Asset management expertise needed to drive change in water investment planning

UK Water Industry Research is are seeking help from both academics and asset management experts to take on a critical piece of research that helps improve future investment decisions in the water sector.

UKWIR has opened its Expression of Interest (EOI) for a significant project that takes investment planning to the next level and allow water companies to create more value through asset management decision making. This will further improve how water companies manage and maintain millions of assets – from pipelines to pumping stations and water and wastewater treatment works.

The project is among hundreds being managed by UKWIR to answer its Big Questions – the water industry’s strategic research programme to deal with the future challenges posed by issues such as climate change, population growth and the need for greater environmental protection.

The specific elements of the asset investment project are:

• Scenario Planning – to define the future scenarios water companies use to assess how asset investment will need to change over time
• Value Framework and Value Measures – to develop an industry-wide value framework and common `asset health’ measures so there is greater consistency in how investment decisions are reached.

Chris Royce, UKWIR Programme Lead and Strategic Asset and Investment Manager at Anglian Water, said: “The UK and Ireland water industry is the custodian of millions of pieces of vital equipment which keep the nation’s taps and toilets flowing for our customers.

“However, many of these assets exceed their design life and combined with changing customer service expectations, population and housing growth, and variable weather patterns, we need to improve how we plan for the future.”

UKWIR would like Expressions of Interest from consortiums which include a mix of consultancy and academic experience and is particularly keen to hear from parties beyond the water industry which may have expertise of innovative approaches adopted in other sectors.

Further information on the project can be found at https://ukwir.org/ukwir-projects-open-to-expressions-of-interest or contact UKWIR at mail@ukwir.org.uk.

The deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is 12 February 2021.