Sewage Management | H2O Global News

Wessex Water completes £1.2m sewer upgrade in Poole ahead of schedule

H2O Team — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:19:19 +0000

H2O Global News
Wessex Water completes £1.2m sewer upgrade in Poole ahead of schedule

A £1.2 million project to protect residents in central Poole from sewer flooding has been completed a month earlier than planned. The scheme, carried out by Wessex Water with its sister company YTL Construction, replaced around 500 metres of sewer pipes in the Waterloo area.The new larger-capacity pipes, installed along French Road, Marshall Road, Apsley Crescent and Denison Road, are designed to reduce flooding incidents caused by heavy rainfall overwhelming the previous system. Properties in the area had suffered repeated issues, including restricted toilet use and discharge from manholes onto local roads.

Project manager Paul Delves explained:

As heavy rainfall drains into the sewer network it can overwhelm it, causing flooding from manholes and issues for customers with their home bathrooms and toilets. Our models showed that the capacity of the sewers was inadequate to deal with this and increasing demands on the network, so the project focused on installing larger pipes to hopefully help to alleviate many of these problems.

The project involved staged road closures to allow open-cut methods for the pipe replacement. Collaboration with BCP Council and local residents helped minimise disruption, and the scheme was delivered ahead of schedule.

The works also brought community benefits, with Hillbourne Community Centre receiving car park improvements after hosting a temporary compound during construction.

The Waterloo area has also experienced wider land drainage problems, which remain under the responsibility of BCP Council as Lead Local Flood Authority. Wessex Water continues to support efforts to address these surface water issues.

Looking ahead, Wessex Water is set to increase its investment in environmental improvements, with plans for 2025–2030 outlining a £580 million programme to reduce storm overflow discharges, deliver more nature-based solutions and promote sustainable rainwater management – more than double the 2020–2025 investment.

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Wessex Water completes £1.2m sewer upgrade in Poole ahead of schedule
H2O Team

Barhale extends HS2 Euston role with green light for southern utilities works

H2O Team — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:42:30 +0000

H2O Global News
Barhale extends HS2 Euston role with green light for southern utilities works

Barhale is set to expand its contribution at HS2’s London terminus after receiving approval for further utilities infrastructure works from HS2’s Station Construction Partner, HS2 (Mace Dragados JV). The package builds on Barhale’s earlier phases at Euston and will continue the multi-utility corridor around the southern side of the station before reconnecting to existing networks.

Scope of the new programme

Fresh water: design and build of approximately 210 metres of 1000 mm (42″) and 360 metres of 250 mm diversions
Foul water: around 220 metres of 1500 mm sewer diversion
Gas: about 190 metres of 800 mm (36″) gas main diversion
Electric & comms: circa 180 metres of new high-voltage and 90 metres of communications cables
Additional localised facilitating diversions of secondary services

The southern section routes past the existing mainline station and through Euston Square. Works will require careful sequencing at the Euston Road crossing to maintain traffic access while delivering the 1000 mm water diversion.

Experience from previous phases

Barhale will draw on experience from earlier Euston utilities packages—delivered with the principal utility owners (including Thames Water, Cadent and London Underground Limited)—and on its established collaboration with Mace Dragados. The contractor continues enabling activities along Hampstead Road, Cardington Street and at Cumberland Market, alongside the critical Southern Tie-in, as part of HS2’s staged utilities programme at Euston.

Programme timeline

Design is expected to begin before the end of summer 2025, with construction targeted to start in March 2026 and complete in early 2029.

Image credit: HS2 Ltd

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Barhale extends HS2 Euston role with green light for southern utilities works
H2O Team

Surf’s Up for Landia Chopper Pumps

H2O Team — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:01 +0000

H2O Global News
Surf’s Up for Landia Chopper Pumps

Chopper Pumps made by Landia are on their way to Queensland, Australia, where an important sewage treatment plant (STP) is undergoing a multi-million-dollar upgrade.

A total of eight Landia MPTK-GI units will play a vital role in the plant’s sludge treatment process, with the facility seeking to improve efficiencies and reduce operating costs as the population on Australia’s sand-rich shoreline grows.

Due for completion in 2028, the modernization of the STP, close to numerous surfing destinations, will ensure serviceability for an additional 25,000 people over the next two decades.

