantify the risks to agricultural crops from POPs that remain in sewage sludge and which couldlimit future application of sludge to land to allow for mitigation planning.

• A short list of emerging priority substances and POPs, each supported by a technical descriptionof its fate and behaviour through the wastewater treatment train and practical measures that canbe used by operators to minimise its presence in sludge through appropriate treatment andstorage of sludge.

• Generic guidance for use by Sludge Strategy Managers on emerging priority substances andPOPs to inform discussions to protect recycling markets.

• Agronomic benefits and environmental impacts of spreading organic waste to land (Defra, 2008-09).

• Technical Assistance for Implementation of the Prior Informed Consent Regulation (EU, 2004-13).

• Evaluating waste treatment standards for selected treatment operations, for an assessment of the impacts of EU legislation (EU, 2011-12).

CP509

Protecting the SludgeRecycling Market from POPs

Si

n

OSi Si

O


Innovation through Collaboration

Innovation Day Follow-up

14



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

The UK government is driving renewable energy generation to meet 2020 targets. It is set to remove regulatory and fiscal barriers to promote the uptake of AD to gain value from the 100 million tonnes of 'other' organic wastes. The wastewater utilities are well placed to fill the infrastructure deficit needed to treat this waste. But are the risks to current appointed business activities outweighed by the potential benefits? Co-digestion could reduce overall costs for sewage sludge treatment and add revenue from biogas production. However will it work at full scale? What additional infrastructure is needed? What are the real energy returns? Is there a land-bank for the disposal of residual wastes? And what materials are suited to co-digestion? This project will facilitate full scale trials to:

• Produce extensive baseline data on process operation and waste output characteristics.• Provide evidence to support robust decision making by the wastewater utilities and regulators.• Identify materials that are suited to co-digestion.

• Reduced business risks through evidence based decisions on investment in non-core businessbut which, in the near future, would have the support of the financial and environmentalregulators.

• Successful integration of other wastes to support reductions in carbon footprint and increasedrevenue.

Phase 1 - Establish detailed scope and set-up logistics

1. Prepare a detailed scope, based on a pre-project meeting attended by interested parties. Defra,WRAP and the Environment Agency have agreed to attend the meeting and attendance byOFWAT would be requested.

2. Agree the logistics for delivery of the trial. Interested parties will provide and operate digestersover 12 months to treat locally sourced wastes and monitor input feedstock (basic composition)and the digesters' performance. WRc will undertake monitoring of changes in digestate qualityand characteristics and changes associated with input feedstock.

3. WRc will confirm suitable sites, identify suitable waste input, a robust operational matrix and monitoring programme and carry out discussions with regulators to gain acceptance of the workprogramme, gain agreement to operate the trial(s) and exemptions to cover disposal ofdigestate.

Phase 2 - Operation and reporting

4. Operation and monitoring of the digesters over 12 months.5. WRc will collate all trial data, provide an independent evaluation of the data and report on the

projects outcomes.

• A detailed assessment of the opportunity presented by AD of non-sewage sludge wastes, withsupporting evidence on the performance of full scale co-digestion, operational costs and revenuestreams, and implications for application of the digestate to land. This will enable decisions to bemade by commercial managers and will provide robust advice to the operators and designers ofco-digestion schemes.

• Waste characterisation and treatability studies of organic wastes using AD.• Work for the regulators on the application of wastes to land.• Support to government in waste policy development.

CP491

Scale Practical TestCo-Digestion - A Full


15



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Improved primary treatment through 'smart' control of desludging at WwTW offers the potential for lower operating costs for subsequent wastewater and sludge treatment. The majority of WwTWs have pumps controlled on manually set timers resulting in poorly optimised and inefficient desludging systems. Poor control of sludge blanket level leads to sludge build up, solids degradation, extra organic load on secondary treatment and dilute sludge, increasing the operating costs of wastewater treatment and sludge handling/treatment.

Current approaches based on sludge blanket monitoring, sludge density and pump torque can all perform well under certain circumstances but no single monitoring and control solution currently meets the industry's needs. The objective of this project is to develop a 'smart' control approach that can be adapted to existing sludge withdrawal systems.

The project will draw on current experience to develop an approach that offers simplicity and high reliability, low capital and maintenance costs, can achieve higher or more consistent sludge solids concentration and is compatible with subsequent processes.

