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.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.”
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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