Designed with an external knife system that prevents solids from entering the pump’s casing, the Landia Chopper Pump (the world’s first ever chopper pump, invented by the company in 1950) has a proven worldwide reputation for its reliability and longevity.

This latest contract win follows an order from STORTEC Engineering for Landia to provide its GasMix digester mixing system for 4000m³ digesters in Australia. Landia is also supplying its JetMix system for a hydrolysis tank at the same new food-waste-to-energy facility.

Surf’s Up for Landia Chopper Pumps
H2O Team

Phase 3 Expansion of Singapore’s Changi Water Reclamation Plant set to commence

louise davey — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:51:32 +0000

H2O Global News
Phase 3 Expansion of Singapore’s Changi Water Reclamation Plant set to commence

A Binnies and AECOM joint venture today announced that it has been appointed by PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, to deliver the professional engineering services for the Phase 3 expansion of Changi Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in the eastern region of Singapore. The plant is one of the largest used water treatment facilities in the world, with the third expansion phase further increasing its treatment capacity by up to 96 million gallons per day. Changi WRP is also a cornerstone of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) and plays a critical role in PUB’s used water management system.

As part of the contract awarded by PUB, Binnies Singapore, an RSK Group company, and AECOM joint venture will be delivering the preliminary design of the plant’s expansion works, as well as conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine the most effective design solution. Engineering studies will also be undertaken to take into account the long-term plan for future expansions of Changi WRP, environmental studies as well as detailed design and construction supervision of the plant’s expansion works.

Left to right: Gary Young – RSK, William Yong – Binnies, Beverley Stinson – AECOM, Ian Chung – AECOM

Binnies Singapore Managing Director and Board Member of the joint venture William Yong said: “The project aims to increase the capacity of the used water treatment facility and improve its overall operational efficiency. To achieve this, advanced used water treatment technologies will be introduced, enhancing the site’s efficiency and space utilisation. A central focus of our efforts is the development of a future-ready masterplan that ensures the long-term sustainability and resilience of Changi WRP.”

Chief Executive of AECOM’s Global Water Business Beverley Stinson said: “We’re excited to embark on a new era of partnership with Binnies, applying our global experience in cutting-edge water reuse and reclamation technologies to the delivery of Changi WRP Phase 3 Expansion. Supported by our expertise as the world’s top water design firm, this project will reinforce Singapore’s position as a global leader in advanced used water treatment.”

Chief Executive of AECOM’s Asia region Ian Chung said: “Our teams possess over a decade of experience delivering critical water facilities across Singapore, playing a key role in strengthening Singapore’s water resilience. We look forward to leveraging our extensive systemwide knowledge of water infrastructure gained through our previous work with PUB.”

RSK Board Director Gary Young said: “We are proud to continue being part of Singapore’s Water Story by providing long-term solutions that secure the resilience of this world-class treatment facility and to future-proof the infrastructure, resulting in sustainable, cost-effective and enduring outcomes for Singapore.”

Once commissioned, the Phase 3 expansion of Changi WRP will play a key role ensuring a sustainable water supply for Singapore.

Phase 3 Expansion of Singapore’s Changi Water Reclamation Plant set to commence
louise davey

UKWIR research explores FOG-based wastewater charging

louise davey — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:06:52 +0000

H2O Global News
UKWIR research explores FOG-based wastewater charging

A robust move towards preventative, source-control solutions to prevent pollutants from entering the wastewater system in England and Wales was a key recommendation of the Independent Water Commission (IWC), which unveiled its Final Report on 21 July. This indicates a fundamental shift towards a more holistic and preventative approach to environmental management within the water sector and the latest research from UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) offers a tangible pathway forward for one of the sector’s biggest issues.

The research project FOG charging – should foodservice wastewater charges reflect FOG content? is now available on UKWIR’s website and directly addresses a persistent challenge to wastewater infrastructure resilience. It investigates whether wastewater charges for foodservice businesses should more accurately reflect the fat, oil, and grease (FOG) content of their discharges.

It explores the viability of a FOG-based charging system, aiming to incentivise improved FOG management practices at source, reduce costly sewer blockages, and create a more equitable financial burden for maintaining vital wastewater infrastructure.

A fatty issue

FOG accumulation is a primary contributor to sewer blockages, necessitating extensive and expensive clean-up operations, increasing the risk of environmental pollution, and potentially leading to property flooding.

According to industry body Water UK, FOG contributes to thousands of sewer blockages each year, which costs the UK nearly £200 million a year to clear. The primary source is commercial and residential kitchens, with around 70% of sewer blockages caused by FOG from food service establishments (FSEs).

Despite existing legislation requiring businesses to prevent waste from blocking the sewer network, a staggering 69% of FSEs currently have no FOG management system in place. In addition, over a fifth of these businesses are unaware of FOG remediation techniques.

“This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about empowering businesses to mitigate costly operational disruptions, protect their brand reputation, and contribute to a healthier water environment,” explains Alison Edwards, drainage and wastewater manager at Welsh Water, who was UKWIR’s co-programme lead on the project- alongside Nick Mills, director of innovation and environment at Southern Water.

“This research is key to highlighting the FOG issue. It can be used by water companies to ensure businesses take action to stop FOG getting into the sewers; therefore, resolving the root cause of blockages with incentivisation.”

Seasonal strain

Seasonal fluctuations in FOG discharges place considerable pressure on the UK’s wastewater networks. During the summer, increased activity in tourist destinations and FSEs can lead to a surge in FOG entering the sewerage system.

While warmer temperatures can initially keep FOG in a more liquid state, allowing it to travel further through the network, the problem intensifies as temperatures drop in winter. Colder conditions accelerate FOG solidification, contributing to the formation of more robust and widespread blockages.

Data consistently indicates an increase in blockage incidents and associated remediation costs during these periods, highlighting the tangible seasonal impact on network performance.

FOG charging

Under Section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991, businesses are required by law to make sure their waste does not block or damage the sewer network. By more accurately attributing costs to those responsible for FOG discharges, UKWIR argues it encourages fairer cost recovery for water companies grappling with substantial operational expenditures linked to FOG-related blockages and environmental compliance incidents.

“By exploring FOG-specific charges, UKWIR aims to establish a framework that helps businesses streamline their FOG management, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective operation,” added Edwards.

For the full report and more detailed findings, please visit: https://ukwir.org/3e338c29-478f-4366-ae39-5a18fb599253?object=e798fafe-adff-4b68-b353-0bc4e4392b06

UKWIR research explores FOG-based wastewater charging
louise davey

NHS Trust Saves £0.75M pa With New Pump and Control System

louise davey — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:24:55 +0000

H2O Global News
NHS Trust Saves £0.75M pa With New Pump and Control System

Pump service specialists Dura Pump has solved a significant sewage headache for a large hospital in the Midlands, saving the NHS Trust three-quarters of a million pounds per year.

All too frequent blockages from floating debris, plus fats, oils and greases had rendered the existing system unfit for purpose – with the NHS hospital facing constant downtime and the very costly need for tankers to remove the accumulated waste.

To address the issue with a far more robust solution that would be able to handle the high solids content, Dura Pump installed its latest offering, Velocity Sentinam, making use of two submersible Chopper Pumps, made by Landia. Designed with an external knife system that prevents solids from entering the pump’s casing, the Chopper Pump (invented by Landia in 1950) continuously reduces particle sizes.

‘We’ve always had very good experiences when using Landia’s pumps’

In addition to installing the new, much tougher 15kW pumps, Dura Pump upgraded the hospital’s effluent system with a new twin control panel that is fully integrated with the site Building Management System. The Dura Pump SenIQ panel includes inverters, a radar to measure the tank level, and a program to deliver intelligent pumping controls and warning alerts. Energy usage is also optimised as incoming flow rates are detected, controlling the output of the pump to match.

Dura Pump’s Technical Director, John Calder, said: “We’ve always had good experiences when using Landia’s pumps, so we were confident that these reliable tools could more than handle this challenging hospital application. Previously, when providing sewage solutions for prisons, we saw that not even shoes, jeans or bed sheets have been able to stop the Landia Chopper Pumps from running.”

With the new advanced software system designed by Dura Pump (who were established in 1976), the wastewater is pumped down to the base of the pumps, allowing them to skim all the floating debris off the surface. This can be repeated multiple times during the day.

By regularly skimming the tank, the level of fat buildup is significantly reduced. This is further enhanced by having an adjustable stop/start level that prevents the fat building up at one specific start/stop point.