The project outputs will enable improved performance of existing desludging operations at WwTW. Specific benefits are:

• Reduced OPEX of wastewater treatment.• A cost effective monitoring and control solution.• Increased sludge treatment capacity.

1. Collate operating experience of current control systems. 2. Compile up-to-date information and costs on auto-desludging technologies.3. Assess and define the requirements for smart auto-desludging control.4. Undertake an economic assessment and identify potential cost savings.5. Design and produce a standard specification for a smart auto-desludging scheme.

Phase 2 (separately funded) - Implementation of the approach at pilot sites with support from WRc.

• Compilation of up-to-date data for existing auto-desludging solutions, including overallcost/benefit of smart desludging, to guide selection of best value solution on a site specific basis.

• Standard specification of a smart auto-desludging system - for asset standards to deliver capitalcost efficiencies for new wastewater treatment works and capital maintenance of existingwastewater treatment works.

Phase 2 (separately funded) will deliver a tested 'smart' approach, implemented with the support of WRc.

• Extensive audits of WwTW in the UK over the past 10 years, including assessing auto-desludging systems and understanding the risk to operations.

• Various projects developing industry standards which aim to simplify and align water companiesto reduce cost. For example CP455 Standardising Control Panels for New and Transferred SmallPumping Stations (2011).

• Instrument User Group (2008-12).

CP510

Lower OPEX from Smart Controlof Auto-Desludging


16



Work Programme


Related WRc Work

The UK has about 6000 small wastewater treatment works (WwTW). They usually have low energy costs for treatment, but require frequent and costly maintenance visits to prevent failures. Typically there is limited instrumentation and therefore few alarms to alert operators between visits to problems which can result in compliance failures and impact on environmental performance. This project will provide a monitoring strategy and tools suited to small WwTW, and will support implementation of these at participating companies.

WRc carried out two research projects during 2002-4 into small WwTW monitoring using low cost wireless sensors. This project will build on the technology base of this earlier work, using a risk based approach to getting best value from monitoring systems.

The objective of the project is to help companies reduce compliance failure and improve environmental performance at small WwTW through the use of appropriate monitoring technology via a confidence building, risk-based approach with supported implementation.

• Improved compliance at small WwTW.• Best value risk reduction for investment across small WwTW sites.• Selection of the most appropriate technology from a single resource of up-to-date information.• Alarm templates to assist engineers in setting up the alarm logic.• A tested approach to small WwTW monitoring, implemented with the support of WRc.

Phase 1:

1. Develop detailed risk tool for small WwTW.2. Produce information and selection resource on technology solutions.3. Produce alarm templates.

Phase 2: Supported implementation:

4. Support clients in design and installation of monitoring systems at pilot sites.5. Assess pilot site performance and feed back results to contributors through reports and a

workshop.

• Risk tool for small WwTW.• Guidance and supporting information for selection of the right technology.• Generic alarm templates.• Supported implementation with case-based reports.• A workshop at the end of the project to consolidate the approach with key staff.

• CP004 Reducing costs and improving operational efficiency at unmanned sewage works (2002). • CP109 Managing the risks of failure at unmanned sewage treatment works (2004).• CP273 Managing CSO screens to reduce the risk of failure (2008).• Detailed risk modelling of 7 WwTWs of varying sizes for a UK client.

CP511

Delivering Risk Reductionat Small WwTW


17



Work Programme


Related WRc and Gemserv Work

In the contestable water market, which is now open to businesses in England using over 5ML pa, water companies will need to exchange data on commercial customers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the quality of data that will need to be exchanged is poor, with water companies not knowing the extent of data quality issues. Poor quality data carries substantial risks as it can act as a significant inhibitor to new suppliers switching customers, can impact on the reputation of the company and has cost implications. Irrespective of the water companies competition strategy, knowing the quality of data that is exchanged (either as a data provider or recipient) has value; understanding the extent of issues now allows water companies to act proactively to ensure data quality is good.

Working with Gemserv, who bring experience from the energy sector and Scottish water market, the objective is to enable companies to work proactively to ensure that they are ready to effectively meet the requirements to exchange contestable customer data.

• Managing reputational risks: delays in switching customers caused by poor data can lead to badPR, customer and supplier complaints.

• Managing compliance risks; allows companies to identify risks of noncompliance with regulatoryobligations, rules and legislation.

• Improving data quality and reducing operational costs: improved customer data can mean moreaccurate billing information, and fewer costs in error corrections.

