Institute of Watter Handbook

!WOhandbook.indd 1

Introduction to the

UK Water Industry

20/6/12 13:42:54

!WOhandbook.indd 2

20/6/12 13:42:55

WELCOME The Institute of Water was established in 1945 to offer education and training to the people who delivered vital public services but generally out of the public eye.

Now water is seldom out of the news and customer expectations continue to rise. The sector needs better staff: better informed, better motivated and better connected.

This course – an Introduction to the Water Industry – gives a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the water and waste water industry in the UK. It is designed to give people at all levels and from all backgrounds a better 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.

The course is just one of the services offered by the Institute of Water, which provides unique opportunities for members to develop in order to continue to meet their professional challenges in the rapidly changing world. If you are already a member you will be aware of these opportunities; if you are not, I invite you to take control of your career and join a fantastic group of people committed to the water industry.

Lynn Cooper, Chief Executive, Institute of Water

CONTENTS

4

5

6

7

8

9 11- 22

23

25

26

27 29 & 31

About the Institute of Water Meet and learn from the best in sector Levels of membership How to join Professional development Professional qualifications Glossary of terms Mentoring Institute of Water National Innovation Awards Business Skills Awards for the Water Industry Industry information What members say

CONTACT Institute of Water 4 Carlton Court. Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 OAZ Tel: 0191 422 0088 Fax: 0191 422 0087 E - mail: info@instituteofwater.org.uk www.instituteofwater.org.uk

!WOhandbook.indd 3

instituteofwater.org.uk

3

20/6/12 13:42:56

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF WATER the Institute of Water was set up in 1945 to support the careers of people like you who work in the uK water industry and we have almost 2000 members.

It was founded as a place for new starters in the industry to turn to ask ‘why this?, why that?’ and to ensure that as you progress through your career you keep up to date with the industry and have access to all of the developmental opportunities that you will need along the way. Membership ultimately offers people who work in the industry (regardless of their qualifications or discipline/department) the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and develop within the sector.

The Institute of Water offers members a structured approach to CPD, learning opportunities, a quarterly Journal, and online access to relevant industry information. It also provides professional recognition for engineers and environmentalists, and a mentoring service. A range of networking opportunities are provided for members, both on-line and through a range of events held across the country. You can read more about all of the services that we offer in this handbook.

The Institute is divided into 8 geographical areas, so wherever you live or work across the UK, there will be a programme of events nearby that you can attend.

Midlands area Innovation showcase event

4

!WOhandbook.indd 4

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:42:57

MEET AND LEARN FROM THE VERY BEST IN THE SECTOR the Institute provides a forum for members to meet the best in the sector, hear their views and ideas, learn from their experience and build/maintain those professional contacts. our events draw in the most relevant and useful speakers and give members a unique opportunity to question and meet in person the industry’s key players.

Since 1928, the Institute of Water has held an annual national conference and exhibition. This showpiece event epitomises the inclusive nature of the Institute of Water, attracting suppliers, contractors, regulators, consultants and water industry personnel as both delegates and speakers. The event is renowned for being informal yet professional. It provides delegates with the opportunity to share knowledge by building and maintaining professional contacts, and meeting the top people in a relaxed environment.

Site visits are arranged throughout the country which give members behind-the-scenes access to the latest technology and engineering and help them to appreciate the scale of the water and wastewater sector in which they work.

The Institute is also keen to nurture rising talent in the water sector and there are many opportunities linked to this, such as our ‘young speakers’ platform and ‘rising stars’ initiative developed with Utility Week, which is looking to identify and celebrate young talent.

!WOhandbook.indd 5

Martin Baggs, ceo thames Water speaking at annual conference

instituteofwater.org.uk

5

20/6/12 13:42:57

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP

Student Membership Open to anyone under 25 years of age undergoing training with the aim of becoming a Corporate Member.

Associate Membership Open to anyone employed in the water industry in any capacity.

Corporate Membership Awarded on the basis of competence and commitment demonstrated through Professional Review (Report + Interview): no academic qualifications are required.

If you have already successfully undergone Professional Review with another recognised institution you may be exempt from this process.

Corporate members must be committed to Continuing Professional Development and are bound by a Code of Conduct.

Fellow Membership Awarded for dedicated service to the Institute or to eminent people in the water industry.

Honorary Membership Reserved for members who have given exceptional service to the Institute of Water and/or the industry. Fellow and Honorary Membership are only available through nomination.

See the website for details on how to apply for any of these grades.

Company Membership Company Membership offers many of the benefits of individual membership to all employees of supplier companies, as well as a number of promotional opportunities. It is open to organisations within the water/wastewater industry who are manufacturers, suppliers, contractors or consultants.

