Institute of Water 177

SPRING2013 ISSUE177

IN THIS ISSUE: CONFERENCE PREVIEW 2013 new website FLOOD MANAGEMENT skills INSTITUTE OF WATER JOURNAL

TotalCare services For secure, optimal operations

Xylem TotalCare is a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of services that ensures your business keeps running at its best.

Our portfolio comes backed by deep systems knowledge and expertise in water and wastewater applications. Which gives you the operational security and more time to focus on your core business.

What can Xylem do for you?

Call 0115 940 0111 or visit www.xyleminc.com/totalcare

CONTENTS

Introduction the Institute and we will continue to rely on the support of Members to organise events and bring new Members.

4

38

45

64

2013 in particular will see the launch of a brand new website which will bring the Institute up to speed with other professional bodies and revolutionise the membership experience.

You’ll find an overview of the new site in this edition of the Journal.

Members will also receive more frequent, streamlined communication from HQ throughout 2013. The team here are bombarded with a constant flow of news, information and events which our stakeholders would like to share with you. Members will see the best of this via monthly email bulletins.

It’s an exciting time to be a Member of the Institute of Water and having joined the team at HQ in the last quarter of 2012, I’m looking forward to some big changes in 2013 which will enhance the experience of our Members and ultimately help them better themselves and their careers.

When I first joined the organisation I was told that this was a Membership for the Members, by the Members and that career and personal development was paramount.

Having come from a cut throat and ruthless private sector business, it’s refreshing to work in an environment with a more relaxed approach where the focus is on creating the best experience for Members and not solely on satisfying the needs of shareholders or undercutting competitors.

There really is a family feel to the Institute of Water and it’s something I hope will underpin our efforts as we look to grow and improve over the coming years. No amount of savvy marketing, clever design or witty slogans can replace the family culture that exists within

2012 saw the Institute hold what has been described as the ‘best ever’ Annual Conference in London and I’m looking forward to the challenge of surpassing that bench mark for this year’s event in Edinburgh. I’m excited to meet many of you there and hope you will show your support by attending the event and encouraging your contacts to exhibit and sponsor us. You’ll find further information about this year’s conference in this edition of the Journal.

As ever, skills and development are always on the agenda and you can read some interesting articles in this issue from EU Skills and Anglian Water. You can also meet this year’s Rising Stars who are making waves in the water industry.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Journal and I look forward to meeting and working with you all in the very near future.

Dan Barton

Marketing and Communications Manager

Features

10-11 14 16-19 24-33 38-44 45-49 54-55 56-63 66-75

New IOW Website Rising Stars Conference Preview Waste Water Skills Flood Management Scottish Water Asset Management Pipeline Technology

Regulars

4-5 6-7 8

9

12 78-86

News in Brief Members Update Engineering News Soc Env News WaterAid Area News

Institute of Water HQ: 4 Carlton Court, Team Valley, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE11 0AZ Website: www.instituteofwater.org.uk President: Nick Ellins Chairperson: Kathy Auld Chief Executive: Lynn Cooper Editorial, Marketing & Communications Manager: Dan Barton Tel: 0191 422 0088 Fax: 0191 422 0087 Email: dan@instituteofwater.org.uk Advertising: Martin Jamieson Tel: 0845 884 2333 Email: martin.jamieson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Designed and produced by: Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2385 Email: production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

The Institute of Water is the only professional body solely concerned with the UK water industry. We can support and develop your career whoever you are and whatever you do. We do this by providing a unique learning, developing and networking framework. For details on how to join visit www.instituteofwater.org.uk today.

instituteofwater.org.uk

3

GREEN MOVE FOR SEVERN TRENT COSTAIN Severn Trent Costain has recently opened a new, ultra-green headquarters, relocating their 150-strong head office team to Parkside, Birmingham Business Park.

Their new headquarters have a 24/7/365 response control centre and a host of other water and energy efficiency features. These include everything from water-efficient aerated sensor taps to hot water dispensers for tea and coffee.

The relocation follows the announcement that leading UK dairy, First Milk, had become the first business customer to switch to the joint venture since the regulations in England were changed.

The new regulations allow businesses using over the new lower threshold of 5ML of water a year to choose their supplier.

The central location is at the heart of the UK’s major transport and infrastructure networks, which enables easy communication with the joint venture’s numerous regional offices. The completely refurbished building contains stateof-the-art facilities including hot desking and the latest IT systems, enabling its position as a central business hub to be optimised for the benefit of customers.

XYLEM APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME RESULTS IN JOBS FOR NINE LUCKY ENGINEERS Xylem Water Solutions has offered nine of its apprentices from the last intake, full time engineer positions. Worldwide, Xylem employs around 12,000 people and is dedicated to training new engineers to bridge the skills gap. In the UK, the company offers three to five year trade apprenticeships across a number of disciplines.

Whilst the majority of these are as electricians, Xylem also offers apprenticeships in mechanical fitting.

The candidates learn basic skills in the college classroom following an established NVQ syllabus before putting these skills to good use in Xylem workshops or on subsequent site visits. An initial trade qualification can be obtained within three years but those wishing to obtain a higher technical qualification train for up to five years.

Peter Lewington, Managing Director of Xylem Water Solutions, said: “Having a strong employee development programme in place across our

4

instituteofwater.org.uk

business is critical to our success, ensuring we have motivated and highly skilled people throughout our business. The apprenticeship scheme is a great way for us to introduce talented new people into the business. They can train and develop the necessary skills to meet our high standards, while starting their working life as part of a great team”

WATER EFFORT FOR SIR BOBBY From pedalling around northern Europe s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, to pounding the pavements of the Great North Run and cycling from Kielder to Tynemouth following the water cycle, employees of Northumbrian Water have together raised around £12,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in the last year.

Each with their own personal motivation - a pal, a colleague, a family member; the workforce teamed up for a series of grueling individual and group fundraising efforts to raise money to fight cancer.

Sir Bobby Robson and his wife, Lady Elsie Robson, launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation after a request for help from his oncologist Professor Ruth Plummer in 2008.

Lady Elsie, his three sons Paul, Andrew and Mark and committed Patrons including Alan Shearer, Niall Quinn, Steve Gibson, Delia Smith and Mick Mills are continuing his wishes and the Foundation has now raised more than £4million.

Rob Mewes (33), a Northumbrian Water customer advisor from Washington, completed a 324 mile charity cycle by circling the organisation’s famous Kielder Reservoir, not once or twice but an astonishing twelve times.

Graeme Telford (37), a project manager from Washington, and a team of colleagues cycled 104 miles along the scenic coast and castles route between Berwick and Newcastle, as well as running the Great North Run. Graeme and Peter, with 12 colleagues, also followed the water cycle, biking a two day route from Kielder in Northumberland to several of the company’s water treatment works, ending up in Tynemouth.

NEWSINBRIEF

SOUTH WEST WATER FEMALE WORKFORCE SUPPORT WORLD TOILET DAY SOUTHERN WATER TO INSTALL £700,000 BIOGAS PLANT Southern Water is installing a £700,000 combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its wastewater treatment works on the Isle of Wight.

The plant at Sandown will capture biogas created during the sewage treatment process.

Using anaerobic digestion, the plant will produce renewable energy to power and heat the works, while surplus electricity will be exported to the power grid.

The CHP plant will also use heat from the engine and exhaust systems to warm treatment tanks and speed up the bacterial digestion of the waste.

The project, due to be up and running by spring this year, forms part of Southern Water’s programme to self-generate 20 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020. The company also hopes the CHP plant will reduce its carbon emissions from the site by around 1,400 tonnes a year.

Morné Cloete, Southern Water project manager, said: “Harnessing recoverable energy through the use of CHP plants is just one of the innovative ways Southern Water is helping reduce its impact on the environment by reducing our carbon footprint while also cutting our energy costs.”

A group of 57 female employees from South West Water formed an unusual queue for the toilet outside the company headquarters in Exeter, on World Toilet Day in a bid to support the 1.25 billion women around the globe who are at risk of diseases, harassment and even violence because they don’t have anywhere safe to go to the toilet.

The water and sewerage company has been supporting international charity WaterAid for over 20 years and sent employee Susie Golics to see the organisation’s work on the ground in Zambia earlier this year.

Employee Development Consultant Susie, who is also WaterAid Regional Representative in the South West, said: “In some parts of Zambia women risk rape and attack if they go out at night looking for somewhere to go to the toilet. Others don’t even have a toilet of their own and are forced to use a tin or beg their neighbours to use their facilities.

“We asked our female employees to think about what it is like for millions of women who risk shame, disease, harassment and even attack because they have nowhere safe to go to the toilet. That is why we asked them to help construct their own latrine which is typical of what women without adequate sanitation facilities are forced to use every day.”

Barbara Frost, Chief Executive of WaterAid, said: “When women don’t have a safe, secure and

private place to go to the toilet they are exposed and put in a vulnerable position and when they relieve themselves in the open they risk harassment. Women are reluctant to talk about it or complain, but the world cannot continue to ignore this."

YORKSHIRE WATER LAUNCHES IT GRADUATES INITIATIVE Yorkshire Water has stepped in to help jobless IT graduates shake off that “geek” tag and develop the “soft” skills required by employers. Research by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, showed there was still a feeling among major employers that IT graduates – while professionally competent – still lack skills in areas such as personal leadership, communication, presentation and teamwork.

Yorkshire Water is partnering with BCS (Charted Institute for IT) to run an initiative, called The Graduate, to develop soft skills among IT graduates to ensure that when it comes to having an interview, their communication and presentation skills don’t let them down.

The Graduate 2013 is made up of two stages – an application period, which is open until the end of this month, and an assessment day on March 18, which will be followed by an awards ceremony.

The assessment centre will be held at Yorkshire Water’s learning centre at Esholt Hall, Shipley, where candidates will have their professional and personal skills tested through a series of individual and team exercises before receiving one-to-one feedback on their performance.

A host of companies supporting the initiative will also be present – giving candidates the ideal opportunity to put themselves in the shop window.

instituteofwater.org.uk

5

Allen Bolton

Institute of Water Allen Bolton Award Nathan Warren

New Role for Nathan A big congratulations to Nathan Warren who has recently started a new role as a Senior Economist at Ofwat.

Nathan has taken advantage of our Mentoring scheme and enlisted the help of his Mentor, Nick Ellins, to develop his career and find his new role. If you’d like to be involved in our Mentoring scheme either as a Mentor or a Mentee, contact Francesca@instituteofwater.org.uk

In memory of our Founder Member, the Allen Bolton Award is presented at the President’s Dinner to a member who has shown exceptional commitment or made an outstanding contribution to the Institute.  The winner is selected by the National Chair and Kathy Auld is now inviting you to nominate a member to be the 2013 winner of this Award. Nominations should be emailed to Kathy kathy.auld@ scottishwater.co.uk by the end of March.

New Addition to HQ Our Membership Engagement Manager Clare Haddon left us at the end of January to embark upon an Australian adventure!

We thank Clare for all of her hard work and welcome a new face to the team, Francesca

Madden. Francesca is a recent PR and Communications graduate and has fantastic experience of working with some large multinational companies as part of her degree course.

Francesca has taken over the reins from Clare and will also look to make further use of our social media channels as we endeavour to engage further with our Members and Stakeholders during 2013.

Francesca Madden

6

instituteofwater.org.uk

MEMBERSUPDATE

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Award The CPD Award is open to individuals at any stage in their water industry career who can demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Entries will be judged against four criteria: • Identifying development needs and opportunities • Setting goals and target dates • Recording development achievements and learning outcomes • Evaluating achievements and reviewing them against development needs

Applicants are invited to submit text of up to 1500 words plus up to three pieces of relevant supporting material such as a development action plan or a historical log of CPD activities and learning outcomes.

for monitoring and would like to be considered for the CPD Award please ring 0191 422 0088 or email francesca@instituteofwater.org.uk to request an application form.

Closing date for entries is 15th March.

The best submissions from our annual CPD monitoring exercise will automatically be entered for the CPD Award; if you haven’t been selected

ENGINEERING NEWS NAMING OF PRINCE PHILIP HOUSE Following a £6.5 million refurbishment, the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Grade-I listed building at 3 Carlton House Terrace in London has been named Prince Philip House. Named in honour of its Senior Fellow, HRH The Prince Philip, the ceremony took place with the Duke of Edinburgh present on 16 October 2012. Institute of Water Chief Executive had the privilege of attending the naming ceremony and the official opening in May last year.

Prince Philip has long championed engineers and engineering. He was instrumental in setting up the Fellowship of Engineering in 1976 with a group of 126 eminent engineers. Under his patronage, this collection of leading engineers has developed into a fully-fledged national Academy of some 1,500 Fellows. The Academy now works in partnership with government, business, the engineering profession, universities and the public to promote the engineering and technological welfare of the UK. In honour of the Duke of Edinburgh’s support over the years, a new portrait of him was unveiled at the event. Specially commissioned by Dame Stephanie Shirley FREng from the award-winning portrait artist Paul Brason, the triptych painting will be on permanent display at the Academy.

The event was hosted by Academy President, Sir John Parker, with speeches by Chief Executive Philip Greenish, the Duke of Edinburgh and DrEleanor Stride, a RAEng/EPSRC Research Fellow

Artist Paul Brason and Dame Stephanie Shirley with the Prince Philip tryptich photo © Royal Academy of Engineering

who is working to develop microbubble agents for the detection of cancer. Prince Philip House will be home to the Forum for engineering, which will provide a national platform for engineering leaders to engage with global issues including sustainability, equality and diversity, health, water and energy supplies and economic growth.

As Britain’s national academy for engineering, The Royal Academy of

Engineering brings together the country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering.

The Academy publishes a quarterly prestige magazine - Ingenia - aimed at opinion formers, to promote both Academy and engineering achievements. Ingenia is available online at http://www.ingenia.org.uk/ingenia/

instituteofwater.org.uk

7

ENGINEERINGNEWS

Peter Roberts

Lucy Johnson

Mark Heelis

EngTech, TMIWater

EngTech, TMIWater

IEng, MIWater

“I joined South Staffs Water in 2009 after spending 5 years working as a Civil Engineering Technician for Bannersgate Ltd, a design consultancy, where I had a varied role ranging from site surveying and levelling to the design of adopted drainage and SUDS for housing and commercial developments. In my time at Bannersgate I gained substantial knowledge in engineering design and achieved a BTEC in Civil Engineering.

Lucy has 5 years engineering experience in the water industry and holds Water operations with management HNC. She started her career as a leakage technician with Atkins and then later joined Portsmouth Water as a Distribution Technician where she was introduced to the Institute of Water.

I was recently awarded Incorporated Engineer status and Corporate Membership of the Institute of Water. This was the culmination of 12 months hard work to prepare my submission. I have taken great pride in this achievement and it symbolises a significant milestone in my career.

My career at South Staffs Water (SSW) began as a Network Support Assistant building computersimulated Hydraulic Models. SSW has updated its hydraulic models for the entire network to manage risk and improve operating efficiency of its water distribution network. I also designed District Metered Areas and Pressure Managed Areas to deliver the infrastructure required to reduce leakage across the network.

After completing these projects I was appointed to the position of Rehab Designer to produce designs for small and large diameter rehabilitation schemes. These ongoing works are crucial to reduce burst frequency and therefore maintain serviceability to SSW’s customers.

With my current role involving a lot of liaison with third parties I felt that a recognised status within the industry would be beneficial. When I heard about the Engineering Technician status I felt this would be a good way to gain recognition and support my development programme at SSW. Having obtained a BTEC in Civil Engineering as well as having 5 years’ engineering experience and 3 years within the water industry this was enough to satisfy the requirements and attain EngTech status.

I feel obtaining EngTech status has not only shown a commitment to my career and a positive attitude towards my professional development but also shows my experience within the industry.”

Currently she is a Product Manager at Primayer where she has gained experience in product development and international water markets.

“I am so proud to be a part of Institute of Water.

They provide so many personal development opportunities for members at any level to progress in their careers. The icing on the cake for me now is being registered as an EngTech.

Registration has given me professional recognition as well as enabling me to evaluate my career experience to date. I feel registration and the Institute of Water has given me tools on how to achieve my future career aspirations.”

“I am so proud to be a part of Institute of Water. They provide so many personal development opportunities for members at any level to progress in their careers. The icing on the cake for me now is being registered as an EngTech."

Lucy Johnson

8

instituteofwater.org.uk

As a project manager in the water industry for 11 years I wanted to formally assess my project management skills, health & safety awareness and technical ability against the Engineering Council competencies.

During my career to date I have managed and delivered multi-disciplinary projects in both the private and public sectors. My career started in land surveying and progressed to engineering surveying, where I developed specialist knowledge delivering critical monitoring surveys of tidal Thames flood defences and nuclear power stations. As Flood Risk Management Technical Advisor at the Environment Agency I am part of a team responsible for the design, development and delivery of economically and technically viable solutions to reduce flood risk in the River Thames catchment.

I took the Technical Report route to becoming an Incorporated Engineer which required me to demonstrate how I met the required Engineering Council competencies through a 5,000-word report. I used my engineering knowledge to design and construct guard piles and associated protection measures in-channel upstream of a weir on the River Kennet.

The application and review process, and ultimately the award of an internationally recognised accreditation, has been a thoroughly rewarding experience and has given me a great sense of achievement and status within my field of work. I would encourage anyone in the water industry to challenge themselves and strive towards membership of the Institute of Water and Engineering Council Registration. Since achieving this I have offered my support to other colleagues with their applications.

You can follow me on Twitter at @MarkHeelisEA

SOCENVNEWS within the Ireland Water Division of Mouchel, Shane is responsible for delivery of a range of asset management and capital design potable water projects, throughout Ireland.

Following his graduation from the University of Ulster with a degree in Environmental Science he joined Parkman Ltd in 2000 (subsequently MouchelParkman & Mouchel). Shane leads a team of Engineers and Technicians based in its Belfast Office and as Principal Engineer has responsibility for delivery of Water Conservation and Capital Design Projects in the Republic of Ireland while also fulfilling the role of Assistant Project Manager on Mouchel’s Non-Infrastructure Asset Data Inventory commission with Northern Ireland Water. He is currently leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver the detailed design of a 900mm trunk watermain, the route of which passes through the runway approach landing lights in Dublin Airport.

Shane Mullan CEnv, MIWater Shane has some thirteen years experience in the Water Industry throughout Ireland and specialises in Asset Management of potable water distribution networks, Leakage Management, Leakage Reduction and Water Conservation Projects. As a Principal Engineer and Team Leader

“I wanted to attain Chartered status primarily as recognition that I have achieved a professional standard within the Water Industry. Following a review of the Society for the Environment competencies for Chartered Environmentalist I identified that my career has been very closely aligned to the concept of sustainable development. The CEnv registration is becoming well recognised throughout the water industry, with Clients and Employers alike, and I

immediately identified with its core values.

“I was warmly welcomed into the Institute of Water by the Chair of Northern Ireland Area in July 2012 and I found the application procedure straightforward. My Professional Review Interview was conducted in a relaxed manner by experienced assessors and the two hour interview flew by; in fact on reflection it felt more like an engaging discussion on environmental topics than a formal interview. I received notification two weeks later that I had been recommended for Registration as Chartered Environmentalist with the entire process from joining to registration taking just six months. While the route to Chartership takes a certain degree of dedication it has been a rewarding experience for me and I’ve already made some good contacts within the Water Industry.

“One of the Institute of Water’s most appealing aspects for me is its focus on establishing a body of like minded people who can share similar experiences within the water industry. I have no hesitation in recommending the route to Chartered Environmentalist and urge colleagues and fellow environmental practitioners to join the community of people in the Institute of Water.”

Society for the Environment appoints Tony Juniper as its first President Renowned environmental campaigner Tony Juniper has been appointed as the first President of the Society for the Environment (SocEnv).

Tony joins SocEnv to help the organisation in its mission to champion the role of environmental professionals and the Chartered Environmentalist qualification.

Tony Juniper (R) with SocEnv Chief Exec Alex Galloway

Tony is an established face on the environmental circuit having been the director of Friends of the Earth in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2003 and 2008 and the vice chair of Friends of the Earth International from 2001 to 2008. He has also written a series of book covering various ecological issues, holds a number of positions with diverse institutions as well as being a regular media commentator on environmental matters.

Upon his appointment Tony said: “As the number of people working in the environmental sector grows, it is vital that Chartered Environmentalists are recognised as professionals in their own right, whatever their role. It is very pleasing to be working with the Society for the Environment to champion professionalism in the environmental sector.

“The Society fulfils a vitally important role by setting the standards for professionals

working across a range of sectors. It has shown how professional bodies from widely different specialisms can work together on a common agenda.

“I look forward immensely to working with the Society.”

Society for the Environment chief executive Alex Galloway said: “To have somebody of Tony’s calibre as our President will help us take the status of Chartered Environmentalists to a new level of recognition and reach into new areas.”

instituteofwater.org.uk

9

Introducing our new website…

By Dan Barton

Following several months of planning and development, we were pleased to launch our new website in early February.

Our website was last developed back in 2007 and we listened to feedback from Members who were looking for improvements in the information

10

instituteofwater.org.uk

available to them, online payments, and a better all round user experience.

We’ve worked closely with our digital partner Union Room on a new website which meets the changing needs of our Membership. Union Room are a leading digital agency based in north east England, with a diverse client portfolio which includes Parkdean Holidays and ITV Signpost.

Michael Justice, Project Manager at Union Room commented: ‘We’ve worked hard to design and develop a new website and associated bespoke content

management system which meets with new and existing Member requirements and also reflects the unique organisational structure of the Institute of Water.’

The new website features a new contemporary design, using bold imagery throughout to emphasise how both existing and new Members can get the most from their membership. The site features an intuitive navigation, helping you find all of the information that is of interest, whether its career development information, who your local Area Representatives are, or the latest News and Events.

NEW WEBSITE The new website comes with a suite of new functionality to help Members in their engagement with the Institute of Water. Each member will have their own dashboard area, allowing them to log in and manage their activity.

The dashboard is personalised to feature all of the latest news and events for you and your area, helping you keep up to date with our latest activity.

Once you find an event you’re interested in, booking an event is easy – simply select the booking option and how you want to pay, and this is confirmed via a few clicks. All bookings are stored in your dashboard, helping you keep track of future events.

if you choose to, or update your address or other profile detail.

The site also makes it easy for new recruits to find out more about the Institute and get involved, either by attending events as a ‘guest’ or completing an application to become a Member online.

Company Members benefit with their logo appearing on our scrolling company member gallery, free advertising of vacancies on the jobs section of the new website, and discounted rates at our events and conferences.

The website has also been designed to be compatible with and easy to use on a range of devices, from desktop to tablet and mobile, meaning you can always keep in touch with the latest activity.