• Quantifying costs: production of data action plans will enable water companies to quantify anyissues with data quality and the scale of cost to address these.

1. Production of briefing note and draft data requirement.2. Start-up workshop to confirm scope and discuss draft data requirement.3. Individual meetings with participant organisations to discuss scope, data requirement and data

collation exercise.4. Data collection and data analysis.5. Final data action plan report and dissemination to individual companies.

• Report detailing the actions needed to be undertaken by organisations to mitigate reputationaland compliance risks due to poor data quality.

• Full dissemination meetings with individual participating organisations to discuss data actionplan.

• CP419 - Improving AMA through data quality (2011).• Design of market solution for retail water competition in Scotland.• Electricity market competition in Great Britain.• Customer transfer and assurance work in England and Wales water market.

CP512

Data - Getting it Right forthe Water Retail Market

In partnership with


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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Companies aspire to be innovative to overcome the substantial challenges presented by climate change, increasing regulation and limiting economic conditions. These aspirations cannot be met simply through the creation of an Innovation Department. Innovation has to be embedded within an organisation with board level objectives translated into actions at all levels and recognition that an innovative organisation is fundamentally different from a traditional one.

The objective of this project is to enable companies to convert business objectives and aspirations into theme level programmes such as water supply, pollution management etc., and to link these to innovation led actions using a generic framework. The framework will also support the identification and prioritisation of projects, and the skill-sets needed for their delivery through to implemented solution.

The project would be delivered by WRc with Unipart Expert Practices.

• Innovation is aligned as a business process rather than appearing to depend on the slow drip oftechnology from the supply chain.

• Maximised benefits from spend on innovative solutions by taking control of initiatives by drivinginnovation through thematic business processes.

• Understanding the skill-sets that need to be developed, nurtured and implemented to derive themaximum benefit from innovation spend.

Because each contributing organisation is different in structure, vision and aspiration, the work programme will develop a generic innovation adoption platform that is adaptable to each individual circumstance. Using a set of visual tools and techniques built around the principles of Plan, Do, Check and Act cycle, the platform would map the business processes required to move from a corporate vision / aspiration through thematic development into project development and ultimately implementation. The main steps are:

1. Achieve Business Familiarisation and Drivers.2. Design tools and techniques required to drive “Innovation process”.3. Develop a test bed to demonstrate and improve methodology.4. Develop an implementation plan.

• Group meetings to review approach to innovation with peers and experts.• Comprehensive Innovation Implementation Guide (with process maps & output templates).• Dissemination workshop.

• Collectively, WRc and UEP have a breadth of experience in conducting and realising “Research& Innovation” projects both collaboratively and individually.

• UEP represents the consulting arm of the Unipart Group (10,000 employees, £1 BillionTurnover). Unipart has a strong corporate culture and way of doing business defined byphilosophies, principles and values, underpinned by a consistent set of tools and techniques. Over a period of 20 years, these have been codified into what is referred to as 'The Unipart Way',a readily available toolkit to not only identify problems and derive solutions, but also to quicklyembed solutions, new behaviours and tools in a sustainable and engaging manner.

CP513

Embedding Innovationin your Business


In partnership with

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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Excavations are a significant cost to contractors undertaking repairs to water pipes and sewers. There is a general desire to develop techniques that minimise the size of the excavation as these are typically cheaper and quicker, reduce the risk of interference from other utilities’ infrastructure, are less disruptive to the local community and businesses, use less material and have lower overall CO emissions. However small excavations have problems with compaction and this makes them 2

vulnerable to failure, based on investigations using coring, because the air-void is outside the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) standard, even if there are no visible faults. Repairing failures increases the cost of an individual excavation many times.

The objective of this project is to reduce the overall costs of reinstatement by identifying options for improving and auditing compaction in small excavations such that they can achieve the SROH standard, or an acceptable alternative.

• Contractors will eliminate the substantial costs associated with repairing failed reinstatements inparticular those associated with small excavations and air-void failures.

• Reduced liability and robust defence against Highways Agencies notifying failures in the future byhaving improved records of the quality of the reinstatement.

The project will work with contractors to fully understand the current practices associated with small excavations and the limitations of existing compaction techniques. The nature of the failures associated with coring investigations will be given particular attention and the project will liaise with the work being undertaken by John Moore's University, Liverpool, on reviewing the relevance of the air-void element of the current SROH.

