Environmental Investment

The EIC Environmental Investment Network Welsh Reception

Wednesday January 30th 2008, 8.00am – 10.00am

The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

A unique collaboration between Clarkslegal LLP and The Environmental Industries Commission and sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Intellectual Property specialists, Mathys & Squire.

Designed to facilitate the raising of finance within the environmental sector and provide support, information and networking opportunities for investors seeking investment opportunities and companies, social enterprises and academic institutions within the environmental sector.

VIP Guest Speaker is Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Transport for Wales.

The event will be chaired by Dafydd Downes, Partner of Clarkslegal and will include a free breakfast buffet and networking with representatives of Clarkslegal, The Environmental Industries Commission, Lloyds TSB Business and Mathys & Squire.

To confirm your attendance at this event and receive your ticket and itinerary, please RSVP to Matthew Evans, 029 2055 7559, mevans@forburyenvironmental.com.

www.environmentalinvest.com

Shaping Research for a Changing Climate

Your chance to influence the direction of future research into climate change adaptation in the built environment.

Free two day workshop - Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th January 2008, Park Inn Hotel,
West Bromwich, Birmingham. Meals and accommodation are included.

Sustaining Knowledge for a Changing Climate is an EPSRC funded project that brings together researchers, industrial collaborators, practitioners, end-users and other stakeholders with an interest in research and its outcomes in the context of impacts of climate change and related adaptation strategies and measures within the built environment.

Potential research sectors:

• flooding


• transport infrastructure


• electricity supply


• urban planning


• new and existing buildings


• water resources


• coast

Cross-cutting issues:

• system vulnerability and resilience


• extremes


• decision making


• adaptive management

Registration form and more information.

Technium Challenge

Technium Challenge is an annual competition for start-up and spin-out technology businesses within Wales and the UK. Successful applicants receive a bespoke business acceleration programme, while the winner and runners-up receive a package comprising support with rent, legal and marketing advice. The competition also provides a fast-track route into Technium, Wales' network of innovation centres dedicated to supporting young technology businesses.

Plus - businesses intending to be based in Mid Wales could win an additional £1,000 towards rental costs at Technium Aberystwyth.

For more information on eligibility and the application process visit www.technium.co.uk/challengeuk.

New Products, New Ideas, New Technologies

Innovation into Action

10-11th March, Cardiff

If you are...

An inventor or innovator
A developer in an SME, R&D department or academic institution. This event is for YOU!

or if you are...

A buyer, manufacturer or distributor
A technology scout, business development executive or R&D professional
A venture capitalist, business angel or investor This event is for YOU!

Register online now

Innovation Into Action 2008 is a unique event for professionals looking for new products, new ideas or new technologies to meet and discuss commercial opportunities direct with the developer.

This exciting two-day innovation brokerage event combines an innovation partnering event of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings to discuss potential deals with a showcase exhibition and networking lounge.

It is the FIRST and ONLY event to bring these two groups together to discuss collaborations, explore partnerships and make deals.

www.innovationintoaction.co.uk/

Marketing Opportunity

Water Industry Achievement Awards

Could your business win an award in one of these categories?

• Partnership Initiative of the Year


• People Initiative of the YearCommunity Campaign of the Year


• Sustainability AwardInnovative Technology of the Year


• Customer Care Initiative of the Year


• Research Project of the Year


• Health & Safety Initiative of the Year


• Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Water Industry

The awards will be presented at IWEX 2008, part of Sustainabilitylive! (20-22 May 2008).

For more information visit www.sustainabilitylive.com

Scottish Water Cost Savings

Scottish Water has reduced its operating costs for five years in a row. Customers are saving more than £3 million a week, and their bills now compare well with those for customers in England and Wales.

Full press release here

Dubai infrastructure investment

Dubai needs to spend $19 billion (£9 billion) over the next five years to keep its lights on and fresh water flowing. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) needs to cope with Dubai’s anticipated 10 per cent annual population growth.

Full article here

Desalination plant in the Thames

The government has given the go ahead to plans which will see a huge desalination plant built on the banks of the Thames, providing drinking water for up to a million people.

The plants operation will be regulated by the Environment Agency and when fully operational, will provide 140 million litres of water per day.

For further information see the newsletter of the Environment Centre.

Ofwat Consultation on Market Competition in the Water and Sewerage Industries

Ofwat has launched a consultation on ‘Market Competition in the Water and Sewerage Industries in England and Wales’, which is inviting comments on a range of options for introducing effective market competition into the water and sewerage sectors in England and Wales.

The consultation follows the publication of the Ofwat report ‘Outcomes of Ofwat’s Internal Review of Market Competition in the Water Sector.’ This review was initiated because Ofwat concluded that in implementing the Water Supply Licensing regime it has became clear that the current regime is not, and is not likely to be, successful in delivering either effective competition or customer benefits.

Amongst its conclusions the report states that the Costs Principle - the mandatory regime for setting access prices payable by a water supply licensee to an appointed water company - is one of the biggest obstacles to the development of competition in water supply.

This consultation, therefore, goes further and includes a wider review of competition in the water and wastewater sectors and puts forward a number of proposals for change to the current market competition regime, including:
· Access Pricing - Setting out in legislation the principles that should apply to any access pricing regime; this requires Ofwat to develop the appropriate access pricing methodology in line with them.
· Eligibility Threshold - Reducing the threshold in parallel with a review of the Costs Principle and other aspects of the competition regime. The consultation states that a one-off reduction in the threshold would be more beneficial than a stepped approach. · Licence Application Fees – The consultation considers removing the licence application fee payable to Ofwat by an applicant for a water supply licence, and instead recovering the costs by the normal annual fee mechanism.

For more information, follow this link.

Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Implementing the Water Framework Directive

Defra has published a ‘Preliminary Cost Effectiveness Analysis’ of implementing the Water Framework Directive, which concludes that the Directive could cost up to £2.5 billion per year.

Defra analysed the costs under two scenarios:
· Achieving good status by 2015 implementing all tried and tested measures as soon as possible which means the cost will range from £1.3 - £2.5 billion per year.
· Achieving the objective in later planning rounds ending in 2021 and 2027 by putting off disproportionate measures which implies cost falls to £0.7 - 1.35 billion per year.

Defra have also assessed the costs of achieving the Directive’s requirements for priority substances, as defined in the proposed Priority Substances Directive, which "aims to ensure a high level of protection against risks to or via the aquatic environment stemming from 33 priority (chemical) substances by setting environmental quality standards."

The Cost Effectiveness Analysis focuses on 11 substances that the UK Technical Advisory Group on the Water Framework Directive predicts will fail the environmental quality standards by 2015, including cadmium, trichloromethane and the phthalate DEHP. Copper and zinc, while not priority substances, are also expected to cause compliance problems.

The Cost Effectiveness Analysis estimates that the cost of meeting the 2015 deadline is £210 - 530 million per year, with £167 - 335 million of this falling on water companies. The analysis assumes that 10% of wastewater treatment works will have to fit tertiary end-of-pipe treatment by 2015.

