We need clean water. We need it to keep ourselves clean, to water our plants, and, most of all, to drink and stay hydrated. When clean water turns dirty, we naturally run into a few problems. Polluted water is obviously unsafe for human consumption, but it’s also harmful to the environment and to certain industries.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous stories in the news about the damage that has been done to Britain’s waterways. Time and time again, industrial plants and sewage companies have been caught tipping all of their toxic waste into some of Britain’s most important rivers.
But now, finally, it seems that the tide is finally turning, after enough fuss has been kicked up by environmental activists, politicians, and locals who are sick of having their local water supplies contaminated. The narrative has changed, and now the wheels are finally turning on new ways to source and treat our water, as well as the best ways to utilise new technologies.
Better Filtration Systems
UK water companies, like Xylem, are now investing in advanced filtration systems that can purify water to a degree that was previously thought to be impossible. These major shifts at the treatment stage result in new ultrapure water, that goes through dozens of filtration stages that wipe out more contaminants than ever before.
This means that it’s not only more than capable of doing the usual stuff, like cleaning dishes and washing clothes, but also for industrial use in manufacturing, and in medical fields, where it’s needed for sterile water for injection. These processes require water to be extremely clean, since any errors could lead to mass production defects or health issues for real people, so getting the filtration done properly is vital.
Better Monitoring
Keeping track of an entire country’s water supply is no small feat – especially when you consider that it’s now done in real time. Yes, our water systems are now being monitored constantly using sensors that have been placed in sewage systems, reservoirs, and rivers. As a result, engineers now have nearly infinite amounts of data on the UK’s water systems at their fingertips.
This can come in handy if there are any major problems or changes to the water supply itself, the response can be quick and, and hopefully, the situation will be handled properly. These new trackers have been a huge upgrade to the UK’s water system, bringing the old, archaic water system into the modern world by making it more responsive and accurate overall.
More Accountability
The government has announced that water companies will soon be required to go through multiple checks and inspections. This came after the incandescent public reaction to a few notable instances of pollution incidents that had a huge impact on thousands across the country and damaged local wildlife.
The government’s answer is to set up a task force for each major water provider, which will closely monitor them, from their tracking systems to their waste disposal, though some of these businesses are now taking a closer look at innovative new recycling systems that will enable them to reuse more water, helping them save on costs while also improving environmental outcomes.