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Monday, 06 April 2015 07:53

UK water sector uses crowdsourcing to discover key issues

Crowdicity, the online idea management platform, is being used by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) to crowdsource the most important water-related issues facing the UK population today.

 Open to the general public and facilitated by Crowdicity partner 100% Open, the platform, which has been named Water Talkers, offers people the chance to share their stories, opinions and insights on water-related topics – from how to make water saving more fun to educating people on what can and can’t be flushed down the loo.

 UKWIR has embarked on the project to gain fresh insights and ideas from the public with a view to tackling some of the most pressing issues facing water operators in the UK. The six-week project went live at the end of February, with a number of prizes up for grabs for top contributors – including Amazon vouchers and water-saving gadgets.

 Steve Whipp, project manager at UKWIR, said:

“Water is a precious and finite resource but most people don't really realise it, especially in the UK where it rains a lot. It is very easy to take water for granted but it is vital to our wellbeing. In the longer term, we will all need a coordinated approach to use water more efficiently.

 “Of course this means the water companies will need to act and operate differently. There is a huge amount still to do of course, but there is a lot going on in this space already. For example, we are currently seeing the largest investment in our water network infrastructure in a generation. This project will offer us a completely new perspective and help us to outline areas for specific attention or improvement.”

The platform has already amassed hundreds of ideas - from stickers and slogans to stick on the toilet lid, to a new national UK Water Aware Day to celebrate the preciousness of water.

 Rob Wilmot, CEO and Co-founder of Crowdicity, added:

“Through 100% Open’s deployment of the Crowdicity platform UKWIR is gaining unique and unprecedented insights into the nation’s attitude towards water consumption. It’s already a vibrant online community, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it develops in the coming weeks.”

Crowdicity is a fast growing social innovation company founded by a team of renowned industry players. Crowdicity has created lasting value for many of the world’s leading organisations, including the BBC, LEGO, Oxfam, WWF, John Lewis, NHS, Jewson and P&G.

 For more information visit: https://watertalkers.crowdicity.com

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