Behind the scenes, we’ve also revamped our membership database, bringing real efficiencies to the way we work and helping us deliver an even better service to our Members.

We’ve worked hard to develop a new website that looks great, is easy to use and delivers real benefits to our Members.

Following the event, Members can also access all of the event documentation, such as the presentations and speaker notes. And just in case you can’t make the event, or there’s something happening in another area that you’re interested in, you can also access the documents from those events as well.

You can now pay for your annual membership or any event bookings online via Paypal, with all invoices stored against your profile for easy access and reference. Of course, you can still choose to pay by our usual ‘offline’ payment mechanisms if you prefer. And however you choose to pay, all membership and event invoices are also stored on your profile.

You can easily control your membership profile, meaning you can change your username/password

instituteofwater.org.uk

11

WATER AID

Voices from WaterAid Water Industry trip In February a group of 13 supporters visited WaterAid’s work in India as part of the annual Water Industry supporter visit. Hear from some of those who have been on previous trips and what the experience meant to them.

WaterAid/GMB Akash

Craig Holliday, Asset Manager at Northumbrian Water.

Go to www.wateraid.org/india2013 to read about the current trip.

“I visited Bangladesh in 2010 and I didn’t really know what to expect before we went!

We visited both urban and rural communities and I spent time talking to people about what life is like and how poor water and sanitation affect their lives. Speaking to people really brought it home, hearing first-hand about their lives and seeing their communities.

It was fantastic to see how WaterAid work with communities, I met people in Dhaka and Khulna who have started their own small businesses to support their families because of the benefits improved water and sanitation had given them.”

Fiona Lobley Technical Advisor with the Environment Agency and Yorkshire and North East Regional WaterAid Rep “When I visited Tanzania, I went to Bankolo village where WaterAid were yet to work. I met a mother called Helen who was eight months pregnant. Her only access to water was down a steep and rugged slope, to a hole was about 6ft deep. It was difficult for me never mind someone who was eight months pregnant.

We also visited Chenene a village six years post invention. The village was so much more developed and organised, the children were healthy and they were going to school.

12

instituteofwater.org.uk

Since I returned I have joined the Speaker Network so that I could share my experiences with others.”

Kevin Buck, Communications Officer (Charity Fundraising) at Southern Water “The most striking thing when I visited Zambia was the stark contrast between communities WaterAid had worked with, and those they were yet to reach. The atmosphere, hope and future expectations of those who had access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene was clearly visible as opposed to the fear and despair of those without.

We visited a school where the difference was evident. Before the water and sanitation facilities, families travelled 3km to get water and there was nowhere for them to go to the toilet. Pupils suffered from cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea and, due to illness, school attendance was around 20%. Since WaterAid’s help, illness has drastically reduced and attendance is now at 90%.

Back home, I work to spread these important messages and influence as many of our staff and customers as possible”

200 mountains, 2000 people, one incredible day!

WaterAid200 is WaterAid’s biggest annual challenge event. On the 8th June we aim to have at least one team of between 4 and 7 walkers on top of 200 mountains across the UK and Ireland. Whatever your previous hillwalking experience, and wherever you live, there is something for you!

Sign up for the challenge and help us make a difference. We ask that each team aims to raise £400 to help us raise £200,000 in just one day!

Registration is now open, just visit

www.wateraid200.org

Money raised in the challenge will fund our life-saving work in Nepal, one of the most challenging places to live on the planet.

Nepal is home to some of the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world.

Every step your team takes, every pound you raise will help others climb out of poverty.

For more information please contact

wateraid200@wateraid.org

COCO

Donations Gush in for International Charity A former Olympian and water engineering expert paired up for their charity’s annual fundraising ball, raising a fantastic £10,000 for communities in remote regions of Tanzania.

Jim Panton, Chief Executive at Panton McLeod and co-founder of COCO, said: “Although COCO supports schools and communities across Africa, the majority of funds raised this year went to Londoto, helping to provide their school with clean and easy to access water.

COCO, founded in 2000 by former Olympian Steve Cram and Jim Panton, Chief Executive of water engineering firm Panton McLeod, aims to provide education for children living in remote communities across Africa.

“Vital for washing, cooking and cleaning, clean water is something we feel everyone deserves access to, and providing this to communities like Londoto is by no means the end of our quest, it is only the beginning.”

This year’s water themed ball aimed to raise awareness and funds for many of those communities who currently do not have access to clean water.

And the glamorous event, sponsored by Panton McLeod, did more than fundraise, it also helped highlight the importance of clean water sources in developing countries like Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda where COCO work.

Guests at the event were challenged to walk a short walkway carrying full water cans weighing around 15kg each, giving a tangible idea of what children as young as 7 have to do every day in order to get vital water supplies, which more often than not is dirty and unsanitary.

Steve Cram, former Olympian and co-founder of COCO, said: “We were delighted with the success of the event as we managed to both raise money and put the hardship of those we support into perspective, and we would like to applaud the generosity of all who took part.

“Our philosophy is that whatever an individual donates, no matter how small, they are

ambassadors for change with the capacity to make a direct impact on individuals overseas, and guests at this year’s event have made a huge change to so many.”

COCO is an international children’s charity that works with communities at a local level to overcome the effects of poverty and ensure that children in those communities can receive an education, and its annual ball is always a hugely successful fundraising event.

Since 2000, the charity has raised over £2.5million to fund small, sustainable, community led initiatives giving children in poverty access to education and the opportunities it provides.

Londoto primary school, one of the communities to benefit from this year’s fundraiser, is found near Moshi in Tanzania and it was bare and desolate before COCO equipped it with four classrooms a house for the teachers, a kitchen and a toilet.

During the course of this year’s ball there was a champagne reception, three course meal, a range of raffles and a highly anticipated live auction which raised over £5000.

To make donations to COCO, or to find out more about the work it does and future fundraising events visit www.coco.org.uk Panton McLeod is one of the UK’s leading experts in the water sector and offers a range of services including cleaning, disinfecting, inspecting and repairing drinking water storage structures for some of the UK’s biggest water companies.

More information about Panton McLeod and its services for the UK water sector can be found at the website www.pantonmcleod.co.uk

Now, the community at Londoto and its school, which is attended by over 200 pupils and 6 teachers, will be able to look forward to the provision of clean water in the future.

It is expected that COCO will create a well for the school and another for the community at Londoto and details of how this will be achieved are currently being finalised.

instituteofwater.org.uk

13

Rising Stars We are pleased to introduce our Rising Stars for 2013: Zoe Cranmer,

Richard Jones,

Ben Tam,

Project Manager, Yorkshire Water

Graduate Trainee, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW)

Operational Development Scientist, Anglian Water

Zoe joined Yorkshire Water on the graduate scheme in September 2008 with the preconception that the Water Industry was purely focused on treating water and sewage and ensuring they are performing well as a company.

She found this not to be the case and found community engagement is key for Yorkshire Water to understand the needs of their customers and ensure they are always listened to.

Paul Davidson,

Richard applied for the Graduate Scheme in the final year of his BSc in Chemistry & Earth Sciences at Durham University and started on the programme in October 2011. Richard feels, at a time when some of our big institutions, such as the banking sector and the BBC, are having their reputations called into question, the Water Industry can be proud that it continues to uphold its values: providing an essential service to customers with their interests at heart.

Strategic Team Manager for Customer Service Delivery Support and Delivery, Scottish Water

Ben Redwood,

Paul joined Scottish Water in August 2007 on their first Asset Management Graduate Scheme.

After only five years and at the age of 28 Paul had secured a position as Team Manager. Paul first thought the Water Industry was only suited to Engineers with technical backgrounds but quickly realised it is extremely diverse and there are numerous career paths for different specialisms.

Wastewater Treatment Planning Engineer, DCWW

Sharna Richings, Project Manager, Veolia Water Sharna joined Veolia on their Technical Graduate Scheme after which she was seconded to Scottish Water Solutions as Process Commissioning Support Coordinator. Her posting ended last month and Sharna is now managing a project for Veolia Water at Thames Water. Like Paul (Davidson), Sharna thought that you had to be an engineer to work for a water company. She was pleased to discover that certainly is not the case (Sharna has a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Water Management) and people have a diverse range of backgrounds and skills, all of which are equally important.

Ben joined the Asset Strategy team within DCWW following a two-year secondment to Thames Water for PR09 and a role as a Contracts Manager for a Sub-Contractor. Ben is aware we are working in an intricate, challenging and technically demanding environment which, (“rightly so”, according to Ben) is strictly regulated for the benefit of our customers and our environment but believes that by working together, utilising knowledge and experience from our supply chain and adapting to change through innovation, we can meet future challenges head on and overcome them together.

Roxanna Snooke, Business Analyst, South West Water Roxanna joined South West Water in 2010 after completing an MSc in Climate Change and Risk Management. She expected the water industry to be heavily male dominated and although this is probably still the case in some business areas, she has discovered her preconception was wrong as there are many women in other areas and (Roxanna feels) it is an industry accessible by all.

Pictured right, clockwise from front left are: Marcus Rink, Ben Tam, Chris Vinson, Sharna Richings, Richard Jones, Roger Harrington, Roxanna Snooke, Paul Davidson, Ben Redwood and Zoe Cranmer.

14

instituteofwater.org.uk

Ben joined the Anglian Water Graduate Programme in 2009 which gave him the opportunity to use his scientific training and gain experience in the business environment. Ben is currently leading optimisation of treatment processes in Anglian Water, taking into account new technologies, current scientific research, risks and potential effects on water quality and finally organisational capacity and barriers to change. Since joining the water industry Ben has come to appreciate the diversity of skills within the industry that all play a part to ensure that customers have clean drinking water in their homes.

Chris Vinson, Stakeholder Planning Manager, Thames Water Chris joined Thames Water’s Graduate Programme in 2006 having completed a Master’s Degree in Catchment Management. Since then he has held roles in operations, regulation and now external affairs. Chris believes we need to keep working hard to attract talented young people into the sector. The water industry has an ageing workforce; recruiting and retaining good people is critical to its sustainability.

Our new crop of Rising Stars attended the Utility Industry Achievement Awards Dinner in London in December, accompanied by Marcus Rink, Deputy Chief Inspector (Operations), DWI.DWI and Roger Harrington, Managing Director, Sembcorp Bournemouth Water.

8LI 2); XVEMPIV [MXL &-+ WEZMRKW Making the difference in Water Treatment

8LI 4MTI 'SMP 8VEMPIV MW XLI ½VWX XVEMPIV SJ MXW X]TI GETEFPI SJ XVERWTSVXMRK ERH HMWTIRWMRK E QIXVI GSMP SJ YT XS QQ HMEQIXIV 4) 7(6

% WEJIV QSVI IJ½GMIRX ERH UYMGOIV QIXLSH SJ PSEHMRK XVERWTSVXMRK ERH HMWTIRWMRK 4)

We don’t just promise, we do!

For more than 65 years sera products have represented the highest measure of quality, safety and reliability in the treatment of drinking water, process water and wastewater. ď Ž ď Ž ď Ž ď Ž ď Ž

Dosing and feeding pumps Dosing systems and disinfection systems Process measuring and control technology Fittings and accessories Extensive pre- and after-sales service sera Dosing UK Ltd. Axon 2, Commerce Road, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6LR Phone: +44 1733 396040 Fax: +44 1733 396050 email: sales@seradosing.co.uk www.sera-web.co.uk

‡ 0SRK TYWLIW TYPPW EVI QEHI UYMGO ERH IEW] ‡ 4MTI [EWXEKI MW HVEQEXMGEPP] VIHYGIH [LIR YWIH SR E RYQFIV SJ NSFW PSRK ERH WLSVX PIRKXLW

‡ 7EZMRKW SR TMTI [EWXEKI SJ YT XS EVI EGLMIZEFPI ‡ ,]HVEYPMGEPP] VEMWIH XLI HVYQ HIWMKR QEOIW HMWTIRWMRK WQSSXL ERH IJJSVXPIWW ‡ 1ERSIYZVEFMPMX] MW WMQTPI HYI XS XLI WMRKPI E\PI ERH MXW PEHIR [IMKLX SJ YRHIV X[S XSRRIW 'SRXEGX YW JSV QSVI MRJSVQEXMSR 7XIZI :MGO -RXIVREXMSREP 0XH 9RMX 4MRIW[E] -ZS 4IXIVW 6SEH &EXL &% 57 8IP IQEMP MRJS$WXIZIZMGO GSQ

Made in Germany

SIMPLIFY PIPE JOINING ONE 4 ALL TELESCOPIC MOUNTING SYSTEMS - Secure Flexibility

Extension No need for chambers or tubes

1� to 24� Pipe Systems

s s s s s s

‘‘With STRAUB, pipe joining and repairs are carried out quickly and economically with total reliability’’

Simple & Rapid Installations - in Minutes Joins plain-end Pipe - No Prep Required Reusable in Pipework Dis/Assembly Stress-Free Joining with Misalignment Problem Solver in Restricted Spaces WRAS/WRc Approved for Potable Water

Fast and reliable installation Suitable for all valves

Telescopic Extension

For more information contact:

Stem Extension

gordon.bentley@kettlerweb.de T: 01827 281875 M: 07901 707272

Angle

MV Fluids Handling

Marven House 4 1 Field Road 4 Reading RG1 6AP ENGLAND Tel: 0118-9503707 Fax: 0118-9504066 Intern’l Dialling: 44-118+No. Email: info@mvfh.co.uk 4 Website: www.straub.co.uk

instituteofwater.org.uk

15

Institute of Water Annual Conference & Exhibition 2013 16-17 May, The Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh

‘Water for the future’

Chris Loughlin (Chief Executive, South West Water) becomes President of the Institute of Water on 15th May 2013 and will chair the conference.

16

instituteofwater.org.uk

FEATURE: CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Annual Conference & Exhibition 16-17 May 2013 sponsored by Scottish Water AGM Wednesday 15th May 2013 The Institute of Water AGM will take place in the Carlton Hotel, North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1SD, starting at 7.30pm. Further details will be available to members nearer the date.

WATER FOR THE FUTURE Our Industry never stands still; there are always changes in governance and financial efficiencies, not forgetting the influence of customers, the environment, climate change and technology. Influencing and shaping our future industry relies on constant review and action in all aspects. The Institute of Water conference in Edinburgh will bring together distinguished speakers; focusing on the issues of retaining and improving on the good that we have strived hard to achieve, while still exceeding expectations from our own people, our customers, our supply and contractor chain and our regulators.

Thursday 16 May 2013 09.30 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Chris Loughlin, President, Institute of Water and CEO South West Water 09.45ऀKEYNOTE ADDRESSऀNicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister of Scotland 10.15ऀQuestions from the floor 10.30ऀRefreshment break

SESSION 1: RESILIENCE

11.00ऀChris Smith, Chairman, Environment Agency 11.25ऀPeter Simpson, Managing Director, Anglian Water and Chair of WaterUK 11.50ऀTony Wray, Chief Executive, Severn Trent Plc 12.15ऀSupply Chain speaker 12.40ऀQuestions from the floor 13.10ऀLunch

SESSION 2: PEOPLE FOR THE FUTURE

14.30ऀ Jeni Colbourne, Chief Inspector, DWI 14.55ऀProfessor Chris Jeffries and Kevin Coe, Abertay University 15.20ऀMatthew Wright, Chief Executive, Southern Water 15.45ऀYoung Speaker: Suzie Golics, South West Water 16.10ऀQuestions from the floor 16.40ऀClose

Friday 17 May

09.30ऀWELCOME TO DAY 2 and reflections on Day 1 ऀChris Loughlin, President, Institute of Water and CEO South West Water 09.35ऀKEYNOTE ADDRESSऀ Jonson Cox, Chairman, Ofwat 10.05ऀQuestions from the floor

SESSION 3: STREAM 10.20ऀSTREAM POSTER SESSION

STREAM is an Industrial Doctorate Centre (IDC) delivered by five of the major academic centres of excellence in water science and engineering in the UK. Co-ordinated by Cranfield University it is a programme that enables talented researchers to develop their skills and careers while obtaining an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) degree. Third year research engineers have compiled posters about their industry research and will be displaying these in our Exhibition Area. Delegates are asked to question the students on their research and vote on the best project using the voting card provided.

11.00ऀRefreshment Break

SESSION 4: WATER INDUSTRY EVOLUTION

11.20ऀSteve Mogford, Chief Executive Officer, United Utilities 11.45ऀDouglas Millican, Chief Executive, Scottish Water 12.10ऀYoung Speaker: Ben Tam, Anglian Water 12.35ऀSpeaker from Europe

13.00ऀQuestions from the floor 13.30ऀLunch

SESSION 5: CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

14.45 Panel Discussion featuring: Tony Smith, Chief Executive, Consumer Council for Water Alan Sutherland, Chief Executive, Water Industry Commission for Scotland Douglas Millican, Chief Executive, Scottish Water Other panellists TBC 16.10 CLOSING REMARKS Chris Loughlin, President, Institute of Water and CEO South West Water

President’s Dinner Dance sponsored by Veolia Water This black tie event will be held at the Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR. The evening will be a chance to dress up and let your hair down with the presentation of some of the water industry’s most prestigious awards and a Keeley band to see you through the night.

How to book:

You can book your place at any or all of these events through the events section on our website www.instituteofwater.org.uk and logging into your profile.

Alternatively you can complete the enclosed booking form and return it to Institute of Water HQ, 4 Carlton Court, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0AZ.

Why should you attend this Conference?

3 To hear from industry leaders about challenges facing the sector and changes needed to address them.

3 To appreciate the scale of the sector and the many roles and responsibilities within it.

3 To build awareness of the skill-sets and organisational capabilities required across the sector.

3 To share knowledge by building and maintaining professional

contacts, and meeting the top people in a relaxed environment.

3 To see tangible examples of industry innovation.

3 To have the most cost-effective personal development experience.

USIT CPD Award Utilities and Service Industries Training (USIT) is again offering sponsorship to attend the Institute of Water Annual Conference.

Sponsorship covers the delegate fee and gives £100 towards accommodation. Social events are not included but can be booked separately. Applicants are asked to say in up to 1000 words why they want the sponsorship and how they expect to benefit.

Applications must be supported by the employer (or, in the case of students, academic establishment), who will be required to submit a supporting comment. You can download an application form from our website or ring 0191 422 0088 or email francesca@ instituteofwater.org.uk to request one.

Closing date for applications is 15th March.

instituteofwater.org.uk

17

: Exhibition Plan 13 20 n itio hib Ex & ce ren nfe Co al nu Institute of Water An Reserved

er v

Reserved

your business

Re s

Toilet

Toilet

Cloak Room

Fire exit stairs

ed

your business

your business

your business

your business

your business

Reserved

Reserved Reserved Reserved

Reception area Catering service area

Reserved

your business

Reserved

Reserved

Entrance

Stairs and lift to Conference Room

Office

your business

Become a Sponsor...

We’d love to have your business become a sponsor at the Institute of Water Annual Conference 2013. We have a number of sponsorship packages available ranging between £500-£5,000 which will give your business great exposure to the key figures in the water industry.

Available packages include: AGM – have your organisation’s name, logo and web address featured in the conference programme and have 2 x pop up banners featured at the AGM (circa 70 attendees) - £500+VAT Young Speaker - have your organisation’s name, logo and web address featured in the conference programme and enjoy an opportunity to become part of proceedings by introducing the young speaker and highlighting how your organisation endorses and embraces young talent - £1,000+VAT

18

instituteofwater.org.uk

Speaker Package - This is a fantastic occasion to offer your views and those of your company on the topic of ‘Water for the Future’ and a chance to illustrate your organisation’s involvement in front of the water industry’s key players.

Those who take up the ‘Speaker Package’ will also be invited to answer questions on a Q&A panel which will end the session. Further information and direction available upon request – £5,000+VAT

Exhibit with us...

Your business can take advantage of a prime position to engage with your target audience as an exhibitor at the Institute of Water Annual Conference 2013.

Exhibitors will receive a 3 metre x 2 metre exhibition space with delegate place and complimentary seat at the President’s Dinner on the evening of Fri 17th May 2013.

The 2012 Conference was a huge success with over 200 delegates attending and 98% of which attending the exhibition.

For further information on sponsor and exhibiting opportunities or to make a booking please contact Dan Barton, Marketing & Communications Manager: dan@instituteofwater.org.uk Tel: (0191) 422 0088

ANNUAL CONFERENCE We’d like to thank sponsors of the 2013 Annual Conference: Scottish Water

implemented on schedule.

Scottish Water is a publicly owned company, answerable to the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland. They provide 1.3 billion litres of drinking water and return 840 million litres of waste water safely to the environment every day.

As a dedicated water industry recruitment specialist ATA has extensive marketplace understanding, allowing us to place candidates with clients in a fast, highly efficient and mutually beneficial fashion.

Scottish Water covers one third of the UK land mass, serving 2.4million households.. Over 6,100 assets and over 97,000km of water mains from Shetland to Stranraer are managed by the firm. An ambitious £2.5billion investment drive over the 2010-2015 period has passed the halfway point.

www.ata-recruitment.co.uk info@ata-recruitment.co.uk 0845 880 8120

Since forming in 2002 real operating costs have been reduced by 40%. The recently launched Scottish Water International division has already secured contracts in North America, the Middle East and Europe.

Scottish Water Horizons – a wholly owned subsidiary – is leading the way with a sizeable market share in biodegradable food waste management, renewables and maximising value of assets.

Scottish Water Business Stream – formed in 2006 to compete in the retail market – is delivering real benefits to business consumers with more of its retail customers now paying less than they would have done without competition. Scottish Water acts as the wholesaler for 150,000 properties in the non-household market.

ATA Recruitment ATA specialise in providing recruitment solutions for the Water, Marine and Coastal market, working in all facets of this sector. ATA recruitment’s Utilities, Infrastructure and Civil teams are specialists in sourcing white collar technical and engineering staff on both a permanent and contract basis. Having built a reputation for quality and efficiency across our client base, ATA can provide recruitment solutions covering upgrade and maintenance to the UK’s water infrastructure.

The depth and breadth of skills and resources within the group means ATA is well placed to offer bespoke recruitment solutions to water industry clients across the following areas: n Design and Development n Test and Inspection n Maintenance n Procurement n Contract Management n Installation n Commissioning n Project/Site Management n Process With over 35 years expertise, and with established relationships with clients throughout the utilities sector our consultants find candidates with the best match to organisational objectives on an agreed timescale, allowing projects to be

Veolia Water In the UK and Ireland, Veolia Water specialises in delivering integrated sustainable solutions ranging from the management and operation of water and wastewater treatment to bespoke design solutions for commerce and industry.

