In April, we opened applications for the volunteer role of Young Persons’ Network National Co-Rep to help support our YPN.

We were elated to find two candidates of such strength, that we offered roles to both.

Welcome to Dr Natalie Lamb, National Water Industry Account Manager at QCL, our new National YPN Co Rep, and Astrid de Jaham, Project Manager at South West Water, our new National Vice Rep.

Natalie and Astrid will work alongside our current National YPN Co Rep, Abu Rashid, in helping our young professional membership navigate the various opportunities available to them and support them through their professional development.  

Both Natalie and Astrid are passionate about creating learning opportunities and are dedicated to diversifying IWater’s membership population through their work for the YPN.

Upon accepting her new role, Astrid said “I am elated to be part of an organisation that offers open access to professional development for everyone within the water industry. As the new Young Professional Network Vice Rep, I’m honoured and thrilled to represent young professionals within the water community. I look very much forward to making every voice heard and implementing actions to help boost YPN’s careers.”

Thank you to Emma Webster for her dedication and work as our previous National YPN Co-Rep.

If you would like to find more information about our YPN, please click here

Today, on World Water Day, we are excited to announce that MOSL has launched its first Sustainability Plan.

The plan sets out our 12 commitments and key areas of work for 2023/24 to enable us to ‘make a positive impact, inspire positive action, and empower positive change’.

With climate change no longer just a threat, but a reality, it is more important than ever that we all do more to consider how our actions impact the world around us.

As market operator, we have a duty of care, working alongside our members, to protect our water resources.  Our Sustainability Plan shares our commitments and the actions we will take working in an industry we love, respecting our finite resources. However, we approach sustainability holistically. Our commitments sit within four building blocks– Our People, Our Business, Our Community and Our Industry. These ensure we develop a plan that covers all areas of how we operate –how we support colleagues, how we act as a responsible employer, how we work with our community and how we provide insight into the market and wider water industry.

As a small not-for-profit organisation, we know that we can’t do everything, and we can’t do it all at once. But we can do our bit. By working closely and transparently with partners we can help join the drops and make a bigger impact. We will evolve this plan as we deliver our commitments and build a longer-term vision for sustainability aligned to our next three-year strategy.

Lyvia Nabarro, Head of Market Engagement and Communications said:

“I feel incredibly proud to work for a company that is focused on its people, on doing the right thing and on making a difference not only in the market we operate, but for the wider environment and our society.

A key part of this is how we work with our members, stakeholders, and supply chain partners, as well as how we operate the non-household market. Our focus is as much on ‘how we do things’ as ‘what we do’. This includes how we support our colleagues, act as an ethical employer and support people’s development and wellbeing. To us, sustainability covers all areas of our business, not just our ‘green’ credentials.

This plan has been a labour of love for colleagues working across MOSL and is the culmination of years of work in looking at how we act, operate, and demonstrate ourselves as a responsible business. What’s more, it is supported across all levels of our organisation. As sponsor, I am delighted to champion this work, but we all take responsibility for ensuring we deliver the commitments and play our part to create a supportive and healthy working culture and reduce our impact on the environment.”

If you have any questions about the Sustainability Plan or would like to work with MOSL as we deliver the commitments set out, please contact comms@mosl.co.uk

Severn Trent have signed a £100 million contract to build a new water treatment works that will help provide up to an additional 89 million litres of drinking water per day to the region, helping mitigate issues with water scarcity as the UK faces hotter summers through climate change, along with population growth.

A major project to secure water supplies for the future has taken a giant leap towards completion after a £100m contract was signed recently to build a state-of-the-art water treatment facility.     

Severn Trent, as part of its £566 million Green Recovery Programme, signed the contract with MWH Treatment to build the new facility called Witches Oak Water Treatment Works, near to its existing Church Wilne site – it is the highest value contract for an individual project Severn Trent has signed in AMP7.     

The new water treatment works will help provide up to an additional 89 million litres of drinking water per day to the region and will use innovative ceramic membrane technology provided by Nijhuis Saur Industries, that is currently in use in only one other large-scale treatment works in the country. 

When completed in 2025, the works will help ensure customers have a more secure and resilient supply for the future, helping mitigate issues with water scarcity as the UK faces hotter summers through climate change, along with population growth.         

