Information revolution will drive up water quality

The advent of so many computers and intelligence built into the systems that make our modern world work like cars, appliances, mobile phones and water networks is making available a vast source of data that could transform how we run our cities and built environment. IBM has recognized this in its Smarter Planet’s initiative.

Imaginative new Apps are being developed by IBM like Creek Watch. This is a simple application on an iphone that enables anyone to quickly and easily take a photograph and send a simple report on the water quality in their local stream, river or brook.  It means that rather than having to send inspectors out the Environment Agency or water company can get site specific data on the quality of local water courses and identify pollution incidents much quicker.

The Environment Agency is taking this a step further by a new scheme its about to launch that will require water companies to text surfers whenever sewage is about to be pumped into the sea. The Environment Agency will also announce on Thursday that it is publishing profiles on all designated bathing spots. All this information and the power it brings to people to understand what is going on at their local bathing spot will undoubtedly increase pressure on the water companies to take further action to improve water quality. 

It will  ensure that we have a much better understanding of where the real pollution hotspots are ensuring investment is targeted where it will make a real difference, That is in everyone’s interest, water companies, water bill payers and bathing water users.

Otters back in rivers

Photo source: Environment Agency

Otters, which almost most disappeared from England’s rivers in the 1970’s are making a welcome return. They are now found in every region of England except Kent. This is due to the ban on harmful pesticides put in place in the 1970’s and also a significant improvement in river water quality.

 This excellent news is to be welcomed and comes at the same time as the River Thames has won a prestigious international award for outstanding achievement in river management and restoration.

However Joe Public may find it hard to understand why Thames Water is at the same time seeking to gain support for the vast Thames Tideway Tunnel project and will need to raise bills substantially to cover the cost.  Good news stories are to be welcomed but there is a tricky balancing act to ensure the public is kept on side.

River water quality at highest ever level

Photo source: www.sewta.org

At first sight the figures released by Defra showing that English river water quality is at an all time high level of 73% meeting the good standard should be welcomed. Certainly there has been major improvement over the last 20 years – as there should be given the massive capital investment by the water companies.

Over the next five years the water industry in England and Wales will invest a further 4 billion pounds in raising river water quality. But can we be confident that this will make a difference?

Over the last five years or so there has been virtually no change in river water quality according to Defra despite the huge investment. Under the Water Frame Work Directive new monitoring schemes are now in place. The first 2009 results on “Good Environmental Status (GES)“ will be published next month.

A target has been set by Defra of all rivers meeting the GES target by 2015. Given that only 25% meet the standard in 2008 this sounds highly ambitious. The key will be to ensure the planned £4 billion investment is carefully focused on schemes that will make a real difference – not just squandered on more studies. 

Environment Agency’s approach to tackling diffuse water pollution not working

Photo source: www.nsw.org.au

A report issued this week by the National Audit Office claims that the Environment Agency’s approach to tackling diffuse water pollution has not proved value for money and worse that the annual expenditure of £8m has had little impact.

With only 26% of rivers and lakes meeting the required water standards set out in the European Water Framework Directive there is a lot to be done to tackle this complex problem. If the European Commission does not agree a lower target the UK could be exposed to considerable financial penalties if the 2027 deadline can not be met.

Identifying diffuse pollution sources is undoubtedly difficult and does require good detective work. New technology like Envrogene’s DNA tracing service can cost effectively pinpoint the source. But with the majority of farmers considering their activity has no impact on diffuse pollution its clear there is a long way to go. A more proactive stance is needed with hard detective work up front to identify the culprits. Much more innovation and good engineering practice is needed if a real difference is to be made. 

Environment Agency warns of cost of floods

The devastating floods of summer 2007 cost the country £3.2 bn claims a report issued today by the Environment Agency. The report published some two months after the devastating Cumbria floods in November, illustrates the wide ranging and substantial costs of flooding.

Its release coincides with an excellent report that should be required reading. Retreating inland, creating habitable defence structures and building out into the sea are three options proposed to cope with the extremities of rising sea levels, in a futuristic project released today by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) think tank Building Futures and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The think-piece Facing up to Rising Sea Levels: Retreat, Defend, Attack? warns that the future of our coastal cities is in jeopardy due to rising sea levels, sinking landmasses and an increase in storm frequency. With over 12,000 km of coastline, radical thinking is urgently needed to protect the UK’s at-risk communities from extreme flooding. 

It challenges planners, the public, built environment professionals and the government to be radical and take extreme measures to tackle an extreme problem. Chair of the ICE steering group Ben Hamer said: “A proactive and united, almost war-like approach is needed if we are to win the battle against what is set to be our biggest challenge in the next century, the ‘water invasion’.

 “Some very difficult decisions need to be made in the near future, and to do this we need integrated thinking. The UK must urgently change the way it plans, builds and designs at-risk communities.

The blog endorses the view that: “This requires a strategic vision at local and national level, more co-ordination and improved communication between stakeholders, and some very creative thinking about how solutions can be developed to be financially sustainable.”