Latest UKWIR projects available for expression of interest

Expressions of interest (EOI) are being sought by UKWIR for expert partners ready to carry out targeted research projects to tackle the biggest issues facing the water sector. 

UKWIR, a not-for-profit organisation, facilitates, manages, and delivers a strategic programme of research projects for water companies in the UK and Ireland. It supports water companies by funding research projects that improve efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and resilience in the sector. 

Research topics addressed in the upcoming cycle include improvements to real-time monitoring of bathing waters, development of a circular economy framework and effective treatment of dilute sewage. 

Steve Kaye, chief executive of UKWIR said, “By harnessing diverse perspectives from water companies, academia, and other stakeholders, we ensure our research directly delivers tangible benefits for both the environment and customers, as the sector undergoes a period of significant transformation and innovation.”   

EoI are open until midnight on Thursday 28 March 2024 for the following UKWIR projects: 

• Lead in drinking water – journey to 5µg/l and beyond   

• Development of a water industry circular economy measurement framework with supporting metrics   

• Improving real-time public bathing water quality information 

• Industry insights from the UKWIR National Mains Failure Database  

• Assessing the costs and benefits of non-essential use drought orders – feasibility study   

• Efficacy of novel disinfection processes for wastewater treatment    

• Effective treatment of dilute sewage   

• Is there a risk of toxicity to fish in rivers from phosphorus stripping using aluminium?   

• Faecal indicator organism die-off rates in rivers   

• Biological removal of taste and odour compounds   

• Updating RedUP rainwater time-series perturbation tool to comply with draft water management plans and long-term delivery strategy methodologies 

• Water company landholdings - quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage potential   

These projects will deliver significant financial, environmental and societal benefits for the environment, water sector and customers. 

Earlier this year, UKWIR announced the direction of its research projects from now to 2050, the outcomes it is aiming for by 2030, and how the organisation aims to deliver this work. The research strategy reflects global trends and aligns with key initiatives like UK 2050 Water Innovation. It builds on industry challenges identified through extensive stakeholder engagement.   

For detailed information about each project, or to submit an expression of interest for a specific project, visit: https://ukwir.org/ukwir-projects-open-to-expressions-of-interest   

Taxonomy

• Water