Water Quality in Water Resource Planning

Our team filled a fundamental gap in the Water Resources Management Planning (WRMP) process, considering the impact of climate change on water quality, not only the quantity, of water available.

Utilised

current literature, research and a range of water quality monitoring data as well as the Water Resources Management Planning (WRMP) process

Evaluated

the quality and quantity of water quality monitoring data, and the severity of impacts such as extreme weather events and climate change on drinking water quality and availability

Created

a more robust Water Resource Management Plan process, accounting for some of the future water supply risks which may be missed out within the current process

Climate change questions remain unanswered

Water Resource Management Planning (WRMP) is a required function and statutory requirement for water companies to ensure the long-term balance between supply and demand is maintained, whilst addressing a number of challenges now and in the future.

The current WRMP process considers the impact of climate change on the quantity of water available, but there is little consideration of how climate change will impact the quality of the available water. This raises several questions which remain unanswered by the National Framework for Water Resources, touching upon long-term water quality risk...

How well understood are the longer-term risks, in terms of factors impacting on raw water quality (such as agricultural pollution and pesticides), as well as climate change and risks (such as treatment work processes and treatment work costs)?

Is the current data collected by regulators and water companies sufficient to make a robust longer-term assessment of raw water quality risks in relation to factors such as source availability and compliance?

Is there sufficient data to make robust historic assessments and analyse periods of extreme weather such as floods and droughts?

Our solution for a robust WRMP process

Review and assessment

Our experts reviewed current literature and research around future water quality risks, focusing on the impact of climate change, and identified how this may affect future water supply to provide a high-level assessment of the potential risks.

Guidance creation

Best practice guidance was developed in terms of water treatment works data collection and monitoring, for companies to ensure they can better understand the linkage between raw water quality and the outputs from the process.

Framework development

A risk management framework was designed to help companies justify data improvements, thereby enhance their assessment of long-term raw water quality risks due to climate change.

Trusted industry-wide to deliver authoritative advice

Research driven by environmental evidence

Addressing fundamental climate challenges

Helping solve problems with technical expertise and innovative solutions

Whether you are a multi-national corporate, a regulated utility company, a government department, a contractor or an independent technology developer or supplier our team will work with you to deliver exceptional service and create valued solutions for your needs.

Tell me about WRc

WRc Portfolio

Portfolio allows companies to share knowledge and jointly fund research focused on specific needs in the industry, from operational problems and regulatory issues to preparation for future challenges. It has been running for over 20 years, with project ideas being proposed by experts within WRc, based on contact with our clients across the industry.

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If you would like more information about any of our products or services, or have a question please don't hesitate to get in touch. One of our friendly team will get back to you promptly.

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