As part of the world’s leading environmental services group our aim is simple - we work with our clients to create better results together by managing assets to their full potential.

With access to an unrivalled portfolio of cuttingedge, efficient and sustainable technologies, when it comes to water and wastewater, our capabilities are hard to match.

We are dedicated to providing a valued service to our clients.

Panton McLeod Panton McLeod provide products and services to the UK drinking water industry with a range of technologies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Pipeline: We are specialists cleaning and disinfection services for the maintenance of pipe work.

ExcelFirst Limited ExcelFirst Limited was established in April 1991 to seek out from around the world “solutions for water” – any new technologies, products or processes to introduce initially to the UK Water Industry to assist in improving water quality or the potable water environment.

It was founded on products from Germany to chemically clean service reservoirs, disinfect distribution systems and clean and disinfect boreholes.

Together with JMAR of California, USA, ExcelFirst trialled the BioSentry instrument to detect Cryptosporidium on-line in real time.

In October 1996 ExcelFirst introduced SeaQuest from Aqua Smart, Inc., Georgia, USA, a product dosed at water works for pipeline cleanout, scale and corrosion control, trading as “SeaQuest by Aqua Smart UK.” Amongst many other advantages, it clears red and black water and has the effect of softening hard water. For the past two years, SeaQuest has been used to rehabilitate many hundreds of boreholes without the need to remove borehole pumps.

SeaQuest is in use in some 50 countries around the world.

Thames Water

Cleaning and Disinfection: We are dedicated to the drain down cleaning and disinfection of potable water assets. We operate standard washdown and chlorination, non-chlorine, Iron and Manganese biofouling and emergency de-contamination cleaning.

Thames Water, which serves London and the Thames Valley, is Britain’s biggest water and sewerage company.

Asset Inspection: When a reservoir is drained for cleaning, we can carry out and provide a survey with photographs detailing the condition of key features including pipework, sealants, concrete surfaces, ventilation, hatches, ladders and other fixtures.

Sewerage: We also recycle safely back to the environment 14m people’s wastewater. That’s 4bn litres of sewage a day – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Online Inspection: Our submersible ROVs record inspections in colour allowing water companies to plan and budget for repairs and maintenance without draining the asset, ensuring resources are targeted effectively.

Online Cleaning: Our robotic cleaners operate in reservoirs whilst they remain in supply. Sediment can be cleared from the reservoir floor without causing turbidity. This provides a cost effective solution ensuring facilities are maintained to the highest standard with minimum disruption.

Repair and Refurbishment: We also offer a full range of services from total internal and external refurbishments to reactive localised repairs.

Drinking water: We supply more than a tonne a week of water on average to each of our 9m of our drinking water customers. That’s 2.6bn litres a day.

Our region: Our service area stretches from eastern fringes of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in the west, through London to the western edges of Essex and Kent in the east.

Bills: Our bills are among the lowest in the UK water sector, with the average household bill currently 93p a day per household for water and sewerage services.

Renewable energy: We are the biggest noncommercial producer of electricity inside the M25.

We burn methane derived from sewage to create heat from to generate renewable electricity to help power our works. This saves us around £15m a year in non-renewable, grid energy.

ExcelFirst Limited

SeaQuest by Aqua Smart UK pipeline cleanout, scale and corrosion control, borehole rehabilitation

instituteofwater.org.uk

19

State of the art...

...the performance collection by

Saint-Gobain PAM UK firmly believe in the art of innovative design to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements that our customers need in todays environment.

Our range of products are fundamentally created to provide the highest levels of...

We strive to become your first choice, we constantly challenge ourselves to improve the effectiveness of our products from blank canvas to finished ‘masterpiece’.

• Safety

• Performance • Security

Pam

For further information of all the products on offer from Saint-Gobain PAM UK please contact us by email or telephone.

www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk Tel: 01664 812812

• Durability • Efficiency

SGobain_PressAd_127x180_121010.indd 1

20

instituteofwater.org.uk

10/10/12 16:19:58

DRILLING

AND TAPPING Time trials for Water Companies and Contract Partners 16th-18th April 2013 IWEX NEC Birmingham

www.drillingandtapping.co.uk

THE WESTWORTH-FLYGT INDEX – A NEW WAY TO MEASURE PUMP EFFICIENCY For many years the water industry has needed a method of measuring the efficiency of a complete pumping system. With energy efficiency and innovation at the very core of its products and services, Xylem, world leader in water technology was able to use its expertise and industry knowledge to produce the Westworth-Flygt Index to meet the criteria required by the industry.

Traditionally, pump users have measures such as ‘specific energy’ and ‘specific energy per metre’ to measure the effectiveness of pumps. These measurements tell us how much energy it takes to pump a cubic metre, but fail to tell us whether a system is energy efficient.

The height difference between (A) and (B)

Very often pumps are deemed to be working satisfactorily if they are delivering liquid from where it is, to where we want it to be. If there is no flooding or other type of issue the system is allowed to do its job without further investigation.

The formula is expressed in one of two formats.

One uses ‘long term’ input data – the volume pumped and energy used in for example a week, a month or a year. The other uses ‘snapshot’ data such as the instantaneous rate of flow and the power consumption.

“A very large proportion of Thames Water’s energy is used for pumping water and wastewater,” says Simon Whatley, Principal Mechanical Engineer for Thames Water. “It is essential to our business that we achieve this as efficiently as possible in all of our many thousands of Pumping Stations.”

The ‘snapshot’ data will tell pump users how efficiently a system is running. This will vary depending on number of pumps running, pump speed (if a VSD is installed) and if there are changes in levels or pressures on the inlet side or at the destination. The ‘longer term’ data will offer an overall value taking account of all these variables.

In days gone by, design decisions were made to minimise ‘first cost’, with the cost of energy well down the list of priorities. Systems were designed on a ‘worst case’ basis and safety factors were applied to ensure that ‘design flow’ was achieved under these circumstances. Little attention was paid to the amount of time spent at that condition.

The fact is, pump users spend far more money on pumping than is needed – often around double what is required. When we consider how much energy we use annually pumping water and other liquids from A to B the cost of pumping is becoming an enormous issue. The energy being wasted and the carbon cost of inefficient pumping systems is costing millions of pounds each year.

The Westworth-Flygt Index, developed at Xylem, compares how much a system is costing with how much it would be costing if the system had been designed, installed and was being operated in the most energy-efficient way. Crucially, it is not a finger in the air theoretical comparison. Instead it uses achievable values to calculate how much it should cost.

One of the merits of the new formula is its simplicity. The input data is normally easy to obtain. It is not interested in pipe diameters, lengths of pipe runs or number of pumps. Rather, it concentrates on four key metrics: The ‘straight-line’ distance from source (A) to destination (B)

24

instituteofwater.org.uk

The approximate flow-rate or the volume pumped over a time period The power entering the pump house or the energy consumed over the time period

Each formula compares what pump users are getting with what they are paying for. In the case of pumping the ‘what you get’ is liquid reaching its destination. The ‘what you pay for’ is the energy feeding the pumping system.

The Index is not intended to measure efficiency to several decimal places. Rather, the Efficiency

Gavin Westworth

Index will indicate if the system is (a) very good, (b) not bad but ‘could do better’, or (c) very poor.

If (b) or (c) is indicated, pump users should be alerted that their system merits further investigation.

Simon Whatley from Thames Water continues: “The “Westworth – Flygt Pumping System Efficiency Index” gives a quick and easy method of calculating the optimum energy needed for each system. The input data is readily available and this Index will identify the systems that work well and those that are not using energy efficiently.

We can then examine those with low scores and find out reasons why, and ways of improving the performance.

“The performance of a pump depends entirely on the system in which it operates. It may be a very efficient unit on the test bed but, if it’s not well matched to the demand profile or the pipework system, it will consume a lot of unnecessary energy.

This Index takes all of that into account. It looks at what the system delivers to its destination and the energy used delivering it.”

There are a number of reasons why a pump could register as being ‘not bad’ or ‘very poor’. For example, the pump or pumps may not be matched to system demand or it could be that the pipe

XYLEM

velocities are too high or the control system is not matched to system demand. Alternatively, there could costly obstructions in pipe system (partially closed valves, ‘T’ junctions or 90 degree elbows) or pump blockages could have occurred if solids are present.

Some of these may be unavoidable, but at least it is now possible to quantify how much it is costing us.

Generally, we know how much a pumping system is costing to run from energy bills or meter readings. The difficulties arise when there is an attempt made to quantify value for money.

Therefore, built into the formula are two factors, namely the distance we should be able to pump with only 1m friction loss and the efficiency that a good pump and driver should exhibit.

There are two ways of dealing with departures from ‘centrifugal pumps operating on water-like liquids’.

Either the ‘K’ factor can be changed to take account of different pump types (such as piston, progressive cavity or vortex) or viscous liquids.

Alternatively, the boundaries between ‘very good’, ‘not bad’ and ‘poor’ are adjusted to take account of (a) and (b). For example, pumping clean water, an Index value of 0.7 would be considered ‘not bad’ whereas, pumping viscous liquid with solids, it would be considered ‘very good’.

We suggest that this Index can become the basis of a Specification for the Energy Efficiency of new Pumping Systems. The specification would define a minimum acceptable value for the Index which would encourage designers to put appropriate emphases on (a) energy costs and (b) purchase costs.

In the final reckoning, the cost of changes to pumps, controls, pipes and fittings may not be justified by the energy that can be saved, but this formula quantifies the savings that can be achieved and allows the ‘pay-back’ to be calculated. In these days of ever increasing energy and carbon cost, the pay-back times are rapidly diminishing!

For more information about the Westworth-Flygt Index email

gavin.westworth@xyleminc.com or call 0115 940 0111.

“The performance of a pump depends entirely on the system in which it operates. It may be a very efficient unit on the test bed but, if it’s not well matched to the demand profile or the pipework system, it will consume a lot of unnecessary energy" Simon Whatley, Thames Water

instituteofwater.org.uk

25

GLOBAL SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES Mobile/contract dewatering

TEFSA Filter press technology and spares

Flottweg Centrifuge technology

Euroby Ltd

Belt filter technology

New Dawn House, Gorse Lane, High Salvington, Worthing, Sussex BN13 3BX T - 01903 69 44 00 F - 01903 69 44 77 E - sales@euroby.com www.euroby.com

UV Disinfection Technology FOR Australian System Berson helping Bathurst Regional Council recover up to 10% of its water supply

:DWHU WUHDWPHQW Achieve legislative ZRUNV VDYHV compliance without ĂŤ D \HDU the risk of penalties.

ZLWK $%% GULYHV

Berson has supplied an InLine+ UV disinfection system to a supernatant recycling system used in the filtration plant of Bathurst Regional Council’s recycling system in New South Wales, Australia.

Supplied by Berson’s Australian distributor CST Wastewater Solutions and installed by TWS (Ted Wilson & Sons) of Blayney, the recycling system recovers and disinfects the filter backwash water at the plant and will help the town conserve its potable water supplies as well and provide substantial water savings over the long term.

Serving a population of about 37,000, Bathurst’s water filtration plant currently has a water treatment capacity of 60,000 m3 per day. The filter backwash water, a by-product of the reverse flushing of the sand filters in the filtration plant, is discharged into the system’s three sludge lagoons, along with sludge from the sedimentation tank. Previously the supernatant from the sludge lagoons was eventually decanted from the lagoons and discharged.

Disinfection of backwash supernatant, which is the clear liquid that collects above the sediment, can recover up to 10% of raw water supply while also avoiding the need for discharge flows into river systems.

The new system involved the construction of a supernatant pumping station to enable the automatic recycling of supernatant from the sludge lagoons into an in-ground well, and then into the first chamber of the rapid mix tank.

The water to be recovered at the present annual water consumption of about 6,000,000 m3 could be as much as 192,000 m3 per year with overall water to be saved estimated to be 13,000,000 m3 over 50 years.

Leixlip Water Treatment Works, together with John Conboy, one of the 50 ABB Energy Appraisal Team members, investigated the work’s ABB Measurement Products is helping utility and pumps energy use. By installing four ABB industrial operators to comply with the latest potable variable-speed saving ofMCERTS 3,179,904 water and effluentdrives qualityalegislation, andkWhrs was totalling Í508,784 year othermade standards.

To find out moreper about ourwith a payback of less than one year. flowmeters, comprehensive portfolio including water analysers, and data logging devices, plus ourfind verification services, To out how, watchvisit thewww.abb.co.uk/water video: or email moreinstrumentation@gb.abb.com www.abb.co.uk/energy ref. ‘legislation’.

The contractor installed two submersible motor pumps for the pumping station at the in-ground well in addition to an electrical switchboard at the pumping well and other associated equipment, including a level control for the pumps and lifting chains for raising and lowering them for maintenance.

The Berson UV disinfection system was fitted between the pumping station and the rapid mix tank to disinfect the recycled water from the sludge lagoons before returning it to the rapid mix tank. The system fully disinfects up to a flow rate of 0.06 m3 per second and has a variable power control to enable the UV dosage to be adjustable to suit operating conditions. A PLC/SCADA telemetry system was installed to automatically or remotely control the operation of the recycle pumps and the UV system.

According to Michael Bambridge, Managing Director of CST Wastewater Solutions, though the process is not widely used in Australia, backwash supernatant disinfection can help recover up to 10% of the raw supply, which reduces the demand on the water storage system and avoids the need for waste flows into the river system.

Importantly, UV disinfection is effective against Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which could be present in the backwash water. Mr Bambridge adds that the new generation Berson SUMMIT lamps are more efficient than earlier lamps and a have a longer life with Berson’s power control system.

The supernatant recycling project at Bathurst Regional Council was partially funded by the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative through the National Water Security for Cities and Towns programme.

,:2B,QVWBZDWHUBOHJLVBKDOIB LQGG

instituteofwater.org.uk

27

PALINTEST

New Compact Turbimeter from Palintest for Reliable Portable Turbidity Measurement Palintest Ltd, the leader in water analysis technology, is delighted to announce the launch of the new Compact Turbimeter featuring QuadoptiX™ advanced testing technology.

Designed for the field professional to test turbidity in drinking water, wastewater and surface water, the Compact Turbimeter is built around the new QuadoptiX™ optical bench. This new technology effectively uses two independent turbidity measurement systems for dual validation, resulting in improved reliability and accuracy – especially for samples with mobile or settling matter.

The device features several operating modes, including continuous measurement, averaging and Suspended Solids. It can also test for a range of 0 – 1050 NTU, with results also available in other units. Results are logged and tagged with operator and site identity information, along with calibration data for good laboratory practice (GLP) compliance.

The meter is waterproof to IP67, conforms to the ISO 7027 standard, and comes supplied in a hard case including stable calibration standards, test tubes, silicone oil and other accessories to provide the user with a comprehensive field kit for turbidity measurement.

High Efficiency Pumping Solutions

Water Management and Industrial

Water Management and Industrial

For more opportunities to succeed go to www.wilo.co.uk

WILO (U.K.) LTD Second Avenue, Centrum 100, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2WJ T: +44 (0)1283 523000 F: +44 (0)1283 523099 E: sales@wilo.co.uk WILO (U.K.) LTD Second Avenue, Centrum 100, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 2WJ T: +44 (0)1283 523000 F: +44 (0)1283 523099 E: sales@wilo.co.uk

instituteofwater.org.uk

29

WATERCO

Waterco filters key component for new desalination plant in Eastern Russia Russky Island off the coast of Vladivostok in Russia is well known for its extreme climate – in fact the seas around the island are frozen for six months over winter. So when the Russian Central Government made the decision to construct a desalination plant there, it needed to be purpose designed for the extreme weather conditions.

Located in the northern Sea of Japan in Eastern Russia, Russky Island was for many years a closed area, home to numerous military units, but there were never any industrial, construction or other facilities on the island. That is until 2007, when Russky Island was chosen as the site for the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week (APEC) – and large-scale construction was launched.

An integral part of this major development was the construction of a new 10,000 m3/d seawater reverseosmosis (SWRO) desalination plant to support the drinking and process needs of local residents and the new Far Eastern Federal University, a unique dual-purpose facility: an international-grade university campus and the site of the APEC 2012 Leaders Summit.

A global water solution provider was contracted to provide the turnkey design/build desalination project, which purifies over 2.6 million gallons of seawater per day.

Given the harsh environment products required for the plant had to be specifically designed to be hard wearing and long lasting. Following

Benefil HPV-Institute of Water Journal Oct 2012-paths.indd 1 30 instituteofwater.org.uk Benefil HPV-Institute of Water Journal Oct 2012-paths.indd 1

23/10/2012 11:32 23/10/2012 11:32

a tender process the contract for providing the filters was awarded to Waterco to provide 12 horizontal filters. These 7-bar rated filters were made using the latest in fibreglass winding technology and use the highest grade of non-corrosive materials.

“Our client required a filter with a large surface area and a corrosion resistant design,” explains Tony Fisher, Waterco Europe. “Fibreglass filters are perfect for seawater applications as they do not corrode like steel or even stainless steel.

“Waterco’s filters are designed with no metal to water contact and are suitable for a long service life due to the high pressure rating.”

To provide the filters, Waterco overcame two significant challenges – the short lead time requested coupled with the logistic challenges of shipping 12 filters safely to site.

“Our ability to manufacture filters in three plants around the world allowed us to choose the best location in order to best suit the delivery time of the project,” Tony explains. “We chose to manufacture the filters in our Malaysian facility, as the proximity to the project gave us the best delivery time and most economical shipping cost for our customer.

“Our filters are created with reliability and durability firmly in mind and provide flexible solutions to the many challenges that go with treating higher volumes of seawater. Russky Island was a perfect application.”

BENEFIL

Heavyweight solution from lightweight grout Benefil, a super-lightweight structural resin ideal for filling redundant pipelines, mineshafts, caves and other large voids, has been proving a big hit for void filling specialists Benefil UK Ltd Benefil has been selected for a wide range of problems, in particular those with difficult access and where a speedy solution was essential.

Projects have included stabilising a coastal causeway which was submerged at high tide, filling mineshafts discovered under a car park being constructed for a new Asda store, and avoiding disruption to a 24/7 distribution centre whose floor was cracking and settling over basements and access tunnels.

Minimal disruption Avoiding adding the weight of cementitious grout, and with minimal delivery and application problems, Benefil can be poured, pumped or injected into voids, or laterally over long distances. Filling times also compare favourably with heavier materials.

Benefil is ideal for filling pipelines and conduits. Residual liquids are forced ahead and expelled. An abandoned pipeline can be filled completely, even if only one end is accessible. When used to fill the interstitial space formed by relining, the new slipline will not collapse or float when being installed.

Filling is also rapid: “Mineshafts, subways, pipelines, culverts – we can fill them all at the same rate, of 25-30 cubic metres per hour,” says Peter Dance, Benefil’s General Manager.

Contact: Benefil UK Ltd Tel: 0800 084 3503 e-mail: info@benefil.co.uk www.benefil.co.uk

High quality solutions for all municipal and industrial waste water needs.

Large and diverse product range which includes inlet screens, screenings handling, storm screens, sludge thickening and dewatering, grit removal and washing, tertiary treatment plus many more.

Customised solutions including design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and after sales service.

instituteofwater.org.uk

31

VEOLIA WATER Award-winning scheme The project has won numerous accolades.

It is an approved National Skills Academy for Construction and in 2012, won the National Skills Academy Award for Outstanding Project Community Engagement. It has also won gold awards from RoSPA, Considerate Constructors and the CIPR along with a BALI Award for Green Roof Installations and Roof Gardens.

Project details n £300 million environmental improvement scheme n New wastewater treatment works (95 million litres of wastewater a day) n Sludge recycling centre n Odour treatment system

4D: Bringing cleaner seas to Sussex The 4D joint venture is enabling three global partners – Veolia Water, Costain and MWH – to draw on a wealth of international resources and industry-leading solution modelling, from optioneering, design and construction through to optimisation, operation and maintenance, to assist client, Southern Water, deliver it’s largest ever capital scheme.

It’s amazing to think that the majority of the current sewer system in Brighton and Hove dates back to the Victorian era. The 4Delivery (4D) joint venture was tasked with its replacement as part of Southern Water’s £300 million environmental

improvement scheme designed to bring cleaner seas to Sussex.

The scheme involves replacing part of the existing Victorian sewer system with a new 11km sewer tunnel linked to a new wastewater treatment works (WTW). Ten new shafts connect local flows to the sewer tunnel and three new pumping stations to lift up to 95 million litres of wastewater to allow it to flow by gravity along the tunnel to the WTW. The new WTW has three main processes: n Wastewater treatment, which involves initial screening and removal and processing of grit and grease; lamella clarifiers (preconditioned with polymer to allow settlement of a flocculated particle and a circular scraped cone sludge collection zone); and ten biological aerated flooded filter cells. n Sludge recycling – indigenous and imported sludge is digested and dried into a soil conditioner. n Odour treatment: all odours are captured and treated using acid and alkaline scrubbers and carbon polishing. The treated air is then released back to the atmosphere.

After treatment, the wastewater is released into the sea through an outfall comprising 680m of tunnel pipe-jacked to a reception pit, 500 metres from the shore. The remaining 1,760m of pipeline was laid in a trench, dug on the seabed

32

instituteofwater.org.uk

n 9km of segmentally lined tunnel (2.4m internal diameter) n 1.7km of pipe jacked tunnel n Three pumping stations n 10 shafts, 8-46m deep n 2.5km long sea outfall

using a back-hoe dredger. The outfall tapers to 12 diffusers with concrete domes protecting the diffuser ports from damage.

The 4D team is responsible for the design, construction, environmental mitigation works and stakeholder engagement.

In the face of considerable local opposition to the project the 4D team engaged positively with the two planning authorities, local environmental health representatives and local residents. The plant now blends into the landscape, thanks to a green roof, the size of almost three football pitches, and by extensively re-profiling and landscaping the surrounding areas to screen the works from view.

This emphasis on customer care was recognised by a member of the local Chamber of Commerce who said: “Your charm offensive is winning round the local population.”

Southern Water’s Head of Capital Delivery described 4D’s focus on health and safety as “first class” and added that the team demonstrates “exemplar performance in meeting regulatory targets”.

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2013.

Drink, cook, bathe, irrigate, clean - and drink it again.

Siemens solutions ensure that the water quality is always suitable for intended use.

Water and wastewater industry

Water is essential for life – for domestic, industrial, commercial and other purposes. Less than one percent of the freshwater is readily accessible and demand for clean water continues to grow.