For more information, follow this link.

Wales Relay Centre - Technology Request

Nanotechnologies applied to water treatment
Reference No: 10598

A Canarian company dedicated to the conduct of work and provision of services in the integral water cycle is interested in establishing collaboration agreements with research groups in the area of nanotechnology applied to the elimination of salts contained in water.

For more information contact Julie Morgan on 02920 828863 or e-mail julie.morgan@wales.gsi.gov.uk

PR09 River Basin District Planning and Land UsePlanning the Lessons into Practice

A one day conference - November 6th 2007, London

In 2008 considerable effort will be put into two major planning processes for the water sector, the Periodic Review (PR09) and the River Basin District Plans for the Water Framework Directive.

The aim of this conference will be to highlight the key lessons from recent work on land use and water management that should be factored into these plans to achieve gains for delivery. Against this background this conference will reflect the perspectives of a wide range of organisations with a direct interest in catchment management and land-use and water issues.

The programme may be downloaded from http://www.ciwem.org/events/Land-use_Water_Nov6th.doc Please email or fax the booking form to bob.earll@coastms.co.uk or 01531 890415.

Innovative pump

About 20% of all energy consumed in the UK is used for pumping applications, much of this will be sewage and clean water pumping stations. UK water authority companies spend billions of pounds each year upgrading water/waste water treatment works as well as pumping system applications.

Pumping stations are used to externally pump raw sewage/water from one location to another. Transportation is usually assisted by gravity from location to a lower location. These pumps are usually controlled by a small control panel which relies on process instrumentation to measure functions such as pressure, flow and level.

All modern UK pumping stations house a telemetry section which allow a number of signals and alarms to be sent via comms. Some of the typical signals include: high level alarms, mains power failure, pumps running/stopped/failed, intruder alarms etc.

Emerald Systems is a recently established company supplying the water and waste water industry with innovative technology. New technology which helps to increase pumping station efficiency with a reduction in cost, size. Pump Control and Process Instrumentation from Emerald Systems - http://www.emeraldsystems.co.uk

"Food waste disposal systems are like fly-tipping"

This was said by water company South West Water (SWW) which has condemned food waste disposal (FWD) initiatives as “fly-tipping” and “irresponsible” in a letter to councils in its area. The company urges them not to encourage residents to dispose of macerated food waste down the sink because it causes blockages in the sewerage system increasing the threat of flooding and pollution.

The company’s concerns about blockages increased with the release of the Environmental Impact Study of Food Waste Disposers for the County Surveyors Society (CSS). SWW said that it included “dubious” claims about waste particles remaining free flowing in the system. It also said that “field studies and other research referred to in the CSS report do not relate to the UK and take little account of the impact on drains and sewers”.

SWW also said that “much of the £1.5 million spent annually preventing and dealing with sewer blockages is incurred removing consolidated fat, oil and grease, largely emanating from food waste”. If local authorities (LAs) use this type of food disposal to divert waste from landfills to help meet waste targets, water companies could face blockage problems. SWW is calling for more UK specific research into the effects of FWD systems.

The Water Research Centre is setting up a project to conduct independent research into the effects of FWD. Blockages from food waste required even more careful disposal than when they were first put down the drain as they are contaminated with sewerage. In an attempt to buy time while more research is done, SWW told LAs: “We would urge you not to follow the ‘Sink Your Waste’ example set in Hereford and Worcester, which is given prominence in the CSS report. We regard this as fly-tipping and irresponsible at a time when the water industry is trying hard to reverse the trend of treating sinks and toilets as receptacles for all kinds of waste.”

EA Consultation on water resources abstraction charges

Responses due by 7 December 2007

A number of abstractions are currently adversely affecting the environment in some areas of England and Wales. The Environment Agency's general conservation duties and obligations under the Habitats Directive mean that this cannot be allowed to continue.

Changes need to be made to the licences associated with these damaging abstractions. Legislation on water resources states that compensation may have to be paid to licence holders whose licences are changed. Government has indicated that some of these costs must be recovered through the EA abstraction charges scheme.

The EA was asked by government to review the way they charge for abstractions in order to recover these compensation costs. In January 2004 and September 2005 public consultations were held on the review of the scheme . The EA is now consulting for a third time on their revised proposals to recovering compensation costs through the water abstraction charges scheme.

For the consultation documents visit
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1856212/?version=1&lang=_e

Defra consultation on diffuse sources of water pollution from agriculture

The deadline for responses is 13 November 2007.

This consultation invites your views on three options for tackling diffuse water pollution from agriculture.

These options are specifically aimed at meeting new requirements as a result of the Water Framework Directive. They are also firmly in line with the Government’s aim of improving the environment as a whole to enable all to benefit from it.

For more information visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterpollution-diffuse/index.htm

New water and sewerage supplier in England

A second new household supplier is set to enter the water industry in England after Ofwat launched a consultation into proposed services for a housing development in Northamptonshire. The regulator is proposing to grant an 'inset appointment' to Independent Water Networks Limited (IWNL), which will allow it to supply water and sewerage services to a 950-home development at Long Croft Road, in Corby.

The development is in Anglian Water's area of supply. IWNL is the second proposed new water and sewerage company to serve domestic customers since privatisation of the water industry in England and Wales 18 years ago. In May Ofwat announced proposals to allow Scottish and Southern Energy Water (SSEW) to supply water and sewerage services to a housing development near the Wiltshire city of Salisbury.

Customers at the Long Croft site will benefit from the change of supply straightaway - IWNL is proposing that its 2007-08 water volumetric rate is 5%lower than that of Anglian Water plus their water standing charge and sewerage charges be identical to Anglian Water's. IWNL has committed to its customers paying no more than they would have done had they been supplied by Anglian Water, unless Ofwat gives consent to raise its tariffs above Anglian Water's tariffs in any charging year.

Compulsory metering in serious water stress areas

The Environment Minister Phil Woolas announced that water companies in areas of serious water stress will be able to seek compulsory water metering as part of their 25 year forward plans. The proposal, developed by the Water Saving Group, adds metering to the existing raft of options for companies - alongside developing new resources -for ensuring long term security of supply. This move followed consultation with companies, regulators, charities and members of the public.

At the same time the Environment Agency published its response to a parallel consultation on defining areas of water stress. Phil Woolas said:"Metering saves water - around 10% per household - and it seems right to me that in seriously water-stressed areas the costs and benefits of compulsory metering are given consideration alongside other options. This is not a green light for universal metering, and it in no way absolves companies from their responsibility to deliver on leakage targets. Water companies will have to make a strong case in their 25 year forward plans for compulsory metering in their region to get approval to go ahead, demonstrating that metering offers the best value for water customers' money compared with the other options available, such as building new reservoirs. They will have to take into account the impacts on individual customers and particularly on vulnerable households". Inclusion of metering in long term management plans will come into effect after the price review in 2009.