Specific tasks will include:

1. Discussion and field visits with contractors to identify problems and common root causes thatwould lead to notified failures in small excavations.

2. Review and agree the detailed scope of the experimental programme with project participantsbased on the results of the field visits.

3. Investigation of compaction equipment in WRc's underground testing facility, testing theperformance of available equipment in combination with backfill types (different 'flowability'). Thework will include the development of compaction testing/auditing methods.

4. Development and demonstration of new methodologies, including field testing. 5. Reporting and workshops to disseminate the results.

• Simple, structured methodology and tools for effective reinstatement of small excavations, withcase studies and supporting workshops.

• Recommendations, as appropriate for any updates to the SROH.

• Development and management of Civil Engineering Specifications for the Water Industryth (7 Edition) 2011.

• CP373/373a Cost effective management of street ironworks (2009-11).

CP514

Reducing Costs of Reinstatementsof Small Excavations


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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

Opportunities for industry practitioners to meet, share experience and discuss the way forward for water smart metering have been reduced following the winding down of the Ofwat Smart Metering Advisory Group (SMAG) and the completion of the most recent UKWIR project. This is at a time when hands-on experience is beginning to demonstrate added value such as:

• The opportunity to gather more frequent and detailed information on consumption. • Greater accuracy and speed of reading.• Additional data such as leak, reverse flow and tamper alerts.• Improved, informed customer engagement, feeding detailed water-use-data back to customers.• More effective targeting of water efficiency campaigns.

Energy smart metering in the UK is also pressing ahead. Whilst water is not currently included in this programme, the industry needs to be aware of developments, the opportunities this may offer and how it will impact on customers - possibly raising expectations and enquiries or changing water use behaviour.

A new Smart Meter Users Group will be a valuable route for dissemination of information about smart metering, encourage experience and lessons to be shared and enable the industry to keep abreast of wider smart metering activities.

• Identification of opportunities for smart water metering, learning from others within and outsidethe water sector, engagement with suppliers and service providers.

• More effective implementation of smart metering across the industry.

1. Development of agenda/programme and logistics for six meetings/workshops;2. Preparation and circulation of quarterly digests of developments in smart metering (including the

energy programme);3. Email alerts of topical issues, events and consultations.

• Six smart meter user group meetings/workshops;• Notes and minutes and any presentation material from the six meetings;• Quarterly digest of smart metering activity.

• CP378 Instrument User Group (ongoing).• CP024 GIUG User Group (ongoing).• Intelligent Metering Initiative operations group (SBWWI, 2008-10).

CP515

Smart MeterUser Group

User Groups PortfolioCollaborativeResearch

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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

DWI requires water companies to establish a risk based approach to identify expected pathogen challenges to water supply and implement appropriate disinfection systems to deal with this. Portfolio project CP404 Disinfection Forum has been running since March 2010, providing a platform for review of issues, research and regulatory perspectives on disinfection, disseminating information and sharing experience with the objective of allowing participating companies to meet their obligations for disinfection.

Over the 2011-12 period, the focus of the work was on the development of the “Ct Toolbox” to facilitate identification of appropriate disinfection conditions in an objective and logical manner, based on the best available evidence to help companies to implement a robust policy that stands up to regulatory scrutiny. Development of the Ct Toolbox continued over the 2012/13 period, building on the original tool through feedback from implementation.

• Effective disinfection policy based on firm evidence and shared knowledge.• Adoption of a consolidated and robust approach for DWI.

1. Continuation of the Disinfection Forum over the period April 2013 to March 2114 will involvefurther discussion of implementation of the Ct Toolbox, to address issues related to pathogenoccurrence, removal and impact on health. However, the scope of the forum will includeconsideration of other disinfection issues of common interest to participating companies, whichwill be discussed at each meeting, and it is proposed to have guest specialist speakers topresent on specific topics.

2. Three meetings will be held at WRc (Swindon) over the period April 2013 to March 2014, eachwith up to 3 representatives from participating companies.

• Summary reports will be provided on the topics and discussions at each meeting.

• Portfolio project CP282; chlorination best practice guidance (2006).• Disinfection audits at water treatment works for individual water companies.• UKWIR projects on coliform failures (2009-10), disinfection Ct (2005), and UV disinfection

(2008).• Management of the UKWIR microbiological datasheets (ongoing).• Participation in the EU Microrisk project (2006).

