In 2010 WRc was appointed a a consultant partner under Yorkshire Water's (YW's) AMP5 Research & Development Framework. Since then, WRc has been working closely with YW on their programme of targeted R&D projects that will, in the longer term, support achievement of the Company's priorities set out in their Strategic Direction Statement (SDS) - 'Striking the right balance'.
On leakage, YW aspire to halve their existing leakage level. WRc has been working with them to prepare a strategy to enable this ambitious objective. Through detailed discussions, meetings and workshops with other framework consultancy and university partners and YW own staff, a roadmap with underlying work packages has been developed. These projects cover all aspects of leakage management: 'find & fix' (including appropriate data collection and management, techniques and technologies), internal and external factors influencing leakage, and potential technology developments that could help reduce leakage significantly.
The programme of projects being delivered under the R&D framework will identify options for leakage reduction in the short, medium and long term. The projects will also contribute to areas such as improving YW's estimates of current leakage levels in the shorter term.
For further information contact Carmen Snowdon at carmen.snowdon@wrcplc.co.uk or 01793 865150.