South West Water urban water quality projects are set to advance monitoring and pollution management through two new EU-funded initiatives, UrbaQuantum and QLeanUP, aimed at improving urban waterways across the UK.
South West Water has launched the four-year projects in collaboration with the Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter. The studies will trial new technologies designed to monitor water quality, enhance data integration, and inform future investment decisions in the water sector.
Advancing urban water quality monitoring technology
The South West Water urban water quality projects will explore how pollutants move through complex urban water systems, including rivers, sewers, and stormwater networks. Trials will take place in the River Dart and in Plymouth, combining real-time monitoring, advanced sensor technologies, and AI-based analytical tools.
These tools aim to detect and track pollutants such as pathogens from industrial, agricultural, wildlife, and domestic sources, as well as emerging contaminants like microplastics. By integrating multiple data streams, the projects seek to improve predictive capabilities around how environmental or population changes may affect groundwater, rivers, and urban water systems.
Citizen science will also play a role, with local communities contributing water quality samples to support monitoring efforts and broaden data collection.
Understanding pollution pathways in urban water systems
The projects build on existing research into how pollutants from storm overflows, roads, and agricultural land enter and move through waterways. This understanding is becoming increasingly important as climate change continues to impact rainfall patterns, water flows, and environmental conditions.
By developing more detailed insights into these processes, South West Water aims to better target infrastructure investment and operational strategies to reduce pollution risks and protect bathing waters.
Richard Foster, River Basin Planning Manager at South West Water, said: “There are complex relationships between urban water systems and the rivers they discharge into.
“We need to understand these in better detail so we can predict their impacts as a key part of understanding the role that the water industry can have on managing these systems.
“This will also allow us to target investments to reduce the risk of harm to our waterways and the communities who rely on them.”
Why urban water quality innovation matters
Urban water systems are under increasing pressure from population growth, industrial activity, and climate-driven weather extremes. Technologies such as AI-driven analytics, real-time sensing, and integrated data platforms are becoming essential tools for utilities seeking to improve water quality outcomes.
Projects like UrbaQuantum and QLeanUP reflect a broader industry shift towards proactive, data-led water management. By enabling earlier detection of pollution events and more accurate forecasting, these approaches can help utilities respond faster and plan infrastructure more effectively.
For more on water quality innovation, visit our Water Quality coverage.