The project will also see Severn Trent pre-treat water by using floating wetlands – this will help provide a more sustainable and nature-based treatment process whilst also bringing significant improvements in biodiversity.      

Chris Wand, Green Recovery Programme Director at Severn Trent said: “We’re delighted to work with MWH Treatment on this project, working collaboratively and delivering solutions to ensure our customers have a reliable water supply during the longer, hotter and drier summers we’ve been experiencing. 

“While it is still important to save water and look after our natural resources, this project will also be less carbon intensive than other traditional solutions. We’re looking forward to completing the build of this wonderful facility at Church Wilne and seeing the positive impact it will have for customers across our region.”     

Richard Thomson, the Project Director at MWH Treatment for Witches Oak Water Treatment Works, said: “MWH Treatment is excited to work with long-term client Severn Trent on a project which will deliver crucial water security for approximately 224,000 households.   

“A project such as this requires an investment in innovation and a commitment to real collaboration to ensure the project thoroughly integrates design and construction to the highest health and safety standards across the projects supply chain. We will facilitate this collaborative innovation by applying our Digital Delivery Tools including digital surveying, interactive visualisations, intelligent 3D models, rehearsals, and digital field management.”  

As well as being the Institute of Water’s President and CEO of Portsmouth Water, Bob Taylor has been a regular visitor to the series of Global Leakage Summits, chairing all six Summits since 2015.

2022 is no exception and the Summit organisers are delighted to welcome Bob back to the Summit on 5 July to chair the morning Keynote sessions.

During his chair’s introduction and keynote, Bob will introduce the conference theme on linking leakage reduction to resource management and environmental protection with a ‘twin track’ approach to water resources and demand management, expanding on the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment. Topics include:

• A Twin-Track approach to water resource sustainability and leakage reduction
• A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to The National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations

During the panel discussion and Q&A session that follows, Bob will be joined by Peter Simpson, CEO, Anglian Water, to review progress on the public interest commitments (PICs) on zero leakage and net zero carbon.

The morning sessions continue with presentations on topics linked to the keynote theme:

• Severn Trent Water’s Green Recovery Programme
• Hydrogen and its role in network operations in a net zero future
• Collaboration to conserve resources – the RAPID Initiative, a twin track approach
• A coordinated research plan for leakage in the UK
• Uncovering ‘the truth’ about background leakage

Institute of Water members qualify for a 15% discount on the current rate using registration code IOW15.

To find out more information, and to register, please visit https://www.london-business-conferences.co.uk/c825/global-leakage-summit-2022/ 

Winners Revealed at Inspiring SocEnv Awards Event

Annual awards ceremony marks a celebration of the achievements of the environmental professional community – including announcing the winners of the 2022 SocEnv Awards.

The ceremony also saw Founder of Ecotricity Dale Vince OBE recognised for his outstanding services to the environment.

More than 7,500 environmental professionals meet the required standards to highlight their environmental and sustainability expertise as a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) or Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech), but some warrant further recognition for going above and beyond and are commended via the SocEnv Awards. The winners of the 2022 Awards were announced earlier today (8 June) via a free virtual event.

The Environmental Professional of the Year award is designed to highlight those who have truly excelled in the last year, going above and beyond to make a difference in the cause of environmental protection.

After much deliberation within the judging panel, the 2022 Environmental Professional of the Year award was awarded as follows:

2022 Environmental Professional of the Year Winner

Becky Toal CEnv

Managing Director, Crowberry Consulting Ltd

Registered via the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

In judging Becky to be the winner of this prestigious award, the judging panel noted her clear knowledge and leadership, excellent communication skills, and infectious passion for protecting the environment. Setting up and leading her own business Crowberry Consulting Ltd since 2006, in this time she has supported swathes of UK and EU based businesses to become more sustainable by implementing ISO environmental management systems, delivering innovative training courses, and giving back to a profession that has given her so much, by coaching and mentoring early career professionals. A career highlight was achieved in 2021, as Becky was appointed – in partnership with Arup – as Lead Sustainability Consultant of both G7 and COP26, with her work duly recognised as the events were awarded the ISO 20121 standard. All of this and more shows Becky as someone truly going above and beyond to protect the environment – and a worthy winner of the 2022 Environmental Professional of the Year award.

