Water Weekly 2.0 Vol 28

A weekly round-up of all the latest news in the water industry.

Your go-to weekly newsletter on all things water.

Smart Water News - Digital innovation

US & Canada digital water market is set to surge 107% by 2033 amid utility transformations!

Among the global adaptation to digitalisation across all industries, water utilities of all sizes are increasingly adopting digital water solutions to optimize water management.

In particular, a new report from Bluefield Research forecasts a strong demand for digital water solutions in the US and Canada, with the market projected to grow from US$11.5 billion in 2024 to US$23.8 billion by 2033.

Digital Water Analyst at Bluefield Research said:

“The adoption of digital solutions is not just inevitable – it is critical for utilities to ensure the resilience and sustainability of water systems. Companies are transforming their digital water offerings to provide increasingly accessible solutions for utilities, even to resource-strapped small and mid-sized water utilities in the U.S and Canada.”

Off the back of this, is is clear the water sector is being transformed by a wave of new technologies for connectivity, mobility, automation and data analytics. Firms are now incorporating more digital water solutions into everyday operations to maximise efficiency.

Alongside the digital transition of the water sector accelerating progress towards a more sustainable future for the industry, digital technologies are addressing many of the industries challenges such as the growing demand for water and the many outdates water management solutions and strategies.

Construction is underway for the UK’s first operational Ozone Wastewater Site

Severn Trent has started construction of the UK’s first pioneering operational ozone wastewater treatment plant; installing the innovative technology to help boost river health and move stretches of river to bathing quality standard in an investment of £78m. Installation of the operational plant is now in full swing in Warwickshire, with gas cylinders that hold ozone gas having been installed at the Frankton wastewater treatment site!

The new tech is being used for the first time in the UK to treat wastewater, meaning water returning to he local river will be of the highest quality.

Project manager from Severn Trent said:

“We’re leading the way when it comes to river health – whether that’s through our ambitious spills programme, huge investments or innovative technologies. The use of ozone to treat wastewater has the potential to truly change the future of wastewater treatment and this marks a really exciting step in our programme. The trials we’ll conduct in Warwickshire and Ludlow will see us use the technology for the first time. That’s seeing us go beyond what’s expected of us and is better for rivers and the environment. The ozone treatment takes treatment one step further and makes the water as clean as possible – helping us with our ambition to create bathing rivers.”

In Warwickshire alone, over 55 bespoke projects have been completed in the last three months such as increased storage, nature-based solutions and new treatment units – all designed to boost river health and cut spills.

Jessika Roswall has been nominated as EU Commissioner for Environment

Last week, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced that water resilience would be a central focus for her going forward.

Currently serving as Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, she has been nominated to take charge of the EU’s response to the increasing challenges posed by droughts and floods. In her new role, Roswall is set to focus on environment, water resilience and a competitive economy.

Roswall will be responsible for developing a water resilience strategy that was previously delayed. A few weeks ago during an environmental conference that occurred in Munich, she stressed the urgent need to tackle water security, warning that by 2050, the world could face severe floods and water shortages.

South Staffordshire PLC's water and wastewater specialist has appointed a new MD

Joel Stevens has been appointed as the new OnSite Managing Director, and joins OnSite from utilities and low carbon infrastructure management business MUJV where he was previously also Managing Director.

CEO of South Staffordshire Plc PLC Charley Maher said:

“I am delighted to welcome Joel to OnSite and the wider South Staffordshire Plc Group. He brings with him extensive experience in operations, commercial strategy, and business development which will be instrumental in driving OnSite’s continued success and expansion. This is a key appointment for our Group as we continue to grow.”

Joel Stevens also expressed his view on his new role and said:

“I’m delighted to be joining OnSite and I really look forward to building on the previous progress the business has made. I can’t wait to meet and work with the team to deliver great experiences for our clients and their customers as well as ensuring we are a great place to work for our people.”

Phenna Group appoints new Group Head of Corporate Development

The global testing, inspection, certification and compliance services provider Phenna Group has appointed Jon Harrison as their new Head of Corporate Development who brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Jon is well known to Phenna Group and their shareholders, Oakley Capital having advised on their 2022 deal, and his appointment not only strengthens Phenna’s senior leadership team but his credentials underline Phenna’s continues commitment to growth.

Philip Marshall , Phenna Group CEO said:

“Jon is very well known and respected across the global TICC market, and I’m delighted to attract someone of his experience to our team.  He will support the growth of our business globally, driving and accelerating our M&A plans, a fundamental tenet of our strategy”.

In response to his appointment, Jon expressed his excitement by saying:

“I’m delighted to embark on this new role with Phenna Group which will allow me to make the most of my deep knowledge and contacts within the TICC sector as well as my corporate finance experience while also giving me the opportunity to work with the team to grow the business with a particular focus on global M&A. I have already enjoyed working with many of the Phenna team over the past few years and am really looking forward to both deepening those connections as well as building new ones as our corporate development team grows. I can’t wait to get started”.

Thankyou for reading!