Media

Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy have secured funding for two ground-breaking projects, after winning Ofwat’s inaugural Innovation in Water Challenge (IWC).

Winners of the first ever IWC were announced today (Wednesday, 21st April 2021), which aims to encourage new ways of working and improve collaboration and partnerships from within and outside the water sector.

Hafren Dyfrdwy will work in collaboration with Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), Costain Ltd and Focus Sensors to investigate leak detection using unexploited optical fibre strands in existing telecoms cables.  This will help to detect and therefore prevent leaks in water and wastewater networks more effectively and efficiently.  

Severn Trent will work in collaboration with the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), South East Water Ltd and Thames Water Ltd on supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances using behavioural and data science.  This will include improving engagement with hard-to-reach customers and communities during planned and unplanned events, including help to manage bills and understanding which forms of communication customers prefer.

Rich Walwyn, Head of Asset Intelligence & Innovation at Severn Trent, said: “We’re delighted that Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy have been named winners in Ofwat’s first ever innovation competition. Working with our project partners, we believe that this funding will support two projects that have the potential to make a real difference for our customers.  Partnership and collaborative working are key themes than run throughout each of them – making them a perfect fit for Ofwat’s Innovation in Water Challenge.”