South West Water has been shortlisted for a Utility Week Award in the AI Deployment category. The nomination is for a project with software company AiDASH that uses AI habitat mapping to help ecologists and land managers plan habitat restoration and track improvements over time. The water company said it was one of the first UK utility companies to implement the technology.
Habitat data from satellite imagery
So far, South West Water has mapped 18,500 separate habitat sections across 2,000 sites, ranging from reservoirs to heritage landscapes. It used existing satellite imagery to build a database of habitat information. Some of the sites lie within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
The company said that knowing where these ecosystems are and what condition they are in allows it to prioritise restoration and target specific areas that need attention. It added that the data helps it meet its biodiversity commitments and invest where it matters most.
AI habitat mapping cuts survey costs
According to South West Water, the software has reduced costs by over 80% when compared with traditional survey methods. The company said the time and money saved can be invested back into its network and into the nature recovery projects set out in its biodiversity commitments.
The software also supports short-term site management. It provides context for planning and risk checks before staff visit a site. By reducing the need for an initial site visit, the company said, operational teams can cut travel to often remote locations and reduce carbon emissions as a result.
Nearly four years of collaboration
Morag Leopoldt, Director of Customer Success at AiDASH, said: “We’ve been working with South West Water for nearly four years. South West Water was one of the first water utilities to adopt our BNGAI technology, and their pioneering spirit and commitment to biodiversity is commendable. They’re a true collaborator: many of the features in our platform started life as a conversation with the South West Water team. We look forward to continuing our work with them and seeing where our ‘what if’ conversations take the product next.”
David Smith, Natural Resources Manager at South West Water, said: “ We are really excited to continue our work with AiDASH to help us achieve our biodiversity goals. As well as giving us insightful data so we can target habitat restoration, the software also allows us to redirect funding back into our sustainability projects due to the amount of time and money it will save our operations teams .”
Biodiversity commitments to 2035
South West Water recently published an update on its biodiversity commitments for 2035. The update sets out current progress and the next steps needed to continue meeting its legal responsibilities to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
The company said these goals support its wider ambition to deliver management plans that go beyond statutory duties and proactively protect wildlife on its landholdings. Further detail is available on the company’s environment pages and in its biodiversity report.
H2O Global News has previously reported on industry recognition for South West Water’s drainage misconnection programme.
Frequently asked questions
What award has South West Water been shortlisted for?
South West Water’s partnership project with software company AiDASH has been shortlisted for a Utility Week Award in the AI Deployment category.
How does South West Water use AI to map habitats?
It uses AiDASH software and existing satellite imagery to create a database of habitat information. This helps ecologists and land managers plan habitat restoration and track improvements over time.
How many habitat sections has South West Water mapped?
South West Water has mapped 18,500 separate habitat sections across 2,000 sites, from reservoirs to heritage landscapes, some of which sit within Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
How much has the AiDASH software saved South West Water?
The software has reduced costs by over 80% compared with traditional survey methods, according to South West Water. The company said the savings can be reinvested in its network and nature recovery projects.
How long have South West Water and AiDASH worked together?
According to AiDASH, the two companies have been working together for nearly four years. AiDASH said South West Water was one of the first water utilities to adopt its BNGAI technology.