Across the entire water cycle, from drinking water to industrial wastewater, we have the answers for your

current and future business needs. Our extensive portfolio includes energy management, water and waste water treatment, automation, control and instrumentation asset management, smart metering, leak detection and infrastructure development. Siemens also offers full service, support, and financial services.

www.siemens.co.uk/water

THE SOLUTION

clean water

waste water

steel

concrete

civil engineering

STONBURY 29 YEARS AS MARKET LEADERS IN THE REFURBISHMENT OF WATER RETAINING STRUCTURES & ASSOCIATED ASSETS SERVICE RESERVOIR & WATER TOWER REFURB - STEEL TANK REFURB - SEWAGE WORKS REFURB SPECIALIST COATINGS - CONCRETE REPAIR - INSPECTION SURVEYS - CLEANING & CHLORINATION CORROSION PROTECTION TO PIPES & PIPE BRIDGES - CIVILS - SECURITY WORKS INC LPC4 ACCESS COVERS DESIGN & INSTALLATION OF ACCESS LADDERS, HANDRAILS & WALKWAYS - EU HYGIENE TRAINING North Office: Unit 4, Phoenix Enterprise Park, Grovehill Road, Beverley, E.Yorkshire, HU17 0JG t 01482 881198 e enquiries@stonbury.co.uk South Office: 187c High Street, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0JB t 01234 750924 e enquiries@stonbury.co.uk

www.stonbury.com

PANTON MCLEOD

Online and offline expansion Landing a new framework, securing bases in Wales and West Lothian and launching a new website sets Panton McLeod firmly in the front seat of fulfilling ambitions to expand and grow throughout the UK. News of Panton McLeod’s advances highlights a strong start to 2013 - a year which is anticipated to secure and strengthen its reputation as being the UK’s leading drinking water solutions company.

A host of eye-catching images taken onsite some of which captured by Panton McLeod’s own staff who are keen photographers– compliment the website which has been designed with attention to providing a fresh platform to exhibit the company’s breadth of expertise within the drinking water maintenance industry.

The water quality engineering firm offers multiple solutions to the challenges faced by water companies and has acquired a wealth of experience in cleaning, disinfecting, inspecting and repairing drinking water storage structures.

Their range of services meet the increased client demand for more flexible solutions from a single supplier and can be attributed to its recent framework win with Anglian Water.

Jim Panton CEO at Panton McLeod, said: “Increasing our client base and expanding our business and service provision across the UK with Anglian Water is a fantastic way to begin the year for us.

“Panton McLeod has a high retention of staff and in the past year we have grown the number of employees, which gives the company a strong footing in retaining our high standard of specialist work.”

Winning the Anglian Water contract follows Panton McLeod successfully securing a three year framework contract with Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) with the option for it to be extended by a further two years.

To support the contract and in response to an increasing workload Panton McLeod has relocated from its first base in South Wales to a unit in the commuter town Caerphilly, South Wales.

36

instituteofwater.org.uk

Jim Panton adds: “Having a user friendly and attractive website is vital to any business as essentially it is the face of Panton McLeod and where potential clients come to find out more about our services.

Iain Weir Chief Operating Officer explains: “We needed to be able to operate from a base within the area to facilitate the range of services governed in the contract which covers traditional drain-down activities of inspection, cleaning and disinfection, as well as reactive and planned repairs and refurbishments.

“The new base will give us the resources to enhance our range of services and cater for more staff which will facilitate our contract with Dwr Cymru as it advances.”

A wide skill set amongst employees and pushing the boundaries within the industry is highly valued by Panton McLeod and in a drive to meet these goals the company has also opened a base in Bathgate from where some operations teams are based. Panton McLeod anticipates that having a base in the Central Belt will allow the firm to develop further by recruiting on a wider footprint.

The turn of a new year often sees businesses introducing a refreshed image and for Panton McLeod this has arrived in the form of its new website.

“Our website has had a complete facelift with some really high quality images and equally important, we’ve updated the information on our range of specialist services to reflect the development of Panton McLeod’s services and workforce.”

“Panton McLeod has come a long way since it was first found in 1994 to now holding a reputation as one of the most prominent names in the water industry.

“Launching into 2013 with a new framework, website and bases is very exciting for us and with a strong team we hope as the year progresses we will continue to push the boundaries of efficiency and excellence in all our divisions.”

Log onto www.pantonmcleod.co.uk to see the new website or contact us on 01896 663330.

SF500 Screwfeeder CDEnviro have unveiled the new SF500 screw feeding hopper, developed specifically to suit their Road Sweepings and Gully Waste recycling plants. The hopper is a standalone unit which features a fully stainless steel trough and a 500mm diameter screw.

The SF500 is an addition to the growing number of specially designed systems which have been developed by CDEnviro in response to a number of prestigious contract wins, further demonstrating their capabilities and expertise in the waste recycling industry.

Recently the company have provided turnkey solutions to recycle Road Sweepings & Gully Waste material to some of the U.K’s largest recycling and resource management companies including RWR and SITA UK, enabling them to recycle wastes which under the Environment Agency’s Landfill Directive is becoming more difficult to dispose of.

CDEnviro waste recovery and recycling systems are used in a variety of industries including waste water treatment works, sewage treatment works, demolition contractors and contractors to the water and waste water industry.

CDEnviro can offer systems for: • Sludge dewatering • Sewage waste recycling and recovery • Digester cleaning • Wet well cleaning

For more information visit www.cdenviro.com Follow on Twitter @CDEnviro For further information contact: Joanna Quinn, Marketing & Sales Support Executive T:+4428) 8676 7900 E: jquinn@cdenviro.com

Are you affected by the issues created from an ageing workforce along with varying competency issues amongst your workforce?

Develop Training’s Operative Competency Framework provides the building blocks to overcoming these issues by allowing you to standardise competencies across functional roles for the whole of your workforce.

There are 3 steps to creating a safe and competent workforce for the future...

Programmes are also supported by: large diameter training, NCO's, Apprenticeships and more.

To find out how a competency framework can help your business call Develop Training on

0800 678 1607 instituteofwater.org.uk

37

Spiraling skills shortage As the UK water industry faces a spiraling need for skills, attracting fresh talent to the industry will hold the key for future growth.

It is widely reported that the UK’s water industry faces a huge recruitment challenge which is expected to increase over the next 5 to 10 years.

In the water supply industry alone, nearly 1,000 new jobs will need to be filled with higher level skills with a large proportion of these at Graduate level. Neil Robertson, Chief Executive from Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills), the Sector Skills Council explains how they are supporting the water industry in satisfying this demand for skills.

of money for employers, not training providers.

In practical terms, EU Skills will continue to pursue its established goals, but smarter. “It will be more of the same, but more sophisticated,” according to Neil. EU Skills will help demonstrate competencies by assisting in the development of agreed qualifications and learning processes. Last year, EU Skills won £240,000 government funding to develop three new Higher Apprenticeships in power, water and waste management. Neil Robertson explains that there has been a quality issue with some higher level training.

“Employers have found the skills of people who’ve had the higher level of training aren’t always all they might be,” he says. The new Higher Apprenticeships will bring quality and consistency.

With pressure on the UK’s water industry to continue to invest in and drive technological advancement, how water companies and their associated supply chains resource skills will have a direct impact on how the water supply will be managed and delivered in the future.

As demand for higher skills, especially for engineers, remains at an all-time high, the water industry will need to compete with other industries such as automotive and aerospace to attract new skills. How the industry portrays itself will play a key part in raising its profile as an industry with real career potential for new and aspiring talent.

Neil Robertson is in his first year as Chief Executive of Solihull-based EU Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the gas, power, water and waste industries. As a training and skills specialist arriving from the hospitality sector, Neil Robertson describes his first impressions of the skills situation in the water industry as; “having areas of best practice but it needs to work together more to really harness and nurture skills”.

“In a sense, it’s already too late,” he says, noting serious staff shortages and the long time it takes to train new people to the levels required. On a more positive note, he adds: ‘The quality of training is good - it’s quantity that’s the issue.”

As a whole, the industry needs to recruit 17.8 per cent of its current workforce over the next five years - at least 3,920 trainees and upskillers.

This is against the heady backdrop of global competition for skilled engineers, an ageing workforce, a steady legacy of a reducing labour pool and a decaying training infrastructure - plus unprecedented global economic peril. “Companies have less cash, it’s more expensive to borrow, and there’s a reluctance to invest due to uncertainty,” says Robertson.

He is straight-talking on what all this means for utilities and more specially the water industry and those in their supply chains. “Employers are not doing enough,” he says. ‘The bottom line is we need to do 20 per cent more as an industry

38

instituteofwater.org.uk

Neil Robertson

to keep current capabilities, let alone get more.”

To stand a chance of increasing the pool of skilled labour, rather than keep competing in a diminishing pool, utilities, contractors, suppliers and even small businesses will have to collaborate -with each other, and with their competitors.

As a SSC, it has a strong membership base among both utilities and the supply chain: 124 members of EU Skills and 41 members of the National Skills Academy for Power (a training and development body for the electricity sector). Moreover, it has a healthy budget: “We are well positioned to be sustainable even with anticipated further cuts in public support,” Robertson explains.

Neil Robertson intends to develop EU Skills’ commercial proposition to make it more appealing to training and human resources professionals across the water industry. This will primarily be through repackaging existing offerings, but to a lesser extent it will entail developing new offerings to create a full service capability. In both cases, the guiding principle will be to offer a menu of options so each water company or supply chain company can personalise its membership and access services tailored to its needs.

For the purposes of accessing grants, EU Skills will increasingly be bidding in conjunction with member companies to fit with the government’s preference for “employer ownership” of skills and training and its consequent earmarking of pots

EU Skills will also continue to address gaps in training provision - for instance, through its Talent Bank initiative. Neil provides an example: “Some employers will want to run their own apprenticeship programmes, but others won’t. We can do it for them via Talent Bank.”

Another key strand of activity is lobbying on behalf of the sector. Neil Robertson cites here EU Skills’ Workforce Planning Model, a tool able to forecast workforce needs for each key occupation in each sector 15 years out. Its findings have already helped persuade Ofgem to allocate £300 million of investment to skills across the Power and Gas industries. . As water companies prepare their submissions for the next Price Control Review period (PR14) the Workforce Planning Tool could play a significant role in helping water companies accurately forecast their future workforce needs, enabling companies to build a robust business case for future skills investment.

Going forward, Neil Robertson believes the industry has a “bright future”, but this will be dependent on employer collaboration and the recognition of the size and scale of the job ahead to meet the demand for skills.

To support the skills challenge that lies ahead, collaboration from within the water industry will be vital. To find out more about the benefits that EU Skills membership can deliver and to learn more about the range of products and services available to support workforce development, go to www.euskills.co.uk.

FEATURE:EU SKILLS

“Employers have found the skills of people who’ve had the higher level of training aren’t always all they might be, The new Higher Apprenticeships will bring quality and consistency.”

Neil Robertson

instituteofwater.org.uk

39

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) Secondment Glyn Spencer, Senior Operational Scientist and Catherine Smith, Principal Scientist Data and Reporting from Anglian Water began a six month secondment into the role of Inspector in the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in October 2012.

Three months in, Glyn and Catherine reflect on their expectations before the secondment began, their experiences so far, what benefits they envisage gaining for themselves and the respective organisations, and how they believe others in the industry could benefit from similar secondments in the future.

Our expectations For both of us this was an excellent opportunity to gain a greater understanding of what the DWI do and how they do it. Our roles in Anglian Water are about ensuring the safety of drinking water and compliance with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 (as amended) and the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. We were therefore keen to identify any areas of potential further improvement for our own, Anglian Water, roles and for Anglian Water more widely.

Glyn: I aimed to increase my knowledge of water quality legislation and was keen to learn about the Inspectorate’s responsibilities and structure. I wanted to better understand the mechanisms for enforcement and associated Inspectorate procedures. In order to do this I hoped to be participating in water company technical audits, taking part investigating water quality events and contributing to the development of a more efficient assessment process.

The knowledge and experience I would gain will benefit both my personal development and my work performance for Anglian Water.

Cath: for my own personal development I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the wider water industry, and also the regulatory framework and how this is applied. I knew that from the start of the secondment it was really important to put myself forward and to try to get involved in as many areas of the DWI’s remit as possible during the time. Six months is a very short period and I wanted to ensure I got maximum benefit for my own continued professional development and also for Anglian Water. As this is the first secondment of its kind it was particularly important to me that I helped define and shape the structure of the secondment process.

An initial meeting was held between ourselves, our Anglian Water representative (Jim Foster, Water Quality Performance Manager), and our key DWI contacts for the duration of the secondment (Marcus Rink, Deputy Chief Inspector, Samantha Vince and Keith Smith, Principal Inspectors). We were assigned to DWI’s Operations Team for day to day line management, and a

performance review structure was agreed mirroring those of the existing DWI Inspectors to help ensure understanding and integration into the role.

New knowledge and experience From the outset we were fully accepted into the DWI being given an Inspector role with the same access to information and data as any new Inspector. For us this was vital to ensure we were fully integrated into the role and allow ourselves, Anglian Water and DWI to get the best benefit from the experience.

We followed the standard DWI induction process which covers the structure and layout of DWI and incorporates an overview of each department and the roles and responsibilities within it. By working as Inspectors we have gained hands-on knowledge of the different mechanisms and techniques the DWI use to enforce the Water Quality Regulations. For example, we were given water quality event reports from a variety of companies to assess.

Using a drinking water safety plan approach our starting point was the relevant Regulation 28 risk assessment and other reports submitted by the companies. Where necessary we requested additional information to ensure our thorough understanding of the event. We then captured our conclusions, any recommendations (to aid the company in preventing a recurrence of any contraventions of the Regulations in future) and suggestions (to share best practice across the industry) in Event Assessment Letters. Significant event letters are peer reviewed as a minimum by the events team and Principal Inspector to ensure consistency of approach before they are sent to the company.

Glyn: my objective was to better understand the regulatory context of water company operations. I have realised this, building on previous experience, by assessing water company quality events and compliance returns. At the outset I also had some personal development intentions. I aimed to improve my ability to confront performance issues and constructively challenge methods of work. My opportunity to achieve this was carrying out water company technical audits and involvement with a project looking to improve the efficiency of DWIs event assessment and recommendations pro forma.

Cath: my aim was to broaden my knowledge and awareness of the range of operational practices across the industry and to gain experience in auditing / regulatory challenge. I have been able to achieve this through planning and

"The benefits of completing a DWI secondment are; gaining an invaluable insight into DWIs operation, an understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the Inspectorate and an increased knowledge of the enforcement mechanisms employed."

40

instituteofwater.org.uk

ANGLIAN WATER

Catherine Smith

participating in a number of water company technical audits. I also aimed to fully understand how the Inspectorate analyse and use company data to inform compliance and regulatory risk, which I have been able to achieve through assessment of company event and compliance returns and by contribution to discussion on key industry topics.

We have gained an insight into how DWI ensure consistency of approach across Inspectors when applying legislation through knowledge sharing and peer review of best practice and industry communications. The secondment has allowed us to gain an appreciation of DWI’s current ways of working and the continual improvement culture that drives change in the DWI. Involvement in a number of DWI’s interactions with the water industry and other stakeholders, for example meetings and audits, has allowed us to experience the support and guiding element of the DWI’s remit. Through the role we are gaining a better picture of the wide ranging scope of work covered by the DWI from enforcement of the regulations to influencing Europe on behalf of the UK and the DWI’s Parliamentary responsibilities.

Future Company and individual benefits AW - Jim: as part of individual staff development a period of time working with the Drinking Water Inspectorate will greatly enhance our scientists’ understanding of the regulatory context of our operations, broaden their exposure to different water supply practices (both good and bad) and provide an understanding of the role, responsibilities and priorities of our regulator.

In turn this stronger regulatory awareness will support the company’s vital role in delivering safe, clean drinking water to our customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

DWI - Marcus: open government and better regulation are the two key foundations upon which the Drinking Water Inspectorate has sought resources from within the water industry. By transparently sharing our knowledge

Glyn Spencer

and methods in training staff from the industry, we promote self-regulation through integration of these skills into the industry we regulate. The outcome is to encourage best practice, consistency and reduce intervention by the Regulator, if successful.Conclusion Glyn: the benefits of completing a DWI secondment are; gaining an invaluable insight into DWIs operation, an understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the Inspectorate and an increased knowledge of the enforcement mechanisms employed. The Inspectorate is a supportive and enjoyable place to work with a wide range of topic areas to cover. The position can offer flexible work options and would improve the skill and experience of anyone completing a placement.

Cath: I feel I have already gained a much greater understanding of the regulatory framework and how it is applied. I would recommend this secondment to anyone within the water quality sector of the industry, I think a general working knowledge of the DWI would be useful before beginning the secondment as it allows you to get fully involved in the role without a large training period. My advice for anyone interested in a DWI secondment would be go for it, ask about the areas you are particularly interested in, and get involved with as many aspects of the DWI’s role as possible!

At this half way stage we are looking forward to the full schedule of experiences ahead including; gaining a working understanding of the legal instrument processes, DWI’s involvement in Periodic Review cycles, the scope of DWIs research project programme, and production of the annual Chief Inspectors Report.

The secondment has shown benefits for the individuals and the Inspectorate in two-way contribution. Longer term we expect to see similar benefit to participating companies through the enhanced development of their staff.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate continues to promote this initiative of coregulation. Companies who are interested should contact Marcus Rink at the Inspectorate.

instituteofwater.org.uk

41

WaterSafe

By Phill Mills

WaterSafe is the new nationally branded plumbing assurance scheme.

It is being developed, and will be supported by, the water companies of the UK together with the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC), Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and Water UK. It will provide recognition for designated competent plumbers and provide assurance of competence and compliance to customers seeking water supply plumbing work.

The over-arching objective of the WaterSafe scheme is to contribute to the safety of drinking water supplies and the protection of consumers.

WaterSafe will launch to the trade in spring 2013.

A public launch will follow in the summer with significant promotion of the scheme before and after.

42

instituteofwater.org.uk

So why is there a need for another trade scheme?

Well feedback from consumer bodies suggests the public still struggle to find a good plumber or even know what makes a good plumber. Customers are also confused by the proliferation of different trade and other schemes now being promoted.

Whilst some of these, such as WIAPS, CIPHE’s, APHC’s, SNIPEF’s and the water company schemes have rigorous qualification and assessment requirements, other trade schemes simply require payment of a fee and carry out no assessment or checking. In addition the water companies and the drinking water quality regulators, the DWQR and the DWI are becoming increasingly concerned about poor plumbing practice, non -compliance with the Water Fittings Regulations / Byelaws and the increasing number of incidents of contamination and risk to customers’ drinking water supplies.

How it will work WaterSafe will essentially be an ‘umbrella’ body and the national brand for all the current Approved Contractor Person (ACP) schemes, such as the ones run by WIAPS, APHC, CIPHE and water company schemes in England and Wales and SNIPEF in Scotland and N.Ireland. As such it builds on and develops their core strengths whilst recognising those businesses and competent individuals who are already members of an ACP scheme.

It is the business that the customer contracts with and it is the business that the customer calls if something is not right. WaterSafe will therefore recognise and register plumbing businesses that meet the ACP scheme criteria. However it is the individual who walks through the door and carries out the plumbing work. It is fundamental therefore that the individual is qualified and competent to carry out the work and that the

FEATURE:WATERSAFE work complies with the Water Fittings Regulations or Byelaws in Scotland. WaterSafe will therefore expect approved companies to employ qualified and competent installers. As well as a database of businesses, WaterSafe will also maintain a record of recognised individuals working for those businesses. And the term business also covers sole traders.

The requirements for WaterSafe membership are not though limited to employing qualified and competent people. The business must also hold public liability insurance of at least £2m and employer’s liability insurance (where relevant) at a minimum of £5m. Companies should all be able to demonstrate evidence of training schemes, use of approved materials and health and safety compliance. They will also have to comply with the WaterSafe ‘Customer Commitment’.

Unlike some ACP schemes there will also be a requirement for all new entrant businesses to be audited within the first 12 months. Other businesses may be audited on a risk assessed basis.

So what are the benefits?

WaterSafe is building a customer friendly website.

Customers looking for a plumber will be able to enter their postcode and search for a plumbing business that operates in their area. They will get up to six names and contact details including, where provided, links to the plumber’s own website. They will also be able to search for specific businesses to see if they are WaterSafe registered and in some cases check that the individual who arrives is actually WaterSafe recognised.

The WaterSafe name and brand will be promoted through all the 22 water companies in Scotland, N.Ireland, England and Wales and it is intended will feature on their websites, on their vehicles and in their customer literature. The aim is for WaterSafe to become the expected and trusted name for customers seeking water supply plumbing work - just as Gas Safe is for gas installations.

WaterSafe will also provide a source of advice for plumbers through a members’ section of the website, potential training on the Byelaws / Water Regulations and also an alternative entry route for those ‘time-served’ plumbers who do not possess the necessary qualifications but nevertheless can demonstrate competency and compliance with the Regulations / Byelaws.

WaterSafe is already working with BPEC to develop this course and assessment. This would not though be a route for those just starting out in the business where S/NVQ level 2 plus certificate of knowledge of the Regulations / Byelaws, or S/ NVQ level 3 is the entry requirement.

WaterSafe will provide real benefits for customers, for plumbing businesses and for water companies.

Customers will be reassured they are dealing with a professional and competent plumber. Plumbers will receive recognition of their professional status and promotion under the national trusted brand - WaterSafe. And for water companies WaterSafe supports the drinking water safety plan approach, helps demonstrate companies are discharging their duty to enforce the Regulations / Byelaws, and allows them to focus on the untrained and non-competent plumbers – those who pose the greatest threat to customers’ drinking water supplies.

instituteofwater.org.uk

43

National Chair Upskills

Personal Development – for the Auld and the New! You’re never too old to develop your brain, and upgrade your skill set. When National Chair and Scottish Water Project Delivery Co-ordinator, Kathy Auld decided to embark on the 2 year HNC Water Operations and Management Course it was to increase the operational knowledge she had and to have a directly related qualification to supplement her degree in Chemistry and Management to take her career forward. After 20 years in the Industry, it was time to freshen things up and seek out new opportunities and challenges. With Scottish Water fully financially supporting any employee that wished to undertake this course she had full support from her line manager as part of her development plan. Kathy said, “although 20years sounds like a long time, it has flown by. And with the Government making me work until I’m 67, I’m not even halfway through my career. I still have much to offer. But I need to keep developing with the industry”.

For Lucy Johnson, (Product Manager, Primayer) this was a chance to shape her career in the water industry. In 2010, Lucy was working for Portsmouth Water as a Distribution Technician, when the company offered her the opportunity to undertake further education. She had the free choice to what she could study and felt the HNC Water Operations and Management Course complemented her aspirations perfectly. The course takes place at several water companies around the UK but the next available course for her to start was at Cardonald College, Glasgow.