A separate sponsorship package is available for UK Water and Utility Companies, Regional Water Authorities, Agencies and Regulators.

Visit the Institute of Water website www.instituteofwater.org.uk for details on how to apply or call 0191 422 0088.

6

!WOhandbook.indd 6

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:42:58

HOW TO JOIN

It is quick and easy to join, and there is no joining fee. the first year’s subscription rate is also a reduced fee if a direct debit mandate is completed for future years.

Simply complete an application form and post, fax or e-mail to Head Office or return to a committee member.

Alternatively you can complete the on-line application form and pay on-line at www.instituteofwater.org.uk Please ring Head Office for any further information you require about any of our services or events, or for a membership application form.

!WOhandbook.indd 7

networking during conference coffee break

instituteofwater.org.uk

7

20/6/12 13:43:03

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development is a process that enables you to maintain and develop relevant skills and knowledge throughout your career.

Professional Development is relevant to all members, although Corporate Members are required to be committed to continuous learning and improvement.

The onus is on individuals to plan what is needed to maintain and develop their competence and knowledge. There is no minimum requirement nor is there a standard format for planning and recording although the focus should be on learning outcomes.

The process is a continuous cycle of: ■ ■ ■ ■

Identifying and prioritising development needs and opportunities Setting goals and target dates Recording learning outcomes Evaluating achievements and reviewing against needs

does the Institute of Water monitor Professional development?

Corporate Members have an obligation to maintain and develop their professional competence throughout their career and are required to produce evidence of professional development as part of the Professional Review process. Each year a small sample of members are asked to provide evidence of continuing professional development, which is used to help the Institute develop best practice and to provide feedback to members. The best submissions are entered for the annual CPD Award.

Most Institute of Water National and Area events are opportunities for professional development.

south east area Visit to thales security site

8

!WOhandbook.indd 8

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:09

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Registration for Engineers

If you are a competent practising engineer and are interested in improving your job security or career prospects why not consider becoming a registered engineer? The Institute is licensed to register Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. There are different pathways to registration available, and full advice and support throughout the application process is offered.

Professional Registration for Environmentalists

Chartered Environmentalist status establishes professional environmentalists on a par with other professionals such as Chartered Engineers and Chartered Scientists. Being a Chartered Environmentalist is about having the professional knowledge, experience and commitment to apply sustainable thinking throughout your daily working life. Chartered Environmentalists are drawn from all professions, so if you are committed to the environment and can demonstrate this, why not apply today?

Full advice and support is available throughout the application process. Please pick up a separate leaflet which outlines the process in more detail; contact Head Office on 0191 422 0088 or visit the Institute of Water website www.instituteofwater.org.uk

!WOhandbook.indd 9

instituteofwater.org.uk

9

20/6/12 13:43:10

!WOhandbook.indd 10

20/6/12 13:43:11

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

25 year plan - Water companies in England and Wales published water resource management plans in 2009, looking ahead 25 years from 2010. The plans follow government legislation and guidelines set by the Environment Agency to ensure companies have sufficient water to supply the public and maintain adequate water in the environment.

Abstraction - The process used to draw raw water from a resource such as a river or borehole, usually licensed by the EA. AC - Asbestos Cement a material historically used for water supply pipes, problems occur when repairs or replacement need to be carried out.

Adoptions - Where a water company takes ownership of assets from a private owner, such as sewer pipes or pumping stations. See PDaS. Air saturated - Increasing the concentration of dissolved air in water by increase in pressure.

Algal toxins - Periodic blooms of algae often caused by contamination of water courses, some species of algae produce toxins that kill fish, shellfish, humans, livestock and wildlife.

Ammoniacal Nitrogen as N - A way of describing the level of ammonia in water when measured by Nitrogen content.

AMP programme - Asset management programme, a 5 yearly cycle of projects etc. to maintain, improve and build assets within the industry.

AMP5 started in 2010, AMP6 starts in 2015.

Archimedes Screw - A large spiral screw revolving inside a close-fitting cylinder. The lowest portion of the Archimedean screw just dips into the water. And as the cylinder is turned a quantity of water is scooped up. The angle of the cylinder is such that at the next revolution the water is raised above the next thread, whilst the lowest thread scoops up another quantity. The successive revolutions, therefore, raise the water thread by thread until it emerges at the top of the cylinder.

BAFF Biological aerated flooded filter - All BAFF plants work on the principle of partially treated aerated sewage flowing through a submerged medium upon which the biomass growth attaches to form the stable concentrations needed to treat sewage.

Bar - 10.9m head - A measurement of pressure, 1 bar is equivalent to 10.9m of water head.

Bar Screens - A comb like device to remove debris from water flows.

Often cleaned mechanically or manually with a rake.

