Testing firm secures Yorkshire Water deal

A testing and inspection firm has secured a water sector contract.

SOCOTEC UK and Ireland is working with Yorkshire Water.

Bosses say the partnership will harness artificial intelligence to carry out real-time detection of harmful bacteria in bathing sites.

They add SOCOTEC will install and maintain water quality instrumentation across Yorkshire, conduct daily data checks, create weekly interim reports and manage more than 7000 river spot samples for laboratory analysis.

The project is being funded through the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge, with SOCOTEC working alongside artificial intelligence tools firm UnifAI Technology.

Matt Edwards, project lead at SOCOTEC, whose UK-wide estate includes bases in Doncaster, Leeds, Sheffield and Wakefield, said: “This project represents a significant advancement in how we approach water quality monitoring. 

"By combining our expertise in environmental monitoring with artificial intelligence technology, we’re working toward a future where sensors can provide real-time monitoring and alerts for the presence of harmful bacteria at bathing sites.” 

Faye Cossins, Yorkshire Water coastal delivery and engagement manager, said: “We’re excited to see the results of this innovative project, which aims to significantly reduce the time and cost of expanding large-scale continuous bacteria monitoring at 20 inland bathing water sites. 

“It is an emotive subject, and we are determined to work with partners and stakeholders towards the common goal of improving bathing water quality.”

Dan Byles, UnifAI Technology chief commercial officer, added: “Testing water samples in a laboratory once every week or two doesn’t give water users the live information they need to make safe and informed choices.

“We are proud to have pioneered the use of sensors and artificial intelligence to provide real-time monitoring.

“Working with SOCOTEC and Yorkshire Water is a critical step in scaling this solution across the country.”

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