CP404

DisinfectionForum


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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

SIMCAT has been in use for nearly 30 years by both the Environment Agency, the owners of SIMCAT, and the WaSCs. Recently a number of organisations have expressed a desire for a forum, or discussion group, to help identify best practices for using SIMCAT, including model creation, data analysis and interpretation of the results.

The creation of a user group will allow users from various organisations to be brought together, facilitating the sharing of ideas of how SIMCAT, including SAGIS, can be used for maximising benefit to catchment planning or in support of PR14 planning and AMP6 delivery. Structured workshops and meetings provide opportunities to network, meet new users and be exposed to new services and thinking. The members of the forum also have the opportunity to shape and steer themes and topics to be covered by the meetings.

The objective of the forum is to enable participants to improve their beneficial use of SIMCAT/SAGIS and to influence future applications and developments in environmental modelling.

• Identify and illustrate best practice for SIMCAT and SAGIS modelling.• Shared experience of modelling river water quality by industry peers.• Detail continuing development of SIMCAT and SAGIS.• Discussion forum allowing members to post queries to other members.

1. 3 forum meetings, spaced equally throughout the year.2. Dedicated web forum.

• User group meetings. The initial meeting will be held at WRc offices with further meetings held atthe offices of member organisations. The meetings will consist of a series of themedpresentations from members of the group or guest speakers representing a variety of externalorganisations.

• The discussion forum will be available through an MS SharePoint web site hosted by WRc.

• Development of SIMCAT models to covering all 4 river basin districts for NIEA and developmentof revised SIMCAT models for United Utilities incorporating the detailed river network from the EA (2012).

• Chemical Source Apportionment under the WFD model scoping document for UKWIR10/WW/02/2 (2009) and on-going work for WW02C WW346 WFD SAGIS Lakes, Coastal andTransitional Waters.

• CP024 GIUG: Geographical Information User Group (ongoing).

CP516

SIMCATUser Forum


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Work Programme


Related WRc Work

The Instrument User Group (IUG) has become an established forum to share knowledge and experience on instrumentation related issues to improve understanding and further the effective use of instrumentation within the water sector. The group membership, which consisted of ten water companies in 2012, includes ICA specialists, R&D and innovation staff and end users. The Group is run by WRc plc and membership is open to all UK Water Companies. Other parties with an interest in water industry instrumentation such as suppliers may be invited to specific meetings.

The Group covers wastewater and water instrumentation and provides a framework to bring members together to exchange information and develop common interests allowing them to:

• Share evaluation data and information on instrument use, practical problems and solutions.• Identify good practice, common instrument testing and evaluation needs, leading to opportunities

to collaborate.• Work together to resolve specific problems and issues with the supply chain.• Keep abreast of new products and developments from researchers.

• Improved decision making based on awareness of new technologies and best available advicefrom leading UK water industry experts and wider industry experiences and practices.

• Identify opportunities to reduce instrument evaluation costs.• A combined voice to inform instrument suppliers, manufactures and innovators to develop

solutions to new and existing problems.

The IUG meets six times a year with a series of presentations and discussion sessions. These meetings are held either at WRc (Swindon) or hosted by one of the participating companies to allow viewing of relevant instrument applications etc. The Group collectively agrees the themes/topics tobe covered and the involvement of others (e.g. vendors, other industry sectors).

• A programme of meetings for facilitated sharing of information and experience between users.• A growing library of industry current practice notes. A new document produced on the topic of

each meeting.• Records of presentations and minutes from the IUG meetings.• Documents produced to facilitate discussions with suppliers.• A confidential and interactive website for members.

• CP477 Trial of wastewater dissolved oxygen monitors (2012 - ongoing).• UKWIR DW03 - Cost Benefit Analysis of Ubiquitous Data Collection in Water Distribution (2011 -

ongoing).• CP499 Towards Intelligent Water Networks (2012).• CP429 Evaluation of Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (2010-12).• CP411 Evaluation of Chlorine and Turbidity Analysers for Use in Distribution (2010).

CP378

InstrumentUser Group




High energy costs and carbon/GHG emissions associated with operating aeration plants present a major challenge to the water utilities. The new Ofwat key performance indicators will provide regulators, investors and customers with increased transparency and awareness of company performance in these areas.