!WOhandbook.indd 11

instituteofwater.org.uk

11

20/6/12 13:43:12

Bazalgette - Chief engineer of the London Metropolitan Board of Works 1852-1859, responsible for the design of the Embankments on the Thames interceptor sewers which collect effluent from smaller sewers discharging into the river in the city and transferring it downstream, effectively ending the Big Stink.

Big Stink - 1858 Combination of warm weather and low rainfall in the Thames area caused excessive bacterial activity to produce The Great Stink.

BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand, the quantity of oxygen required for the organic material in water to be oxidized, a measure of its contamination.

Booster Chlorination - Extra chlorine added to the water supply remotely from the treatment works to maintain a safe level of chlorine for disinfection.

Borehole Water - Water extracted from hole drilled into the ground.

Brownfield - A site previously used for purposes such as housing or commercial use. Often contaminated.

Carbon Reduction Commitments - The CRC is a mandatory scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions in large public and private sector organisations.

Chadwick - Wrote “The Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population” published in 1842 which argued that disease was directly related to living conditions and that there was a desperate need for public health reform. Result closed Cess pits in London houses and connected them to public sewers.

Chlorination - Method of disinfecting potable water.

Chlorine dose - The amount of chlorine required to destroy bacterial contamination in untreated water and maintain a low level in water distributed to the customer, to ensure disinfection is maintained.

Cholera - Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. The bacteria releases a toxin that causes increased release of water in the intestines, which produces severe diarrhoea. Cholera occurs in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau - The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Clarification (coagulation) - The removal of suspended solids by addition of a coagulant which binds the solids together to allow easy removal.

Climate Change Bill - The Climate Change Act creates a new approach to managing and responding to climate change in the UK, by setting ambitious, legally binding targets, taking powers to help meet those targets, strengthening the institutional framework, enhancing the

12

!WOhandbook.indd 12

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:12

UK’s ability to adapt to the impact of climate change, establishing clear and regular accountability to the UK Parliament and to the devolved legislatures.

Coagulant - Chemicals that are added to water as part of treatment which create a chemical reaction and eliminate the negative charges that cause particles to repel each other.

Combined Heat & Power - CHP is plant that generates electricity whilst also capturing heat that is normally wasted, produced as a byproduct in the process.

Combined Sewer Overflows - Combined sewer overflow (CSO) is the discharge of a combination of storm water and domestic sewage waste water caused by sewer capacity being exceeded during heavy storms.

Combined Sewers - Sewer Pipes that carry a mixture of Sewage and Rainwater (storm water).

Corrolator (leak noise) - The method used to pinpoint leakage occurring between valves on a water system.

Critical point loggers (pressure) - A device designed to measure pressure in pipes used to reduce pressure when demand is low therefore reducing leakage.

Critical Sewers (km) - Sewers which, if they fail, will produce serious environmental or financial impacts.

Cryptosporidium - Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite (a tiny organism) that causes an infection called cryptosporidiosis affecting people and cattle. The most common symptom is watery diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe.

DEFRA - Defra is the UK government department responsible for policy and regulations on the environment, food and rural affairs.

DG2 - A level of service indicator set by Ofwat to measure a water company performance. DG2 relates to low pressure.

DG3 - Supply interruptions.

DG4 - Restrictions on water use.

DG5 - Flooding from sewers.

DG6 - Response to billing queries.

DG7 - Response to written complaints.

DG8 - The percentage of metered bills based on an actual reading.

DG9 - Telephone call handling.

Discrete metered areas - An area in a water distribution system that is metered.

!WOhandbook.indd 13

instituteofwater.org.uk

13

20/6/12 13:43:12

Dissolved Air Floatation - The process of adding air under pressure to water so that the bubbles released later can help flocculation or sludges to float.

District Meter Area - An area in a water distribution system that is metered.

DMA - see above Dr John Snow - The Doctor responsible for removing the pump handle in the Broad street cholera outbreak thus preventing further deaths, and proving the source of the disease to be waterborne.

Drinking Water Protected area - The Water Framework Directive requires a register of protected areas. The register includes areas identified by the Water Framework Directive or other European Directives. These include water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water.

Drum Screens - A screen that rotates and removes solids/debris in a continuous process.

Dry Weather Flow - The flow experienced at a wastewater treatment works or sewer after 5 days without rain.

Dry Wells - A section of a pumping station that is underground and contains the pumps and electrical equipment, but does not contain the water.

DWI - The DWI is a division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is responsible for enforcing drinking water quality standards in England and Wales and making sure that the appointed water companies comply with the requirements of the drinking water regulations.

EA - The Environment Agency.

Effluent - Waste Water or water discharged from a sewage works (final effluent).

