Innovation is key to a greener future. It will help us preserve natural capital, improve efficiency and boost sustainability. Innovation is also opening up new opportunities in areas such as bioresources, and waste and energy generation, as well as enabling us to make better use of new and existing resources. Our latest wastewater projects are great examples of how we’re using innovative approaches, and these will help to protect the environment.
Using artificial intelligence to manage storm flows
This project, led by Severn Trent Water, aims to develop a neural network – or artificial computerised circuit - of wastewater pumping stations and storm water tanks. The neural network will actively manage storm flows in the system and prevent overflows by optimising the use of the available storage volume. This will help prevent wastewater being released into the environment when storm tanks are full.
Improving the quality of treated wastewater
We are developing more reliable and efficient solutions to improve the quality of the treated wastewater that enters the environment. Wastewater is treated to standards set by the Environment Agency, and it can be a costly and difficult process to remove nutrients, metals and emerging contaminants. We are currently exploring some promising new treatment methods, including carrying out trials designed to remove nutrients, notably phosphate, and some heavy metals from treated wastewater.
Shaping a strategy to tackle emerging contaminants in wastewater
Emerging contaminants include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, surfactants and microplastics. They come from products we use daily, but they are not commonly monitored. These contaminants are a complex challenge facing the whole industry and they are being consistently found in water systems and food sources. We are working on a strategy to use innovative approaches to tackle these emerging contaminants in wastewater.
Reducing emissions in wastewater processes
We have set ourselves the ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2030. With its project to reduce emissions including nitrous oxide and methane from wastewater treatment processes, the Bluewave team is helping us reach this net zero goal. Trials are currently under way at three treatment plants to measure nitrous oxide emissions. The aim is to understand better these emissions and how we can change our process management to reduce them. This project will also use drones to map gas emissions.
Using innovative approaches, we can continue to improve our delivery while protecting the environment.