The winners of the Water Industry Forum Impact Awards 2015 for UK Water Research were announced at the Water in Future Cities – Research Councils UK flagship Water Showcase 2015 which took place in London last week.
The awards celebrate UK university research which has had a real impact on the UK economy. Based upon the “Impact Case Studies” in university submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the Impact Case Studies for water-related 2014 REF submissions were judged by senior representatives drawn from across the UK water industry.
The winners in the four award categories were:-
Process Technologies Award sponsored by Anglian Water & ARUP
Leeds Beckett University, Civil Engineering Research Facility
Reducing waterborne diseases from shallow wells in the developing world. This research focused on developing an indigenous sustainable natural water purification system for Malawi. Results to date indicate that water quality can be improved by up to 80%, with the potential to improve water quality for up to 1.5 million Malawians.”
Software Tools Award sponsored by Yorkshire Water & ARUP
Aberystwyth University, Centre for Research into Environment & Health
Setting quality standards for recreational waters. This research has led to the ability to predict the quality of recreational waters in real time, providing an ‘informed-choice’ for bathers. This is estimated by Defra to be worth £1.4 - 5.3 billion to the UK economy over the 25 years from 2012 when it was first used.
Techniques & Methodologies Award sponsored by Scottish Government & ARUP
University of Leeds, School of Civil Engineering
Cost-effective safe wastewater re-use for improved food security. This research has developed quantitative microbial risk analysis methods for assessing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment in pathogen removal prior to re-use for irrigation. Recommended by the World Bank, it now used by governments, regulators and NGOs to assess risks and identify cost-effective re-use strategies.
Manufactured Products Award sponsored by NM GROUP
University of Manchester, School of Engineering & Analytical Science
MULTISENSORS – Non contact water pollution monitoring. This research developed an instrument for monitoring hydrocarbon pollution in water. It is the only commercially available instrument sensitive enough to monitor low concentrations of hydrocarbon pollution., and is used by major UK water companies with mitigated losses valued at more than £100m.
For more information about Uk water sector research click here to visit the Water Industry Forum’s research page.