The efficiency of aeration plants depends on a range of factors which include the type of process installed, the design of individual plants, and the flexibility of aeration plant control systems. In principle, the oxygen transfer rate, fundamental to aeration efficiency in aeration plants, improves with decreasing bubble size but the equipment used to produce fine and ultra-fine (micro) bubbles is likely to have a greater fouling tendency which may limit potential aeration efficiency improvements.

Building on the outputs of WRc's Portfolio study 'CP406 Managing Aeration Plants to Reduce Energy Costs and Carbon Emissions', this project is developing and enhancing the current aeration efficiency and cost evaluation tool to allow accurate estimation of aeration efficiency of installed systems and will demonstrate how it can be used to achieve cost savings. The package will also be extended by including assessment of diffuser fouling by analysis of changes to bubble size distributions and development of voidages.

• Increased aeration plant efficiency across the organisation through use of the aeration efficiencyand cost evaluation tool.

• A substantial, sustainable reduction in energy and costs associated with aeration plant operation.• Quantification of expected energy/carbon savings for novel aeration processes.

CP489

Advanced AerationEfficiency



UK Water Companies are facing and more stringent metal consents for phosphate removal at wastewater treatment works (WwTW). Chemical use needs to be reduced to achieve more sustainable wastewater management (Cave Review 2009).

Metal (ferric or aluminium) salts may be unable to precipitate phosphate effectively causing high soluble phosphates and high metal residuals that result in effluent compliance issues at WwTWs. This effect may be linked to seasonal variations in wastewater quality, lack of alkalinity, hydrolysis of organic phosphate to orthophosphate, and organic trade effluents which promote iron complexation. Sites may require tertiary sand filtration to control the level of residual metals in effluent.

The project aims to identify means for improving the effectiveness of metal dosing for both removal of phosphate and control of residual metals on a site specific basis, through better understanding of the physicochemical processes and the factors which influence precipitation.

• Enable a clear and quantified understanding of optimal chemical dosing to achieve robustcompliance with discharge permits.

• Identify minimum chemical use leading to OPEX savings and more sustainable P removal.• Establish a common quality control methodology for chemical use at WwTWs to assist with

planning capital expenditure and ensure effective operation of chemical dosing plant. • Identify opportunities for achieving compliance with discharge permits without the need for

capital expenditure on tertiary treatment.

rising chemical costs

CP488

Compliance with Phosphorus andMetal Consent Requirements

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Ongoing Projects PortfolioCollaborativeResearch

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Taste and odour complaints are often tracked back to the presence of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, with chemical analysis revealing a spectrum of compounds, usually at low concentrations. Water companies can readily access information on the potential risk to human health of these compounds, but they find it difficult to quickly determine their most likely source, and therefore to stop or prevent further contamination. Individual proprietary or generic hydrocarbon products have characteristic analytical profiles which can be influenced by the contamination route: direct spill, permeation through pipes, through soil, etc. If companies could cross reference to these “fingerprints” then they would be able to identify more rapidly the likely source of contamination.

This project will create a look-up table of analytical profiles for hydrocarbon-based products (e.g. diesel, petrol, heating oil, domestic solvents and oils) cross-referenced with different sources of contamination (e.g. permeation of plastic pipes, joints and valves). The list will be based on current information from the literature, WRc and the water companies' own experiences, together with controlled laboratory research to establish spectra of hydrocarbons with different products and potential contamination sources.

• Quicker resolution of hydrocarbon contamination and a quicker return to the “wholesomeness” ofwater.

• Identification of likely sources of contamination leading to improved risk mitigation and thereforeless likelihood of repeat contamination.

• Less repeat laboratory analysis saving time and money.• A reduction in customer complaints and reporting to DWI.

CP482

Rapid Tracking of HydrocarbonContamination in Drinking Water



“White water” (WW) - microbubbles of air that give water a milky appearance - is the reason for about 20% of all customer water quality contacts. The frequency of WW contacts has implications for company costs and the Service Incentive Mechanism (SIM) score. DWI expects companies to improve operational practice to reduce contacts.

There is substantial variation in WW contact frequency between companies and varying success in reducing contacts. The differences may relate to the nature of individual networks, maintenance practice, rehabilitation practice, or other factors.

The project aims to identify and rank the key causes of WW contacts and from this develop detailed guidance on diagnosing causes together with strategies for resolving them and preventing recurrence.

• Reduced customer contacts, with direct positive impact on SIM scores and reduced costsassociated with responding to WW complaints. The project is also expected to identifyimprovements in network intervention practices and network design.