Environment Agency (EA) - An executive, non-departmental government body that has a statutory duty to protect and enhance the environment in England and Wales. It is responsible for water abstraction and water quality in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal waters up to the territorial limit, and water stored naturally underground. It also has powers to decide if water quality is up to standard and if not to determine how to improve it. The Environment Agency also controls the amount of water that can be taken from rivers and boreholes. The Environment Agency is responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and an Assembly Sponsored Public Body responsible to the National Assembly for Wales.

Epidemiology - Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems.

14

!WOhandbook.indd 14

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:12

Eutrophication - The process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates.

These typically promote excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish.

Fe - The chemical symbol for Iron.

Ferric Sulphate - A chemical used to treat water by acting as a coagulator to encourage dewatering, and reduces Hydrogen sulphide production and therefore odour.

Filter Media Waste Water treatment - The material used to grow biological films of bacteria, protozoa and fungi form on the media’s surfaces and eat or otherwise reduce the organic content.

Filter Media Water treatment - The material used to remove suspended solids from water typically sand or fine gravel, sometimes supplemented by anthracite/carbon.

Floating Sludge - Sludge that floats usually as a result of gasses entrapped in the sludge, sometimes deliberately added, see dissolved air flotation.

Floc - A flocculent mass formed in a fluid through precipitation or aggregation of suspended particles.

Flood and Water Management Act - A piece of UK legislation that aimed to provide better, more comprehensive management of flood risk for people, homes and businesses.

GIS - Graphic information system.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) - Used for the adsorption of contaminants which collect on and adhere to the surface of an adsorbent solid. Adsorption occurs when the attractive forces at the carbon surface overcome the attractive forces of the liquid. Granular activated carbon is a particularly good adsorbent medium due to its high surface area to volume ratio.

Greenfield - An area of agricultural or forest land, or some other undeveloped site earmarked for commercial development or industrial projects.

Grey Water - Grey Water is water which has been used for washing and can potentially be reused rather than sent straight down the drains.

Grit Removal - The removal of heavy particles in waste water by slowing down the flow enabling them to settle out.

Ground water - Water stored in the ground usually in an underground aquifer.

Head Loss - The pressure of water lost due to friction in the pipe, valves etc.

!WOhandbook.indd 15

instituteofwater.org.uk

15

20/6/12 13:43:12

Hepatitis - Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation (swelling) of the liver, which can occur as the result of a viral infection, perhaps caught from needle injuries (needle sticks) or because the liver is exposed to harmful substances such as alcohol.

High Pressure Unit - A machine that delivers high pressure water for cleaning or cutting purposes, sometimes called a Jetter.

Hopper Bottomed Settlement Clarifier - A deep tank with an upward flow and a cone shaped bottom which concentrates the solids which have settled out. Often has a blanket of sludge which aids entrapment of fine particles.

Hydrant - A device which can be attached o a water main temporarily to provide water during a burst or fire for example.

Hydraulic overload - A situation where too much water tries to pass through too small a pipe.

Impounding Reservoir - A reservoir designed to collect raw water.

Jetter - See high pressure unit.

June Return - Appointed water companies’ provide information to Ofwat in annual returns in June each year. They provided a framework for the submission of most of the information required, enabling Ofwat to monitor progress and compare performance between companies.

Large progressive cavity (mono) - A single helix rotor (like a corkscrew) that rotates inside a double helix stator (the fixed bit) producing a continuous even flow.

Leakage - Defined as the difference between the amount of water delivered to an area and the amount the consumers use.

Leptospirosis (Weils disease) - Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection that is spread by animals especially rats and cows. It is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira.

Mega-litres - 1 million litres or 1000m3 of water.

Necomen’s engine - An early steam driven lift pump.

Odour - A fragrance, scent or smell caused by volatile chemical compounds in the air.

Ofwat - Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales. They are there to make sure that the companies provide household and business consumers with a good quality service and value for money.

Operator Self Monitoring (OSM) - A system where a Water company monitors its own environmental impact and reports it to the relevant authority.

Outfall screen - A screen (usually before discharge into a watercourse) designed to remove visible/larger debris.

16

!WOhandbook.indd 16

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:12

Pathogens - A pathogen or infectious agent is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host.

Pb - The chemical symbol for Lead.

PDaS - Private Drains and Sewers (legislation forced the adoption of all private drains and sewers by the water companies in 2011).

Performance Indicators - Collapses - Part of DG5.

Performance Indicators - Pollution - Part of the June return performance indicators.

Permalog (noise) - A type of leak noise correlator.

Pesticides - Chemicals used to control weeds, pests and diseases in crops.

Phosphate - Oxides of phosphorus that in an organic form are used in detergents. They lead to algal blooms when added to watercourses.

Pipes - Barrier Pipes - Pipes that have additional layers of protection to prevent corrosion or contamination from the surrounding ground.

