An innovative solution by Thames Water has been awarded £1.9 million for an inovative project using robotic underwater technology to modernise the water treatment process in Ofwat’s £42 million Water Breakthrough Challenge competition.

The water company is leading the SandSCAPE (Science and Novel Devices for Sustainable Cleaning and Productivity Enhancement) project in collaboration with Affinity Water, South West Water and Northumbrian Water Group.

The £1.9 million project will test new robotic underwater technologies designed to simplify and speed up the cleaning and maintenance of slow sand filtration methods used in the water treatment process.

Slow sand filtration is a nature based chemical free process for purifying water by removing contaminants through biological and physical processes using fine sand.

Martin Padley, Water Operations Director at Thames Water said:

"The Sandscape project will deliver significant benefits to both our customers and the environment. By modernising our existing slow sand filter assets with innovative robotic technology, we are securing a more resilient and efficient water treatment process for the long term. This will translate to a consistently high-quality water supply for our customers, while the reduced reliance on chemicals and energy directly supports our net zero ambitions and minimises our environmental footprint. Sandscape is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking water management."