Being eager to start she applied to USIT for funding through the business skills awards. This funded her course fees whilst Portsmouth Water covered her

Kathy Auld & Lucy Johnson

Continued success for the Institute of Water Training Course 2011 saw the debut of the Institute of Water’s ‘Introduction to the UK Water Industry’ course which offers learners a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the water and wastewater industry in the UK. The course, which is owned by the Institute of Water and delivered by CSTS Training, is moving from strength to strength and has formed a vital part of induction programs for water companies across the UK. Over 200 learners have taken to the class room to gain a detailed understanding of the interaction between the various stakeholders and the impact they have on the water sector as well as a strong platform on which to develop their careers.

44

instituteofwater.org.uk

The course is for all levels of staff including operational, technical, scientific, customer service and regulation and previous delegates commented: ‘An enjoyable overview’ Stephne Puddy, Talent Development Co-ordinator, Welsh Water ‘I left with a lot more information than when I started’ Mark Thomas, Delegate, Welsh Water For more information on the Institute of Water’s ‘Introduction to the UK Water Industry’ course please contact the Institute of Water Head Office on 0191 422 0088.

travel expenses. One of the things she loved about the course was the different disciplines her fellow classmates came from in the water industry which provided an interesting exchange of experiences and ideas. Now Lucy is looking into completing a degree in water management, from which she can transfer her credits she obtained from the HNC. So if you think Personal Development is just for the Graduates, think again. Have a look at your career plan and make an effort to get where you want to go, no matter how old you are.

This course, devised and written for the water industry in consultation with the industry, offers a unique learning and development experience.

Since 1990, Cardonald College, Glasgow has been the only UK provider of an accredited HNC Water Operations course and is offered on a distance learning basis with support from highly experienced staff. Kathy said “the course was really enjoyable and for someone like me that already knew some of the business it brought the knowledge together”.

FLOOD MANAGEMENT

PUMP HIRE, SALES & SERVICE No1 UK’s

ire Pump H ist Special

Pumps From 50mm To 300mm Auto Self-Priming Pumps Super Silent From 58db(A) Hydraulic Submersibles Electric Submersibles 24/7 Callout Branches Nationwide Selwood has been manufacturing, hiring and selling pumps for over 60 years. Please call for expert advice on all pumping applications.

08450 733835

www.selwoodpumps.co.uk

SELWOOD GROUP

Moving forward in 2013 with Selwood pumps Established for over 65 years, Selwood has become one of the largest privately owned plant and pump, hire and sales companies serving the UK construction and industrial markets and is now the leading contractors pump supplier in the UK and, in addition to this, is recognised as being one of the leading plant supply companies. ever increasing fuel costs, Selwood has upgraded its auto stop start control system using the latest available technology. The system is now available as auto stop start only or auto stop start with telemetry offering a more flexible and appropriate system for different applications. The auto stop start facility provides an efficient and automatic operation with the use of float level controls and ultrasonic level devices turning the pump on and off as required. Telemetry allows the remote measurement and reporting of the pumps operation directly to pre-selected mobiles or landlines, providing real time alarm messages for high level float, failure/start, engine fault and emergency stop activation using “pay as you go” technology.

Today, the company addresses the needs of many industries including construction, marine, environmental and pollution control, mining and industrial effluent management. This broad spectrum demands that a wide range of materials may be handled from water, solids in suspension and sewage to bentonite, oil, slurries and sludge.

Operating from a nationwide branch network with a reputation built upon the quality of its extensive plant and pump equipment fleet combined with the service provided by its dedicated local teams, Selwood offers an unrivalled depth of technical expertise and on-site service to all of the market sectors served.

Selwood is the only UK company that manufactures, hires and sells its own range of both mobile surface pumps and diesel hydraulic pumps with over 75% now being exported through a worldwide distributor network.

The surface pump units produced at Selwood’s factory in the UK range from 2” to 12” discharge diameter and can be fitted with a variety of different drives including diesel engines and electric motors to meet individual customer requirements.

Its own high performance hydraulic submersible pumps are ideal for use in deep excavations. This range comprises of a variety of 2” to 8” models with electric start diesel driven hydraulic power packs fully protected by an automatic shutdown system. The hydraulic system can operate on synthetic biodegradable or vegetable oil that

significantly reduces harmful environmental pollution. High specification motors are featured throughout the range and alternative materials, such as stainless steel, are offered for the more arduous pump applications.

In recent years Selwood has introduced a new generation of super silent pumps recognised as the quietest pumps on the market today. These have been specially designed for applications in noise sensitive areas and, with noise levels as low as 58db(A) at full speed and load, are the most environmentally friendly pumps available in the market today.

With a commitment to quality, safety and the environment, Selwood is one of the very few companies within the UK that holds all three internationally recognized quality standards, ISO 9001, BS OHSAS18001 and ISO 14001. Selwood is registered with the Achilles Utilities Vendor database (UVDB) and has been for many years.

The UVDB verify and assessment service, used by the UK utility industry to source suppliers of major products and services, focuses on risk critical issues associated with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality requirements.

All Selwood pumps have a choice of diesel or electric drivers with different chassis options available, including super silent, and most also incorporate the company’s own unique “Selprime” self-priming system utilising a water tolerant diaphragm air pump. An environmentally friendly design that has none of the problems of oil vapour emissions and oil emulsification associated with other priming systems.

All the diesel pump engines used are compliant to the latest emissions regulations and to combat

instituteofwater.org.uk

47

World-class

efficiency

inevery wastewaterproduct

The Heart of Your Process

The ABS EffeX Revolution started with a pump. As the first submersible equipment with an IE3 motor, the ABS submersible sewage pump XFP offered worldclass energy savings already in 2009.

Now the ABS EffeX range is complete – making premium efficiency available in all key applications.

Revolutionary Energy Savings With a full range of premium-efficiency wastewater products, you can save energy throughout collection and treatment. Individual ABS EffeX products save as much as 25-30%, which makes all the difference at today’s energy prices.

Pumps, mixers, compressors and control that save energy – plus time and money

Sulzer Pumps www.sulzer.com

Need proof? Scan the QR code or visit www.ABSEffeX.com

BARHALE

Prestigious Award for Barhale’s Flood Alleviation Scheme in Cleckheaton BarhaleWSP has been awarded the prestigious Chief Executive’s Award at Yorkshire Water’s Annual Excellence Awards, for their work on the St Pegs Flood Alleviation Scheme in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire.

The £2.5M scheme, which took over nine months to complete, reduced the risk of internal flooding of approximately 30 properties and included over 1km of new drainage and repairs to the existing drainage network. BarhaleWSP won the award for its approach to customer care, ensuring that customers were kept fully informed about the work taking place, through the provision of information leaflets, drop in centres and an active customer care team. BarhaleWSP were commended for their alliances with the Environment Agency and Kirklees Council and also achieved an excellent score on the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme. Rob Smith, BarhaleWSP Business Unit Manager said “we are extremely proud of this award, which is a testament to our team’s hard work and collaboration with Yorkshire Water”.

The scope of works included the construction of a large relief weir chamber, a 15m diameter storage shaft down to 14m depth and 9m diameter shaft

pumping station down to 10m depth. The three pumps located in this latter shaft are capable of pumping at 900l/s, the consented flow, at a nearby CSO. The overall scheme was to be constructed in close proximity to the River Spen, with the detention tank being constructed in the flood plain. Site access arrangements meant that a section of existing flood defence wall was removed

for a long period of time. Therefore there was extensive liaison carried out with the Environment Agency prior to commencement of the scheme.

BarhaleWSP is an integrated joint venture between Barhale and engineering consultancy WSP and is focused on Yorkshire Water infrastructure investment.

Water

A leading force in the water sector.

Barhale is well established as one of the water industry’s leading integrated service providers, with an enviable track record in the water sector and a strong water heritage.

Water Treatment Works - Capital maintenance, upgrade and new build of clean water treatment works including abstraction and storage, large diameter pipework, new asset installation, process upgrades and repair and maintenance of existing.

Waste Water Treatment Works - Capital maintenance, upgrade and new build of waste water treatment works including large diameter pipework, construction of new assets, mechanical and electrical installation, process upgrades and outfalls.

Waste Water Networks - Reactive and planned maintenance, replacement and upgrade of waste water infrastructure assets including large diameter pipework, pumping stations and complex flooding schemes utilising in house tunnelling and M&E capability assets.

Water Networks - Reactive and planned maintenance, replacement and upgrade of clean water infrastructure assets including strategic trunk main replacement, pumping stations, pressure management and metering utilising in house M&E capability.

Energy

Transport

Specialist Businesses

www.barhale.co.uk Safety|Communication|Quality|Integrity|TeamSpirit|Caring|Trust|Pride

Institute of Water Journal (half page).indd 1

24/01/2013 11:20

instituteofwater.org.uk

49

SuDS installation in Buckshaw Village (near Chorley) where a good combination of hard and soft elements provide the optimum configuration

Looking at the pros and cons of soft, hard and combined SuDS elements

By Dr David Smoker, Business Development Director, ACO Water Management and Chairman, SBWWI

Changing weather patterns and increased urbanisation have brought an increase in the amount of flash flooding many areas are experiencing.

The now all too familiar sight of homes and businesses devastated by overflow from watercourses with insufficient capacity and overloaded sewer networks led to the introduction of the Flood & Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA) in the UK and brought public focus to the need for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

There are various aspects of the FWMA that have interest to water companies in England and Wales, impinging as it does on catchment management and reservoirs, but a key recommendation of the Pitt Review carried out after the 2007 floods was the inclusion of SuDS in all new housing developments. Under the FWMA, Water and Sewer Companies become one of the “statutory consultees” (when connection to a public sewer is involved) to the local SuDS Approval Body and the automatic right to connect has been removed.

50

instituteofwater.org.uk

As part of the development of a SuDS approval process, the government published draft national SuDS standards for consultation at the end of 2011. Despite that consultation closing in March 2012, latest indications (from Defra) are that the standards are unlikely to be finalised until April 2014 (possibly?). The delay is down to the difficulty of addressing all the objections raised during the consultation. Despite finger pointing by some at the house building lobby, who fear the additional cost burden of implementing SuDS solutions on all their new developments, objections are being raised by other stakeholders, such as local authority drainage engineers, relating to the standards as “not sufficiently clear”. As an example, the section on Affordability says “If full compliance with the Standards would necessitate the construction of a drainage

system that is more expensive than an equivalent conventional design then full compliance is not required, and instead the drainage system must comply with the standards to the greatest extent possible, without exceeding the cost of the equivalent conventional design”. These require the SAB to make judgements on cost differentials before approval is given.

Good SuDS design gives maintainable, environmentally sensitive water management solutions to protect man-made and natural systems. Different sites have unique features and different challenges so it is right that ‘SuDS’ are adaptable and use various components to manage required volumes of water. SuDS can be made of “soft” or natural elements such as swales and ponds, “hard” or engineered elements such as storage tanks and bypass separators, or a

ACO TECHNOLOGIES There are pros and cons to soft and hard SuDS elements and much depends upon the site requirements including available space, water volumes and levels and required amenity and biodiversity. Hard solutions can be used within soft SuDS to improve efficiencies.

Linear channel drainage, for example, can be used to provide a more effective conveyance mechanism within a soft scheme. combination of both types of elements.

There are pros and cons to soft and hard SuDS elements and much depends upon the site requirements including available space, water volumes and levels and required amenity and biodiversity. Hard solutions can be used within soft SuDS to improve efficiencies. Linear channel drainage, for example, can be used to provide a more effective conveyance mechanism within a soft scheme.

The first part of managing surface water is source control. SuDS may either control infiltration at source or use sub-surface flow to slowly move the water to a receiving watercourse or permeable strata. Proposed legislation requires that there is no discharge to a surface water body or sewer resulting from the first 5 mm of any rainfall event.

If geological conditions allow, managing the infiltration of the water where it is generated has advantages as it follows the natural drainage pattern, there is no need to install lengths of underground pipework to carry the water off-site and there is less quantity of water at any single point. This sort of permeation could consist of an infiltration basin, trench or geocellular system.

Soft SuDS attenuation, or water storage, may incorporate ponds or wetlands which are surface located and will possibly be permanently wet or, as with a balancing pond, have fluctuating water depth; storing surface water run-off only during peak flood times. Such soft SuDS techniques bring biodiversity and amenity with improved visual landscaping and, as surface features, are easy to maintain. Issues may arise, however, because of the amount of land they require, the geological suitability of the area and consideration to health and safety hazards as deep surface water may be present during flood peaks.

Hard SuDS use engineered infiltration, conveyance and attenuation structures such as geocellular storage and infiltration tanks,

infiltration pavements and linear drainage channels. They can provide greater efficiency than natural features with high void ratios in underground tanks enabling larger volumes of water to be stored in smaller areas with reduced land take. They may not provide the biodiversity a soft SuDS features can offer but can offer increased amenity through making more space available for uses such as recreation and play areas. Hard SuDS techniques may well be needed to make a development commercially viable and to maximise the use of available space. Many are installed underground which makes them less prone to vandalism but their design needs to ensure easy inspection and maintenance to keep systems working effectively over their long lifetimes. Geocellular stormwater storage and infiltration tanks should be designed to ensure easy maintenance with open-sided design for practical cleaning and inspection once installed.

A complete drain down facility further ensures the easy removal of silt to maintain and ensure longlasting operational efficiency.

SuDS require flexibility to be able to meet the needs of an individual project or site. Often the best solution combines hard and soft techniques, maximising the three SuDS benefits of water quantity, quality and amenity. Hard sustainable drainage solutions optimise the use of space and soft solutions offer green space with increased plant and wildlife habitat.

Looking at an example of a retail development car park we can really see where a combined SuDS solution meets the proposed National Standards and can benefit everyone: The original development proposed 794 car parking spaces with an asphalt surface, high capacity linear drainage channels, kerb drainage and an oil separator. It offered no flow control and no soft SuDS incorporation. Although financially appealing to the developer this solution would not meet proposed national

David Smoker

standards or required water treatment levels.

A second layout focused on soft SuDS with eight infiltration basins, six swales, a green roof and permeable block paving. With no conveyance the aggregate beneath the permeable block paving provides the treatment stage for the run-off and manages the quantity of surface water required. However, this solution is expensive and underground concrete baffles on slopes raise installation costs. The increase in space required to accommodate the scheme reduces the commercially viable area for the developer – with 130 less parking spaces and a smaller retail footprint reducing revenue and the overall business appeal of the development.

Combining hard and soft solutions delivers a solution that complies with treatment and quantity requirements without loss of parking spaces for the development. A green roof provides biodiversity and amenity while reducing peak run off. Asphalt surface is used with linear and kerb drainage for collection and conveyance of water. Seven infiltration basins, two swales, a geocellular infiltration tank and vortex flow control, which manages slow release of water, make the combined solution attractive to all – meeting environmental, legislative and commercial requirements.

The proposed legislation encourages soft SuDS but in urban areas it is unlikely that space will make a water management solution based solely on soft techniques viable. The important factors are to reduce flood risk by dispersing peak water run-off more slowly, attenuating water so it does not overwhelm traditional drainage systems and cleaning the water of as much pollution as possible before it infiltrates back into the groundwater. Even where space allows for a completely soft water management system, hard linear drainage channels are often needed to efficiently convey surface water to the range of SuDS features and to handle exceedance flows.

instituteofwater.org.uk

51

SAINT-GOBAIN PAM UK

Conquering the unknown The Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations 2011 are increasingly bringing water companies face to face with the unknown, as they take on management of underground drainage systems which may never have been subject to the same tight regulations to which the sector typically operates.

Materials, standards and installation quality may differ widely between locations - however, the onus is now very much on the water company to ensure products, usage and maintenance meet stringent quality and safety standards.

This makes appropriate product specification all-important, not least in the area of access

covers. Frequently regarded as just the visual part of the asset or even overlooked altogether, their role is crucial in allowing easy, safe access for inspection and maintenance of underground systems while providing a durable and longlasting solution requiring minimal maintenance.

Another key consideration is security – the cover’s ability to withstand attempts at unauthorised removal – given the growth in recent years of the thefts of iron access covers for their scrap value.

It’s vital, then, that specifiers look beyond initial purchase cost and opt for access cover solutions which are strong and durable and offer features which optimise safety, security and ease of use.

Recent technological advances have delivered hinged products which reduce the need for manual effort when opening, alongside built-in security features which all but eliminate the threat of theft – and associated replacement costs and inconvenience.

Meanwhile, innovations in materials have created products with an aggregate surface which significantly reduces the risk of skidding associated with worn metal covers, a key consideration in these times of increased litigation.

Best of all, these ductile iron products are manufactured in the UK from 99 per cent recycled material, which is itself 100 per cent recyclable at its life end, guaranteeing both rapid lead times in supply and minimal environmental impact.

For further information about how Saint-Gobain PAM UK can help you met your obligations under the Water Industry Regulations, call 01664 812812 or visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/access-press.

52

instituteofwater.org.uk instituteofwater.org.uk

FLOODCONTROL ;I EVI XLI 9/ FEWIH WTIGMEPMWX WYTTPMIV ERH MRWXEPPIV SJ XLI QSWX GSQTVILIRWMZI VERKI SJ ¾SSH HIJIRGI W]WXIQW MR XLI [SVPH JVSQ WMQTPI WPSX MR ¾SSH FEVVMIVW ERH ¾SSH HSSVW XS EYXSQEXIH ¾MT YT ERH HVST HS[R ¾SSH FEVVMIVW

FLOOD BARRIERS

FLOOD GATES

XYLEM ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF PIMS GROUP TO ENHANCE ITS CAPABILITIES IN THE WATER AND WASTEWATER MARKETS Xylem has announced that it has acquired PIMS Group, national supplier of water and wastewater services.

PIMSGroup provides wastewater support services to a wide range of clients from facilities and property managers, retailers, developers, commercial organisations and water authorities to homeowners. Its breadth of services and capabilities enhance those services already offered by Xylem Water Solutions in the UK.

;I IRKMRIIV IEGL ¾SSH HIJIRGI WSPYXMSR ERH KYEVERXII ¾SSH TVSXIGXMSR XLEX MW MRRSZEXMZI IJ½GMIRX ERH EFSZI EPP IPWI HITIRHEFPI

Commenting on the deal Peter Lewington, Managing Director of Xylem Water Solutions UK, said: “We are delighted to join forces with PIMS Group, which has been a Xylem customer over the years.”

3YV GPMIRXW MRGPYHI KSZIVRQIRX EKIRGMIW YXMPMX] GSQTERMIW GSQQIVGMEP FYWMRIWWIW VIXEMP GLEMRW ERH RYGPIEV TS[IV WXEXMSRW

Peter added: “We are a growth company, and this acquisition will allow us to offer an even greater range of services and expertise, whilst staying close and responsive to our customers’ needs through our national network of strategically located service centres.”

THE WATER STOPS HERE Tel: 01822 619730

IQEMP IRUYMVMIW$¾SSHGSRXVSPMRX GSQ [IF [[[ ¾SSHGSRXVSPMRXIVREXMSREP GSQ

FLOODING IN OUR HOMES DUE TO BACKWATER FLOW RUINS PROPERTIES AND DISRUPTS PEOPLE’S LIVES. It is also becoming more common, and so prevention is more urgent than ever.

Fernco Environmental supply several solutions already in use throughout the UK. For example, the Kessel Pumpfix range successfully pumps against backwater flow. Wastewater is never allowed to build up, even in the presence of backwater from outside the property.

TO FIND OUT MORE: 01226 340 222 E: contact@ferncoenvironmental.com

www.ferncoenvironmental.com

instituteofwater.org.uk

53

Implementing Retail Competition in Scotland In April 2008, the non-household market in Scotland for water and waste water services opened to competition.

The opening of the market was required under the Water Services etc.

(Scotland) Act 2005. The detailed market arrangements were defined in the documents which comprise the market framework, such as the Market Code and Operational Code.

In the period between the passing of the legislation and the opening of the market, Scottish Water undertook a challenging programme of work in order to prepare for the implementation of competition. The programme included separating from the downstream retail arm, Business Stream, and implementing the business processes, systems and other requirements to support a functioning market.

Provided they meet the necessary criteria, any company can apply to be a Licensed Provider to supply water and waste water services to the retail market in Scotland.

The Licensed Providers are Scottish Water’s customers – new arrangements were put in place to support this customer group for the full range of business processes, from metering work through to billing and updating the Central Market Agency.

There are now eight licences awarded in the market to the following companies: n Aimera Limited n Osprey Water Services Limited n Severn Trent Select Ltd n Scottish Water Business Stream Limited n Thames Water Commercial Services Ltd n United Utilities Water Sales Limited n Veolia Water Projects Limited n Wessex Water Enterprises Ltd

Market arrangements and participants The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) regulates the retail market and awards licences. Scottish Water is the sole wholesaler providing water and waste water services to Licensed Providers who can then sell services on to their customers. There are separate licences for water and waste water.

Once granted a licence, the Licensed Provider must become a party to the Market and Operational Codes, sign a Wholesale Services Agreement with Scottish Water and become a member of the CMA (Central Market Agency), a company limited by guarantee.

The CMA is a separate company with its own board and staff. It administers the market, for example by facilitating customers switching between Licensed Providers. It also holds data on premises in the market and computes settlement amounts due to Scottish Water. On the basis of the settlement reports calculated by the CMA, Scottish Water invoices Licensed Providers for the services that their customers have used.

54

instituteofwater.org.uk

The CMA also administers and supports the market change process. That means it provides support for the Technical Panel, the body responsible for making decisions on market change proposals. Following Technical Panel decisions, the Commission consults on changes before they can be formally adopted into the Market Code or Operational Code.

Scottish Water and Licensed Providers must also complete a process of assurance run by the CMA, to confirm that they have the appropriate processes and technical systems to enable them to operate in the market.

Licensed Providers are regulated through their licences. The Code and Services Directions apply to Scottish Water. These require compliance with the market framework as well as other measures.

The Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 requires retail competition arrangements to apply to all non-household customers, i.e. commercial and public sector organisations. These entities, to which Licensed Providers can provide services, are effectively premises which are not assessed for council tax.

There is no “upstream” or infrastructure competition in the Scottish market.

Scottish Water – preparing for the opening of the market A Wholesale Revenue Management department was formed in Scottish Water as part of the Commercial directorate. This involved meant preparing the processes and systems technology to be ready for market opening on 1st April 2008, whilst also separating Business Stream from Scottish Water.

SCOTTISH WATER Business Stream was established as a separate retail company in October 2006, and awarded provisional licences at that stage. The Commission required that in order to achieve full licences in advance of market opening, Business Stream had to demonstrate a high degree of separation from Scottish Water.