The Registrant Newcomer of the Year award also showcases outstanding environmental work but is specifically available to those who have achieved their registration on or after the 1st January 2021; shining a light on those who have really hit the ground running since becoming a REnvP, REnvTech or CEnv.

This award category was also hotly contested, with some exceptional nominations received. The winner for this award was awarded as follows:

2022 Registrant Newcomer of the Year Winner

Paul Field CEnv

Environmental & Compliance (ESG) Manager, Janus International Europe Ltd

Registered via the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

As with Becky, the judging panel were hugely impressed with Paul’s nomination. In particular, they commended his determination, broad experience and strong commitment to learning and the upholding of professional standards. The judging panel remarked on his ‘full circle’ journey from working in fossil fuel extraction – firstly as a coal miner and then within the automobile sector – to becoming a Chartered Environmentalist and excelling in his role as Environmental & Compliance (ESG) Manager at Janus International Europe Ltd – a global company working in sustainable self-storage solutions. Particularly standout was the clear impact of Paul’s work since the start of 2021, guiding Janus towards its goal to be Net Zero by 2040 – implementing environmental management systems and developing a sustainability roadmap. As a result of his many achievements, Paul is without doubt a well-deserving winner of the 2022 Registrant Newcomer of the Year award.

The results event also saw another leading figure in the environmental profession awarded as a Honorary Fellow of the Society for the Environment (HonFSE), recognised for their service to the environment. They are as follows:

Newly Awarded Honorary Fellow of the Society for the Environment

Dale Vince OBE HonFSE

Founder, Ecotricity

Adding to the celebration, the event also saw last year’s HonFSE recipient Professor Ian Barker HonFSE CEnv deliver a topical lecture on the vital role environmental professionals play in protecting our planet, and delegates heard from several leading Chartered Environmentalists on what this year’s World Environment Day theme ‘Only One Earth’ means to them.

Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv, SocEnv Chief Executive, comments: “Huge congratulations to all those honoured during this year’s awards and lecture event. We know the amazing work carried out by more than 7,500 registered environmental professionals around the world, but every year it’s special to bestow those going above and beyond with further special recognition. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and showcasing the continued achievements of the environmental professional community.”

Institute of Water has appointed Gabrielle Mandell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Gabrielle joined the Institute of Water on June 6^th, 2022, having worked for almost 30 years in the non-profit sector, in staff and volunteer roles.

When asked to share her thoughts on her new role, Gabrielle said “I am delighted to be embarking on this journey with the Institute of Water and to add my experience and skills to enabling our members to reach their full potential to drive the sector forward.

Along with a commitment to lifelong learning, I have a passion for organisational governance and development, gained over two decades of leadership experience in the non-profit sector.  Much of that time has been spent in staff and voluntary roles in membership organisations, in both the UK and Canada.

An adoptive Geordie, I came to the UK in 2000 to lead the umbrella organisation of an international non-profit called CISV.  Over my 20 years in post, I helped to strengthen, develop and transform, equipping the organisation to grow and deliver its unique peace education programmes – to develop in young people and adult volunteers the attitudes, skills and knowledge to be active global citizens working toward a more just and peaceful world.

Most recently, I have worked to empower organisations through governance consulting and a number of volunteer board roles.

When I first read about IWater, I was intrigued by the mission and drawn to the possibility of contributing to the vital work of our sector.  I was also particularly struck by one of our values – “non-hierarchical”.  It’s not a term that you hear often, and it resonated strongly with me.  I believe in the power of collaborative and inclusive leadership — that the best outcomes are those which truly reflect diverse perspectives, outcomes that we develop and achieve together.

Over the last month, I have been reading a great deal about IWater and the water sector.  I have a lot to learn and am so pleased to have had the chance to work with and learn from Lynn Cooper.  A big thank you to her and to the Board and to all of you for the work you do.”

On Thursday evening, after 3 years in the making the Welsh Area were able to finally host the 16th Annual Innovation Awards (albeit on a smaller scale to usual!). It was great to finally present the trophies to the 2020, 2021 and 2022 winners, celebrate innovation in the industry and have an in-person networking opportunity.

A huge thank you to all of the applicants, judges and Welsh Area sponsor Pump Supplies, who have made it possible to continue celebrating and showcasing innovation throughout the pandemic.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Lunch & Learn series to find out more about the innovations and we hope to return to our black tie event next year and see you all in person!