Pipes - HDPE - High density polyethylene.

Pipes - MDPE - Medium density polyethylene.

Pipes - UPVC - Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride also known as rigid PVC. Poly Solution - Polyelectrolyte solution, used as a flocculating agent.

Positive displacement pump station - A pump that traps a volume of liquid in a chamber and then squeezes it into the outlet pipe. (the old bike pump is an example).

Potable - Safe to drink.

Preliminary Treatment - The first part of the treatment process usually removing larger contaminants but possibly pre-treating with chemicals.

Pressure - The force exerted on a surface.

Pressure - Working Pressure - The pressure experienced in a pipe or container under normal working conditions.

Priority substances Directive - The ‘Priority Substances’ Directive 2008/105/EC (PSD) is a ‘Daughter’ Directive of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) which sets out a European “priority list” of substances posing a threat to or via the aquatic environment.

Privatisation (1989) - Under the Water Act 1988, the newly created water companies became owners of the entire water system and properties of the existing Regional Water Authorities.

Pumped Combined Sewer Overflow - A situation where the combined sewer is below the level of the local watercourse and the overflow needs to be pumped to discharge to a higher level.

!WOhandbook.indd 17

instituteofwater.org.uk

17

20/6/12 13:43:12

Rapid Gravity Filtration - A system of forcing water containing suspended particulates through a bed of sand (if no force is used they’re termed gravity sand filters).

Raw Water - The water at its point of abstraction before treatment.

RBCS - Rotating Bio Contactors, discs on which a biofilm grows, used for the treatment of effluent.

Reg 20 authorised departures - Under the terms of an Authorised Departure, a company is allowed to supply water which does not meet the standard for a particular parameter, providing there is no risk to public health, until work to install a suitable process to ensure compliance with the standard is completed.

Relining - A process of inserting a new lining to a pipe, either to prevent contamination of the water inside (in the case of lead pipes for example. Also to prevent sewage leaking out or groundwater leaking into a sewer. It can also be used to prevent further erosion in pipework, perhaps preventing a collapse.

Reports - 20 day - The 20 day report is a full written report detailing the occurrence, the cause, what action was taken and when. This report must be submitted within 20 days of the event occurring.

Reports - 72 hour - 72 hour reports are reports to the DWI on an event (DWI gives a list of what is a reportable event) identifying the issue and immediate actions taken. The method of reporting will be dependent on the severity.

Rising Mains - A water main or sewer where the flow is uphill.

S101a - Section 101A provides a framework within which to assess whether provision of a public sewer is appropriate in certain circumstances.

Screens - Usually a series of bars or mesh designed to sieve out debris.

Service Incentive Mechanism (SIM) - The service incentive mechanism (SIM) is designed to encourage the companies to provide better service to customers. It also allows customers to compare the performance of their water company with others. The SIM score measures the experience of customers who have contacted their water company to make a complaint or report a service failure, as well as for more routine transactions such as paying their bill or other enquiries.

Sewage Pumping Stations - Pumping stations that move sewage to another location by lifting it to a point where it can flow downhill to its destination.

Sewerage - The pipework that transports sewage Side Weir - A wall that runs along the side of a watercourse or sewer pipe and allows any excess flow to “overtop� the weir and flow in another direction.

18

!WOhandbook.indd 18

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:13

Sludge - The concentrated solids that have settled out of sewage or water during treatment.

Sludge - “seed� sludge - Sludge that is recirculated in an activated sludge plant to start of the biological activity.

Sludge - Activated Sludge - Sludge that is oxygenated to encourage biological activity which reduces dissolved organic matter in the effluent.

Sludge - Digested Sludge - Sludge that has been through a process of digestion to reduce the solids in it and create biogas.

Sludge - Incineration - Sludges that are unsuitable for disposal to land (perhaps due to their chemical nature) may be incinerated and sent to landfill.

Sludge Aeration Lanes - Channels where the activated sludge is aerated to encourage biological activity.

Sludge Digestion - Sludge is mixed/blended, warmed, stirred and left to produce gas as it decomposes usually in the absence of oxygen.

Sludge Dryer - A machine designed to reduce the moisture content of sludge, sometime a heated rotating drum, sometimes a continuous belt with pressure applied by another belt from above. There are numerous methods of drying sludge.

Sludge Scraper Bridge - A bridge that travels across the surface of the water scraping the sludge from it.

Small progressive cavity (mono) - See large progressive cavity pumps (only smaller).

Sodium Bisulphite - Removes excess chlorine added during the treatment of potable water.

Static Head - The pressure of water caused by water being at a greater height.