Business Stream’s full licences were awarded in January 2008, just before market opening, following a review by the Commission of the extent of separation between Scottish Water and Business Stream. Retail separation is governed by the Intra-Group Regulation Directions and the Governance Code, both made by the Commission.

The activities to prepare for the market opening can be divided into five broad strands: n Wholesale team – establishing a team to fulfil roles such as account management, product management and billing n Separation and new processes – commenting on the market new processes as they were developed and implementing the supporting process arrangements in Scottish Water, including the Wholesale Service Desk n Systems changes and data migration – a comprehensive IT change programme to handle the flow of data to and from the various parts of the market n Compliance, training, culture and behaviours – essential to the success of the market opening was giving people the skills they needed to do the job, winning over “hearts and minds” and to ensuring all Licensed Providers were treated equally n Completion of legal and other arrangements in Scottish Water to support separation New compliance arrangements were established, with the appointment of a Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer prepares annual Compliance Statements setting out how Scottish Water will fulfil its obligations, and annual reports on performance over the year. These are underpinned

by Assurance Statements from key business areas confirming that they are able to carry out their obligations. The Compliance Officer also investigates potential compliance breaches.

The separation between Scottish Water and Business Stream required careful planning and employee consultation, including the pension arrangements for the staff transferring. The basis of the transfer of staff, assets, customer contracts and liabilities was a document called the Transfer Agreement.

All of this had to take place without any adverse effect on customer service.

Senior management commitment from directors and general managers was also a key part of getting Scottish Water to successfully make the move – without their commitment of time and resource – and the dedication of the staff working on the various strands of work – the shift from integrated supplier to wholesaler would not have been possible.

Jessie McLeman, Head of Wholesale Revenue Management, Scottish Water

What would Scottish Water have done differently to prepare for the market opening?

While work was undertaken on data management prior to market opening, more focus and thought on this area at an earlier stage would have been helpful.

Changing the data so that it met wholesale requirements was very challenging. For example, the data had to be structured to meet the requirements of wholesale settlement, and the new Wholesale Scheme of Charges which was agreed in readiness for market opening; and the links between the new market processes and associated data had to thought through.

The difficulties associated with this was underestimated.

With hindsight, there are always improvements which cane be made in implementing new processes, and that is undoubtedly the case here as with other markets openings. The timescales in which to establish market arrangements, create systems and processes, undertake data migration and train people were very challenging. Lessons learnt since market opening will continue to be applied.

There will always be challenges in establishing new market arrangements; and a proactive and constructive approach to resolving any issues early with full co-operation of all stakeholders is very important.

17th iteration and there have also been changes to the Market Code and other documentation.

It is essential to establish governance arrangements such that the market can continue to meet customer needs. Scottish Water is a member of the Technical Panel, as are the Licensed Providers. This involves attending meetings which take place every two months.

Scottish Water and other market participants may make Change Proposals to the Technical Panel.

The CMA provides administrative support for the Technical Panel, and a process for dealing with Change Proposals which are agreed. Changes to the Market Code may involve modifications to central systems and those have to be planned and assessed carefully.

The CMA has a release plan setting out its planned system changes which typically occur twice yearly. Some changes affect market participants’ own processes and systems and require careful planning and coordination. In Scottish Water, the Wholesale team is responsible for relations with the CMA. Jessie McLeman, Head of Wholesale Revenue Management, Scottish Water, said: “The customers of the water market in Scotland now have choice. Competition means businesses and other organisations can benefit from the tension competitive choice will bring. Scottish Water is fully committed to its role of wholesaler and to engaging with the various stakeholders in the market to improve the operation of the retail market in Scotland.”

Five years on – refining processes and providing benefits The wholesale market in Scotland is continuing to evolve and to change with it Scottish Water also has to evolve. The Operational Code is now on its

instituteofwater.org.uk

55

Water Industry Products & Services

Comprehensive service including: s Protective coatings & structural waterproofing s Reservoir inspection, cleaning & repairs s Joint replacement & overbanding s Valve & ladder replacement s ROV inspection & robotic cleaning s Pipeline pressure testing & disinfection

Made to measure Asset refurbishment tailored to your needs Tel: 01896 663 330 repairs@pantonmcleod.co.uk www.pantonmcleod.co.uk

PANTON MCLEOD

Proactive approach to asset management

By Paul Henderson, Sales and Marketing Director, Panton McLeod

Effective management and operation of key assets is one of the main drivers for high overall performance in any industry and within the UK Water Industry this is especially important.

The maintenance of treated water storage assets such as Service Reservoirs, Contact Tanks and Water Towers can have a profound effect on the overall performance of our client.

Regulation is driving the client to ensure that the end user is provided with exceptional levels of service (benchmarked across the industry) and at the same time there is a need to prevent interruptions to supply and reduce cost and environmental impact.

To address these challenges, we have observed a progressive change in strategy over the past 18 years. These changes have applied to all of our business streams but most notably within the refurbishment of the assets themselves.

Our refurbishment works can be considered on two tiers. The first tier of schemes are generally reactive and smaller in value and often result from routine maintenance contracts such as reservoir cleaning or ball valve replacements.

The second tier would entail planned full internal and / or external refurbishment but may still be considered as the management of the asset through its lifecycle rather than asset creation or replacement.

We have observed a move away from the client driven strategy of providing a final scope to which contractors would be asked to tender. Instead, partnership and alliance working has allowed the client to rely on the specialist knowledge of

their supply chain to effectively design and build a solution considering all key drivers. This is especially successful where a balanced workload is provided and delivered to agreed specifications and rates. Through this type of relationship it is possible to remove the risk factor from pricing mechanisms and therefore the client ultimately receives greater value.

Thomas Lochrie of Scottish Water said “As part of our commitment to enhancing and improving water quality, Scottish Water are investing in a Service Reservoir repair programme to upgrade our assets.

“We have worked with Panton McLeod on our Service Reservoir cleaning programme for several years and we see them as a trusted, specialist contractor who can offer the expertise, advice and support and specialist knowledge.

“We were therefore keen to get Panton McLeod on board to support our asset refurbishment programme. They have flexible resources and sound knowledge of safe working in confined space environments. They meet our objectives and deliver the programme on time, to budget and most importantly - safely.”

To aid this process our Engineers inspect all of the assets that we work upon and this data is used for reference on future visits. We also prioritise and advise the client of any works that we consider to be beneficial to the quality of the stored water

and we are beginning to use this data to compare trends across the UK. This reduction of directly employed client Engineering support appears to have in some cases resulted in the supply chain holding a lot of the key asset condition data. This is something we are looking to share more effectively with our clients to aid in their production of required maintenance schedules and spend.

More recently the use of ROVs has enabled clients to assess the condition of a wider pool of assets as they are not constrained to the limitation of removing the asset from supply for inspection.

As this data pool expands and data sharing is promoted we expect a continued move towards an improved proactive approach to asset management based on live data from the supply chain.

Within our small specialised market we feel that building on our existing relationships and sharing new good practise to our expanding client base is a successful model and one that will be repeated across the industry by other key suppliers.

Log onto www.pantonmcleod.co.uk to see the new website or contact us on 01896 663330.

instituteofwater.org.uk

57

Integrated Solutions for the Water Sector.

URS offers multidisciplinary professional services in all aspects of water management. Our activities encompass the complete water cycle across a broad spectrum of industries. An integrated approach provides our clients with tailored and holistic services that respond to the growing importance of global environmental issues.

URS provides a start-to-completion service. Our projects range in scale from local schemes, such as flood risk assessments or individual treatment works, through to planning for large scale multimillion pound developments and preparation of long term water strategies.

URSGLOBAL.COM

£250m Worth Of Contracts Available With Northern Ireland Water ACO Water Management wins the coveted British Construction Industry Award 2012

NI Water is inviting business suppliers to a ‘Supplier Day’ on Thursday 14 March 2013. This event is aimed at current and potential suppliers that do not currently provide goods or services to NI Water.

NI Water is a major presence in the local commercial world, and awarded 119 new contracts to companies of varying size in the 2011/12 financial year alone.

ACO Water Management received the award for StormBrixx, its innovative, sustainable stormwater management solution.

Suppliers can book a 20 minute slot with an NI Water procurement officer, who will guide them through the services required by the company as a major investor in the local economy.

Categories available for discussion:

The award winning ACO StormBrixx is a unique, patented, plastic geocellular stormwater attenuation and infiltration system, manufactured from recycled polypropylene. It is applicable across all construction environments as a standalone solution or as part of an integrated sustainable drainage (SuDS) scheme.

RT Hon Michael Fallon MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, joined 900 elite members of the British construction industry at the event, to recognise overall excellence in the delivery of building and civil engineering infrastructural products and projects, during the past year.

A notable industry accolade, the BCIA recognises ACO’s ability to demonstrate a creative and unique solution to issues that customers have faced from traditional alternatives.

ACO StormBrixx is tailor made for use within a SuDS scheme and its distinct, stackable design is innately cost-efficient in terms of transportation and storage. Fundamentally, the system minimises the financial and carbon footprint costs of all involved.

Following rigorous assessment, the awarding judges’ comments highlighted the innovative nature of the ACO system. ‘Detailed market

analysis and an understanding of customer needs have truly reinvented an existing product type.

StormBrixx meets clients’ needs and provides a solution that otherwise might have been overlooked’.

Commenting on this momentous win, Managing Director at ACO, Richard Hill, said, “It is an incredible feeling winning this award and I am delighted to congratulate our talented and resourceful product development team. Our intensive effort to constantly innovate new products is the key to our success. StormBrixx is now a key aspect of our SuDS offering, it’s a future focused product that meets a genuine need.”

• Vehicle parts/maintenance • PPE • Professional services • Web services • Photography Services • Facilities management • Security personnel/apparatus • Full service marketing • Mechanical & Electrical • Mechanical & Electrical Technical Training • Legal Services • Sludge Management Services • Laboratory Consumables • Civil Engineering Please visit our website for more information at www.niwater.com To book your place please send us an email to: sourcing@niwater.com, along with some background information on your company.

instituteofwater.org.uk

59

Swing check guard design: simple, effective innovation.

Pressure reduction: targets leakage, enhances efficiency.

Continual improvement: straight bore development.

Solutions and ease of installation.

Service and response.

Innovation, quality, solutions and experience Strength in design ; reliable and efficient, durable and resilient.

Knowledge through experience ; solutions and assistance, service and response.

Global leadership : Local commitment Quality you can trust

AVK UK LTD 8 RUSHMILLS NORTHAMPTON , UK, NN4 7YB Tlf.: +44 (0) 1604 601188 www.avkuk.co.uk enquiries@avkuk.co.uk

AVK

Collaborate to innovate Of all the challenges facing UK water companies today, leakage and the need for greater efficiency are arguably two of the most demanding.

by AVK UK managing director Paul Jennings

Water leakage is not only a source of non revenue waste for the water companies but also has adverse impacts on the environment and causes disruption and inconvenience for businesses and individuals alike.

manufacture a replacement within the tightest of timescales. Similarly, fellow AVK Group member Invicta Valves Ltd (based in Maidstone) has the expertise to provide site surveys and to carry out bespoke maintenance and installation solutions.

performs when it gets there, as we demonstrated recently with an AVK 701/79 air valve, whose ‘easy-fit’ features reduces installation on a sewage main from the expected full day to a few hours.

Recent trade press articles have commented that over recent years there has been an emphasis on Capex in the water industry and the need for savings here have not necessarily driven procurement strategies in the direction that is best for Opex expenditure in the future.

We believe that it is not in our customers’ best interest to sacrifice quality for the sake of a lower price where we believe life-cycle costs could be adversely affected. We are committed, instead, to offering customers lasting innovations to help them with their efficiency objectives.

In addition, having driven hard on procurement savings over the past twenty years, companies in many sectors are now having to consider whether there might be better, more creative ways than price reductions to deliver cost savings going forward.

Recent innovations in our products and services show how that works in practice. The newlylaunched Glenfield Series 859 Automatic Control Valve, with an innovative pilot system and interchangeable modular construction (patent pending), reacts to even the slightest pressure changes in order to control pressure, level and/ or flow. The guard for the AVK S41 swing check valve can now be supplied with a clear cover, so the action of the lever and weight can be checked at a glance: the straight bore of our Clearway underground fire hydrant makes it easy to introduce inspection equipment: and our Series 55 resilient-seated gate valve range with its reduced torque features (reducing actuation costs and having health and safety benefits) has been extended to DN800.

AVK are committed to developing and improving our performance, drawing in equal measure on our knowledge as manufacturer of the products we offer, and on our understanding of the challenges facing our industry. After 40 years in the water market we intend to be here for at least another 40 –and as a long-term partner, not a short term opportunist.

As a key supplier to the water industry, AVK is committed to assisting our customers address these challenges by providing solutions, not just products. Therefore we would wish to discuss with our customers “what are you trying to achieve?” rather than simply responding with a price and delivery for a product.

For example,when fittings have to be manufactured to order – as is often the case with emergency leakage repairs – our specialist AVK Syddal division (based in Hyde) has the resources to attend site to check dimensions and then

Contact us: AVK UK LTD,8 Rushmillls, Northampton, UK, NN4 7YB Tele: +44 (0) 1604 601188 enquiries@avkuk.co.uk or visit our website : www.avkuk.co.uk

The speed with which a product goes into the ground can be just as important as how it

As a key supplier to the water industry, AVK is committed to assisting our customers address these challenges by providing solutions, not just products.

Therefore we would wish to discuss with our customers “what are you trying to achieve?” rather than simply responding with a price and delivery for a product.

instituteofwater.org.uk

61

Delivering Tomorrow’s Tomorrow’s Solutions Solutions Today Today Delivering

Employee-owned, CH2M HILL is one of the world’s leading full-service consulting, design, design-build, operations Employee-owned, CH2M HILLcompanies. is one of the world’s leadingemployees full-serviceworldwide consulting,and design, and programme management We have 30,000 over design-build, 3,500 peopleoperations across and programme management companies. We have 30,000 employees worldwide and over 3,500 people across the UK, with our European headquarters based in London. the UK, with our European headquarters based in London.

CH2M HILL is working on some of the largest and most complex water, environmental and infrastructure programmes CH2M HILL including is workingthe onexpansion some of the largest and most water, environmental in the world of the Panama Canal,complex Crossrail and High Speed 2. and infrastructure programmes in the world including the expansion of the Panama Canal, Crossrail and High Speed 2.

Our work is concentrated in the areas of water, transportation, environment services, energy, facilities and resources.

Our work is concentrated in the areas of water, transportation, environment services, energy, facilities and resources.

Since 2004, CH2M HILL has been ranked number one for programme management by Engineering-News Record.

Since 2004, CH2M HILL has been ranked number one for programme management by Engineering-News Record.

Learn more at ch2mhill.com Learn more at ch2mhill.com © 2012 2012 CH2M CH2M HILL HILL © © 2012 CH2M HILL

ENR ENR Ranks Ranks ENR Ranks in Programme Programme in inManagement Programme Management since 2004 2004 Management since since 2004

Thames Water orders Huber Technology’s Ro Disc Filter Huber Technology has been awarded a contract to supply the Rodisc filter to Thames Water.

The project is part of a Thames Water Amp 5 scheme to improve tertiary treatment at Aylesbury STW. The project is to allow for population growth, part of which is to increase the tertiary treatment capacity.

Following successful award onto Thames Water framework for the supply of this equipment in October 2011, we were then approached by Black & Veatch to provide the equipment.

Additional capacity has been added to ensure that the increased flows can be treated and 3 x Huber Rodisc BG22 were selected for the duty.

The project was ordered following detailed discussions in May 2012 and has now been delivered to site in October 2012. The plant is due for commissioning and operation in early 2013.

62

instituteofwater.org.uk

RPS

Significant challenges are being placed on Utility Companies to provide robust, accurate and complete data. New legislation and industrystandard methodologies have developed, such as: • Service Incentive Mechanism • Common Framework for Capital Maintenance Planning • Distribution, Operation and Maintenance Strategies (DOMS) • Water Framework Directive This all leads to the requirement for a more quantative, systematic, risk-based and auditable approach that converts raw data into easily-accessible and digestible information.

Waternet™ achieves this.

Asset Management There are five main challenges facing Asset Managers. These are: n Data Validation n Resilience n Climate Change n Costs n Maintaining Levels of Service In order to meet these challenges a robust knowledge base is required. Waternet™ is structured to organise asset performance data and display it in a way appropriate to the required challenge.

Data Validation In order to have confidence in the information provided it is important that Asset Managers have easy access to the raw data set and their respective validation protocols. A key feature of Waternet™ is its robust validation protocols.

Asset Managers can specify data analysis and validation protocols; these can be aligned to company specific policies and industry or regulatory best practice.

Using the validation tools, confidence grades can be assigned to assets. The assigning of confidence grades allows Asset Managers to demonstrate spatially where asset improvement resources are required.

Resilience Waternet™ can identify elements of the distribution network with resilience issues. These include: n Connectivity Issues n Failure Frequencies n Hydraulic Loading Using its integrated Strumap package Waternet™ is able to analyse the network using validated data to provide performance reporting on individual assets.

The data can be displayed in tabular, graphical and spatial formats. The benefits of spatial information display allow Asset Managers to produce thematic maps that show underperforming assets.

is invaluable in understanding the link between asset performance and customer impact.

In summary, Waternet™ gives professionals: • Faster access to fully integrated asset information • Transparency of asset performance • Better understanding of levels of service • A common reporting standard • The ability to “drill down” from high-level reports • Better understanding of capital maintenance and operational costs • Corporate Level “Dashboard” of critical information

Climate Change

About RPS

The demand for water will alter due to climate change, Waternet™ is able to analyse and display water usage throughout the distribution network from source works to customer meters.

The visibility of this data can be used in Pump Scheduling regimes, production of Business Continuity Plans, Water Efficiency Planning and Demand Forecasting.

RPS is the leading provider of professional and field based support services to UK Water Companies.

Operational Costs Key to the above challenges is the ability to demonstrate the true operating costs of assets.

Waternet™ has an asset data repository with all asset attributes captured. Additionally asset performance data can be assigned allowing cost per unit and per use to be captured.

Using the hierarchical structure of Waternet™, users can see the groups of assets within the network with the highest operating costs.

Maintaining Levels of Service

We support our clients in developing added-value results by successfully combining local knowledge with international best practice. As the trusted leaders of our profession, we employ enthusiastic and talented staff who produce quality results for our clients: Our principal areas of expertise are: n Water Network Management; n Wastewater Network Management; n Water & Wastewater Engineering; n Water and Environmental Consultancy; n Surveying.

For more information, please contact Bob Bragg, Technical Director, RPS

braggb@rpsgroup.com +44 (0)1273 858 223

Key to maintaining levels of service is the timeliness of robust, validated information which is easily displayed. Waternet™ can, at a glance, display areas of concern with respect to: • DG2 – Pressure • DG3 – Interruptions Additionally it can be linked to display spatially and regularly update customer contacts. This data

instituteofwater.org.uk

63

UK Utility Company Severn Trent Water Saves £100k per Year with Entrust Enterprise Authentication Framework The Drive Toward Employee Efficiency

Water selected Entrust, Inc. and the company’s comprehensive security framework approach. This strategy is powered by the Entrust IdentityGuard software authentication platform, which, as one of the authentication methods supported, includes SMS ‘soft’ tokens.

In line with many forward-thinking organisations, Severn Trent Water places strategic importance on enabling employees to work as effectively and efficiently as possible through more flexible working practices.

This enables the transmission of a configurable number of OTPs to a user’s mobile device for use during authentication, which can be automatically updated as needed. Entrust IdentityGuard also includes advanced authenticators like eGrids, smartcards, mobile smart credentials, digital/device certificates, among others.

The organisation sought to improve collaboration between staff, suppliers and contractors. In 2009 it began the first phase of their strategy to provide staff secure access to the network from any device, from wherever they are.

This idea also had to incorporate Severn Water contractors, who are responsible for the design and build of their assets — reservoirs and water causeways — as well as third-party suppliers responsible for processing customer communications.

“It’s vitally important to us that we provide the technology and tools to enable our employees to work productively — from wherever they are,” said Severn Trent Water CTO William Hewish. “The first phase of this process enabled our staff to access the network from a standard PC either in the home or at the workplace, securely and with speed and ease.”

Displacement Decision As part of this strategy, Severn Trent Water began a process of reviewing its existing authentication tools. To this point, the organisation used RSA one-time-passcode (OTP) hardware tokens to allow users to gain access to the network.

However, the renewal costs, combined with the rigidity of the hard token system (e.g., users had to remember to carry a hard token wherever they went), meant that the organisation required a new solution.

The hard-token system meant that lost or stolen tokens needed to be replaced, which could incur additional costs. For this reason, in November 2009, Severn Trent Water reviewed a number of leading strong authentication products that could meet the twin demands of saving costs whilst improving flexibility for users.

“Whilst we understand the importance of more

64

instituteofwater.org.uk

William Hewish

Making the Change flexible working practices, we have to balance this with the security of our devices; and to make sure that whichever security tools we use, they are not an obstacle for users,” said Hewish. “Usability is the byword.”

Entrust’s Platform Approach With these requirements foremost, Severn Trent Water set about searching for an alternative authentication method that would be more compatible with their flexible working policies and provide a framework that expands as their needs evolve overtime.

“We found that the hard tokens simply didn’t fit with our vision for more flexible security,” said Hewish. “It’s fine if you’re in the office, but if you’re offsite, or at an airport, you have to remember to bring your hard tokens with you everywhere you go. For users, this can be impractical and constraining.”

The team conducted a full market analysis of the alternative solutions, and whittled the choices down to a shortlist that best suited their requirements. The selection process also involved ‘sandboxing’ and testing several solutions to prove their suitability.

Following this selection process, Severn Trent

It’s clear that Severn Trent Water’s objective was to deploy a comprehensive authentication solution that’s cost-effective and easy to deploy, but versatile enough to solve today’s security challenges and easily evolve with technology advancement.

“On balance, the Entrust solution was by far the most flexible and user-friendly solution that we considered, so it was rolled out to 3,000 users initially,” said Hewish. “We have also recently added another 3,000 user licenses and tokens.

This was a pretty seamless process and we could get people up and running with the new OTP instantly. In the past, it took an average of five days to create and distribute the hard tokens.”

Hewish also noted that there was a further benefit from a maintenance perspective. All 4,800 employees have access to their own personal information via a secure portal and are responsible for updating their contact details — including their mobile number.

With the Entrust solution in place, Severn Trent Water employees are able to update their mobile phone details via a web portal. The telephone number is stored in a database and employees then receive an OTP via SMS for authentication, avoiding the need for administrators to issue hard tokens.

