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)

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.
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.
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.
08 May 2012
Data Reveals Very Low Targets For Stopping Water Leakage
Data obtained by the Guardian newspaper reveals that more than half of water companies will not be required to reduce their leakages by a single drop before 2015, despite the worst drought in 25 years. The information, which came from regulator Ofwat, also shows the entire water industry will cut leaks by only 1.5% in that time. 3.
20 January 2004
31% rises in water bills may be underestimate: WaterVoice
The huge rises in water bills predicted last year by the industry may have been seriously underestimated, according to the water utility watchdog WaterVoice.