Stern Report on Target Reductions - Review which examines the evidence on the economic impacts of climate change itself, and explores the economics of stabilising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It also considers the complex policy challenges involved in managing the transition to a low-carbon economy and in ensuring that societies can adapt to the consequences of climate change that can no longer be avoided.

Storm Tanks - Tanks designed to collect flows between 3-6 times DWF for treatment at a later date.

Submersible - Pumps that will operate completely submerged underwater.

Sulphur Dioxide - Gas used in the treatment of drinking water to remove excess chlorine levels.

!WOhandbook.indd 19

instituteofwater.org.uk

19

20/6/12 13:43:13

Sulphuric Acid - Acid used to maintain PH in various treatment processes.

Surcharge Pipe - Pipe which carries away excess water, usually elevated above the normal flow.

Surface Water - Rainwater falling on a surface that will not absorb it, i.e. a road or roof.

Suspended Solids - Solids which have a neutral buoyancy and cannot therefore be settled out without treatment.

Sustainable Drainage (suds) - SuDS are a sequence of management practices, control structures and strategies designed to efficiently and sustainably drain surface water, while minimising pollution and managing the impact on water quality of local water bodies.

Taste - Drinking water usually contains gases and minerals, and it is these substances that give water its “taste.”

Telemetry - Automatic transmission and measurement of data from remote sources by wire or radio or other means.

Tertiary Treatment - Constructed Wetland - Constructed wetlands purify the water that flows through them. Compared to conventional treatment methods, they tend to be simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. They usually consist of a combination of Soil and drainage material (such as pipes and gravel) Water Plants (both above and below the water) and Micro-organisms.

Tertiary Treatment - Polish - Any process that improves final effluent to meet discharge criteria.

Tertiary Treatment - Reed Beds - Reed beds are an environmentally sustainable method for the treatment of contaminated water. As well as being beneficial for wildlife, they are often significantly cheaper than the equivalent mechanical systems and are easier to operate and maintain. Reed beds are very efficient at treating a wide range of different effluents including sewage, leachates, run-offs, contaminated ground waters and industry waste waters.

Tertiary Treatment - Rotating Bio Discs RBDs - A system of discs rotating on a axle on which a biofilm grows. By its rotation the disk is exposed alternately to the wastewater and the atmospheric air.

Tertiary Treatment - Sand Filters - These units use a bed of sand to trap suspended solids in the effluent. The removal of suspended solids provides a corresponding decrease in the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the effluent.

Tetanus - Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani.

The Consumer Council for Water - The Consumer Council for Water (C.C.Water) represents water and sewerage consumers in England and Wales. It took over from Water Voice on 1 October 2005.

20

!WOhandbook.indd 20

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:13

The Great Stink (1858) - The “Great Stink” was the name given to the most notorious pollution crisis in the nineteenth century. In June 1858, high temperatures coupled with a period of drought transformed the filthy river and its foul banks into a stinking pit. Public perceptions in mid-nineteenth-century were that it was a source of disease.

The Public Health Act (1875) - The Public Health Act 1875 was established in the United Kingdom to combat urban living conditions, which caused various public health threats, including the spread of many diseases such as cholera and typhus.

The New River (1613) - Aqueduct opened in 1613 to take clean drinking water to central London.

The Regulatory Framework - The Act defines the powers and duties under which the Drinking Water Inspectorate operates and also the duties of the water companies.

The Water Act (1973) - Created ten regional water authorities whose areas were defined by river basins. These authorities had overall responsibility for water supply, sewage disposal and river basin management.

Trace organics - Small amounts of organic chemicals often present in ground water and water abstracted from rivers. I.e. Oestrogen.

Transfer of Private Drains and Sewers - The transfer of drains and sewers that were privately owned into Water company ownership.

Started in October 2011.

Typhoid - Caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which is related to, but not the same as, the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning.

UKCP09 Central Scenario - UK government project on climate change and its predictions. http://www.ukcip.org.uk/ukcp09/ Vacuum Station - A pumping station that operates by suction along the sewer pipe.

Valves - Air valves - Valves that allow air out of a pipe without release of water. Designed to prevent airlocks forming, a process that can affect flow and prevent syphons working.

Valves - Ball - A valve that turns a sphere with a hole through it. If the hole is not in line with the pipe no flow will pass through.

Valves - Butterfly - A valve that turns a circular paddle on a central spindle, closing off the flow.

Valves - Gate - A valve that lowers a vertical blade into the pipe stopping the flow often on a worm drive.

Valves - Pressure reducing valves - Valves designed to maintain a specific pressure in a pipeline, by stepping down the pressure from a higher pressure zone.

!WOhandbook.indd 21

instituteofwater.org.uk

21

20/6/12 13:43:13

Valves - Pressure sustaining valves - Valves designed to reduce flow to the next zone in order to maintain the pressure in the previous zone.

