Thames Water has been awarded funding from Ofwat, the economic water regulator, as one of the winners of a £40 million competition.
The funding will support the ‘No Dig Leak Repair’ project, which aims to use innovative technologies such as robotics and trenchless repair methods to fix leaks without the need for disruptive trench digging.
Other funded projects by Thames Water include exploring the conversion of sludge into valuable products, incentivizing sustainable urban drainage, and expanding the use of robotic technology for inspecting and repairing rising mains.
In total, Thames Water received almost half of the available funding, totaling £16.9 million for their projects.
This funding will be invaluable in helping us progress some of our most exciting and innovative ideas, ones that really could change the water industry for the better
Nevil Muncaster, the Engineering and Asset Director at Thames Water, expressed the company’s dedication to continuously improving their business operations and exploring innovative solutions for the benefit of their customers and the environment.
The funding received will be instrumental in advancing some of their most promising and groundbreaking ideas, which have the potential to positively transform the water industry.
Helen Campbell, a Senior director at Ofwat, highlighted the significant challenges within the water industry that require effective solutions.
The winners of the fourth Water Breakthrough Challenge have demonstrated the ability to bring about widespread, transformative change for customers, society, and the environment.
Their innovative concepts, ranging from rain gardens for flood prevention to green energy derived from treated sewage, reflect a commitment to shaping a more sustainable and efficient water sector.
The Water Breakthrough Challenge, organized by Ofwat in collaboration with Challenge Works, Arup, and Isle Utilities, is part of a series of competitions aimed at fostering innovation and cooperation within the water sector to benefit individuals, society, and the environment.
The initiative focuses on addressing key challenges such as achieving net zero emissions, preserving natural ecosystems, reducing water leakage, and delivering societal value.
Source: Thames Water
