Achieving sustainable clean water infrastructure for all
![]() |
How do we effectively build resilience, efficiency and adaptability into our systems, networks and catchments to ensure we all receive clean water, sustainably? Professor Joby Boxall, leader of the TWENTY65 consortium, discusses how that consortium is addressing these issues. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Imagine that we did not have our existing water service provision. Now imagine that someone suggested the great idea of building abstraction, storage, treatment and pipe network infrastructure sufficient to provide a better-than-food grade product 24/7, at around a £1 a ton, and that the main domestic use for this amazing service should be to flush away our waste. They would be a laughing stock.
Yet those are the coupled infrastructure systems and social practices that we have enabled, that we expect and even demand. But it is not sustainable. Changing this requires both social and technical innovation that can combine and work synergistically with existing infrastructure and practices to disrupt the current mode.
[edit] Change requires both technical and social innovation
This concept is at the heart of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s (EPSRC)-sponsored TWENTY65 consortium. TWENTY65 is undertaking exciting and ambitious scientific and engineering research to develop transformative socio-technical solutions across eight thematic areas. Each theme is based on disruptive questions that challenge the status quo and help to drive re-visualisation of water service provision, paving the way toward flexible, resilient and adaptive systems.
This transformation is vital if we are to overcome the interacting pressures of climate change, protecting the environment, population growth and increasing population density, and our ageing infrastructure. A key aspect of TWENTY65 is partnering and co-creation approaches that enable the consortium to reach far beyond the specific themes and are helping to change the way innovation is thought about and delivered in the water sector.
TWENTY65 is an example of the world-leading fundamental water research that is undertaken in the UK, primarily supported by Research Councils UK. These councils have a long history of recognising the long-term challenges and need for water research, with the Grand Challenge mechanism that enables TWENTY65 being the latest incarnation of this. However, the UK does not have a good track record of taking such research through to application.
[edit] So why don’t academics (and others) do near-market research in water?
Academics can only do the research that they can secure funding for. Direct funding from water companies is one route to supporting near-market research, and there are examples of progressing from Research Council funding to practical application via this route. An example of this is the discolouration theme of research at the University of Sheffield.
This started as a Research Council-supported disruptive idea and has then been followed up via repeated consortia of UK water companies, with the resulting understanding, tools and techniques underpinning the delivery of significant service improvements and multi-million-pound savings. But this route is, understandably, limited to research that directly addresses very tangible pressing business needs and is lower risk.
Routes to fund mid- to higher-technology readiness-level water research that addresses the grander, longer-term challenges have been poorly supported in the UK.
[edit] There are signs of hope
The disconnect across technology readiness levels, while being particularly notable in water is not unique to it. Following recommendations made in the Nurse review, Innovate UK and Research Councils UK have been united under UK Research and Innovation, with common goals and drivers set from government policy and initiatives, such as the Industrial Strategy Challenge consultation process.
The challenges and importance of infrastructure generally, and water specifically, are also being far more clearly articulated at a policy level than previously, such as by the National Infrastructure Commission. It is the responsibility of all water professionals to increase awareness of the importance and scale of challenges around water so that these, and other opportunities, are maximised.
A tangible example of progress is the investment in national infrastructure research and test facilities. The UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities (www.ukcric.com) includes a water hub with new world-leading facilities at the Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Cranfield.
These will enable coordinated research and innovation at a scale not previously possible, and development and demonstration of innovation across technology readiness levels, providing impartial full-scale and complexity verification and validation to accelerate the innovation process.
One of the often-cited barriers to innovation in the water sector is regulation. However, Ofwat and others are also changing. Speaking at the recent TWENTY65 conference, Rachel Fletcher, the recently appointed CEO of Ofwat, emphasised the importance of innovation and the need for change in the water sector, including the regulators.
In summary, TWENTY65 is leading the way in the important first vital steps on a journey towards tailored water solutions that can deliver positive benefits for all. It is doing this by challenging current thinking, undertaking adventurous research into important components of solutions and starting the debate and, hence, the journey.
[edit] About this article
This article was written by ice.org.uk Joby Boxall, leader of the TWENTY65 consortium. It was published on the website of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in April 2019 and can be accessed here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document G
- Articles by ICE on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Blackwater.
- Chilled water
- ECA Water Scheme
- Flood and Water Management Act
- Foul water.
- Greywater.
- Hydroinformatics.
- Mains water.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems.
- Sustainable water.
- The State of the Environment: Water Resources.
- Types of water.
- Urgent Action Water.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water consumption
- Water conservation
- Water efficiency – The next big sustainability issue?
- Water engineering
- Water industry pressures.
- Water investment.
- Water safety plan WSP.
- Water technology list
- Water transfers and interconnections.
Featured articles and news
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.