Valves - Sluice - Usually a simple gate valve raised or lowered simply by lever.

Washouts - A supply of water used for removing detritus/solids build up in a storage vessel, or the valves associated with it.

Water Resource Zone - A WRZ represents the definition of the largest possible and hence customers will experience the same risk of supply failure from a resource shortfall.

Water Framework Directive - The Water Framework Directive requires all inland and coastal waters to reach ‘good chemical and ecological status’ for surface waters and ‘good status’ for groundwater in terms of quality and quantity by 2015.

Water Industry Act 1991 - Consolidates previous enactments relating to the water supply and the provision of wastewater services in England and Wales.

Water Quality Zones - An area where customers share surface water and/or groundwater resources and are therefore subject to the same quality of water.

Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) - Water companies are required to have water resource management plans which look ahead 25 years and show projections of future demand for water, and how the companies aim to meet this demand.

Wet Wells - A collection sump designed to hold waste water, which has a “dry well” alongside containing the pumping and control equipment.

22

!WOhandbook.indd 22

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:13

MENTORING

The Institute of Water believe members will achieve better levels of professional success if they have the guidance and help of a mentor.

This is particularly true when members are pursuing professional registration and can receive help and guidance from a registered member, but it also applies in other situations.

The mentoring service forms part of an overall learning, developing and networking framework that supports and develops the careers of members. As well as encouraging younger members and those new to the industry to apply for a mentor, the Institute encourages and supports the more experienced members to become mentors, so that they can share their knowledge and experience to help other members develop and progress.

To request a mentor or if you would like to volunteer to become an Institute of Water mentor, please call 0191 422 0088 or e-mail clare@instituteofwater.org.uk.

!WOhandbook.indd 23

instituteofwater.org.uk

23

20/6/12 13:43:17

!WOhandbook.indd 24

20/6/12 13:43:19

THE INSTITUTE OF WATER NATIONAL INNOVATION AWARDS the Institute of Water provides a stage on which to recognise uK Innovation in the uK water and sewerage sector.

The National Innovation Awards give a much needed spotlight for the many innovative individuals and companies within the representatives from Veolia Water central with industry to demonstrate their 2012 national Innovation award. excellence, and are just part of the commitment the Institute of Water is making to promote the right cultural environment and encourage pride in the sector.

Each year, each Area of the Institute holds a regional innovation competition and the finalists from each are short-listed for the National Award. The Award is presented at the President’s Dinner during a prestigious ceremony where water industry experts from across the UK gather together to celebrate innovation in the water sector.

Veolia Water Central’s video self-help guides won the 2012 National Innovation Award which was sponsored by Northumbrian Water; and Ashtead Plant Hire won the 2011 Innovation Award for their Auto Tool Hire Unit.

Professor Martin Cave presented the 2011 and 2012 Awards. Martin led an independent review of competition and innovation in water markets between March 2008 and April 2009. The Review published its final report on 22 April 2009 with recommendations to the UK and Welsh Assembly Governments and sectoral regulators (Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate). Martin is Professor and Director of the Centre for Management under Regulation at Warwick Business School. Speaking about the Awards Martin said: “The current water situation reminds us of the scope for radical shocks in the supply/demand balance for water. Could there ever be a better time to focus on innovation in the water sector? I don’t think so, and for this reason I am delighted to be associated with these awards.”

Please visit the Institute of Water website for up to date details on how to enter the awards at local Area level.

!WOhandbook.indd 25

instituteofwater.org.uk

25

20/6/12 13:43:20

AWARDS

Business skills awards for the Water Industry Energy & Utility Skills organise two awards that are open to Institute of Water members and all short-listed entrants are invited to join Energy & Utility Skills at the President’s Dinner at the Institute of Water Annual Conference. Here the winners are presented with their trophies in a prestigious ceremony, surrounded by senior figures from the water industry. There are two categories of Award: Business skills award is for an initiative which has contributed to business skills, e.g. resourcing, restructuring, upskilling, productivity drives, innovations and the introduction of new technologies. the continuing Professional development (cPd) award is sponsored by the Institute of Water. It is open to individuals at any stage in their water industry career who can demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Applicants will be expected to belong to a professional body but not necessarily the Institute of Water.

More information about these Awards can be found at www.instituteofwater.org.uk under the membership section.

eu skills cPd award winner 2012: natasha McMonagle, higher scientific officer, northern Ireland Water

26

!WOhandbook.indd 26

instituteofwater.org.uk

20/6/12 13:43:23

INFORMATION SUMMER2012 ISSUE174

IN THIS ISSUE: 2012 CONFER ENCE REVIEW MEET THE REG ULATORS DROUGHT UPD ATE

INSTITUTE OF

WATER JOURN

AL

the Institute of Water provides opportunities for personal development and growth through sharing knowledge, experience and networking opportunities. Information on current industry and Institute of Water news is available via our Website, Journal and e-newsletter.