Households use almost 70% of the billed water supplied by companies in England and Wales, with the rest used by the business and public sectors. Average per capita consumption in England and Wales in 2005/06 was approximately 150 litres per person per day. Total household demand has been increasing for some years and this increase is expected to continue. The predicted increase in demand is a result both of projections of increases in per capita consumption and expected increases in numbers of households.

Water efficiency in new buildings

Defra and the Department for Communities and Local Government have published ‘Water Efficiency in New Buildings: A Joint Policy Statement’. This report summarises the key findings emerging from the responses received to the recent consultation on proposals to make minimum standards of water efficiency performance mandatory in all new homes and new commercial developments. These standards would underpin those set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The proposals for new dwellings included the suggestion of a whole building performance standard for water consumption, of between 120 and 135 litres maximum consumption per head per day. As an alternative, the Government proposed the possibility of setting performance standards for individual water fittings.

The report announces that, following the consultation, the Government will introduce a whole building performance standard of 125 litres maximum consumption per head per day within the Building Regulations in 2008. In addition to this the Government will publish proposals for a new performance standards for key fittings.

Furthermore, the report announces that the Government will assess the scope for setting a standard for non-residential buildings.

Water Efficiency Targets

Ofwat has set water efficiency targets for individual water companies which are voluntary and starting immediately. The targets are based on water stress maps published by the Environment Agency.

Water companies in areas of serious water stress will have to reduce the volume of water delivered to customers by 1% against a 2005-2008 baseline. The targets in areas of moderate and low stress will be 0.5% and 0.25% respectively, with Wales being the latter.

For more information, visit www.ofwat.gov.uk

Environment Agency Spotlight Report

The Environment Agency has published their annual spotlight report which assesses the environmental performance of amongst others the energy, waste, construction and water sectors.

The report key findings are:
· The industry the Environment Agency directly regulates released 34% of all UK greenhouse gases.
· Greenhouse gas emissions in England and Wales increased from 203.6 million tonnes in 2005 to 211.5 million tonnes in 2006.
· The industry the Environment Agency regulates generated (and transferred off-site) about the same amount of waste in 2006 as 2005, which is an increase of 42% since 2000.

For more information, download 'Putting the breaks on climate change' report.

Common approach to carbon accounting in Water Industry

Water UK is working with UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and the Carbon Trust to design and implement a common accounting tool to be introduced at the end of the year.

The water industry has been among the first to report voluntarily on its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. However since then the debate on climate change has moved on and so has the understanding of how emissions affect the climate and how they should be measured. The industry acknowledges the importance of including the implications of carbon in all decision-making.

The first phase of UKWIR research will focus on statutory reporting requirements, such as those associated with the Climate Change Bill, and operational carbon which equates to emissions associated with electricity consumption in running the industry’s assets and providing its services.

A second phase, following quickly, will recommend a single approach for embedded carbon - the carbon contained in materials used in construction such as concrete and steel.

Joint England and Wales consultation on Private Sewers Transfer – Implementation Options

This consultation closes on 19 October 2007

The Welsh Assembly Government and Defra have issued a joint consultation paper seeking views on the implementation options for the transfer of private sewers and lateral drains into the ownership of sewerage companies.

Please click on the following external link to be redirected to the DEFRA website for full details - http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/industry/sewers/index.htm

EA Consultation - Water resources strategy

The pressures on our water resources are growing. More houses are being built, our population is increasing and we are all using more water. Climate change will only add to these pressures. Longer, drier summers will mean we need to think differently and we need to act now.

The Environment Agency is consulting on a new Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales. The consultation starts the process of developing a new strategy, which they plan to be available in December 2008, including a separate strategy for Wales.

It seeks views on the main water resources issues facing us all over the next few decades and beyond. It looks at how the Environment Agency and others could manage water resources in the future. The EA believe that many organisations, abstractors and water users all have a role to play.

The consultation closes on 31st October 2007.

You can get a copy of the consultation document water for the people and environment from their publication catalogue or download the pdf (8.5 mins). You can also get a copy by e-mailing wrstrategy@environment-agency.gov.uk or by writing to: Water Resources, Environment Agency, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Bristol BS32 4UD.

Following the consultation, the EA will publish a series of working papers to inform the strategy, which consider:
1. Water resources in the south east of England.
2. Managing uncertainty in water resources.
3. Carbon and energy use in water resources.
4. Valuing water resources.
5. Governance and legislation for water resources management.
For more information visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/981441/137651/

Competitive market for water and sewerage in Scotland draws closer

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland has approved Scottish Water’s wholesale charges scheme and has established the Central Market Agency (CMA) which are both significant developments in opening the market for business customers to buy water from suppliers other than Scottish Water.

From April 2008, Scottish Water will act as the wholesaler, selling on to new retail entrants. The new charges scheme sets out what Scottish Water can charge new licensees for water and sewerage services. The scheme allows Scottish Water to recover all of its wholesale costs and also allows scope for competitive licensed service providers to reduce end bills to business customers.

The Commission’s approval of the scheme coincided with the incorporation of the CMA. This Agency will facilitate the secure and efficient transfer of customer information in the newly competitive market, enabling customers to change service provider if they wish. Greater competition should bring wider choice, lower prices, better services and increased innovation for customers.

Floods to cost Severn Trent £35m

Severn Trent today estimated the cost of last month's flood crisis at between £25m and £35m. Furthermore the scale of the emergency was described as unprecedented in the recent history of the UK water industry after the rivers Avon and Severn burst their banks and forced the evacuation of the company's Mythe Water treatment works near Tewkesbury.

Since the start of the incident, Severn had bought and made available 50m litres of bottled water and deployed more than 2,000 staff from Severn Trent Water and its contractors to deal with the crisis. The water company expects the cost of dealing with the incident could be partially offset by insurance recoveries of between £10m and £20m.

The estimated costs figure of up £35m includes up to £3.5m to support affected communities in recovering from the flooding. Severn Trent, which serves 3.7m household and business customers in England and Wales, is willing to co-operate fully with inquiries into the flooding, as well as carry out its own review to learn any appropriate lessons from last month's crisis.

US firm rescues UK flooding crisis

A drinking water treatment firm which has newly launched in the US has seen its profile raised astronomically thanks to a UK flooding crisis. Panton McLeod Americas (PMA) received an unexpected boost for its specialist cleaning products after they helped end an emergency which left 350,000 people without water.

Dramatic footage of catastrophic flooding in Gloucestershire was shown around the world after freak weather left huge areas under water. A major water treatment works was submerged which meant that already stricken customers had no safe drinking water. As the huge clean up operation started, Severn Trent Water called in PMA to restore the treatment works.

The firm worked round-the-clock for a week to disinfect every square inch of the works – an area equivalent to four full size football pitches. John Copeland, vice president of Denver-based PMA, said: “In common with the rest of Western Europe, England has some of the toughest drinking water standards in the world. It is heavily regulated and this treatment works couldn’t be reopened until it met those exacting standards".

