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Drives, motors & controls


Is it time for a water industry reset?


Is it time for a water industry reset?


David Strain, technical director at Technidrive, explores how the water   


T


he UK water sector is in dire need of a transformation. With ageing infrastructure, escalating environmental pressures and


rising public expectations, the sector faces challenges that demand bold, decisive action. As the Future Water Association aptly puts it, “It’s time for a reset.”


One of the most glaring issues with the UK’s water infrastructure is water leakage. Recent reports, such as an article in The Guardian (08/09/24), have revealed that over one trillion litres of water were lost to leaks in England and Wales in 2023. This  resources, but it also exacerbates the growing pressure on water supply systems. As climate change and population growth continue to place further strain on the sector, it’s becoming increasingly clear that  One key area where the UK water sector could improve is in the adoption of common standards. Currently, water  regional standards, leading to fragmented  operations. This lack of uniformity creates barriers to innovation and increases costs across the supply chain. Canada presents an exemplary model  operations. Water utilities in Canada follow consistent regulations, ensuring a


24 February 2025 | Automation


 the industry and consumers. By adopting similar practices in the UK, water companies would be able to streamline procurement, reduce regional disparities, and improve service delivery.


This could be a challenge due to


regional variations in water sources, infrastructure and local governance. The UK’s decentralised regulatory system, with separate agencies for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, could  standards. However, technologies that enable standardised, data-driven solutions can help bridge these gaps by providing  These tools can not only support operational improvements but also pave the way for regulatory alignment. From real-time leak detection to smart meters that monitor consumption patterns, technological innovations can play a crucial  sustainable.


For instance, variable speed drives (VSDs) and radar systems are prime examples of how technology can improve operational  water companies the ability to regulate pump speeds according to demand, which reduces energy consumption and wear on equipment. Radar systems, on the other 


capabilities for water levels in reservoirs and tanks, ensuring that the right amount of water is used without wastage. One compelling example of how  water sector comes from the quarrying and wastewater treatment industries. While not directly part of municipal water utilities, these sectors face similar challenges in  leading player in water treatment and aggregate processing had been struggling with persistent issues in its thickener systems — critical equipment used to recycle water from aggregate washing. The challenge was managing sludge settlement accurately and on time to prevent operational downtime and avoid the costly repairs of high-torque components. To address these issues, Technidrive implemented an integrated solution that  speeds in real time, ensuring that equipment operated optimally based on varying conditions. The use of Technidrive Radar,  and consistent monitoring of material levels,  that often disrupt traditional ultrasonic sensors.


These technologies have enabled the company to automate the sludge management process, reducing both downtime and operational disruptions. Moreover, real-time data from the radar system allowed for proactive decision- making, optimising the entire water recycling process while maintaining high levels of reliability and minimising waste. This integration of VSDs and radar technology also contributed to cost savings. Beyond operational improvements, such innovations could also make regulatory change easier by providing standardised, data-driven solutions that enhance  across regions. This would reduce the complexity of decentralised regulatory systems.


Technidrive www.technidrive.co.uk


automationmagazine.co.uk


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