New project set to transform catchment monitoring and better protect water quality
JBA Consulting takes the technology lead in a new £1.15 million collaboration for earlier, smarter identification of risks to drinking water sources. Read on to discover more.
What is the project?
Smart Watch is a new two-year innovation project exploring how water companies can spot potential threats to drinking water sources earlier and more efficiently.
Led by Affinity Water, the Ofwat-funded project brings together JBA Consulting, SatSense, Aberystwyth University, communications specialists SPRING and eight other water companies. The consortium will explore how satellite imagery, artificial intelligence (AI), Earth Observation and environmental modelling can support the monitoring of large areas of land surrounding water sources and identify potential risks.
Earlier insight, better-targeted action
Water companies already use satellite imagery in different ways alongside site checks and other monitoring to identify changes across catchments. From new developments and changing land use to riverbank erosion and agricultural activity, Smart Watch will test whether artificial intelligence and automated technology can help identify those changes more accurately and efficiently across larger areas.
The project will explore in-season crop mapping, detection of higher-risk activities, pollutant transport modelling and the use of radar satellite data that can provide insight despite cloud cover.
The aim is for catchment monitoring teams to assess potential risks sooner and focus resources where they are most needed.
Andrew Gubbin, Director at JBA Consulting, said:
“Two years in the making, the Smart Watch project shows what is possible when different expertise comes together. By combining our innovative approaches to satellite technology and environmental modelling with water industry knowledge, we are developing new ways to better understand, monitor and manage catchments."
"Working closely with Affinity Water, our team is leading the technology development for Smart Watch - combining our expertise in Earth Observation, machine learning and technical delivery with the specialist knowledge of our project partners including eight water companies. Together, we're creating a clearer picture of changes happening on the ground and exploring how this approach can support water companies in monitoring catchments more efficiently and target interventions where they can have the greatest impact.”
Steve Plumb, Director of Asset Management & Capital Delivery at Affinity Water, said:
“Our catchments cover huge areas, and what happens on the land can ultimately affect the water sources and environment we rely on. Smart Watch is an exciting opportunity to explore whether satellite technology can give our teams a clearer picture of how those areas are changing. Investing in new technology like this is about finding smarter and more efficient ways to protect our water sources.”
“If we can identify potential risks earlier, our teams can focus their time and expertise where it is needed most, helping us get more from our resources while taking an even more proactive approach to protecting water quality.”
Technology leadership
We are delighted to collaborate with partners who bring water-sector experience, specialist remote-sensing knowledge, research capability and communications expertise.
Smart Watch’s responsible approach of testing assumptions, sharing successes and lessons, and focusing efforts on emerging outcomes, reflects our own commitment to practical innovation and environmental resilience.
Smart Watch has been designed for wider industry benefit to help accelerate proactive catchment monitoring across the UK water sector.
Read the Affinity Water Press Release here.