The new system includes a monitoring and alert service, Dura Pump SenSync, which allows the system to be monitored remotely. If for any reason there is a fault with the pump, the pit level or the power, an instant message is sent to a nominated mobile number or email, informing the receiver of the problem, enabling them to take action before it causes a major issue.

Trends can be recognised over time, giving an indication of wear on the pumps, valve issues and other performance related matters.

‘The hospital now operates far more smoothly, with downtime and disruption to daily operations minimised’

With full Building Management System (BMS) integration, it means the system operates with minimal manual input while providing the hospital with detailed performance insights.

Dura Pump’s Technical Director, John Calder, added: “No longer facing repeated pipe blockages, the hospital now operates far more smoothly, with downtime and disruption to daily operations minimised. Together with our bespoke system, the Landia Chopper Pumps play an important part in helping us deliver better cost management and energy savings for our customers.”

NHS Trust Saves £0.75M pa With New Pump and Control System
louise davey

Grundfos launches a new generation intelligent wastewater monitoring solution in the US, marking key step in digital transformation for water utilities.

H2O Team — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:55:14 +0000

H2O Global News
Grundfos launches a new generation intelligent wastewater monitoring solution in the US, marking key step in digital transformation for water utilities.

Grundfos, a global leader in the production of water pumps and digital water solutions, has today announced the launch of Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights, a new generation digital platform for monitoring and optimizing open channel flow systems. Powered by machine learning and robust data analytics, it provides utilities and municipalities with real-time visibility, predictive insights and proactive tools to locate inflow and infiltration (I&I), optimize O&M processes, and prevent overflows.

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the impact of I&I in the US exceeds $100B annually. This includes the costs of sewage overflows, added pumping, and increased plant treatment. Beyond these, it’s well established that overflows significantly impact the environment and human health. The rising challenge of shifting weather patterns and extreme weather events, only exacerbate pressures on utilities already facing challenges of aging infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, workforce shortages, and budgetary constraints. Utilities are forced to do more with less. They seek new tools and processes to gain operational efficiencies and keener insights for prioritizing capital improvement projects. It’s with these challenges that the new generation Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights provides ongoing insights of collection system behaviour through smart monitoring.

The Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights system is different in six significant ways from the current generation of conventional monitors. First, it uses radar sensing technology providing superior data precision over ultrasonic sensing. It eliminates measurement error associated with temperature variances, or mist, or foam in flows.

Second, it brings new assured communications reliability with redundant, multi-provider cellular communications, all through a specialized non-voice network.

Third, it dramatically simplifies and speeds installation averaging less than 10-minutes from start to completion.

Fourth, the Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights design significantly lowers maintenance through its highly compact (4.7”H x 2.4” D) fully integrated design and battery life of up to five years.

Fifth, its digital cloud software delivers secure, scalable and insightful monitoring across large and complex sewage infrastructure providing complete remote site data visibility. It stores and displays the monitoring network map. Users can view site details including photos, site data and graphs, and sensor performance data. The software API tools enable fast, comprehensive data integration, such as rain data, that enhances its predictive analytics for identifying developing blockages.

Finally, the complete system cost is a small fraction when compared to typical level monitors in the US today. Its superior technical features, low initial cost, and low ongoing operating costs all mean that users can achieve high sensor density providing more granular, incisive insights into their collection system.

Perhaps most important to any new or potential users, more than 65,000 Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights systems are currently operating world-wide, providing assurance that users will gain valuable insights towards a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable wastewater collection system.

Robert Montenegro, Area Sales Director, Water Utility said: “Grundfos is committed to helping utilities and municipalities navigate some of their biggest challenges, from aging infrastructure and rising regulatory demands to climate driven pressures on wastewater systems. The launch of Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights in the US marks a significant step forward in that journey. It reflects our firm belief that smarter data leads to better actionable decisions and, ultimately, to cleaner, safer and more efficient wastewater systems.”

“The integration of Metasphere’s world-class sensing and software capabilities with our deep experience in water technology has enabled us to deliver a solution that goes far beyond basic monitoring. With Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights you have virtual real time visibility, utilities can identify issues before they escalate and make smarter, faster decisions, ultimately helping reduce operating costs, prevent overflows, increase efficiency and deliver more resilient sewer networks.

“The ensuing launch of Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights contributes directly to our mission of delivering innovative digital solutions that support a cleaner environmental future”.