Similarly, Severn Trent Water is now able to easily enroll the significant number of contractors that

SEVERN TRENT

require authentication. If the organisation was still reliant on a token-based solution, IT would be required to manage ongoing requests instead of focusing on their core roles. With Entrust IdentityGuard, contractors can do it themselves.

Entrust fulfilled key requirements from a technical point of view: out-of-the-box integration, with automatic provisioning and integration with Juniper RAS Remote Access Server.

Better Security, Lower Costs As well as enabling a more flexible approach to authentication, the Entrust Identity Guard solution delivered significant cost-savings.

“I would estimate that moving to an SMS OTP approach substantially reduced our costs, somewhere in the region of £100k per year,” said Hewish. “About 60 percent of the savings come from renewal costs and 40 percent from the reduction in the operational overhead for token management and distribution.”

The Future Severn Water is currently in the second phase of its flexible working strategy and plans to further embrace the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend and secure remote access, enabling users to access the network on any devices, be it smartphones or tablets. Entrust’s solution will play major part in this strategy.

“At the heart of the migration from RSA to Entrust was the need to make it easier for our workforce to work from any device securely,” said Hewish.

“Entrust gave us a solution that combined security and usability with the flexibility to add additional devices in the future. The cost-savings have been significant and whilst we know access is as secure as possible, it’s also easy to manage, maintain and update. In that way, it really is the complete solution.”

is my phone. It’s a great step to support Severn Trent Water’s flexible working policies” Dave Raine, Asset Improvement Manager, Severn Trent, said “STW’s improved IT systems have allowed our regional operational teams within Asset Management to flexibly monitor the network via our telemetry system as well as being able to access core business data. The secure remote access, be it from our regional offices or from home, has helped us to operate the network during planned network changes or during emergency scenarios. Access to corporate data and systems has enabled us to make quicker decisions in conjunction with our 24 hour Customer Operations Service Centre to maintain our service to customers.”

Sarah Williams, Project Manager, Severn Trent, said “The new technology enables me to quickly and easily access my account when I’m away from the office using a secure process, and all I need

“About 60 percent of the savings come from renewal costs and 40 percent from the reduction in the operational overhead for token management and distribution.”

William Hewish

instituteofwater.org.uk

65

DUOFIT REPAIR CLAMPS & ENCAPSULATION COLLARS (300mm - 4000mm diameters) Duofit fittings are used to repair and for hot-tapping on live pipelines and provide a permanent, fast and inexpensive solution to all repair and hot-tapping problems.

ADVANTAGES: • 30mm or 50mm tolerance • Easy fit and less risk due to universal gasket • Encapsulate leaking sockets, couplings or repair clamps

NOVAGRIP (End Restraint System) (300-2000mm diameters) NOVAGRIP is an innovative connection technology between rehabilitating polyethylene liner ends. When existing pipeline rehabilitation is realized with a thin-walled plastic pipe, a combination of a reinforcing liner ring and a NOVAGRIP style set of grippers provide the best way to connect the rehabilitated pipeline and other equipment or betwen sections of rehabilitated pipeline.

ADVANTAGES: • 30mm tolerance rehabilitation connection fitting for swagelining and sliplining.

• Seals on host main and also seals and grips on PE liner pipe • Can be specially made to suit customer application

ANGLE-FIT (300mm - 2000mm diameters) ADVANTAGES: • Allow connections between misaligned pipes up to 15 degrees in any direction.

• Can be manufactured with flanges / sockets or end restraint grippers.

• Can be manufactured as a bend or Tee • Can connect / end restrain PE / Ductile / Steel & Cast

R2M LIMITED - www.r2mltd.co.uk e NOVA SIRIA SRL - www.novasiria.it PIPELINE INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS Contact us on 01282 778030

MULTIGRIP (End Restraint System) (300-2000mm diameters) End restrained fittings used whenever the axial thrust of pressure has to be compensated.

ADVANTAGES: • Multigrip fittings can be manufactured as Flange Adaptors, Couplings, Bends & Tees • Standard 30mm tolerance means ease of fit even on out of round pipe i.e Cast / Steel / MoPVC / PE (any SDR) / D.Iron • No need for heating blankets or re-rounding tools on PE…only a torque wrench • Universal fit means the same fitting can be used on multiple types of pipe • Utility and framework stocks can be cut by at least 50%.

• New Super-Multigrip 25 bar fitting now available

SMARTJOINT (End Restraint System) (50-300mm diameters) ADVANTAGES: • End Restraint - No need for thrust blocks or tie bar arrangements.

• Totally universal – will fit upto 8 different types of pipe inc Ductile Iron / Cast Iron / Steel / MoPVC & PE • Significant stock reduction – How many fittings do you have on the shelf that just one of the Smart Joints can replace?

• Efficiency – Take one fitting to site that will fit many types of pipe.

MAKE THRUST BLOCKS A THING OF THE PAST AND USE A NOVA SIRIA END RESTRAINT FITTING Are you really doing enough to combat Co2 emissions and promote efficiency on site? If so why use Concrete Thrust Blocks? The cement industry is responsible for 5% of worldwide man made carbon dioxide (CO2). Concrete thrust blocks are only as stable as the ground they are on. Not guaranteed to work. Problems pouring concrete below 5 deg C. Prevents access to existing and surrounding mains for future work / modifications. Fear of failure means they are often over calculated meaning larger excavations. Tipping costs and increased emissions from concrete trucks and tipping trucks.

The Steel Water Pipe Experts

Number 1 UK supplier of coated and lined steel water pipes s #HOICE OF COATINGS AND LININGS s MM n MM DIAMETER s #HOICE OF PIPE LENGTH AND JOINTING SYSTEM s &IELD JOINT PROTECTION s 7ELDED lTTINGS AND ACCESSORIES s &ULL TECHNICAL SUPPORT A technical centre is available on the website.

Tel: 01543 416024 www.ftpipelinesystems.co.uk

Fastflow Pipeline Services Limited A new direction in water networks

When it comes to water infrastructure services, there are plenty of fish in the sea. But are they all swimming in the right direction?

R

Fastflow Pipeline Services is heading north of the Border once again, having secured contracts to upgrade key sections of Scottish Water’s clean water network in Greenock, Inverclyde and in Ashgrove, Ayrshire.

As a dynamic, independent utility infrastructure service provider, we use innovation to offer customers a new direction for water networks.

Every day we deliver excellent water management through the use of trenchless technology, a fully computerised work management system and an award winning trunk mains cleaning process which requires fewer excavations and uses just a fraction of the water consumed by conventional spray cleaning methods – saving time and money while reducing risk and environmental impact.

Services include:

• Investigation • Planning • Design • Installation • Infrastructure maintenance • Mains cleaning and rehabilitation • Leakage control • Reinstatement • Incident response • New connections • Metering and repairs We also recently re-launched Fastflow Energy Services, an approved provider of construction services for the UK’s on-shore, medium to high pressure gas transmission system.

For further proof that this is no fishy tale, visit

EMS 538557

FS 25951

www.fastflow.co.uk call us on +44 (0) 191 415 7744

Pipeline Inspection Technology • Hydrosave provides a range of non-disruptive inspection techniques to provide a cost effective testing, structural or internal assessment service.

• We use a combination of methods including accurate measurement, NDT and under pressure CCTV with access from excavation or hydrant.

• Services are suited to risk and feasibility studies either prior or post rehabilitation, pipe cleaning or swabbing.

We offer a complete range of services: • Soil and Water Quality Analysis

To complete our pipeline investigation services we provide comprehensive soil and water analysis services.

• Pipe Sample Analysis

In addition to our non disruptive services we also offer traditional destructive pipe sample analysis.

• Specialist Camera Inspections • Non Destructive Testing (NDT):

A pipeline can be scanned to measure internal and external corrosion to provide a remaining life.

• Critical Valve Assessment:

By using under pressure CCTV and other inspection tools the internal conditions such as bore loss, lining type and condition can be assessed. Sediment can be inspected and a water profile analysis can be undertaken. Specialist cameras are also used for investigations and locating apparatus such as valves, blockages and connections.

We utilise specialist equipment to assess valve operability and torque as part of a valve audit and inspection programme. The assessment equipment can also be used for high torque valve operations and assessing the scope for the release of seized valves.

• Under Pressure Drilling Services

Under Pressure drilling is a side product of our inspection service with an average of over 5000 drillings per year, ranging from distribution to trunk mains and any size coupon.

Call us today on 0121 521 2801 Email : pca@hydrosave.co.uk

Web: www.hydrosave.co.uk

Syrinix

Syrinix shortlisted for Water Industry Achievement Awards: 'Most Innovative New Technology of the Year' Syrinix has been shortlisted for the Water Industry Achievement Awards (WIAA) in partnership with Thames Water. The companies are championing Syrinix’s TrunkMinder system in the category of Most Innovative New Technology of the Year.

James Dunning, Chief Executive, Syrinix

The WIAA, organised by WET News and Water & Wastewater Treatment, were founded in 2005 to celebrate and reward outstanding innovation in the UK water industry -- and 2013 has seen more than double the entries for 2012, as a result of a wave of new innovation in the water industry, driven by new technologies, such as Syrinix’s TrunkMinder, and a new recognition of the part these technologies can play in utility management.

Syrinix’s TrunkMinder Critical (ADSL) installed on London trunk mains

Syrinix’s TrunkMinder technology is at the forefront of this innovation movement. The technology was developed when Thames Water approached the University of East Anglia to design a system for detecting leaks in trunk mains before they deteriorate into catastrophic bursts. The project eventually grew into a company, Syrinix, and TrunkMinder devices have been commercially deployed in a major rollout by Thames Water and the Crossrail project in London and the SE of England.

TrunkMinder’s major innovation is an automated, continuous and intelligent 24-7, 365 days per year data capture system, using web-based graphical user interfaces to provide immediate information, and automated burst and leak alerts, without the delays involved in physical surveys and “walking the line”. Additionally, the TrunkMinder system has a significantly higher level of sensitivity than existing pressure/flow technologies, which, although effective on smaller pipes, are rendered insensitive by the volumes and turbulent conditions within larger diameter (225mm/9”+) pipelines.

TrunkMinder achieves sensitive readings on these pipes by focusing on vibro-acoustic data aggregation, to which bespoke algorithms and sophisticated models are then applied, allowing anomalies to be flagged up to the user. As one of the only physical systems to use a big-data

backend model, TrunkMinder’s proven capabilities in a commercial environment positions Syrinix as a market leader in utility management innovation, and a strong contender in its WIAA category of Most Innovative New Technology of The Year. The data and intelligence provided by the technology will be a major contributor to water companies drive towards smart network management and operation.

The WIAA awards judging panel will select a winner in each of the 14 categories, as well as an outright winner of the entire awards. The winners will be kept secret until the awards ceremony takes place, at a gala dinner on Thursday March 21, 2013, at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

instituteofwater.org.uk

71

Welcome to Ryan

Ryan Brennan has joined Fastflow as Strategic Business Development Director, bringing a wealth of experience in clean energy, energy efficiency and smart metering.

Originally from Preston – though now living in Darlington – Ryan, 47, said: “My role will be to both support and promote the fantastic work the Fastflow teams deliver and also to grow into new areas.

As a leading provider of infrastructure support services, we have a vital role to play in the way we interact with our environment. We have an obligation to control and reduce the amount of carbon we produce, to work in a sustainable way and to protect the environment for future generations.

This is an area of huge opportunity for the group. Over the coming months we will be working with the communities in which we operate to enhance employment in a low carbon economy and I look forward to keeping you updated.”

Fastflow’s CEO, Neil Armstrong added: “These emerging sectors offer a massive growth opportunity and so we are poised to make strategic investments in establishing an energy efficiency business over the coming months”.

GA Valves are manufacturers and distributors of valves to the water & sewage industries.

Including gates, checks, air valves & miscellaneous valves.

UK distributors and Technical Support of Dorot Flowcontrol valves.

GA Valves Ltd Tel: 01484 711983 Fax: 01484 719848 www.gavalves.co.uk

72

instituteofwater.org.uk

Instrumentation for water distribution management Eureka3 E In Innovative correlator, incorporating a high definition touch screen. d

Xstream X R Real-time flow and pressure data for step testing and other applications to monitor the te network’s response to operational events. n

XiLogEco X X XiLogEco is a data logger powered from the upstream and downstream pressure th differential across a PRV. d

PrimeLog+ P P PrimeLog+ is an advanced data logger for a wide range of applications. w

GPS PIPE SYSTEMS HPV

PrimeFlo-T P C Compact transit-time flowmeter with integral data logger for water network surveys. d Primayer Limited Primayer House, Parklands Business Park Denmead, Hampshire PO7 6XP, United Kingdom T +44 (0)2392 252228 F +44 (0)2392 252235 E sales@primayer.com www.primayer.com

technology for network management and leakage control

2 SH 4 IP HO PI UR NG *

Custom Actuated Valves and Fabrication Introducing Dixon’s New Valve Actuation Shop Dixon now offer a custom actuated valve package: UÊÊÊAccessories including limit switches, positioners, proximity switches and more UÊÊ24 hour shipping* UÊÊNo minimum order UÊÊ1 million cycle tested Dixon Actuators UÊÊOn site 3D Design Engineer & Applications Engineer UÊÊFoam Packaging of Valves & Actuators *24 Hour Shipping available on most valve automation including fabricated specials. Contact Dixon for further info.

Also available from Dixon: UÊÊRJT, DIN, SMS, IDF & Triclamp Fittings UÊÊFood & Brewery Hoses UÊÊTube OD Bends, Tee’s, Adaptors & Reducers

UÊÊMultiway Ball Valves 11/2” to 4” UÊÊHygienic Butterfly Valves 1” to 10” UÊÊBespoke Design & Fabrication UÊÊDairy Dairy & Biopharm Standards

Dixon - The Right Connection for Actuation Valves and Bespoke Fabrication Dixon Group Europe Limited Dixon House, 350 Leach Place, Walton Summit Centre, Preston PR5 8AS Email: marketing@dixoneurope.co.uk Website: www.dixoneurope.co.uk

HYGIENIC PRODUCTS BROCHURE AVAILABLE

www.dixoneurope.co.uk

instituteofwater.org.uk

73

in your world,

water loss is also

money loss.

When looking for a partner to help you Reduce Water you need someone who understands water infrastructure,

Loss,

has developed innovative solutions to assess the Condition

of the

Infrastructure, and has Practical Experience in helping water

companies stem the tide of water loss.

You need Echologics.

To learn more about Echologics nonintrusive, acoustic Leak Detection, Condition Assessment and Revenue Enhancement Services, contact europe@echologics.com or 01438920040 www.echologics.com

MUELLER

Thinking outside the pipe Non-Intrusive Acoustic Pipe Wall Condition Assessment The age of existing pipes in water systems often dictates how Water Utilities prioritise their pipe replacement programmes. Decisions based on actual measurements of the structural condition of pipe are not always considered, as traditional technologies usually require invasive measures that can disrupt service and/or cause a number of supplementary problems, such as the introduction of contamination into the water system, loss of tools or equipment in the pipe and disturbance to sediment, which can negatively affect water quality.

Echologics’ Non-Invasive Acoustic Pipe Condition Assessment (PCA) service provides Water Utilities with an accurate measurement of the remaining

wall thickness of selected pipes in their water systems, helping them to efficiently and costeffectively prioritise repairs and replacement while simultaneously detecting and locating leaks – all without disrupting service or requiring access to the inside of the pipe.

Echologics PCA service directly measures a pipe’s structural thickness, providing an accurate indication of the pipe’s remaining life. Its core technology uses a proprietary acoustic-based leak detection system and a comprehensive proprietary database to assess the structural condition of Water pipes of all sizes and materials including Ductile Iron, Cast Iron and Steel, PreStressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe, PE and PVC and Asbestos Cement.

“Echologics is pretty much the only game in town in Non-Intrusive Pipe Condition Assessment.”

Ed Mitchell, Waterworks Superintendent, Maple Ridge (BC)

TMLD – Chicago USA 60º Concrete 1100m

Traditionally, leak-noise Correlators have been ineffective when it comes to locating Water leaks in large-diameter Trunk Mains. Traditional leak detection methods often involve introduction of a sensor mechanism into the main. There are drawbacks of such methods, including access/ egress into/out of the main, limited accuracy, altering Water flow etc.

n Detects and locates leaks over great distances n Does not require specialized ports, closure of service laterals or flow alterations n Does not disrupt water service n Is not limited by pipe material, size or geometry (Bends, Butterfly Valves, etc.)

How it Works Echologics’ TMLD involves two hydrophone sensors that are separately mounted outside the pipe on Air Valves, Hydrants or other existing appurtences. Distances between the two sensors

Benefit 1: Save money and resources by spending budget only on Pipe that needs to be replaced rather than replacing pipe that has many years of service life remaining

PCA example

Pipeline 1

Pipeline 2

Installed 1860

Installed 1860

Brown sandy soil

Brown clay soil

Moderate soil corrosivity

Moderate soil corrosivity

Echologics Results: 31% thickness loss

Echologics Results: 1% thickness loss

Condition Prediction: Poor

Condition Prediction: Good

Advantage 1: A leak can be pinpointed without inserting anything into the pipe Benefit 1: Save money on the cost of mobilisation and the extraction of lost probes Feature 2: Highly sensitive Acoustic sensors coupled with advanced signal processing can detect very low frequency leaks Advantage 2: Leaks that were previously undetectable such as quiet leaks, PVC or leak sounds muffled by louder sounds can now be identified

Echologics is able to assist Water Utilities with highly accurate, 100% non-invasive Trunk Main Leak Detection (TMLD) that outpaces traditional solutions with a service that is: n Easy, fast and cost effective

Advantage 1: Customer can tailor level of PCA assessment to match how critical the pipe is and the budget available

Feature 1: The Service and technology can be scaled according to the extent of information

“We knew we had issues with some of our AC and CI pipes and we wanted a method to determine which pipes to prioritise for replacement. We already knew where some pipes were degraded, and wanted to see if we could accurately identify them. With Echologics we were able to determine that the wall thickness had deteriorated 54.2%. The excavated pipe looked like ‘porridge’!”

Trunk Main Leak Detection

required in order to make decisions on the condition of the Water delivery system

Benefit 2: Save money on the cost of water

can range anywhere from 100m to more than 1300m. A Correlator listens for noise created by leaks that may exist in the span of pipe between the two sensors. The specific location of a leak is determined by the length of time it takes the noise it creates to reach each sensor. Echologics TMLD can locate leaks to within 1m accuracy.

To date, Echologics has surveyed over 160km of Trunk Mains, locating hundreds of leaks, bottom line: if you have a Trunk Main leak, we’ll find it.

Feature 1: Deployment of field set up is entirely above ground

For further details contact: Echologics, a Division of Mueller Co. Maxet House, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 3YY 01438 920040 europe@echologics.com

instituteofwater.org.uk

75

Industry leading Imtech Process is dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable services on a wide range of water, waste and renewable energy projects.

Manufacturers of Manufacturers of valves valvesand and fittings for water,water gas and fittings for the the water, water,waste gas, waste and fire fighting industries industriesworldwide. worldwide. fire fighting T : +44 (0) 1604 601188 F: +44 (0) 1604 604818

Leaders in pump manufacture, installation, service and repair

feralco FERALCO (UK) LTD

8 Rushmills Northampton NN4 7YB England, UK

www.imtech.co.uk www.avkuk.co.uk

Jon Nix Caprari Pumps UK Ltd Bakewell Road Peterborough PE2 6XU T: 01733 371605 F: 01733 371607 E: info.uk@caprari.com

Paul Coleman ACII Kingsbridge Risk Solutions Limited Kingsbridge House, Wargrave Road Twyford, Berkshire RG10 9NY Email: paul.coleman@kibl.co.uk Telephone: 0118 960 2400 Fax: 0118 934 9764 Mobile: 07917 386207 Web: www.kibl.co.uk

Ditton Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0PH, UK

Kingsbridge are commercial insurance brokers and we supply insurance and risk management advice for all businesses and professionals involved with water, waste water treatment and environmental risks.

To find out more contact our office: 01355-246235 Mary Martin mary.martin@mccraetraining.co.uk www.mccraetraining.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 151 802 2910 F: +44 (0) 151 802 2999 M: +44 (0) 7760 174973 barry.lilley@feralco.com www.feralco.com

SQA approved training centre offering a range of training services: Feralco (UK) Ltd was formed in January 2001 following the merger of the Laporte and Alcan water treatment chemical businesses.

Today it has manufacturing facilities in England (Widnes) and Scotland (R&J Garroway in Grangemouth).

Rapid growth has seen Feralco Group expand its manufacturing base to become a world leader in high performance aluminium chemicals, blends, dispersions and sols. Supply is backed by a first-class support service including application, handling and process optimisation expertise.

PO BOX 5, Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 3UD www.gavalves.co.uk

Water Industry VQs (Level 2 & 3) SW DOMS National Water Hygiene Utility SHEA (Water & Waste Management) Asbestos Awareness Manual Handling Career Coaching First Aid Training Water Industry Registration Scheme Training Packages

www.zeoclere.com natural ammonia removal

GA Valves are manufacturers and distributors of valves to the water & sewage industries. Including gates, checks, air valves & miscellaneous valves.

UK distributors and Technical Support of Dorot Flowcontrol valves.

76

instituteofwater.org.uk

Telephone: 01825 790524 sales@mineralsi.com

BUSINESSCARDDIRECTORY From Beginning to End And Everything in Between‌ As the global wet infrastructure leader, our vast knowledge, world-renowned expertise and comprehensive engineering, management and technical services are solving our clients’ most difficult water-related challenges. From inception to completion, and everything in between, MWH. For further information please email: mwhuk.info@mwhglobal.com

ABB’s drives and high efficiency motors are designed to help pumps, fans and compressors, tackle all the challenges presented by the AMP cycle. To discover how to improve your utility’s energy efficiency and productivity, visit www.abb.co.uk/energy ABB Ltd Daresbury Park, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4BT Tel: 01925 741 111 Email: energy@gb.abb.com Web: www.abb.co.uk/energy

www.mwhglobal.com BUSINESS CONSULTANCY

Drives & Motors

Power and productivity for a better world TM

¡ PROGRAMME & PROJECT SERVICES ¡ ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING ¡ CONSTRUCTION

,:2BDG B B [ PPBHQHUJ\ LQGG

Technolog specialise in the design & manufacture of battery powered date loggers & pressure controllers. Quality products designed to function underground & withstand harsh environments at attractive prices.

Contact: amorton@technolog.com +44(0)1629 823611 www.technolog.com

Telford House, 105 Dalton Avenue, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6YF T: 08707 558 811 F: 01925 847 976 W: rpsgroup.com

RPS is an international consultancy providing advice upon: the development and management of the built and natural environment the exploration and production of energy and other natural resources We employ 5,000 people in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

ATA’s Utilities, Infrastructure and Civils teams are specialists in sourcing white collar technical and engineering staff to the UK’s water infrastructure.

