SOCOTEC and Yorkshire Water Launch AI-Driven Water Quality Project in Yorkshire
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland has secured a pioneering contract with Yorkshire Water to deliver AI-driven water quality monitoring, marking a major step forward in environmental innovation.
Funded through the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge, the initiative positions SOCOTEC at the cutting edge of water monitoring technology.
The project sees SOCOTEC collaborating with UnifAI Technology, with Yorkshire Water as the project sponsor.
It is among 16 solutions to benefit from a share of £42 million awarded through the Ofwat Innovation Fund, aimed at transforming the water sector.
Matt Edwards, project lead at SOCOTEC, said of the new contract: “This project represents a significant advancement in how we approach water quality monitoring.
By combining our expertise in environmental monitoring with cutting-edge AI technology, we’re working toward a future where sensors can provide real-time monitoring and alerts for the presence of harmful bacteria at bathing sites.
We’re excited to begin this journey, continue to break new ground, and extend our work with a well-established, long-term client of ours, Yorkshire Water, as well as working with UnifAI Technology on the state-of-the-art technology which will be powering the project.”
The initiative will see SOCOTEC, Yorkshire Water, and UnifAI deploying advanced monitoring systems across the region, aiming to redefine how water quality is measured.
SOCOTEC will oversee the installation and maintenance of sophisticated water quality instruments throughout Yorkshire, manage over 7,000 river spot samples for laboratory analysis, perform daily data checks, and produce weekly interim reports.
Faye Cossins, coastal delivery and engagement manager at Yorkshire Water, added:
“We’re excited to see the results of this innovation project that aims to significantly reduce the time and cost of expanding large-scale continuous bacteria monitoring at 20 inland bathing water sites.
This solution aligns with national priorities for public health and environmental protection and enables water users to access real-time information on water quality so they can safely and confidently enjoy our rivers and bathing sites.
It is an emotive subject, and we know one that matters to our customers and to our stakeholders, and we are determined to work with our partners and stakeholders towards the common goal of improving bathing water quality to find solutions that are right for customers and right for the environment.”
The detectors installed by SOCOTEC will track crucial water quality parameters such as temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonium, and turbidity.
The collected data will bolster UnifAI’s AI systems, furnishing real-time cautions for dangerous bacteria like E. coli, and helping to ensure safe recreational water conditions.
Dan Byles, Chief Commercial Officer at UnifAI Technology, emphasised the timeliness of the initiative: “Recreational water sites are becoming more popular than ever with swimmers and people enjoying water sports.
Keeping people safe is essential, and the way we have previously monitored bathing waters for harmful bacteria such as e.coli simply isn’t good enough anymore.
Testing water samples in a laboratory once every week or two doesn’t give water users the live information they need to make safe and informed choices.
At UnifAI Technology, we are proud to have pioneered the use of sensors and AI to provide continuous, real-time monitoring for harmful bacteria.
Working with SOCOTEC and Yorkshire Water is a critical step in scaling this solution across the country.”
This collaboration highlights Yorkshire Water’s commitment to invention, public safety, and environmental protection.
By integrating AI with state-of-the-art monitoring technology, the design promises to give more accurate, timely information for the public and ameliorate the operation of inland bathing waters across Yorkshire.