And the 2022 winners are…

Clever Data Category:

• Winner: The SPIN Project Team –SPIN (Smart Pump Intelligent Notification) Project
• Highly Commended: Data Science Team – Daniel Okereke in collaboration with the EDP Team and Wastewater Assets Team – EDM Anomaly Detection (EDMAD) model

Michael Jones, Paul Forde, Emma Harris and Lynn Parry collecting their Award on behalf of the SPIN Project Team

Collaborative Working Category:

• Winner: Rebecca Smith & Katherine Martin (Water Production Compliance Team), Marcus Webb (OT Team), Luke Congreve (Water Production), Ceri Statton & Jonathan Wheeler (Capital) – Tank Outlet Flow Algorithm​
• Highly Commended: Vyvyan Evans (WES Team), Herefordshire Council and Wye and Usk Foundation – Collaborative 3rd Party Wetlands for multiple gains

Rebecca Smith & Kate Martin collecting the Award on behalf of the winning Project Team

Ideas Category:

• Winner: Asset Science AGA – Mobile Chemical Dosing Testing
• Highly Commended: South West Production – Crai Water Treatment Works Lime System Improvements

Victoria Wilson collecting the Award on behalf of the Asset Science Team

Market Adaptation Category:

• Winner: Euan Hampton – Cartref Team and Water Regulations (Euan Hampton & Adam Jones pictured below)

Committee Award: Biodiversity Team- Chloe White and Gemma Williams – Biodiversity Care Package (Chloe White picture below)

The overall Winner who will represent Welsh Area at the National Awards is The SPIN Project Team for their Smart Pump Intelligent Notification whereby SmartHub and Waste Treatment Operations have created smart alarms in PRISM to spot potential pollutions before they happen and intervene before they do.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you from the Committee!

Welsh Area Committee

Source to Tap is inviting all farmers, landowners and contractors in the River Derg area to attend a free agricultural contractor fair and information roadshow being held on Thursday, April 28, from 11am to 4pm at Aghyaran Saint Davog’s GAA Club, near Killeter, Castlederg.

This free, informative, event is being organised to allow landowners to meet local agricultural contractors and to offer advice on water-friendly agricultural services such as weed-wiping for rush control and livestock exclusion fencing to prevent riverbank erosion. The event will also share some of the important learnings from the Source to Tap project, that could benefit landowners and farm businesses.

The Source to Tap team will also update attendees on work undertaken on the Land Incentive Scheme in the River Derg catchment.

Supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, Source to Tap is an innovative partnership project that has been working since 2017 to improve the health of waterways in the cross-border catchments of the Erne and Derg rivers.

Through the development of sustainable, catchment-scale solutions, Source to Tap has been working with local communities to develop effective ways to protect rivers and lakes. Source to Tap has also trialled various land management measures in forestry, peatland and agriculture and the outreach programme has been informing the public about their critical role in protecting our waterways.

The agricultural sector has been key to the success of many of the Source to Tap projects and as the program concludes in Summer 2022, this upcoming event on April 28 will help inform future best practices for protecting local watercourses

Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more about protecting the water environment and how such measures can help reduce financial outgoings on the farm.

For more information visit www.sourcetotap.eu

Today, we’ve published our Forward Work Programme for 2022-23, which sets out CCW’s strategic priorities and key campaigns for the coming year. We’ve also unveiled a new mission, vision and purpose that will guide everything we do, along with a new set of values to define how we do it.

Our areas of focus for 2022-23 are:

• Continuing our work to End Water Poverty
• Connecting people with the water environment
• Securing better protection for business customers
• Ending the misery caused by sewer flooding
• Getting help for those suffering repeat service failures

You can watch our videos to hear from CCW colleagues about why these priorities are so important, and how they’ve been shaped with the changing needs of both household and business consumers in mind.

You can also view our 2022-23 calendar online. Here you can find key dates of events, meetings, reports and publications we’ve got planned for the coming year.

We’ve received a great response to our strategy consultation, so thanks to everyone who has had their say on our plans, objectives and campaigns. We’ve worked hard to bring these to life in a way that resonated with the people we help, and will look forward to working with you in the year to come.

Read our strategy for 2022-23