Water & Wastewater Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/1223154
6 | APRIL 2020 | WWT | www.wwtonline.co.uk COMMENT The coronavirus pandemic As the UK and the rest of the world wrestles with the coronavirus outbreak it seems impossible to remember a time when everything was normal. At the time of writing the UK has moved from the "contain" to the "delay" phase in its fight against the spread of the virus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the step-up to the delay phase on 12 March as he said the pandemic was the worst public health crisis in a generation and "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time". So what does this mean for the UK's water sector? All of the utilities fall under the Civil Contingencies Act and so they will be doing their planning for protection of services and the public behind closed doors with the Cabinet Office. Water companies have come out and said that they are continually reviewing their business continuity plans in response to the outbreak (see story on page 4). One thing worth remembering at a time like this is the hard working people who dedicate their time and effort to ensure that the vital services we all rely on continue running. Utilities as well as the supply chains that help sustain their operations will undoubtedly be hit by the virus and this will lead to staffing issues. With this in mind water companies will of course be taking precautionary steps to protect the health of their workforces. NHS and Government advice will be being followed. As an example, SES Water is screening visitors and employees before they come into the company's offices to ensure they are following Government advice. Clearly this is a fast moving and evolving situation, but one thing that can be certain is that the water sector and other utilities will be doing their utmost to ensure that these vital services remain uninterrupted. This month also sees the launch of a new content series from WWT. With water companies now committed to deliver net zero carbon by 2030, water industry professionals will be revisiting every aspect of their businesses - from fleets to energy providers, and treatment processes to pumping systems - as they seek to drive down operational emissions and develop sustainable net zero operations. WWT will be tracking the strategic, operational and technical solutions to these urgent challenges in 'Journey to Net Zero', an exclusive series of specialist events and exclusive content. We kick things off this month with an exclusive contribution from Severn Trent energy manager Howard Perry on page 39. Alec Peachey, content director, WWT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DRINKING WATER QUALITY LEAKS AND BURSTS SEWER NETWORKS WASTEWATER QUALITY WATER RESOURCES 'WWT is focusing on six core content themes. Look out for the illustrative tabs that highlight specific areas of the industry.' ROUND UP Water industry commits to reach net zero carbon by 2030 Ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the water industry over the next decade have taken a significant step forward. The water industry is the first sector in the UK to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and two international consultancies - Ricardo and Mott MacDonald - recentlyset out how it can be achieved. At a major water industry event hosted by Water UK in London, called 'Delivering a Net Zero Water Sector', the consultants presented analysis of the work the industry has carried out on carbon reduction so far. Water UK Chief Executive Christine McGourty said: "The water industry has made an ambitious pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. It's a big challenge, but water companies are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and intend to be part of the solution to the climate crisis. This new analysis setting out climate-friendly options is an important step forward." See details of WWT's new Journey to Net Zero content series on page 39. South East Water using data to reduce leakage South East Water is analysing the results of a 12-month trial to reduce leakage across its catchment and create a smart network in north Kent. The company worked with nine specialist organisations to advance its ambitious 15 per cent leakage reduction target with a multi-pronged approach. The pilot was the first time digital water meters, sensors and loggers have brought together data to one central place for advanced analysis and exploring artificial intelligence techniques. Older water meters were switched to digital and loggers and sensors were added to the underground network to transmit data in near real time. Water Industry Awards shortlist revealed The shortlist has been unveiled for the 2020 Water Industry Awards. The Awards celebrate and reward outstanding achievement and innovation in the UK water industry. The judging day took place at Water UK's office in Westminster last month with the judges' picking the winners across 19 categories. The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on 13 July 2020 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The event, which is in its 14th year, is organised by WWT. See the Water Industry Awards 2020 finalists at waterindustryawards.co.uk The Talk