Innovation projects
Our innovation projects have a positive impact on our customers and the environment. They also help to deliver public value, and improved resilience and sustainability.
We’ve detailed our projects funded via the Ofwat Water Innovation Fund and some of the highlights of other innovative projects:
The Water Innovation Fund
To grow the sector's capacity to innovate, Ofwat has established the Water Innovation Fund. This will help in meeting the needs of our customers, society and environment. Between 2020-25 the fund has provided over £190 million of investment. For 2025-30 it has increased to £400 million.
The fund supports water company initiatives and projects that show bold new approaches to innovation.
Water Breakthrough Challenge
The Water Breakthrough Challenge is part of the Water Innovation Fund. You can find out more about the Water Breakthrough Challenge projects we're leading and supporting:
Total project value
£37.3 million
Number of industry partners involved
36
Total Ofwat project funding
£31.95 million
Community centric rainwater management
The project aimed to help ‘slow the flow’ of rainwater entering sewers.
Pipebots for rising mains
We're working on preventing bursts and protecting the environment.
Unlocking digital twins
We've worked on establishing industry-wide data standards and tools for digital twins.
Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment (AWT)
We're transforming the energy balance of wastewater treatment.
Sub-seasonal weather forecasting
We've improved weather forecasting to help predict business impact.
No-dig leak repair
We're developing a groundbreaking "no-dig" repair technology to tackle leaking water mains.
Sewage sludge pyrolysis
We're working to deliver the UK's first continuously operating, sludge-fed pyrolysis demonstration plant.
SI12 Challenge
We're rethinking water main replacement by enabling smarter, less disruptive in-pipe solutions that cut time, cost, and community impact.
SuDS through street works
We're developed a market-based approach to incentivise street works to install sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for flood mitigation.
SuDS through streetworks market (SSM)
We're using planned roadworks to create greener streets, reduce flooding, and improve neighbourhoods at lower cost.
SandSCAPE project
We're using robots to clean slow sand filters to help improve water purification.
WBC projects we're supporting
We're working with other water companies on a number of their initiatives.
Other innovative projects
You can find out more about other innovative projects we’re working on.
AI leak detection project (Origin Orbit)
We’re using AI and satellite technology to find hidden leaks faster, with expected savings of more than 100 million litres of water per day.