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SandSCAPE 

SandSCAPE Science and Novel Devices for Sustainable Cleaning and Productivity Enhancement

Challenge: Breakthrough 5: Catalyst
Water cycle: Clean water treatment
Funding amount: £1,968,390
Lead water company: Thames Water
Partner water companies: Affinity Water Northumbrian Water South West Water
Delivery stage: In progress

SandSCAPE Science and Novel Devices for Sustainable Cleaning and Productivity Enhancement 

Amount awarded: £1,968,390 

Led by: Thames Water 

Partners: Affinity Water, Northumbrian Water, South West Water 

Slow sand filtration is a nature-based chemical free drinking water technology which is in need of modernisation. We will test robotic underwater skimming machines to clean filters, and remove algae, whilst they remain full of water. This will improve efficiency and resilience, benefiting customers and the environment. 

“The funding of the SandSCAPE project will deliver significant benefits to drinking water customers and the environment. By modernising existing slow sand filter assets with innovative robotic technology, our partnership will be securing a more resilient and efficient water treatment process for the long term.” 

Martin Padley, Director of Water, Thames Water 

Image credit: Michael Chipps, Thames Water Utilities Limited 

Image caption: Our prototype underwater skimming robot in action.