Website: The website offers regular national and local news updates as well as information on all the latest Institute of Water events.

There’s an opportunity to view presentations from previous seminars and conferences, search our business directory, learn more about the benefits of membership and visit our jobs page. Last year we added a new element to the website: the Water Network, a unique professional networking site providing members with an additional online platform to discuss and debate current water issues www.instituteofwater.org.uk Journal: Our quarterly Journal is a publication providing topical features such as news on members, Areas, and engineering and environmental related stories as well as all the latest product innovations. It is a Journal for the members, much of it written by the members themselves.

Please contact HQ If you would like to be involved in the Journal either by contributing an article or advertising your product or service. e-news: A digital magazine supplementing Journal publications.

This newsletter updates members on all the latest water industry and Institute of Water news.

!WOhandbook.indd 27

instituteofwater.org.uk

27

20/6/12 13:43:27

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

!WOhandbook.indd 28

20/6/12 13:43:33

WHAT MEMBERS SAY

The Institute of Water National Conference was absolutely brilliant, and I gained a huge amount from attending. I feel my knowledge of the water industry has greatly increased, as has my understanding of what the present and future challenges are, and how we might deal with them. A highlight of my first year within the industry.

Richard Jones, Graduate Trainee, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

The Institute of Water provides me with excellent opportunities not only to learn from the range of events and seminars that are held but also to make connections to a wide range of people in the industry.

My role at Water UK requires that I expose myself to the full range of activities that makes the industry tick and being a member of the Institute really helps me with this.

Jim Marshall, Policy and Business Adviser, Water UK

I am a member of the Institute of Water because it allows me to keep up to date with all that is going on in the Water Industry, provides some great events, conferences and invaluable learning opportunities/experiences. One of the highlights of my career (so far) was becoming National Chairperson in 2008, a role that I was very proud to carry out.

Simon Bennett, Deputy Partnership Manager – Bristol Water/Daniel

Anybody wishing to carve out a successful career in the water industry should understand the need for and be committed to continuous learning, reflection and development. The Institute of Water provides opportunities for this.

Ian Limb, Personnel and Safety Manager, Portsmouth Water

I have taken advantage of the Institute’s mentoring programme. My discussions with my mentor have given me valuable advice about my career, what potential opportunities there are and how I should pursue them. Being able to communicate with him as a person connected and familiar with the industry, but not part of Thames Water, has probably been the most useful thing.

Jeremy Chang, Programme Optimisation Senior Analyst, Thames Water

!WOhandbook.indd 29

instituteofwater.org.uk

29

20/6/12 13:43:34

!WOhandbook.indd 30

20/6/12 13:43:35

The Institute provides the opportunity to meet great people, hear fantastic speakers, network, have fun and be stimulated.

Lewis Jones, Future Quality Obligations and R&D Manager, South West Water

Good company, good networking, good information.

George Butler, Asset Development Manager, Northern Ireland Water

The mentoring programme provided through the Institute has been of great benefit to me. What was particularly good was to have someone to talk to about my career thoughts and to bounce ideas back and forth.

Paul Holton, Leakage Detection Manager, South East Water

The Institute of Water Annual Conference has considerably shaped my thinking regarding the future of the water industry and the part that I can and will play in it. The networking and general engagement between delegates transcended management levels.

Holly Banham, Graduate Network Optimisation Analyst, Thames Water

The Institute provides great networking opportunities. It is easy to meet Chief Executives from a range of water companies in a relaxed atmosphere.

Krishna Morker, Developer Services Technician, Yorkshire Water

Having become a Chartered Environmentalist through the Institute of Water I would encourage others to consider doing the same. It is a great opportunity to reflect on your career to date, where you want to go in the future and at the same time gain professional recognition.

Being a member of the Institute of Water offers the perfect platform for you to achieve the acceptance criteria and maintain a CPD record.

Steve Youell, CEnv, Water Quality Scientist, Portsmouth Water

Achieving recognition as a Chartered Engineer through the Institute of Water has been a great source of pride to myself. It has allowed me to progress my professional standing across a multitude of general engineering and building functions in my job role.

Neil Smith, CEng, Construction Design Management Co-ordinator, Swansea City Council

!WOhandbook.indd 31

instituteofwater.org.uk

31

20/6/12 13:43:35

Institute of Water 4 Carlton Court. Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 OAZ Tel: 0191 422 0088 Fax: 0191 422 0087 E - mail: info@instituteofwater.org.uk www.instituteofwater.org.uk

!WOhandbook.indd 32

20/6/12 13:43:35