July 10, 2023
breakthrough-2 winnersLed by: Yorkshire Water
Partners: Affinity Water, Thames Water Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Scottish Water, Cymru Welsh Water, SES Water
Competition: Water Breakthrough Challenge 2
Funding awarded: £173,880
The UK relies on a system of around 350,000km of clean water distribution pipes to meet its drinking, washing and cleaning needs. However, changing environmental circumstances due to climate change and increasing demand is affecting the integrity of water networks.
Yorkshire Water estimates that the cost to replace just 1% of the pipe network is at least £600 million, but that much more than that needs replacing each year to prevent leaks. In addition, the associated construction work required causes disruption for customers and suppliers, as well as potential water quality and environmental issues.
Yorkshire Water’s Designer Liner project explored new or existing pipe linings that could address this challenge and reinvigorate the UK lining market, which has become stagnant in recent years.
The first phase of the Designer Liner project, supported by the Ofwat Innovation Fund, scoped out products from around the world to identify existing solutions with potential for adaptation or implementation in the UK. Finding that there was no suitable solution in existence, the team set out to design a specification for a liner fit to meet the challenges of a 21st century water network.
The second phase of the project, which will be supported by funding from the Transform Stream of Water Breakthrough Challenge 3, will develop this specification into a product – due to be reported on towards the end of 2026. The project will overcome the current technical, regulatory, financial and market confidence barriers and deliver a liner solution which is ready to be taken forward by the supply chain for UK water industry.
“The water sector, lining industry and regulators have seen the potential benefits of the Designer Liner project during phase one, and we’re thrilled to have secured funding for phase two, which will see the development of a lining solution fit for a 21st century water network. Adoption of this solution will lead to a more resilient network, resulting in better service for our customers and measurable carbon savings. We were delighted to work with fantastic partners during phase one, and look forward to collaborating even more widely during phase two.”
This case study was featured in the Ofwat Innovation Fund 2023 Annual Report – read more:
