Future proof our sludge to land operating model and ensure that we are taking every opportunity to be aware of potential issues to the environment and public health and manage them at the optimal point in the system. 

Our primary objective is to understand what role new statistical models (based on the new live network data) have in the future vs more traditional deterministic models (hydraulic models).

Key questions to answer with the research:
•    What is the art of the possible now and in the future?
•    How could we do things differently and what are the benefits to change?
•    What new standards are needed so we adopt these new approaches?

We need RedUp to be fit for purpose to deliver planning to meet the Government DWMP guidance, Water UK DWMP Framework and OFWAT Long Term Delivery Strategy.

While it is recognised that guidance will likely change between Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 the fundamental requirements to produce more Climate Change Scenarios to evidence investment is confirmed.

The aim of the project is to develop a framework and/or suite of supporting tools for optimisation of interventions to achieve water supply interruption resilience over a 10-25 year planning horizon.

The project will investigate effective planning methods to optimise short and long-term interventions based on industry-best practice and establish the relative benefits of these interventions.

Including the benefits of operational interventions, such as:

• Alternative supply vehicles (response)
• PMV maintenance (proactive/control)
• Pressure optimisation (proactive/control)
• Event management systems and processes (including sensors)

Longer-term capital maintenance interventions, such as:

• DMA level mains renewal and replacement
• Trunk main renewal and replacement
• Novel lining approaches (link to BQ02/03 RPS workshop)

What do we want to achieve through this research?

A study of the efficacy of novel disinfection treatment processes (PFA and Ozone as a minimum) to inform suitable permitting conditions.

• Confirmation of the mechanism by which the processes achieve disinfection, focusing on its interaction with microbial cell structures and metabolic pathways.
• The identification of suitable surrogates that would emulate the behaviour of target pathogens during disinfection treatment for alternative technologies.
• An understanding of the dose / response relationship and what ‘CT value’ is required to ensure effective pathogen inactivation at a level to meet likely environmental regulators needs. This should include an understanding of how variables in wastewater characteristics such organic matter content, pH and temperature would influence the dose / response relationship and pathogen inactivation rates.
• An understanding of the ecotoxicity and quantity of any disinfection by-products produced during treatment.
• Consultation with the environmental regulators and other key stakeholders at every stage of the study process to deliver a final report that addresses the concerns these stakeholders have about alternatives to UV disinfection.
• Enable the environmental regulators to issue validated dose guidance for alternative technologies that will inform plant design and permitting arrangements.