FWR Newsletters - Issued 2022

Issue 1 - Spring 2022
In this issue of the newsletter:  Dr. Eric Valentine, FWR Chair explains the changes ahead for the Foundation of Water Research (FWR). This issue also promotes the latest FWR publication, the ‘Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook’ which has been produced in collaboration with the Freshwater Biological Association.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2021

Issue 3 - Late Autumn 2021
In this issue of the newsletter:  Emily Cooper takes us on a tour of the Rivers Trust – from its background, relationships with other organisations, to their recent work and plans for the future. Change is on the horizon for FWR, as we seek an inheritor to carry forward our work of the past 30+ years – see page 8.

Issue 2 - Early Summer 2021
In this issue of the newsletter:  David and Caoimhe from WRc take us on an informative journey about the problem of odour and its control at wastewater treatment works – explaining why these problems occur, what can be done about them, plus a look at possible future solutions.

Issue 1 - Winter 2021
In this issue of the newsletter:  Our lead feature explores Natural Flood Management (NFM). Joanna Clark, Professor of Environmental Science, University of Reading, explains how NERC’s LANDWISE project is bringing local knowledge together with research expertise to collect evidence for different approaches to NFM.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2020

Issue 3 - Autumn 2020
In this issue of the newsletter:  Our lead feature explores the issue of water scarcity and how we can manage supplies more sustainably. Alan Hunt from ABB Measurement & Analytic introduces us to his ‘holy trinity of water sustainability’ as one way to make this happen.

Issue 2 - Early Summer 2020
In this issue of the newsletter:  Dr Kevin Denham from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science takes us on a tour of the Centre, explaining some of the many and varied elements which comprise the duties and work carried out there – from marine environmental services, and metocean data, to aquatic animal health and seafood safety.

Issue 1 - Winter 2020
In this Winter issue of the newsletter:  Antibiotics…such an amazing discovery which has saved countless lives over the past 80 years. But now comes the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Dr Andrew Singer from CEH takes us through the history of antibiotics, their many and varied uses, the problems which have become apparent in recent years, and some possible ways of reducing antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2019

Issue 3 - Summer 2019
In this Summer issue of the newsletter:  The freshwater pearl mussel is a true litmus test of the health of our rivers. Dr Louise Lavictoire from the Freshwater Biological Association explains why this is, the difficulties the species faces and what is being done about it. She also tells us about the fascinating life cycle of this mollusc, which is remarkable!

Issue 2 - Spring 2019
In this Spring issue of the newsletter:  The vast majority of sewer blockages today are caused by wipes (or other non-flushables) and/or fats, oils and greases adhering to the pipe walls. A new flushability standard called ‘Fine to Flush’ has recently been released. Andy Drinkwater from WRc tells us what this is and explains why it’s so important.

Issue 1 - Winter 2019
In this issue of the newsletter:  Alien invaders or, more correctly, invasive non-native species cost the UK around £2 bn annually! Dr Phil Aldous gives us the low-down on these costly plants and animals in the aquatic environment, explaining why they are a concern, how they arrive here, how the water industry is responding to the threat, and what can be done about it.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2018

Issue 4 - Autumn 2018
In this Autumn issue of the newsletter: Jenni Balmer (National Water Resources Manager, Environment Agency) provides a very timely piece exploring how the EA is transforming water resources management.

Issue 3 - Summer 2018
In this Summer issue of the newsletter: Lucinda Gilfoyle explores the problem of the molluscicide metaldehyde and how Anglian Water are tackling it in their area of the country, including the ‘Slug it Out’ trial which is based around catchment management.

Issue 2 - Spring 2018
The development of sanitation has been recognised as one of the greatest medical advances in history. Steve Bungay (FWR’s Wastewater Section Co-ordinator) provides us with a concise history of wastewater treatment and goes on to look at how disruptive technologies are having an effect on the business.

Issue 1 - Winter 2018
In the February issue of our newsletter, Kerry Walsh and Vicki Rhodes from the EA explain how environmental DNA technology has been developed and is now being trialled for use as a monitoring tool and to detect invasive non-native species.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2017

Issue 4 - Autumn 2017
In this issue of the newsletter, Phil Smart, an Inspector with the Drinking Water Inspectorate, takes us on a tour of DWI, founded almost 30 years ago, looking at its role, their work, and how they interact with other water-related organisations.

Key article by Phil Smart (Drinking Water Inspectorate)

Issue 3 - Summer 2017
In this issue of the newsletter, Pete Vale (Severn Trent) and Simon Leaf (Environment Agency) explore phosphorus in our lead article this time, looking at the difficulties it causes in receiving waters, the fact that it is a valuable, finite resource and the subsequent need to recover as much as possible at the wastewater treatment stage.

Key article by Pete Vale (Severn Trent)

Issue 2 - Spring 2017
In this issue of the newsletter, our lead article is Microplastics: How Big a Threat? by Alice Horton (Research Associate, CEH). Alice explains that since the 1950s the manufacture and use of plastics has seen an enormous increase and has correlated with an increase in the presence of waste plastics in the environment. She gives us an excellent overview of the subject of microplastic pollution and its implications.

Key article by Dr. Kerry Walsh, Specialist, Environmental & Business Directorate, Environment Agency and Vicki Rhodes, Senior Specialist (Special Topics), Environmental & Business Directorate, Environment Agency.

