UK Water Industry Research has launched a new research programme inviting the water sector’s research and supply chain community to bid for a series of projects aimed at addressing climate change, emerging pollutants and infrastructure resilience.
The latest cycle includes 11 research projects designed to strengthen the technical evidence base for the UK and Irish water sectors as utilities respond to increasing environmental expectations and infrastructure challenges.
According to UK Water Industry Research, the programme aims to support a more integrated, system-wide approach to improving water quality, resilience and asset health across the sector.
Mike Rose, chief executive of UKWIR, said the programme reflects a shift toward practical research that can support decision-making across the industry.
He said the insights generated through the projects will help water companies make evidence-based decisions that benefit customers, communities and the environment while supporting sector growth.
Research into greenhouse gas emissions from water infrastructure
Several projects in the programme focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from water and wastewater infrastructure.
One project will examine technologies capable of preventing, capturing or removing greenhouse gases from water sector assets.
Another study will investigate ways to reduce the carbon footprint of capital investment by exploring lower-carbon construction materials and nature-based solutions.
A separate project will develop standardised monitoring protocols for methane and nitrous oxide emissions from preliminary, primary and tertiary wastewater treatment processes.
Focus on emerging pollutants and water quality
The research programme also includes studies focused on hazardous and emerging pollutants such as PFAS, microplastics and pharmaceutical residues.
One project will examine the carbon and energy impacts associated with removing these contaminants from wastewater, helping utilities assess the trade-offs between treatment technologies and environmental outcomes.
Another study will investigate the root causes of coliform failures in potable water supplies by analysing historical datasets and applying new analytical tools.
A further project will develop a reference framework to help utilities and industrial sectors identify and manage hazardous pollutants in trade effluent.
Using data and systems thinking to improve water management
Several projects within the programme focus on improving system-wide water management through data and planning.
One study will explore how advanced metering infrastructure data can be used to distinguish between internal plumbing leaks and external supply pipe failures, improving leak detection and regulatory reporting.
Other research will examine how urban pollutants affect ecological and chemical water status within drainage and water management plans.
Additional projects will investigate international best practice in infrastructure asset replacement rates and explore approaches to managing rainwater close to where it falls through reuse and drainage strategies.
UKWIR has also announced upcoming research projects examining the economic and environmental impacts of wet wipe blockages and the relaunch of the sector’s National Failures Database.
Expressions of interest for the current research cycle are open until 27 March 2026.
The organisation is inviting proposals from universities, consultancies, technology companies and other organisations across the water sector innovation ecosystem.