In June PMA was awarded the coveted NSF Standard 60 certification to supply its five key cleaning and de-biofouling chemicals to the North American drinking water industry. The products are designed for the removal of iron and manganese deposits and bio-fouling from drinking water infrastructure such as storage tanks and towers. The most powerful of the cleaners PM88 – nicknamed the “Oil Buster” because it even removes hydrocarbon contamination – was used in the Gloucestershire case.

End of vertically integrated water sector in UK and Wales?

Ofwat launched a consultation exercise last month that could ultimately lead to the un-bundling and sale of various water companies in the country, said industry participants. According to their spokesperson Ofwat would be in the stage of still receiving submissions to the consultation through to September 2007. “No option” was off the table with respect to potential un-bundling of the vertically integrated water sector in the UK and Wales.

A UK press report last month cited Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent as two potential companies that could come up for sale in the event of industry un-bundling. Traditionally, the UK government had been a strong proponent of vertical integration of water companies in England and Wales. Nevertheless Ian Pearson, the minister in charge of the water portfolio under Tony Blair’s government, indicated that he might seek the end of vertical integration.

Ofwat appears to have taken a cue from Pearson’s direction in launching the consultation paper, but as the water portfolio was unfilled it remains to be seen if the new minister in charge would take a different direction. There is already some precedent for forced un-bundling in Scotland, where the country’s Parliament has recently legislated for the forced separation of Scottish Water’s retail operations.

A UK-based industry source said there would be a continuation of un-bundling in the utility sector in general and that the separation of these assets would increase operational quality and competitiveness for the end-user, and would be EU driven.

The Ofwat spokesperson said its initial document is expected to be issued by the end of 2007. According to a Water UK source, Ofwat is also conducting a separate “economic analysis” of the British water industry, and this analysis paper is often a prelude to forced un-bundling. The source said that both the economic analysis and the formal results of the Ofwat consultation exercise would likely be released in March 2008.

INTERNATIONAL WATER QUALITY PROJECTS

The Anglesey based Bridge Marine Science Group
(www.bridgemarinescience.co.uk) provides quality marine and environmental services on the international stage to meet the needs of organisations and businesses worldwide.

It is seeking to tender for a number of international water quality projects in Eastern Europe and elsewhere - you can view the wide range of skills required by downloading the matrix.

Any company or individual wishing to be associated with these bids can contact info@bridgemarinescience.co.uk for further details.

Water Efficiency in Domestic Market

The Environment Agency has published the report ‘Water Efficiency in the South East of England: Retrofitting Existing Homes’ which establishes the capacity for reducing water use in existing homes, considers the most effective ways of implementing water efficiency measures and assesses the costs and benefits of these approaches.
The five management measures selected for further analysis in this report were:
- Ultra low flush toilet replacement scheme.
- Variable flush retrofit devices.
- Low flow showers.
- Metering.
- Range of low water use fittings.
The report concludes that the highest water savings come from combined implementation strategies. For example, compulsory metering combined with fitting of variable flush retrofit devices and subsidising the end of life replacement of toilets with low flush models can achieve savings of 77.2 megalitres per day. The report concludes that improving water efficiency in existing homes can offset increased demand in high growth areas.

Meanwhile The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has published the report ‘Ofwat: Meeting the Demand for Water’ which concludes that Ofwat has not collected enough evidence on which water efficiency projects are most effective in helping consumers use less water. The report highlights that only 28% of UK households have a water meter. Therefore, 72% of consumers pay a fixed sum for their water supply and have no financial incentive to use water efficiently.

National Water Strategy

Back in April 2007 Ian Pearson MP, Minister of State for the Environment, announced that the Government would launch a consultation later in the year on a National Water Strategy. It is important for the Strategy to consider how the water sector can contribute to tackling climate change, including a combination of voluntary and mandatory measures.

"The water industry used 7,700 GWh of energy in its total operations during 2005/06, and emitted over 4 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. This is just under 1% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. The protection and restoration of water quality in the environment has a knock-on impact on energy requirements. While we have to keep improving water quality and the ecology it supports, we also have to ensure that current and future levels of demand are sustainable and can be provided at an acceptable cost – and that includes the cost of carbon.

Addressing diffuse pollution at source rather than in treatment works could result in energy savings, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although the water industry is under the climate change levy (CCL), it is not currently under any target to reduce its carbon emissions. This will have to change. The water sector would come under the proposed Energy Performance Commitment (EPC), if the Government decides to take this proposal forward.

In addition to the direct emissions from the water industry, there are very significant energy costs associated with many water uses in homes and businesses. Domestic hot water use – from baths, showers, taps and white goods but not from central heating – emits about 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year (over 5% of the UK’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions). Through greater water efficiency - a reduction of hot water use in households by just 15% would save the equivalent of taking 800,000 cars off the road."

For more information, click here

Ofwat to consult on future of Water Market

Joint research commissioned by the UK water regulator Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water shows that whilst most business customers (84%) are supportive of competition in principle, the same number also perceive 'barriers' to competition in the water industry. These include uncertainty about the way the market works and the inability of new entrants to secure a low cost wholesale price.

A comprehensive consultation by Ofwat into stimulating competition within the water industry, including the fragmentation of large water and sewage companies, was launched on Monday 16 July 2007.

Since a new law was passed in December 2005 allowing the 2,200 largest water users to choose which company provides them with water, a few new entrants have gained licences to supply water; however not a single customer has switched.

Critics claim the way the rules were drafted stifled competition while Ofwat is contemplating a range of improvements including reduction in the eligibility threshold to let smaller users switch water suppliers.

Advantica pilots new burst finding technology

Advantica recently teamed with Hyder Consulting and Hydrosave UK to deliver a broad range of leakage consultancy and project management capabilities for Severn Trent Water.

The effort was designed to evaluate how a burst finding algorithm in the SynerGEE® Water software Calibration Module could contribute efficiencies to Severn Trent Water’s proactive leakage management.

The method was applied in a pilot of three district metered area (DMA) networks of different size, configuration and pipe material. Hydrosave completed initial leakage surveys and information was imported into Severn Trent Water’s SynerGEE® hydraulic models for each of the three DMAs.

British Hydro Association Annual Conference

Birnham Institute, Perth, Scotland
10-11 October 2007
This event will incorporate a diverse range of conference sessions, a technical exhibition and a gala dinner with after dinner entertainment. Further details, including booking forms, will follow shortly.

CALL FOR PAPERS
Presenters are invited to submit a 200 word extract no later than 14 July 2007 together with their contact details (name, address, email, phone, fax) to BHA, by email to info@british-hydro.org or by fax to 01202 886609. There will be sessions covering the following topics:
The UK Hydro mix
An up-to-date review of the types of hydropower available for development in the UK. Types of hydropower to be considered: Tidal impoundment and the Severn Barrage, Pumped Storage, Micro hydro, Conventional storage and run-of-river hydro and Hydro in water supply and wastewater systems.
This session will be part of the opening session with the keynote speakers in
attendance.
Trouble at t’mill
We continue to encounter barriers to development of hydro despite the
Government’s commitment to increasing generation from renewable sources.
Topics can include: Planning, Abstraction licensing and application charges, The Renewables Obligation - what next?, The Public’s perception of hydro, Initial equipment and upfront costs, Innovative ways of overcoming barriers, New markets and products, Research and development, Approach to global markets, How to keep abreast of competition and Innovations and designs (including the opportunity to meet with visitors from overseas who have a role in their countries’ hydro sectors).

