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PEDAL

PEDAL Prediction and Early Detection of Algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs

Challenge: Breakthrough 5: Catalyst
Water cycle: Water abstraction and storage
Funding amount: £1,949,171
Lead water company: South West Water
Partner water companies: Affinity Water Anglian Water Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) Northumbrian Water Severn Trent Water Wessex Water
Delivery stage: In progress

PEDAL Prediction and Early Detection of Algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs 

Amount awarded: £1,949,171 

Led by: South West Water 

Partners: University of Exeter, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, South West Lakes Trust, Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water), Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water, Northumbrian Water, Wessex Water, Affinity Water, Westcountry Rivers Trust, Cardiff University, CSIR, Environment Agency, University of Waikato, NexusBit Integral, Western Cape Department of Water and Sanitation, NASA BioScape, Korea Environment Institute, Northern Ireland Water, Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 

Algal blooms damage water quality and wildlife and are costly to treat. By predicting them in advance we protect nature, reduce water treatment costs and keep water safe and affordable for everyone. 

“To innovate, you need two things, investment, and brilliant minds. Today’s announcement, part of a £2.17m project, reflects both, as we invest in pioneering forecasting tools to transform how the sector will manage algae blooms, supporting a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem.” 

Susan Davy, Chief Executive Officer, South West Water 

Image credit – South West Water 

Image caption: Climate change risks increasing algal bloom formations, such as these seen on the margins of this drinking water reservoir