Contact: Phil Crew 01332 861 322Â info@ata-recruitment.co.uk

Tel: 01472 889256 Email: katie.oldfield@yara.com Web: www.yara.co.uk

Martin Jamieson

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

To promote your company in the Institute of Water Journal, contact Martin at:

6th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU T: 0845 884 2333 E: martin.jamieson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE: 2012 CONFERENCE REVIEW MEET THE REGULATORS DROUGHT UPDATE INSTITUTE OF WATER JOURNAL

instituteofwater.org.uk

77

NORTHERNAREANEWS

Evening Seminar: Catchment Management; past, present and future On the 22nd of November approximately 25 guests attended an evening seminar hosted by members of the northern area committee. The theme for the evening was catchment management and the guests were treated to a ‘master-class’ from Sue Compton from the United Utilities (UU) Catchment Management team.

Sue began her presentation by taking us down memory lane and talking through the different approaches to catchment management and water treatment. This started with the 1870s and what was quite primitive water treatment. Catchment management at that time was focussed upon boundaries and can be summarised by that old saying “get off my land!” In complete contrast the current focus is much more holistic, from “source to tap” and through the Drinking Water Safety Plans.

raw water quality in among their 312 water supply catchments. One of the main approaches being used by UU is partnership working with parties such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Environment Agency. Perhaps one of the most popular initiatives (among employees) was that whereby UU employees from across the business are able to get involved in initiatives such as tree planting that provide new habitats for certain birds whilst improving soil stability within water supply catchments.

Having got some background, Sue worked through the different activities that can cause a risk to raw water quality and what some of those risks are. These risks include contamination from organics such as suspended solids and colour which can be introduced by poor drainage and land use practices. Alternatively, contamination from inorganic sources such as fertilisers and chemical spills can be introduced by farming and industry. Ultimately any such contamination can impact upon water treatment activities and poses risks to water quality and operational costs.

More direct catchment management control measures are being adopted by UU on land which they own. This includes completing fixed asset inspections on tenant farmers, insisting on buffer strips between water courses and farmland and completing regular septic tank checks.

In some cases UU have even part-funded the refurbishment of certain farm buildings in order to reduce the risks of pollution to certain water courses.

Sue then went through some of the different approaches being used by UU to reduce risks to

78

instituteofwater.org.uk

Sue suggested that much of the historical work completed between 2005 and 2010 was done to reduce the risk of introducing extra colour into raw waters. Even though much of this action

was always understood to need 15 – 20 years to show its full benefits, Sue and others within UU have concluded that the heavy rainfall this year would have had far more significant impacts upon UU’s water treatment ability had the catchment management measures not been introduced since 2005. In sum, catchment management is showing positive results within the catchments where good practice has been adopted.

Moving forward, Sue has suggested that UU and the broader industry need to adopt a more twin-track approach in relation to catchment management. Such an approach would see closer links between Catchment Management teams and those Operational teams that run the treatment works that are fed by the catchments. This linkage would better help us understand the benefits of catchment management activities on water treatment, water quality and operational costs within our water companies.

Overall, the evening seminar was enjoyed by all and thanks to Sue and the UU team for hosting the event and providing a fantastic buffet

MIDLANDSAREANEWS

Innovation is not just hard engineering

By Sarah Williams

“The early bird catches the worm” according to Simon Cocks, Waste Water Services Director at Severn Trent Water.

Simon hosted the Institute of Water event at Severn Trent Centre in November, ‘AMP5 – 3 years in, 2 years out’. Opening the event with a video clip, Simon showed how innovation is progressing in the water industry and is not just about new technology. Thinking outside the box, Severn Trent Water is ensuring there are no delays to the refurbishment of Cressbrook Sewage Treatment Works by using a hawk to discourage native birds from nesting in the trees.

John Bentley, General Manager for Asset Creation, Sewage Treatment at Severn Trent Water followed Simon and reflected on the AMP5 delivery model and the opportunities for improvement moving forward.

John said: “Our 10 year strategy is built on nine key principles, including our proven One Supply Chain collaborative approach. It works well – we have defined roles and responsibilities, common IT platforms, shared values and goals and we are co-located. Innovation is also one of the nine key principles and throughout AMP5, we have innovated to drive value. A good example is HYBACS®. We are the first company in Europe to use the secondary treatment process developed from a technology originating in South Korea that removes nutrients from wastewaters as well as carbonaceous matter.”

John highlighted that serviceability is on track but that things are getting tougher. “We have strong foundations and we continue to innovate

but we need to start thinking about AMP6 now – and differently. The challenge will be to understand what efficiency opportunities exist in AMP6 and how sustainable they are,” John added.

Guest speaker, Mark Worsfold, Chief Engineer and Head of Water Strategy at Ofwat has been greatly encouraged by the way companies have stepped up to the delivery and innovation challenge that the AMP5 regulatory settlement set, with partnerships and alliances providing different ways to solve a problem.

Mark said: “The real value that serviceability measures have brought this AMP is getting the companies focused on outcomes like never

before. We would like customer outcomes to be a key feature of AMP6, rather than outcomes being a measure of engineering activities. In order for this to happen, a visible change needs to take place in water company and supply chain behaviour and the incentive arrangements need to be supportive.”

Mark used the analogy of ‘is the glass half full or half empty?’ to explain that the close out of delivery of obligations for the remainder of the AMP is not without risk (or opportunity).

“The biggest challenge ahead is doing something differently, not doing something new and how this changes the way we work,” Mark added.

“The real value that serviceability measures have brought this AMP is getting the companies focused on outcomes like never before. We would like customer outcomes to be a key feature of AMP6, rather than outcomes being a measure of engineering activities. In order for this to happen, a visible change needs to take place in water company and supply chain behaviour and the incentive arrangements need to be supportive.”

Mark Worsfold

instituteofwater.org.uk

79

NORTHERNIRELANDAREANEWS

Northern Ireland Area holds joint event with the Pipeline Industries Guild

By George Irvine On Wednesday 21st November 2012 the Northern Ireland Area held a joint event with the Pipeline Industries Guild. Twenty two members where present and were treated to a presentation by Carl Wade and Ian Price of R2M Ltd. on the process of swagelining and R2M’s involvement in the contract.

Ian Price, Business Development Manager, of R2M introduced the company which is the UK distributer for Nova Siria Products.

Ian gave a brief description of the swagelining process which shrinks the new PE pipe prior to installation into the host pipe and once installed is allowed to swell to the full size of the host pipe. Nova Siria developed the Nova Grip flanged adopter fitting to connect the pipes together with grippers that prevents “creep”. R2M and Nova Siria developed the fitting for use on the contract to re-line the 1000mm trunk mains from Wales to Liverpool. The first phase of the contract is complete and the fitting have proved themselves.

80

instituteofwater.org.uk

Carl Wade, Managing Director, R2M explained the benefits of the Multi Grip fitting:-

1

Because of the 30mm tolerance one fitting can be used for PE / Steel / Ductile Iron Cast Iron

2

No need for Trust Blocks / Tie bars

3

No need for heating blankets or rounding tools

4

Large tolerance will allow for most on site measuring errors so less likely incorrect fittings taken to site.

Carl then outlined the other products and fitting in the R2M range and gave some examples of savings to be made.

A lively question and answer session followed before NI Area Secretary George Irvine thanked the speakers for their presentation especially as they had taken on the task at short notice.

R2M Ltd products

SOUTHEASTAREANEWS 3

1

4

2

Young Persons Forum

5

By Steve Youell

Primayer were proud to host the 2nd annual South East Areas Young Person’s Forum which gave our younger members a platform to exercise their public speaking skills and knowledge to a friendly audience. This year was again a success with 5 varied speakers talking about a range of industry topics.

The first speaker was: 1 Clare Watkins (Customer Services Senior Supervisor, Portsmouth Water) who spoke about her career development at the company. She impressed the audience by conveying her presentation without using any visual tools.

2 Holly Banham (Graduate Network Optimisation Engineer, Thames Water) spoke confidently about her first project as a graduate at the company, where she had the exciting task of looking at R&D for the innovative Old Ford water recycling plant at the Olympic village.

3 Mike Watson (Graduate Engineer, RPS Water) engaged the audience by demonstrating new developments in pressure management which utilised thematic GIS to identify areas suitable for pressure reduction.

4 Colm Kelliher (Graduate Civil Engineer, WRC), delivered a concise and interesting technical presentation about trenchless technology focusing upon how cured in place pipes are commissioned.

5 Maciej Pawlisz (DWSP Scientist, Southern Water) delivered a thought provoking talk on the lack of innovation in drinking water treatment where he compared the UK to the Dutch system. Everyone was in agreement that current UK regulation stifles R&D. Maybe the UK should take note, as ‘What the Dutch don’t know about water, nobody knows!’

It is amazing that so many members make an effort to come and support our younger members at the event. Look out for the Call for Young Speakers that will be advertised next year. Maybe you know a colleague or even yourself who may want to take the opportunity to hone in on their skills.

A big thank you to Primayer for hosting the event and to our speakers, Clare, Holly, Mike, Colm and Maciej, who again should that there is plenty of young talent in the industry.

instituteofwater.org.uk

81

SCOTTISHAREANEWS

“We have a cunning plan!!” – The Scottish Area Autumn Seminar

By Paul Maxwell

The Scottish Area Autumn Seminar took place at Tulliallan Police College, Kincardine, on Friday and Saturday, 14-15 September 2012. The theme for the seminar was “We have a Cunning Plan!! – Moving from a reactive to a planned environment to improve customer service and value for money.”

The seminar was presented in 5 sessions, exploring the areas of: Why plan, what are the benefits? n A regulators perspective n What customer benefits can we expect?

Pictured – left to right, speakers from the first session: Peter Farrer, Customer Service Delivery Director, Scottish Water; Dr Ian Walker, Innovation Director, WRc; and Donald Miller, Strategic Projects Manager, ScottishPower.

n Planning Ahead, the Scottish Water Vision n Working with the Supply Chain These sessions included inspiring insights from a range of speakers from the industry in Scotland, how another utility plans (ScottishPower), a UK view from WRc, views from water industry regulators WICS, SEPA and DWQR, a customer view from Consumer Focus Scotland and SPSO and a perspective from the supply chain.

The Friday afternoon included the famed Team Event, with a fun event set up by the everresourceful Kathy Auld, this year’s National Chair.

Teams were set an outdoors mental and physical task and asked to devise cunning plans, which, once devised, were scuppered by last minute changes to test plan resilience!

Friday was rounded off by the late Scottish Water Chief Executive, Richard Ackroyd, speaking about

the 2040 vision, following which dinner was served.

There was, of course, evening entertainment once dinner was consumed and the bar was found – it was time for the Pub Quiz – with dastardly questions set by our resident Quizmaster Alex Rae! Alex had also earlier been presented by Kathy with a Fellowship of the Institute following outstanding service of over 30 years. The raffle raised £180 for CHAS and WaterAid. Thank you to all who donated prizes and to those that bought tickets.

The event was attended by more than 60 delegates from all corners of the water industry in Scotland, including Clancy Docwra, EU Skills, Excel First, Grontmij, McCrae Training, Panton McLeod, RPS, Scottish Water, Scottish Water Solutions, CD Enviro, Veolia, WGM Engineering and Xylem Water Solutions. Exhibitors supporting the event were WGM Engineering, McCrae Training, CD Enviro, Xylem Water Solutions UK Ltd and Panton McLeod.

It also included two delegates from Northumbrian Water who had won seminar places via the Northern Area. At their weekend school they had to give a presentation on how to get out of doing a presentation. Their insightful and “artistic” interpretation won places at our weekend school - maybe an idea for more cross-border raids. We did return them safe and sound.

82

instituteofwater.org.uk

SOUTHWESTAREANEWS management initiative “Upstream thinking” and how they are incorporating paid ecosystem services.

Patric Bulmer, Environment Manager, Bristol Water gave a talk on the challenges facing the company and the catchment management put in place to tackle metaldehyde in particular.

Paul Stanfield, Water Resource Protection Manager at Wessex Water gave a presentation on the cost benefit of using catchment management for nitrate reduction versus the more traditional treatment options.

Laurence Couldrick, Head of Catchment Management at the Westcountry Rivers Trust gave some examples of catchment schemes involving many different parties providing valuable lessons on stakeholder collaboration Ian Codling, Senior Scientist at WRc presented the latest research from UKWIR on methods for quantifying the benefits from catchment management for use in AMP6 business planning

Catchment Management Seminar Our Speakers were

Finally we ended with a lively panel session giving the audience the opportunity to question and challenge the speakers. Overall a very informative and enjoyable morning. I give thanks to Martin Ross for hosting the event at the SWW offices and members of the committee in helping with the organisation on the morning.

Martin Ross, Environment Manager at South West Water (SWW) talked about their catchment

Presentations are available to view on the IoW website – look under Events - South West Area

Learning from experience and planning for AMP 6

By Karen Wright Catchment Management has become a very popular subject over the last few years with more companies leading initiatives to investigate this as a real alternative to more capital intensive solutions.

We have, in the South West, some knowledgeable and experienced experts in the field and we managed to bring some of them together on a sunny Friday morning in September with an audience of around 35 members. We learned about successful examples where catchment management schemes have brought real benefits to water quality and the environment. We will also heard about the problems encountered and how they had been overcome by practical and innovative methods. Finally, we looked to the future and explored how we can quantify the benefits of catchment management schemes and justify inclusion in business plans for AMP 6.

South West Area Weekend School Preview To build suspense ahead of the full article we’re doing a caption competition – using one of the images from the event!

Entries will be judged by SW Committee after the AGM on 12 March - so email your entries to the SW Secretary Mark Hitchmough before then. mark.hitchmough@cognica.com No prizes but the winning entry will be published in the next edition of the Journal!

instituteofwater.org.uk

83

WELSHAREANEWS

Welsh Area Innovation Awards

By Maureen Taylor

The evening of 22nd November saw us arriving at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff for our annual Innovation Awards ceremony. This was our 7th year for the event and everyone was anxiously awaiting the results. The awards had been launched back in March which had attracted 31 entries, our biggest number of submissions to date.

The weather was awful with the rain and wind virtually blowing the guests into the drinks reception. Nevertheless, this was again a sell out event with over 300 guests arriving in their black ties and evening dresses.

The theme for the awards was ‘James Bond’ as this year these remarkable films celebrated their 50th anniversary. The scene was set and we all made our way into the banqueting hall.

Our host for the evening was our Area President, Steve Wilson. Steve did a magnificent job and held everyone’s attention whilst awaiting for the awards to be confirmed.

After everyone had finished their sumptuous meal the time had come for the awards to be announced.

The short listed entrants were shown on screen with a short introduction being presented of each of their innovations. The awards, which were sponsored by Dŵr Cymru, were presented by Nigel Annett, Managing Director of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The winners for the five categories were announced as follows:-

Customer Services/People Category Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Drop 0 – Developer Services Transformation Project A project which has provided customers with better access to 24-hour online and telephone services, reducing letters and incoming calls and reducing the payment process handling steps within the Developer Services team

Product Category WRc and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Potable Water Treatment Simulator for Production Technician

84

instituteofwater.org.uk

Training Programme WRC, with Welsh Water, has developed an innovative training approach combining a high level of trainee interaction with simulated operational experience.

processes and training programmes, coupled with a renewal of the vehicle fleet has improved safety performance, improved productivity and operational efficiencies, reduced C02 emissions and maintenance costs and protected Welsh Water’s reputation.

Capital Project Delivery

Chairman’s Award

Grontmij / Morgan Sindall. Brickyard Lane SPS – Groundbreaking use of Gas lining Technology The twin fourteen-inch rising mains from Brickyard Lane SPS were identified as requiring replacement, following frequent bursts and pollution incidents. The team challenged the need to replace the mains in their entirety promoting instead the use of rehabilitation techniques incorporating woven liners and resulting in significant cost savings.

Operations Category Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Pollution Reduction Strategy The Pollution Reduction Strategy is targeted at reducing pollutions to watercourses from Welsh Water assets. The Predictive Pollution Reduction project identified sewers that were at high risk of causing pollution. This was followed by innovative use of GPS equipment by the River Rangers to collect asset condition and performance information for sewers adjacent to watercourses.

Process and Systems Category Daniel Contractors Limited. Supporting Best Value through Safer, Sustainable and Innovative Driving Practices The introduction of new driver systems,

The final award of the evening was the Chairman’s award. This is for a submission that has caught the imagination of the assessor group but maybe hasn’t scored quite as highly as the winning submissions. The very popular winner of this award was: Geraint Williams of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.

Jetting and Camera Guides Geraint had used his initiative to think ‘outside the box’ and come up with a simple tool to help position hoses or cameras in sewer lines within chambers which are deep.

Both Nick Ellins, National President, and Kathy Auld, National Chair, were in attendance. Kathy was on hand to reveal the winners of the WaterAid raffle, which raised the sum of £1,490.

Keeping with our ‘James Bond’ theme the final event for the evening was the opening of the Casino tables. Everyone had been given free chips to gamble and a prize was awarded to the person who managed to win the most at the end of the evening.

The event was again, a tremendous success, this was thanks to a huge effort by the area subcommittee. The ‘bar’ has been raised and we are already thinking of how we can top this next year..!

WELSHAREANEWS

LUNCH AND LEARN EVENT HELD IN WELSH AREA – Tuesday 31st July 2012

On 31 July 2012 three delegates, who received local area sponsorship to attend the Institute of Water 2012 National Conference, delivered a Lunch and Learn session, to review and discuss the key messages taken from the conference. The three speakers included Alex Herridge – Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) Energy Analyst, Ashley Draisey & Helena Machin – DCWW Potable Water Graduates.

The event was held at Welsh Water’s head office in Nelson, south Wales and was introduced by Ceris VanDeVyver - Business Improvement Manager for DCWW - who also shared her own headlines from the conference.

The Lunch and Learn aimed to summarise the 2 day conference, through the speakers’ own feedback on the key challenges facing the industry: • opening up the industry to a competitive market; • balancing regulation standards; • the Capex bias argument, and; • customer perception within the industry - introducing SIM (Service Incentive Mechanism).

From this feedback, the speakers were able to discuss possible approaches to these challenges moving forward.

The presentation also highlighted the barriers towards innovation within the industry, including regulatory restrictions and the need for the industry to strike the correct balance, in striving for higher standards, whilst ensuring customer bills are kept to a minimum.

Moreover, the speakers thought it important to highlight how innovation is currently raising its profile in the water industry. A good example was

considered to be South West Water’s ‘Upstream Thinking’ approach: improving raw water quality at the source before reaching the treatment works to increase environmental and economical sustainability. In addition, two sample poster presentations delivered by STREAM doctorates were reviewed. These involved the PhD projects ‘New methods to reduce bacteriological failures in distribution systems’ and ‘The use of micro algae as a tertiary wastewater treatment process for nutrient polishing’.

The final points of the presentation highlighted the benefits of becoming a member of IWater and what the speakers had gained so far by becoming members: Continuing Professional Development by joining committees, acquiring mentors, networking and knowledge building opportunities by attending the Innovation Awards, the Summer Forum and other Lunch and Learn events.

The Lunch and Learn was well received, with over 40 colleagues from varying sectors within the water industry attending, including the Managing Director and Finance Director of DCWW, Nigel Annett and Chris Jones, respectively. There was a ‘bring a friend’ incentive, which encouraged members to bring non-members along, enabling them to have a ‘taste’ of the different types of events and opportunities available by being part of IWater.

A WARM WELCOME The Welsh Area Committee would like to offer a warm welcome to those who have recently joined the Institute: Aled Morgan Alex Jones Angela Meadows Emma Parry Geoff Green Helen Brook James Williams Justin Doran Katherine Roberts Lloyd Roblin Marc Davies Mark Kennedy Nicole Jenkins Paul Wren Samantha Gunn Terry Davies Tracy Roberts-Twiddy

instituteofwater.org.uk

85

EASTERNAREANEWS

Stuart Woor Curry Night

By Mike Webb

The Stuart Woor Curry Night was a huge success with 10 members of the Institute joining together to enjoy good food and plenty of drink at the Curry Leaf in London’s Fitzrovia district.

Friends and colleagues of Stuart, who has been sadly missed for 2 years now met and shared fellowship in the only way Stuart knew and enjoyed, with a good drink finished off with a good curry with good friends, wahaaay!

Many thanks everyone for making the evening (and afternoon for Affinity Water staff) so enjoyable and a success, I am sure Stuart would have been proud of us all.

Eastern Area at the Races

By Lucinda Gilfoyle The Institute of Water Eastern Area President’s event was this year held at Peterborough Greyhound Racing. Attendees enjoyed a (more than generous!) feast under the protection of glass whilst the dogs did all the hard work outside. However, as some of the races were

86

instituteofwater.org.uk

sponsored by the Eastern Region, nobody was allowed to shelter in the safety of the stands for too long. Members prepared to brave the cold were invited to meet the winning dogs and their owners out on the track.

Photo shows the winners trophy for the “Institute of Water Eastern Area Stakes” being awarded by IoW Eastern President Jon Parr”.

Capper Plastics is back Drain Center, part of Wolseley UK, is proud to announce the return of ‘Capper Plastics’.

A previous acquisition of Wolseley UK and subsequently merged into Drain Center, the Capper Plastics name is being reinstated to front Drain Center’s new Industrial Plastics offering.

Building on Drain Center’s existing branch network, the Capper Plastics industrial range will be available through nationwide, specialist Drain Center branches.

Working with the leading manufacturers from within the industry such as Durapipe and George Fischer, Capper Plastics will offer a comprehensive range of pipes & fittings to service a number of sectors; primarily targeting the water industry and other industrial applications.

“I’m really pleased to be announcing the relaunch of Capper Plastics. Although the Capper Plastics name was superseded by Drain Center, we never lost the expertise and enthusiasm for selling industrial plastics. Reinstating Capper Plastics as a specialism of Drain Center will mean we can build on our reputation within this industry”.

Adam Pitt, Drain Center National Contracts Manager

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT a

company

www.draincenter.co.uk

Creative solutions for our environment Veolia Water specialises in delivering integrated, sustainable solutions ranging from the management and operation of water and wastewater assets to delivering bespoke solutions for commerce and industry.

With access to an unrivalled global portfolio of cutting-edge eďŹƒcient and sustainable technologies, whether we’re extracting value from waste through innovative sludge management, developing smart networks or managing capital delivery programmes, when it comes to water and wastewater services we use our experience and expertise to work with our clients to create better results together.

www.veoliawater.co.uk