Exhibition
Companies interested in exhibiting should contact the BHA on 01202 880333 or
email info@british-hydro.org or by fax to 01202 886609.

Sponsorship
For a higher profile at this important event, why not take advantage of sponsorship
opportunities. For more details of the sponsorship package available, please contact the BHA on 01202 880333.

First zero-liquid discharge ethanol plant in the US

The production capacity of the U.S. ethanol industry was a mere 2.2 billion gallons per year when U.S. Water Services and Utility Chemicals Inc. merged in 2000. In the seven years since then, U.S. ethanol producers have added nearly 4 billion gallons of production capacity and U.S. Water Services has intuitively stepped up its operations to parallel that growth. While its original focus was on chemical sales, the challenges and opportunities presented by the ethanol build-out led the company to change its business philosophy and focus more on engineering, equipment and consulting services aimed at providing complete solutions to a company's water needs.

It is hardly surprising that a water services company would grow with the ethanol industry. As more dry-grind corn-based ethanol plants spring up in the Midwest, the demand for solutions to water issues follows. Challenges such as water discharge restrictions, shortages of available water resources and the increased sizes of production facilities are making water one of the most important considerations in ethanol plant construction or expansion.

The solutions to these problems range from conducting environmental studies to minimizing water discharge impact to—in extreme cases—the complete elimination of water discharge. Water availability concerns can be addressed in a number of ways. A 30% reduction in water used per gallon is becoming critical as the industry continues to grow, and the size of the ethanol plants increases. Most of the dry-mill plants built to date have used groundwater to supply their plants. The underground aquifer size and the number of users already on the aquifer will limit how much water a plant can take.

Minimizing fresh water intake is the first step in keeping a plant from outstripping its available water supply. More efficient use of that water is one way to reduce demand, but another possible solution is grey water. By utilizing water that has already been used in another process, the need for fresh water coming into the system can be reduced.

Although the Ethanol group is working on improvements in process technology in the corn-based ethanol sector, they is also preparing for the next generation of ethanol production—cellulosic ethanol. The commercialization of cellulosic ethanol production isn't yet a reality but the research and development is underway.

United Utilities fined £8.5m by Ofwat

The Water group has been fined by industry watchdog for "repeatedly" breaching trading rules during 2005-06. Ofwat found United Utilities failed "to establish prices by market testing" for eight deals with associate companies.

By not inviting companies to compete for contracts, United Utilities' customers could end up paying higher prices than necessary. Market testing enables water companies to obtain the best combination of price and quality of service for their business needs.

Ofwat estimates that the value of the trading arrangements that compromised the rules was "significant", at around £95m in the period October 2005 to March 2007. This is equivalent to around 8% of the company's turnover for the 2005-06 financial year.

The fine will have no impact on customers' bills, which are governed by price limits set in 2005, but will be borne by United Utilities' shareholders. In December last year, United Utilities undertook a legally binding agreement with Ofwat to stop trading arrangements that breached compliance rules with associate companies on or before April 30 this year.

Infrastructure growth limited to 1% this year

The Construction Products Association (CPA) has raised its predicted output this year but followed by a slowdown next year. An anticipated cooling in the housing market, together with poor delivery of planned investment by the water industry and the Highways Agency, will constrain growth, particularly next year.

The commercial sector is forecast to remain the motor of construction growth over the next three years, although the pace is expected to slow next year and in 2009 as the current tranche of orders is completed. Leisure-related output is foreseen to strengthen next year and in 2009 as Olympic projects gather pace.

The CPA predicts that public housing repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) output will recover over the next three years but warns that the government’s waning enthusiasm for upgrading social housing to the decent homes standard by 2010 will limit progress.

Less road construction and a weaker than expected pick-up in water industry investment are expected to limit infrastructure growth to 1% this year and the same next year. For more on this visit http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=30&storycode=3090106&c=0

Flooding

Flooding is partly a natural and partly a man-made phenomenon. It impacts on many aspects of water company activities and can have serious implications for water and wastewater services. The key role for the water industry is in planning for and minimising the risks presented by flooding.

Droughts and floods are two sides of the same coin: too much or too little water, in the wrong place at the wrong time. While droughts impact predominately on the supply of water, flooding tends to impact on both water supply and wastewater services.

For historical and economic reasons the UK has mostly combined the sewer systems in urban areas, to collect both foul sewage and surface water. When combined sewers cannot cope with heavy rainfall, the result can be surface flooding or 'backing up' of foul sewers.

The frequency of such events is predicted to increase with climate change. This may result in the review of sewer design and of flood risk management projects. The priority is the prevention of internal property flooding and the reduction of surface flooding when the sewer system is overwhelmed. In the current investment period, the industry is committed to spending of more than £1 billion in reducing the risk of sewer flooding.

What is needed is a clear designation of responsibilities and duties in this complex area and a greater emphasis on more sustainable or ‘softer’ approaches, including catchment solutions and integrated or sustainable urban drainage systems.

Water companies can also be victims of flooding events and storm surges. These can take out or impair asset performance and can have serious effects on customers.

Innovation Forum: Water Resources

Managing water supply and demand through innovation
Commonwealth Club, London 18/07/07

An industry conference dedicated to innovation in the water sector, focusing specifically on water resources. Activity will be discussed in the context of 25-year water resources plans (water resource plans became statutory in April 2007) and the PR09 business planning cycle to identify key areas for action.

This activity will bring together the industry, supply chain and key stakeholders to explore the issue of water resources and other challenges to be faced over the next 5, 10, 20 and 25 years. The Forum will include facilitated debate to establish new approaches, brainstorm solutions and also look at lessons that might be learnt from other sectors or other countries.

Breakout sessions will focus on different areas including climate change, consumers (covering social and demographic change), sustainable buildings and construction, achieving regional developments - housing and business and their impacts.

The event will provide sufficient time for participants to discuss relevant issues and to identify 4 themes or opportunities for innovation in the industry going forwards.

Documents to download are:
- Invitation
- Booking form
Contact Elaine Cox by email or call 020 7344 1834 for more information or to book a place.

EU to address water scarcity

The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers having concluded negotiations on the Floods Directive will move rapidly to deal with the Commission’s communication on water scarcity and drought.

This ties in with the forthcoming release of the Green Paper on Climate Change, with water being one of its components. Water UK welcomes these initiatives and supports the adoption of principles and recommendations at EU level but leaving implementation to member states.

