Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 1ST - 7TH JULY | 21 Market view Operations & Assets S ince the introduction of AMP6 – the latest phase of water asset manage- ment requirements – in April 2015, there has been a lot of head-scratching and some frustration from water companies, with their wider supply chain unable to proceed with projects. It is true that, in some instances, the requirements of the AMP6 framework have sent some projects right back to the drawing board, but this is forcing a number of posi- tive changes in the way stakeholders across the industry work together. Eighteen months into the latest period, the water companies' most common approach has been collaborative working to drive cost saving through on-site and opera- tional efficiencies. We have seen only a few project starts so far in AMP6, but early sup- plier involvement is becoming a standard approach, and the project bank from mid- 2016 onwards is looking healthy. Off-site construction There has been a definite focus on using off-site construction to reduce time on site, while improving on the high quality that water asset management projects demand. Getting this approach right takes time and adjustment. Novel products There has been a renewed focus on improv- ing the range of products used in major pro- jects, driven by the need for longer product design life to meet totex efficiency require- ments. There is a growing acknowledge- ment by the major water companies that new materials and installation techniques can offer greater long-term benefits than tradi- tional materials and construction methods. Design life is now expected to reach beyond the 50-year standard, rising to between 60 and 100 years for some products integral to water infrastructure systems. Sustainability The third driving factor is the need to put system sustainability and environmental concerns at the forefront of the design pro- cess, not to mention the recognition that the capacity of drainage systems must be increased to cope with storm and flood water as climate change brings more inclement weather to the UK. These three factors are bringing key stakeholders in the supply chain – the water company that has to meet high standards and stricter financial controls, and the engi- neers, product manufacturers and contrac- tors that all play a role in delivering the project – much closer together to devise project strategies beyond "off the shelf " solu- tions. Suppliers such as Polypipe are now in the position of problem solver rather than purely a product manufacturer. For example, larger diameter sewer pipes are now regularly installed at shallow gra- dients, which historically could hinder the progress of low volume water flows through a pipe system. Polypipe has therefore devel- oped large-diameter thermoplastic-based pipes such as Ridgistorm-XL with pre- installed low-flow channels that can concen- trate the water flow during drier periods to maintain self-cleaning velocities. Our product development in the water sector is based on further development of the specialist component chamber offering, including factory-fixed safety chains, balus- trade rails, low-flow channels, flow controls, penstocks and headwalls. This means the contractor has to do less work on site, and the water company receives a quality prod- uct that requires less maintenance. Andrew Cullum, marketing and development director, Polypipe Civils Suppliers solve AMP problems The challenge of AMP6 is driving greater collaboration between businesses across the utility and water management sectors, according to Andrew Cullum. Benefits of AMP6 £44 billion investment in improving services, improving resilience and protect- ing the environment. This represents an average of £2,000 of investment for every household over the next five years. 522 tailored performance commitments developed with customers to deliver a high-quality service, with rewards and penalties on the companies to incentivise success. 50 beaches with improved water quality for bathing. 1 million more people receiving assistance via schemes to help them pay their bills. 33 per cent fewer properties flooded by wastewater from sewers. Source: Ofwat

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