CP485

Reducing WhiteWater Contacts


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WRc has recently started this Portfolio Project on Defining and Managing the Health Risk from Sewage Flooding. It recognises the difficulties water companies face when dealing with the aftermath of sewage flooding. In a previous study a risk assessment strategy was developed that permitted an evidence based response and gave reassurance to water companies over the effectiveness of their remedial actions.

Since then it has become apparent that we needed to update and extend the original model. In this project we are extending the risk assessment to cover risks from chemicals and assessing risks to crops, livestock and domestic animals. At the same time we will check the validity of the original data and assumptions through review of recent sources of information. A key feature of this work is our intention to gain approval from organisations representing the interests of those affected which will greatly improve the acceptability of the risk assessment.

When completed this project will enable water companies to respond to a wider range of sewage flooding incidents in a consistent, effective and proportionate manner without putting public and animal health at risk.

• An improved strategy for managing sewage flooding that has the approval of organisationslooking after the interests of those affected.

• Resolving compensation claims in a timely and cost effective manner and to the satisfaction of allparties.

CP467

Defining and Managing HealthRisks from Sewage Flooding

CP500

TR61 Version 12 Cost and CarbonEstimation Models and Software



Water industry investment planning requires reliable up-to-date cost and carbon models for water and wastewater treatment assets and infrastructure. The proportion of expenditure spent on refurbishing assets is increasing and water companies need to be able to estimate refurbishment costs for investment plans. In addition, the calculation of whole life costs (totex) is becoming increasingly important. TR61 has been a reliable source of cost information for 35 years and has developed progressively to meet the needs of water companies to carry out investment planning, benchmarking and valuing assets.

Building on from the TR61 Version 11 software that provided capital and operating cost models, and embodied operating carbon models for water and wastewater assets, this project will provide:

• TR61 Version 12 software with updated cost and carbon models.• Refurbishment models for common refurbishment tasks for treatment assets that will be chosen

in consultation with the liaison group.

• Better cost estimates for refurbishment will help investment planning for periodic reviews.• TR61 capex models can be used for investment planning and benchmarking against company

estimates and need to be kept up-to-date with extra new data.• Whole life cost (totex) estimates in TR61 need to be kept up-to-date using new cost data to

enhance opex models.• Updated embodied and operational carbon estimation models.


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Index

CP464

New Methods for ServiceReservoir Inspection



Service reservoirs are a critical part of the infrastructure for the supply of safe drinking water. Loss of integrity may lead to leakage and/or ingress and contamination. The recent Defra consultation on the Reservoirs Act 1975 proposed that a greater number of reservoirs could require regular inspection, which can be disruptive and costly. Current approaches provide limited information and involve a drop-test or visual inspection by man entry or remotely operated vehicle. There is a need for improved techniques to assess service reservoir integrity which are more cost effective or provide better data. Methods that might be used include: discrete or linear hydrophone technology for leak detection, permanently installed structural condition monitoring, 3D scanning sonar and radar, ground probing radar, microwave aquametery and time domain reflectometry, and novel approaches to gas and water tracing.

This two phase project will define the industry's current and future needs for service reservoir inspection, identify and evaluate new and alternative solutions in use in other applications or sectors, and independently validate selected techniques, identify implementation routes, and define short term benefits and further development needs.

• Reduced risk of asset failure through the ability to undertake quicker, lower cost and morefrequent inspection.

• Reduced disruption to supply through the use of technologies which do not require the servicereservoir to be taken out of service.

• Informed decision making on future approaches to service reservoir inspection.



Since its inception in 2000, the Geographical Information User Group (GIUG) has provided participants with a much valued forum to keep abreast of, and maximise value from the incredible developments in Geographical Information Systems and related technology.

We are in exciting times for Geographical Information (GI) in the water industry with many new initiatives that will raise its profile. The Defra Catchment Management initiative as well as the advances in real-time decision support tools and ecosystem services for PR14, are likely to change the requirements for spatial data in the UK water industry.

The key power of the GIUG lies in the unique gathering of experts, every quarter, to investigate shared business problems with spatial elements - this accounts for up to 80% of all business information!

• Identify how to use geographic data to derive genuine business benefit. • Adopt best practice in geographical information and related technology.• Cost effectively assess vendor products, through peer review.• Understand how industry peers are managing changes to the spatial information requirement.

CP024

Geographical InformationUser Group 2012-14
