Led by: United Utilities
Partners: Southern Water, Thames Water, University of Portsmouth, Power & Water, Evergreen, Hydro Industries, Kolina
The water industry is heavily dependent on the use of metal based coagulants for the removal of phosphorus on rural wastewater treatment plants. The fragility of this approach has been highlighted as recently as September 2021 when the BBC reported on the need for the Environment Agency to allow reductions in chemical use to address lorry driver shortages. We need more sustainable solutions if we are to maintain water quality within our watercourses and reduce our carbon footprints. United Utilities will lead a project providing a holistic view of what can be achieved using alternative phosphorus removal approaches. The UK water industry spends in the region of £39M/year on metal coagulants. Finding a suitable alternative would reduce this and the carbon associated with the manufacture and delivery of these chemicals.
For more information on this initiative, you can watch our interview with the winner, or read the below case study.