2006-07 results are evidence of a strong water industry

Water companies in England and Wales are reporting good financial and operational results for the year up to 31 March.
Companies report steady progress with major capital expenditure programmes aimed at improving reliability and meeting statutory obligations for environmental improvement.
A Water UK background briefing has concluded the following:
Investment
• All water bill-payers, consumers and investors benefit from well-performing companies.
• The scale of capital investment by water companies sets them apart from other sectors - the industry regularly invests half its annual turnover.
• A large share of the investment is required by government to enable the country to comply with environmental directives.
Profits
• Company profits make possible investment that is transforming our rivers and beaches and reviving wildlife habitats and species long forgotten in many regions.
• Profits look high compared to other sectors because investment is high compared to other sectors.
• It is simplistic to quote or compare profits without quoting the investment they make possible and the rate of return to investors.
Prices
• Water prices are regulated by the independent Water Services Regulation Authority (the economic regulator Ofwat).
• Ofwat sets price limits for water companies to ensure that water services are delivered as efficiently as possible.
• In setting limits the regulator takes into account the investments required by government and consults extensively with environmental and drinking water regulators and water customers.

World Water Markets increase by 16% to US $312 billion in 2006

More than 7000 people die every day from contaminated water and food. Since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 the problem of water and food contamination increased even though the worldwide investment was 30% higher.

Higher amounts of water but not quality in most countries, is the result of a survey in more than 50 countries in the last 6 months. The main reasons but also the driving factors for the developments of the markets are:
- Lack of water treatment and sanitation facilities,
- Industrial water pollution,
- Ongoing shortage through climate change.

The worldwide markets for water and waste water investments and operations reached US$312 billion in 2006 and will increase up to US$625.7 billion in 2015. Asia is showing the highest growth rate and counted for US$26 billion in 2006. China alone counts for more than US$8 billion and will soon be the world's biggest market with more than US$25 billion.

The bottled water has the highest growth of 16% up to 2006 because of shortage and quality. The profit in this market is more than 18% in best practice comparison. Drinking water shows more than 12% growth and a profit of 20% in best practice comparison. The prices for drinking water will increase worldwide in the next 15 years more than 5 times from today because of shortage and quality security.

The waste water and process water markets fluctuate with the investment conditions and depend on the development of the economy. The growth rates will be between 7- 9% but the profit is 3-6% for best practice comparison. There is a trend to combine wastewater treatment and drinking water production so-called “total water concepts” to reduce both cost and shortage and therefore increase efficiency. The waste water markets count for 60% of the total water market.

Water desalination and water disinfection show as segments of the markets with high growth and profit potentials. But nanotechnology and molecular science will change most of the technologies in the water markets in the future.

SOURCE: Helmut Kaiser Consultancy

How the Carbon Trust can help making business sense of climate change

Products and services that can help turn opportunities for cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions into real cost savings for your company.

22 May 2007 – Village Hotel, Coryton, Cardiff
30 May 2007 – Ramada Plaza, Wrexham 10:30am – 3pm

Come along to this free event to identify how the Carbon Trust can help your business to mitigate the risk of Climate Change, contribute to the future low carbon economy and save you money.

Topics covered include:
• Free advice to save money and energy
• Interest free Energy Efficiency Loans
• Support for Low Carbon Innovation
• Buildings Design Advice
For more information and to register your place
visit http://carbontrust.quadrant.uk.com/

WATER MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN GLOBAL CHANGE - De Montfort University, Leicester 3/5 September 2007

The ninth Computer Control in the Water Industry (CCWI) conference in collaboration with the Sustainable Urban Water Management (SUWM) aims to facilitate cooperation between water practitioners and researchers and provide a forum for discussion of topical themes on urban water management, computing and control, including water conservation and recycling.

The conference will cover issues of concern to both developed and developing countries and papers focusing on developing countries are particularly welcome.

If you are interested in attending please contact Margaret Barton by Email ccwi2007_suwm2007@dmu.ac.uk or tel: +44 (0)116 2506213. For more information, visit www.dmu.ac.uk/ccwi2007_suwm2007

GLOBAL WATER EFFICIENCY SUMMIT - 25/26 June 2007, Hotel Russell, London

Demonstrating the Costs: Benefits and Savings of Water Efficient Technologies from Leading International Pilot Projects and Case Studies
With the growing need to maintain adequate water supplies in the face of low rainfall and planned urban developments, UK and overseas water utilities must look at ways on which they can increase water reuse and recycling.

This conference will examine the cost-benefits and effectiveness of water efficient devices within the domestic and commercial spheres. Delegates will be able to assess the commercial viability and payback savings of specific re-use technologies in grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting from a range of interesting global case studies.

For further information, please call London Business Conferences on ++ 44 (0) 207 749 0470, email info@london-business-conferences.co.uk or visit www.global-water-efficiency.com

CIWEM calls for greater recognition of our heritage assets

CIWEM has published its latest Policy Position Statement (PPS), which highlights the importance of the UK’s heritage assets and the threats they face, particularly in the context of the water environment and climate change.

Heritage water assets range from man made to naturalised features, with decorative, functional and industrial aspects. Important historic land-uses include water meadows, historic gardens and parklands.

Managing our heritage assets and the historic environment requires high levels of professional expertise and the engagement of the public and local communities. The report concludes that, amongst others, there is a need for:
- Continued support for initiatives to improve the knowledge base and wider appreciation of heritage resources, especially those related to water resources, water recreation, and wastewater management.
- Greater support for initiatives that seek to understand and conserve our heritage at a landscape scale rather than a site scale; and to understand the links between the built and natural heritage, especially in water management.
- Active protection and conservation of heritage assets and the historic environment through the planning and development control system.
- Better understanding of the impact of climate change on the historic environment and future conservation management needs, and greater recognition of associated wider water and environmental management issues.

To read the full PPS or any of CIWEM’s other position statements, please visit www.ciwem.org/policy/policies/index.asp

Water, Climate and Environment - Solutions and the Bottom Line, CIWEM & CMS Conference

Finding the right contacts – can you help?
13th June 2007, London
The aim of this conference is to showcase the developing solutions organisations are using to address the current climate change and environmental agenda.

The water sector in the broadest sense from government, agencies, consultants, NGOs, consumer groups and retail is very diverse and this is the range they are seeking to engage.

The programme for this conference can be downloaded from http://www.ciwem.org/events/water_climate_environment_13062007.doc

Ofwat Report - International Comparison of Water Service

‘International Comparison of Water and Sewerage Service 2007’ compares the performance of water companies in countries across the world and in a range of areas, including water quality and environmental performance.

In the area of water quality the report only looks at variations in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Portugal. Therefore, a comparison of the UK in terms of a worldwide context is difficult.

In the area of environmental performance it concludes that:

- 43% of sewage in England and Wales receives tertiary treatment,

- England and Wales have one of the highest compliance rates in the EU with the Bathing Water Directive.

For more information, click here

Ofwat Report - Market Competition in the Water Sector

'Outcomes of Ofwat’s Internal Review of Market Competition in the Water Sector’ mainly looks at the Water Supply Licensing regime.

The review was conducted as a result of Ofwat's conclusion that the current regime is not, and is not likely to be, successful in delivering either effective competition or customer benefits.

Amongst its conclusions the report states that the Costs Principle - the mandatory regime for setting access prices payable by a water supply licensee to an appointed water company - is one of the biggest obstacles to the development of competition in water supply.

For more information, click here

Ofwat Forward Programme

Ofwat has published its ‘Forward Programme 2007-08 to 2009-10’, which outlines the strategic focus of Ofwat over the next three years.

In the area of harnessing market forces, incentives and innovation, the Forward Programme states that Ofwat will:
• Challenge water companies to produce investment plans as part of a long-term cost-beneficial plan for its consumers and environment.
• Challenge water companies to produce a strategic direction statement that sets out its long-term vision and why this benefits its consumers and the environment.

In the area of better regulation and simplification, the Forward Programme states that Ofwat will:
• Develop and implement a simplification plan for consultation in the late summer of 2007.
• Develop their impact assessment tool.

For more information, click here

Roadmapping the Water Sector - Where are we going? Port Talbot 23/04/2007

This event succesfully focused on the drivers for innovation that are influencing the water sector now and will also influence it in the future. Over 30 delegates heard about the water companies’ perspective on innovation, the UK Government plans for the sector, opportunities in the commercial sector and a case study on identifying future and current needs.

The feedback has been very positive in terms of networking including several meetings with potential customers taking place as the outcome.

You can download the following presentations:

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
United Utilities - View from the North West
UKWIR - Barriers to Innovation in the Water Sector
Water Development Services - What is the marketplace looking for?

If you have any other feedback or any comments about this event in particular or about this type of event please let us know by posting your views here.

Defra Consultations

Non-agricultural diffuse water pollution in England and Wales and mechanisms to deliver Water Framework Directive requirements on hydromorphology
The deadline for responses to both consultations is 28 May 2007. For more information visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nadwp-hydromorphology/index.htm

Proposed changes to powers to restrict non-essential uses of water
This consultation paper sets out proposals to modernise the scope of hosepipe bans and drought orders which restrict or prohibit discretionary and non-essential uses of water. The deadline for responding to the consultation is 15 June 2007. For more information visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/water-restrictions/index.htm

CIWEM - Government Consultations

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Consultation on a Draft Marine Bill http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/marinebill-whitepaper07/marinebill-whitepaper.pdf
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 25/05/07

Communities and Local Government
Development and Flood Risk: A Practice Guide Companion to PPS25 'Living Draft' http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1506265
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 07/08/07

CIWEM Conferences

Energy Saving Strategies for Water & Wastewater Treatment
Early December 2007, Leeds
Speakers & sponsors are sought
Contact Frances Eldon at Aqua Enviro by email: franceseldon@aquaenviro.co.uk

CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group:Lessons Learnt From The European Floods
24th May 2007, Birmingham
Contact Fola Ogunyoye by email: f.ogunyoye@royalhaskoning.com

Flood Management Autumn/Winter 2007, London
Sponsors to date: Atkins, MWH, Mouchel Parkman
Extreme Flooding 2008 (follow on from the 2006 conference), London
Sponsors to date: MWH
Contact Bob Earll at CMS by email: bob.earll@coastms.co.uk or tel: 01531 890415

2007 EPSRC Case Awards - Call for Proposals

Deadline for submissions is Friday 27th April 2007 5pm.

EPSRC (The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) has given an allocation of 3 SME Industrial Case Awards to the Welsh Assembly Government for small companies to work with any UK University.

Research projects must fit in with the remit of EPSRC, i.e. be in the field of engineering and physical sciences and be of a suitable research content to qualify for the research students PhD. The industrial partner is required to make a financial contribution of at least 1/3rd of the costs of the project, i.e. a contribution of £7000/per year.

To request the application form and for more details please contact Penny Woodman, Wales Relay Case Officer, on 02920 828631 or 0790 171 6891 or by e-mail penny.woodman@wales.gsi.gov.uk. This form should be completed and returned electronically to her by the deadline, to be followed by a hard copy to her attention (Enterprise Innovation & Networks, Welsh Assembly Government, Plas Glyndwr, Kingsway, Cardiff CF10 3AH) signed by both the company and the University by Tuesday 1st May 2007.

Proposals will be judged by a panel and all applicants informed of the panel decision by Friday 11th May 2007.

Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) for Water Technologies

The ECAs Scheme enables businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in technologies and products that encourage sustainable water use. Businesses are now able to write off the whole cost of their investment against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment.

For suppliers to register your water efficiency product in the Water Technology List see the guidance in Criteria and Applications.

For end-user companies to identify which products and technologies are included on the Water Technology List see Products and Claims.

For more information visit http://www.eca-water.gov.uk/

Roadmapping the Water Sector - Where are we going?

Monday 23 April 2007 at Technium Sustainable Technologies, Port Talbot

This FREE event is aimed at water industry professionals, specialist providers of water and wastewater services and products and researchers in the sector.

• Receive information about the drivers for innovation that are influencing the water sector now and will also influence it in the future.

• Hear about the water companies’ perspective on innovation; the UK Government plans for the sector; opportunities in the commercial sector; and a case study on identifying future and current needs.

There will also be presentations on support for companies in Wales and opportunities for end users and suppliers to network with one another and with other experts.

Download the event invitation, programme and registration form. For more information please contact Jenesys Associates on 029 2076 4803 or e-mail jenny@jenesysassociates.co.uk

Welsh Assembly Government Consultation on Adaptation Plan to Climate Change

Closing date is 27th April 2007
There is no denying that climate change will have serious consequences for people and the environment across the world.

Action must be taken now to cut emissions of the greenhouse gases that are causing climate change or the world will have to face even more severe impacts in the future. At the same time action must be taken to adapt to the changes already underway. Decades of change are already built into the climate system as a result of previous emissions – the response to these changes must begin now.

These changes will affect, to a lesser or greater extent, every aspect of our lives and adaptation measures will need to be integrated across organisations and policy areas. The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) climate change scenarios are based on different projections of future emissions.

Under three broad themes, the Adaptation Action Plan consultation outlines the impacts that we can expect as a result of climate change, which sectors they will affect and what is being done about them already. These themes are:
• Increased temperatures.
• Pressure on water resources.
• Increased risk of flooding and extreme weather events.

For more details visit http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/envandcouncurrcons/1252231/?lang=en where you can download the consultation document.

EA Consultation on Identifying Areas of Water Stress

Responses due by 24 April 2007
The Environment Agency would like your views on their proposed method of identifying those areas of England that have different levels of water stress. By classifying areas in this way the activities aimed at saving water can be focussed in those areas where there is greatest need and greatest potential benefit.

