Lessons learned from a large scale WFD programme
A water quality research paper presented by Howard Cutts (RPS), Richard Dannatt (Intertek), Margaret Williams (Severn Trent Water).
A detailed insight into water quality studies – previously not been available before.
In AMP6, a project was undertaken to investigate 32 of the 246 river reaches in the Severn Trent Water catchment. This would take the impact of intermittent discharges into consideration and look at the water quality on the various reaches throughout Severn Trent.
Severn Trent wanted a deeper understanding on these reaches and to meet their requirements, we had to undertake large scale model upgrades, asset surveys, flow surveys and long-term quality monitoring. Severn Trent funded this £2.5m project out of a desire to protect and enhance the environment and gain a deeper understanding of the real issues in water quality. This paper, available to download below, reviews the various stages we have gone through during the studies and looks at some of the outcomes of the process, the collaborative engagement and the project as a whole.
Throughout this complex project one of the key enablers was the stakeholder engagement and as such, we extensively consulted with the Environment Agency all the way through the project.
In this paper, we explore the highs and lows of the project and lessons learned. This has provided a detailed insight into water quality studies to the water industry which previously not been available before. We have further taken this insight and applied it to the AMP7 Water Quality Investment Plan.
Download the full paper, below.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has introduced a holistic approach to the management of water quality. In the UK, the aim is to have waterbodies achieving ‘Good’ ecological status by 2027.
Howard Cutts
Regional Director, Water Consultancy