Grundfos Connect Sewer Insights integrates pump technologies with advanced digital capabilities to provide comprehensive solutions to challenges in wastewater distribution and sewer systems for municipalities worldwide. This acquisition has made wastewater networks more resilient globally, helping to further address the growing global issue of climate change.

Grundfos launches a new generation intelligent wastewater monitoring solution in the US, marking key step in digital transformation for water utilities.
H2O Team

South West Water to increase work to tackle sewer misuse and misconnections

louise davey — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:37:52 +0000

H2O Global News
South West Water to increase work to tackle sewer misuse and misconnections

South West Water has announced the creation of a new fund dedicated to preventing sewer misuse and fixing faulty connections, with £2million being made available over the next five years.

A misconnection is where a property’s wastewater is connected into the surface water network, or surface water drainage is connected to the foul sewer network.

Both of these types of misconnection cause sewage pollutions to watercourses, that can harm wildlife, the environment, and people.

Defra estimate that between 150,000 to 500,000 households in the UK are misconnected and resolving these issues is key to reducing environmental pollution, easing pressure on infrastructure and cutting public health risks associated with water systems.

A slice of the funding will be used to raise awareness of sewer misuse and the disruption it can cause by partnering with schools, plumbers and builders, as part of a wider community outreach programme.

While resolving these issues is the ultimately the responsibility of homeowners, the investment will also be used to support households resolving issues with plumbing, to conduct property surveys in areas at highest risk of misuse and misconnections, and to support enforcement of building codes by local authorities.

South West Water’s contributions will also support the development of new ways in which technology can be used to identify issues with sewer connections, including AI applications and satellite imagery. This investment in new technology will have benefits for the whole water industry, helping to create a more effective and sustainable system for identifying and correcting instances of sewer misuse.

Susan Davy, Chief Executive, said: “This new investment is a another step towards preventing sewer misuse and removing misconnections across our region’s water system, which threatens both public health and local ecosystems.

“We’re aiming not just to fix problems but to stop them before they start by raising awareness, offering hands-on support and working closely with communities, tradespeople and local authorities.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation, collaboration and building a cleaner, more sustainable future for the South West that serves our customers while protecting our waterways and the environment.”

South West Water to increase work to tackle sewer misuse and misconnections
louise davey

Independent research confirms vitrified clay pipes as the best long-term investment for sewer systems

louise davey — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:25:44 +0000

H2O Global News
Independent research confirms vitrified clay pipes as the best long-term investment for sewer systems

Steinzeug-Keramo, a leading European manufacturer for wastewater infrastructure and a company of wienerberger, is highlighting the economic advantages of vitrified clay pipes in sewer systems following Life Cycle Costing analysis.

Independent research conducted by Project Hub 360 confirms that if the operational lifespan of a sewer system exceeds 40 years, vitrified clay pipes represent the most economically viable investment.

This finding challenges the traditional focus on initial costs, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to sewer infrastructure investment.

In some sewer systems, material selection is often driven by the lowest initial costs, but this approach can lead to higher long-term expenses in maintenance and potential replacement.

The methodology of Cycle Costing (LCC), which evaluates the total costs associated with a product or system over its entire lifecycle, is gaining momentum as the industry look for future-proofed systems.

The recent study by Project Hub 360 mapped the full lifecycle costs of vitrified clay pipes compared to thermoplastic alternatives for drainage and wastewater applications over a 150-year horizon.

Based on a completed project in Val Tinella, Italy, the analysis revealed that while the initial investment for vitrified clay pipes was €3,317,882 compared to €3,188,377 for polypropylene (+4%), the long-term savings achieved through reduced maintenance and replacement costs make vitrified clay the superior choice for utility companies looking to future-proof their sewer investments.

Tom Deckers, Managing Director at Steinzeug-Keramo, said: “Independent LCC research confirms that if the operational lifespan exceeds 40 years, which is the case with the vast majority of sewer systems, vitrified clay pipes are the best investment from an economic standpoint. Although clay pipes require a slightly higher initial investment of only around 4%, they offer cost savings of up to 65% in the long run compared to alternative materials.”

Tom added: “As the UK water industry looks for better long term value, adopting an LCC approach to product choice will help avoid unexpected expenses and enhance the sustainability of sewer infrastructure. By integrating the LCC methodology into decision-making processes, stakeholders can make informed choices that ensure maximum value from their investments.”

