Frank Tarkowski, Yorkshire Water, UK
New EA guidance requires water companies to consider water recycling at all wastewater treatment works in their Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs). With utilities managing hundreds of operational sites, considering each one can be a significant programme challenge and limit the available time to better develop the feasible options. Stantec is working with Yorkshire Water to build a streamlined Geographic Information Services (GIS) led process which rapidly generates, screens and produces feasible options for water recycling. This process utilises readily available asset data (e.g. dry weather flow, permit data, treatment profile) and innovative GIS methods in order to map, screen and characterise water recycling potential. It builds on experience supporting water recycling scheme delivery in the UK and beyond, ensuring key issues including consentability, delivery timescales, waste handling and losses are not overlooked – whilst reducing optioneering process subjectivity. The output is a manageable, objective shortlist of feasible options that can be evaluated in more detail, then compared against other supply side options. This method can be employed in border areas with multiple utilities. It drives and facilitates collaboration, allows water companies to better develop WRMP supply side options, and helps deliver the best value for customers.