BQ6 - How do we achieve zero uncontrolled discharges from sewers by 2050?
We are currently working on the approach to answering this Big Question, and more information will be given here soon. The areas that this Big Question covers includes: Once we understand where the gaps are, we will produce a route map – this is a plan as to how we will answer our Big Question. The route map will have a number of key elements. At the top will be our Big Question and then we will look to see what Outcomes we need from the research programme -if we can achieve all these outcomes we can answer the Big Question. This is the stage we are currently at for this Big Question. The next stage will be to think about the key benefits we want the research projects to deliver to meet these outcomes. Following this, we will plan the research projects to help deliver the benefits.
RESEARCH Outcomes
Sewers have the capacity to cope with new developments, infiltration and weather extremes View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to forecast extreme events (climate change) It is understood how to motivate widespread customer acceptance and uptake of rainfall and greywater recycling Population growth forecasts and its impacts are known SuDS features of urban design are promoted through legal frameworks Urban creep is known and can be forecast We have the methods to quantity & locate sewer infiltration We know how to increase surface permeability We know the impact of the growth in impermeable surfaces We know the most appropriate solutions to minimise sewer infiltration We know when and how to use natural solutions to increase sewer capacity What are the planned developments? |
We monitor our sewers to enable proactive intervention and have sufficient resources to incidents View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits All relevant technologies are being considered Capability to control sewer flows in real time (RTC) Capability to predict and control sewer flows at individual or catchment level Continuous / real time monitoring. Rebuild / reline work is undertaken promptly and successfully Robotic and Autonomous pipe inspections and maintenance solutions are available and tested Sewer cleansing / blockage clearance is done efficiently and effectively Understanding sewers and having consistent, improved and granular data |
The Structural Condition of sewer is known and maintained View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Concrete pipe erosion and protection is understood Deterioration models are accurate, replacement rate is known Know how to plan and prioritise planned preventative maintenance (PPM) Know the methods and technologies to prevent root ingress Pipe material lifespans are understood There is a process for coordinating cross-utility underground asset management There is accurate information available to prioritise where to patch/line/full length repair/replace. We know the effectiveness of rehabilitation techniques: CIPP, spray lining other novel techniques We understand the most common failure mechanisms for sewers |
We can control sewer content at source View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Able to understand and mitigate impact of reduced flow in sewers (from water efficiency measures) Behavioural change is better understood Education and awareness is common Evidence is available to inform regulations on nonflushable (wipes) The evolution of sewer friendly products Upstream methods to control the solids content of sewers |
We have market driven products and recovery View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Energy recovery benefits sewer flow The growth of upstream and downstream markets Unwanted content is dealt with at source. Valuable elements are removed upstream / at WWTP We have the right standards and best practise to control FOG We know what is in our sewers |
See All Projects
Projects
| BQ06 - Quantifying, managing and communicating the differences in storm overflow spill data between EDM outputs and Hydraulic Model predictions. Project Status - Project Completed Category - Sewerage management
There is evidence that measured EDM outputs (frequency and duration of discharges from storm overflows) can often contrast against modelled spill outputs used for strategic planning and options development through the DWMP and WINEP programmes. With greater coverage of sewer modelling and EDM, it is key to understand how the datasets compliment each other and can be used for planning such as through DWMPs as well as to better understand and address performance and communicate to stakeholders and customers. This need for this research project has been identified by the industry through the DWMP process, WINEP SOAF planning and also through the CIWEM UDG. Reasons for differing data could include a mix of model / measurement tolerances, yearly rainfall variation and counting methodology. The impact of the new monitoring requirement in the Environment Act on counting methodologies also needs to be understood. |
| BQ06 - Treatment Options for Storm Overflows. Project Status - Project Completed Category - Collection Systems
In order to deliver the required improvements to progressively reduce the adverse impact of storm overflows as detailed in the Environment Act, opportunities to treat overflows need to be further explored including their application, costs and benefits. |
Projects coming soon.
Projects coming soon.
Projects coming soon.
| BQ06 B04 - Modelling Sewer Inlet Capacity Restrictions. Project Status - Project Commenced
Develop a methodology to better represent how inlet restrictions are embodied within sewer modelling to improve our understanding of flood risk during severe rainfall events. |
| BQ06 Understand the long term costs and wider benefits of Surface Water removal and SuDS to tackle sewer flooding and storm overflow operation. Project Status - Project Commenced
To tackle storm overflows and sewer flooding, the removal of surface water from the combined sewer system via SuDS represents a potentially more sustainable alternative to traditional grey infrastructure and has the potential to deliver wider benefits to the environment and society including longer term flood resilience. Initial costs and benefits appraisals (including carbon estimates) for SuDS through the Storm Overflow Evidence Project and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans have indicated however that SuDS could be potentially higher in both cost and carbon. Because there are relatively few examples of the whole life costs and benefits of retro-fitted SuDS delivered by the Water Industry this research aims to further develop our understanding of the initial capital costs, long term opex costs, and whole life benefits. |
| There are several methods recognised to detect infiltration (CCTV, Electroscan etc) but all appear to have shortcomings that prevent them being as effective as is needed. Infiltration seems to be an intractable problem for several companies in the south of England (and others to a lesser extent) and can only be remedied where measurable (short of wholesale replacement/relining). This suggestion is to engage with universities/academia to suggest and pilot alternative technologies |
RESEARCH IMPACT - CASE STUDIES
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