Anglian awards standpipe management contract to Aquam

Anglian Water has awarded the management of its third-party standpipes to Aquam, a provider of risk mitigation technologies for water and energy transmission and distribution assets.

The agreement began on 1 April 2018 and will initially operate for a three-year period.

The award includes provision of branded standpipes and bespoke calm network keys to companies and organisations authorised to operate within Anglian Water’s network. Aquam will also ensure all network operators in the region are aware of regulatory requirements and undertake the company’s e-learning course on safe operation of water hydrants.

Aquam’s Calm Network Training is accredited by the Institute of Water and is designed to educate operators on safe hydrant use, valves and pumps are operated. Research shows that incorrect operation of the network is a major cause of the surge effects that can cause leaks and bursts.

Malcolm Holmes, restoration, innovation & development manager at Anglian Water comments: “We are looking forward to working with Aquam, to train existing and new operators, reduce the risk of illegal standpipe use and to continue to provide an uninterrupted water supply to our customers.”

Tim Bowen, Aquam’s managing director, adds: “I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to partner with Anglian Water in this critical area. Aquam brings a focussed approach to standpipe management which greatly benefits the many utilities using the service.”

“We can help tackle illegal use of the network and water theft, improve hydrant operation technique and reduce the number of pipe bursts and water discoloration events. This means much less disruption to customers and communities and a lower risk of regulatory penalties for our utility clients.”

Anglian Water is the largest water and wastewater company in England and Wales by geographic area; Aquam will provide hydrant and standpipe services to over 1,000 companies operating the utility’s potable water network assets in the north and east of England.

Aquam, which has its UK headquarters in Manchester, currently provides standpipe and management services to 12 water companies in England and Wales.