Engineers from Thames Water and across the UK water sector gathered for Synthotech’s Innovation in Action Day on 25 September. The event is designed to accelerate the adoption of new technologies to improve leak detection, speed up repairs and reduce environmental impact.
Hosted at Synthotech’s expanded technology testing centre in North Yorkshire, the day was designed to champion best practices in the industry by sharing knowledge across all utility networks and supporting the rapid adoption of new technologies.
The day featured live demonstrations, hands-on workshops and expert talks on the future of utility infrastructure. The focus was on trenchless solutions and robotics designed to find and repair leaks in live water mains without disruptive excavations.
Leakage remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges, with up to a fifth of all treated water lost each year, close to one trillion litres in the UK alone. Traditional methods often involve major roadworks and the use of significant raw materials, even for the smallest leaks. To move towards leak-free networks, new approaches are essential.
Matthew Angell, innovation engagement delivery lead at Thames Water, added: “By sharing the latest technology and best practices, we’re accelerating adoption, avoiding duplication and ensuring maximum customer benefits through sustainable and efficient networks.”
“Partnerships like this allow us to test new ideas in realistic conditions and fast-track solutions that tackle leakage at scale. It’s a challenge that requires both innovation and collaboration, and this event is a perfect example of that.”
Through its R&D arm, Synovate, Synthotech joined forces with Thames Water and other water companies, along with businesses, and academic partners to develop robotic solutions for the water sector. Funded by the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge, the projects ‘No-dig Leak Repair from concept to reality’ and ‘Pipebots for Rising Mains’ were awarded £5.8m to Synthotech across the two contracts. Drawing on decades of experience in robotics, advanced sensing and repair from the gas industry, the projects are developing solutions for the water industry.
Mark Tindley, managing director of Synthotech, said: “We’ve put innovation at the heart of our business, and new technology is helping us solve our customers’ big challenges. Events like Innovation in Action give the industry a chance to see what’s possible and what’s coming next.”
With pressure on utilities to modernise their infrastructure, reduce emissions, and improve resilience, Innovation in Action highlighted the role of collaboration and technology in securing a more sustainable future for the sector.