Steinzeug-Keramo´s products, which meet BS EN 295-1:2013 Vitrified clay pipe systems for drains and sewers, can be used for open trench, pipe jacking or sewer renovation and are available in diameters 100 – 800 mm, including DN150mm and DN225mm pipes and fittings with EPDM couplers that are compatible with Naylor Densleeve profiles.

Being impervious to hydrogen sulphide gasses found in sewer systems makes vitrified clay pipes suitable for environments where aggressive substances are present. Their chemical resistance ensures an ultra-longer service life, making them suitable for a wide range of challenging applications.

Steinzeug-Keramo vitrified clay pipes are inherently sustainable; they are made solely from natural materials like clay, chamotte and water, are 100% recyclable and boast a lifespan that can exceed 150 years.

Contractors can source Steinzeug-Keramo´s vitrified lay pipes from select stockists around the UK.

Alternatively, if you are a stockist looking to offer vitrified clay pipes, contact Leon Woods at leon.woods@wienerberger.com.

For more information on Steinzeug-Keramo, visit: www.steinzeug-keramo.com

Independent research confirms vitrified clay pipes as the best long-term investment for sewer systems
louise davey

Multi-million pound enhancement a boost for Bournemouth

H2O Team — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:16:58 +0000

H2O Global News
Multi-million pound enhancement a boost for Bournemouth

A £30 million investment to help further protect the Blue Flag beaches in and around Bournemouth is nearing the finishing line.

Work on a major enhancement of the Dorset town’s primary water recycling centre near Holdenhurst village, which treats sewage from approximately 180,000 people throughout the area, is close to completion after more than 18 months of improvements.

New equipment at the site next to the A338 will enhance protection of the environment while ensuring the centre continues to meet the sewage treatment demands of Bournemouth’s growing population and the effects of climate change.

The Wessex Water investment, completed in conjunction with its sister engineering and construction company YTL Construction, was part of a £1.4 billion package of water and sewerage improvements that included a commitment to reduce overflow discharges and minimise the environmental impact of sewage treatment processes between 2020 and 2025.

Wessex Water’s 2025-30 business plan proposes more than doubling the £3 million a month spend to tackle storm overflows to £580 million across five years and investing a further £820 million to improve river and coastal water quality. It is currently being reviewed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Programme Manager Joe Edmunds said: “This significant enhancement will ensure the Holdenhurst centre continues to properly store and treat sewage from Bournemouth, which sees a significant population increase during the summer tourism season.

“Our capacity to store excess water from sewers, which occurs during heavy storms when rain enters the system and mixes with foul water, has been expanded by 40 per cent, with an extra nine million litres of additional storage added within a new 2,275 metre square tank.

“Storing this excess water before returning to the network later for treatment will help to reduce storm overflows automatically releasing diluted untreated water back to the environment by nearly a third.’’

The two-year project also focused on removing more phosphorus and other nutrients from wastewater that can damage river and sea life.

Two treatment dosing units, holding more than 200,000 litres, to help reduce the impact of harmful nutrients found in wastewater. A further treatment process to help remove ammonia from wastewater is the largest single-unit installation of this type in the country.

Nutrients, such as phosphorus, ammonia and nitrogen can cause excessive growths of algae and damage the ecology of watercourses by reducing the oxygen in them.

Water quality at Dorset’s beaches is assessed by the Environment Agency, with most rated ‘Excellent’ – including Bournemouth Pier, Durley Chine and Alum Chine.

Wessex Water is also doing more towards the mission to improve water quality. With coastal and river water quality also affected by sources such as wildlife and agriculture, the company has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) app, with real-time monitoring at Bournemouth and Boscombe providing a better understanding of current water quality status, allowing people to make more informed decisions when bathing.

Wessex Water was also the first UK company to publish data on storm overflow operations at bathing waters and other recreational areas 365 days a year, and also provides this information to councils and Surfers Against Sewage. Visit wessexwater.co.uk/coastwatch

The education centre at the Holdenhurst site, which offers students and children the chance to visit the site and learn about the water treatment process, is also expected to restart visits from the start of the new academic year in September.

Further information about educational visits is available here.

Multi-million pound enhancement a boost for Bournemouth
H2O Team