Tap Water Forensics

Tap Water Forensics

Led by:  Severn Trent Water

Partners: The Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Anglian Water, United Utilities, Welsh Water, Thames Water, South East Water, Southern Water

Our project will develop the use of genetic sequencing in drinking water treatment. Unlike current tests, genetic sequencing can determine all the bacterial species present in water. This will significantly improve the speed and accuracy of water quality investigations. We hope customers in England and Wales will benefit from a £3-5m/year reduction in bills, enabled by improved efficiency in water quality investigations; as well as a reduction in unplanned remedial work and disruption to supplies.

“This is an exciting opportunity to develop the science of genetic sequencing to help protect drinking water supplies. This will revolutionise our ability to monitor and investigate water quality failures in much the same way that DNA testing revolutionised criminal investigations.” – Keiron Maher, Innovation Architect, Severn Trent Water

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Update from the project (April 2025)

Phase 2 – Sampling and data generation. All samples have now been completed, and these are currently being genomic sequenced by CEH with a target completion date of mid-April 2025. Once completed the data will be analysed using the working data science analytical model the project has developed to identify abnormalities from samples taken at a range of points through the water treatment process. We have also undertaken experiments to simulate the impact of ingress on the genomic sequence of water in the distribution system.