Where population and demand for water are forecast to increase, the pressures on water resources will multiply. If the needs of society and the economy are to be met without over-exploiting our environment, we must understand how to target water efficiency activities to achieve a sustainable balance between water supply, demand and the environment.

To reflect these concerns, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) set up the Water Saving Group (WSG) to identify practical ways in which they can work with members of the water industry to encourage households to use water more efficiently. Defra, Communities and Local Government (CLG), the economic regulator the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), the Consumer Council for Water, representatives from water companies, Water UK, Waterwise and ourselves are all members of the WSG.

The WSG’s action plan includes developing a method of identifying those areas of England that have different levels of water stress. By classifying areas in this way the group can focus activities aimed at saving water in those areas where there is greatest need and greatest potential benefit.

The EA has developed a method of determining the level of water stress for individual water company areas in England on behalf of the WSG. They are now consulting on their approach and the results of applying it to water company areas. This will allow water companies and other organisations to introduce water saving measures in proportion to the level of water stress.

Alongside this consultation on water stressed areas, Defra is also consulting on extending opportunities for metering in areas of serious water stress. The advice the EA gives to the Secretary of State on areas of water stress will form an important part of this proposal.

Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1690000/?version=1&lang=_e for more information and to download the consultation document.

EA Consultation on the principles of a Unified Charging Framework

Responses due by 24 April 2007
The Environment Agency is required by Government to recover the costs of its main regulatory services from the companies it regulates. They currently have over twenty charging schemes relating to different regulatory regimes. Whilst they have moved towards a more harmonised approach to charging over recent years, there are still fundamental differences. Modernisation of the way the EA regulates is an ideal opportunity to also consider how to modernise their approach to charging. They are therefore consulting on the development of a Unified Charging Framework (UCF) that would provide a long-term strategic solution, leading to simplified and harmonised charging schemes.

This consultation sets out the principles on which any new UCF should be based and provides an outline of the proposed framework. The aim of this consultation is to get some early feedback on the proposed principles of the UCF.

While the principles proposed would, if supported, eventually apply to all relevant regimes across EP and Water Management (WM), the EA suggests that the UCF be initially applied to current charges for Waste Management Licensing (WML), Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and Water Quality Charges for Discharges (CFD). However, over time they are considering introducing the framework for most of our Environmental Protection and Water Management charges.

If you have any questions regarding our charging proposals please contact Dan Blythe on 01454 624 485 or by e-mail to daniel.blythe@environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/1692070/ for more details.

International Water and Effluent (IWEX) Conference - 1 May 2007 NEC Birmingham

IWEX is part of Sustainabilitylive! the UK’s largest forum for excellence and innovation in environment, water, land and energy.

Climate change, shortage of supply and floods and the standards set in the Water Framework Directive are all becoming urgent priorities. At IWEX 2007 leading experts from Government and industry will provide clear guidance on how policy, pricing and practice will have to change as we face up to these challenges.

Main topics include:
• The Future of the Water Environment.
• Using Water Efficiently: Intelligent Water Conservation.
• Periodic Review 2010-2015.

Key speakers include:
• Sir John Harman - Chairman Environment Agency
• Martin Hurst - Director of Water Defra (invited)
• Pamela Taylor - Chief Executive Water UK
• George Day - Head of Capital Maintenance, Ofwat

Visit www.iwex.co.uk for information on exhibitors, free seminars and how to register.

CIWEM Seminar on the WFD and New Groundwater Directive - Austin Court Birmingham

Provisionally booked for 17th April 2007, 10.30 – 16.00
Groundwater is a key component of the land and water cycle but this is not always recognised by policy makers and water managers. This has been demonstrated by a recent report from the Environment Agency which highlights the significant ongoing degradation of groundwater quality in the UK and the threats to its future sustainability.
A new EU directive on protection of groundwater has recently been adopted by the EU. It is a key daughter directive of the Water Framework Directive which expands and amplifies specific requirements relating to groundwater as well as replacing the former groundwater directive which will be repealed. Implementation of this new directive as part of the WFD provides a vital regulatory framework within which we can begin to address the long neglected pressures on groundwater.
This CIWEM seminar is aimed not just at groundwater specialists but at all those with a role in sustainable management of water. The programme provides an important opportunity to hear from key experts about how proper implementation of the groundwater aspects of the WFD could make a real difference to the future of this vital resource.
For further information about this conference please contact Alastair Moseley, E-mail: alastair.moseley@hyderconsulting.com

CIWEM Consultations

CIWEM responds to a wide range of consultation documents as part of its technical and policy output. Please visit www.ciwem.org/policy/consultation to view recent consultation responses made by the Institution.

Current consultations in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs related to Water Sector are:

Consultation on outcome measures and prioritisation approaches for flood and coastal erosion risk management.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fm-outcomes/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 02/03/07.


Amendment of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 and the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001.
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterregs-amend/index.htm
Contact alastair@ciwem.org by 12/03/07.

Technology Roadmap for Northern Water Utilities - Manchester 30 March 2007

This event will outline the findings of Envirolink Northwest’s report into the technology requirements of the Northern Water Utilities (Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities). Compiled by Mouchel Parkman the report is being produced to help communicate these needs to the water and wastewater supplier base, Universities and research organisations in the North of England.

The objectives of the study include:
· Identify strategic technology requirements of water utilities in Northern England.
· Highlight priorities in the short, medium and long-term.
· Discuss areas of mutual interest including any overlap with UK and EU technology platforms.
· Propose possible methods for engaging the knowledge and supplier base.

There will be a series of presentations plus an excellent opportunity to network at the buffet lunch. Key speakers include:
· Jackie Seddon, Chief Executive - Envirolink Northwest.
· Piers Clark, Managing Director Utilities - Mouchel Parkman.
· Brenda Franklin, Process Manager - Earth Tech.
· Stephen Loader, Knowledge transfer manager - NERC.

For more details e-mail events@envirolinknorthwest.co.uk or book on-line at www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk

European Water Association (EWA) Water Conference at IFAT 2008

The European Water Association (EWA) has issued a Call for Abstracts for the 3rd joint conference "Sustainable Water Management in response to 21st century pressures" of the 3 associations Water Environment Federation (WEF), Japan Sewage Works Association (JSWA) and the European Water Association (EWA) during IFAT 2008 from 5 - 9 May 2008 in Munich, Germany.

The event focuses on how industry can develop practical responses to the changing pressures that will emerge, from among other things, climate change. The conference will examine the issues and suggest ways that some of the effects can be mitigated.

The timetable is as follows:
▪ Submission of abstracts by 26 March 2007.
▪ Notification of acceptance by 30 April 2007.
▪ Submission of final manuscript by 29 October 2007.

Electronic versions of this submission form are available at www.ewaonline.de/downloads/IFAT2008_CfA.doc

Further details can be obtained from Nadine Schulte, Technical Management Assistant, EWA, Phone: +49 (0) 2242 872-189, Fax : +49 (0) 2242 872-135, E-mail: schulte@dwa.de and web: www.EWAonline.de