Oliver Grievson, Deputy Chairman of the Sensors for Water Interest Group (SWIG) and Technical Lead for the Water Industry at Z Tech Control Systems Ltd, flags up the importance of data for the water sector ahead of SWIG's biennial conference.
Oliver Grievson: When most people think of data nowadays within the Water Industry the phrases “Big Data” and “Data Analytics” and even “Digital Transformation” are not far behind. There is a huge value in these concepts within the water industry.
We must not forget the ultimate aim of these concepts in terms of what they will give to the water industry, namely situational awareness. It is through situational awareness that the industry can leverage data to use it to inform decision making by a person or by a machine.
The quality of data and how we maintain the data sources, mostly through online instrumentation in the field, holds the key to the success of data and data analytics within the water industry. In reality this approach is in its infancy and it is through collaboration of water companies, supply chain and universities that the industry as a whole can hope to capitalise on this concept. It is a case of going back to basics and ensuring that the instrumentation that we utilise in the industry is recording and transmitting a true reflection of what is happening within the water and wastewater systems.
This in turn will allow the water industry to use this data to increase operational efficiencies and use data to inform they way that we work. At Sensing in Water this year we will discuss these issues and others on 26 September 2019 - visit www.swig.org.uk for further details.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.