Upstream Thinking
The research project aims to understand and quantify the change brought about through the Upstream Thinking programme, South West Water’s catchment management initiative.
Tackling the most pressing environmental challenges of our time
The first purpose-built, transdisciplinary research centre in the water sector
The Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) was created and funded in partnership between the University of Exeter, South West Water and Research England.
Based on our Streatham Campus, CREWW has been established to undertake research into some of the most pressing Environmental challenges in our time. Namely, how we can manage our precious natural resources in ways which are sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change and population growth.
Our research
Drinking water quality
About two-thirds of tap water in the UK comes from reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. Our research focuses on the management of catchments upstream of drinking water abstraction points, and how different management practices affect water quality.
We have demonstrated that an appropriate combination of measures can lead to water quality improvements which reduce the need for costly treatment of issues including colour and dissolved organic carbon.
Waste water quality
A changing climate and increasing population mean that there is a growing risk of water shortages in the UK and globally. Unless we find new ways to store, treat, transfer and recycle water, it may become very difficult to meet the needs of people whilst also protecting habitats and wildlife. And as water quality suffers in drier conditions, water treatment costs may increase markedly.
Our research focuses on the widest range of nature-based, behavioural, economic and engineering-based measures to protect precious natural resources and promote sustainable consumption.
Pollution incidents
Pollution from the sewer network can occur due to leaks, pump failures, pipe blockages (including from fatbergs) and flooding. With the right monitoring and management, risk assessment, operational practices and training, the impact of pollution incidents can be reduced and their impact minimised.
Our research focuses on new approaches for predicting pollution, and the development of technology and practices which minimise the likelihood of it occurring.
Leakage
Some leaks in water pipes are inevitable as pipes can wear out or be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. However leakage can also be affected by operational strategies (for example pressure management), network characteristics, asset condition and age.
Our research aims to understand the factors that influence leakage, support early detection and identify new solutions to minimise water loss, prevent supply disruptions and reduce operating costs.
Resilience
Underpinning our more applied, sector-focussed research is a portfolio of pure research projects which deepen our understanding of the interactions between the hydrological cycle and soils, geomorphology, ecology, climate and land use.
This deeper understanding informs our sector-focussed research programmes, and ultimately will lead to more effective interventions by water and land managers, industry and regulators alike.
Latest news
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The transdisciplinary research centre at Exeter provides a great opportunity to help answer some of the big questions facing the water sector. The centre will be a focal point, not only for trialling new solutions but also for bringing together regulators, utilities, the supply chain and academia.
Steve Kaye
Chief Executive of UKWIR
