Data services on track to futureproof water management

As a project manager at Metasphere, a Grundfos-owned remote telemetry company at the cutting edge of innovation, Fey McHarg , has witnessed firsthand how the intelligent harnessing of data, specifically through the data-as-a-service model, is fundamentally reshaping and revolutionising the water sector. 

The demands on the water industry are escalating, with an urgent need to dramatically enhance efficiency, bolster sustainability, and improve resilience. As a project manager at Metasphere, I am incredibly excited to be part of the solution addressing critical issues like bathing water quality and reducing sewage spills. 

Project managers bridge the gap between technical solutions and client needs, ensuring  Metasphere's innovative monitoring systems are delivered effectively and contribute to their customers' goals of preventing leaks and spills, optimising networks, and achieving environmental targets. 

My background in project management spans nine years, beginning with a Level 4 diploma apprenticeship at Bombardier, one of the world's largest companies in the rail vehicle and equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. This experience, focused on the meticulous coordination required for train manufacturing in Derby, might seem a world away from wastewater networks. However, both industries are rooted in the critical importance of safety, efficiency, and maintaining vital infrastructure. 

My journey into the water sector, while unconventional, has provided me with a unique perspective on the power of proactive management and collaborative innovation. It also highlights the value of cross-sector experience, bringing new ways of thinking and approaching problems in a way that is not constrained by a ‘this is how it's always been done’ mindset. 

Whatever the sector, the core principles of project management - managing cost, quality and time constraints - are universally applicable. The critical difference in water is the immediate and profound impact that the sector can have on the world around us.  Hitting deadlines is not just about delivering a product; it is vital to prevent pollution, protect public health, and avoid environmental fines.  

One of the most pressing issues in the water sector is maintaining the integrity of the wastewater network to prevent spills. At Metasphere, approximately 2,200 of our Point Blue telemetry devices are deployed across the Yorkshire region alone. Each device provides real-time alerts of high levels, allowing Yorkshire Water to identify and address blockages before they escalate into spills.  

It is crucial that the water quality at bathing sites gives the public a safe area to swim, and our dedicated team maintains the telemetry equipment near these bathing sites that monitor wastewater levels. This in turn provides Yorkshire Water with vital data to prevent spills into the waters enjoyed recreationally by the public.   

I was born and raised in Leeds in the north of England, and I have a passion for this job because it is helping the areas that I know and love stay clean and safe, meaning they can continue to be enjoyed. 

Metasphere is at the forefront of the emerging trend of data-as-a-service. Our DaaS project with Yorkshire Water, the first of its kind in the UK wastewater network, offers an end-to-end service that significantly reduces the customer's workload.  

Previously, we received weekly lists of maintenance jobs for sites. Now, thanks to our advanced MAP system, we can identify these sites ourselves and schedule crews within two days. This drastic improvement in response time enhances data availability for the customer and substantially reduces the risk of spills and associated environmental fines. 

This proactive approach, underpinned by the reliable data our technology provides, is crucial for maintaining bathing water quality and protecting natural habitats. It is a source of immense pride to know that our efforts contribute directly to keeping our local region clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.  

It is my view that this shift from reactive to proactive management, powered by accessible and actionable data, holds immense promise for the entire water industry. The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative spirit within Metasphere, where every team member is committed to mutual support and customer satisfaction.  

Looking ahead, I am optimistic that the DaaS model will become a standard across the industry, driving greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in water management worldwide. The future of water management is undeniably data-driven, and it is a future we are actively building, one proactive solution at a time. 

Taxonomy

• Water