Issue 1 - Winter 2017
In this issue of the newsletter, our lead article is Water Efficiency: The Waterwise Story by Professor Jacob Tompkins (Director, Waterwise). He explains why the organisation was founded 12 years ago and tells us about their achievements and their future aspirations. Water efficiency is still a significant and urgent issue – once again the World Economic Forum have highlighted water security and drought as being a key global risk.

Key article by Professor Jacob Tompkins

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2016

Issue 4 - Autumn 2016
In this issue of the newsletter, our lead article Water Regulatory Skills Gap by Martin Griffiths (Independent Consultant), Chris Chubb (Independent Consultant) and Robert Grabowski (Lecturer, Cranfield University)  explains that as we move towards leaving the European Union, it is vital that we maintain high quality environmental regulation and governance of all industry sectors.

Key article by Martin Griffiths, Chris Chubb and Robert Grabowski

Issue 3 - Summer 2016
In this issue of the newsletter, our lead article FOG An Increasing Problem and Opportunity by Rachel Dyson (Programme Manager, Anglian Water) explains the problem of Fats, Oils and Grease which sticks to the inner linings of pipes, binding with everyday items which are flushed down toilets, such as wipes, cotton buds and sanitary waste. Over time this can build up, stopping water from flowing freely, causing blocked pipes and pumps, sewer flooding and pollution.

Key article by Rachel Dyson, Programme Manager, Anglian Water.

Issue 2 - Spring 2016
In this issue of the Newsletter, our lead article Disinfection By-Products: Where do we stand after 40 years of research?  by John Fawell, an Independent Consultant, gives a brief history of waterborne disease, chlorination, and breaking the cycle of disease

Key article by John Fawell, Independent Consultant

Issue 1 - Winter 2016
In this issue of the Newsletter, our lead article River Basin Management Planning - a new phase.
2016 marks the start of a new phase in managing the water environment. Building on the lessons learned and progress made since the first River Basin Management Plans were published in 2009, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales adn the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have produced a new set of plans for the next six years.

Key article by Clare Rodgers, Senior Catchment Management Specialist, Royal HaskoningDHV.

 

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2015

Issue 4 - November 2015
Green Infrastructure - a growing need. In this issue our lead article looks at how the Green Infrastructure was revealed in its full breadth of applications to a mixed audience of engineers, planners, ecologists, social scientists, consultants and regulators at the first conference of the Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum (SGIF) held in Glasgow.

Key article by Dr Brian D’Arcy, Independent Environmental Consultant

Issue 3 - August 2015
Cryptosporidium - The approach to the challenge in Wales. In this issue our lead article looks at how the challenge of this is being met by Dŵwr Cymru Welsh Water.

Key article by Carol Weatherley, Public Health Manager, Dŵwr Cymru Welsh Water

Issue 2 - May 2015
Tackling diffuse agricultural pressures using WFD measures. Back in 2009, when the first cycle of river basin management planning under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) began, one of the largest pressures causing observed impacts on surface freshwater and groundwater bodies was diffuse pollution from agriculture.

Key article by Ian Codling, Senior Consultant, Catchment Management, WRc plc.

Issue 1 - February 2015
Thames Tideway Tunnel - Building for a 22nd Century London. The Thames Tideway Tunnel team was reflecting on and recovering from what was probably the most significant 12 months on the project so far and the culmination of years of work.

Key article by Andy Mitchell, CEO of Thames Tideway Tunnel.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2014

Issue 3 - October 2014
Water Act 2014: A Perspective from South West Water

Key article by Alan Hyde, Head of Communications, South West Water.

Issue 2 - May 2014
Ecosystem Services and the Water Framework Directive - Valuing the benefits we derive from nature.

Key article by Dr David Forrow  Evidence Advisor (Strategic Environmental Planning), Environment Agency,
and Dr Mark Everard  Associate Professor of Ecosystem Services, University of the West of England.

Issue 1 - February 2014
Activated Sludge 100: The process that gave us back our Metropolitan Rivers

Key article by Tim Evans FWR Wastewater Section Co-ordinator.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2013

Issue 3 - November 2013
Innovation for the UK Water Community: Opportunities and Barriers

Key article by Neil Runnalls Programme Development Manager, WSKEP

Issue 2 - August 2013
Land, Life and Livelihoods in the Clun Forest - Integrated Catchment Management in Practice

Key article by Bob Harris Independent Consultant.

Issue 1 - April 2013
Urban Pollution Management Manual

Key article by Gerard Morris Project Manager, Honorary Vice-President, CIWEM.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2012

Issue 3 - November 2012
Evaluating the Catchment Based Approach

Key article by Clare Black Environmental Scientist, Cascade Consulting.

Issue 2 - July 2012
WSKEP Soaking Up Knowledge

Key article by Neil Runnalls Programme Development Manager, WSKEP.

Issue 1 - January 2012
MATERIALS IN CONTACT WITH DRINKING WATER

Key article by Kevin White Principal Inspector, Drinking Water Inspectorate.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2011

Issue 4 - December 2011
LAKE PROTECTION AND THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

Key article by John Pinder, Independent catchment and natural resource management consultant.

Issue 3 - October 2011
ADOPTION OF PRIVATE SEWERS - Total increase ~234,000km

Key article by Phill Mills, Director, Policy Consulting Network Ltd.

Issue 2 - June 2011
PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES - Oh Glee - New Regulations?

Key article by David Clapham,  Senior Associate, RH Environmental.

Issue 1 - March 2011
URBAN DIFFUSE POLLUTION - What can be done about it and how are organisations measuring up to the challenge?

Key article by Brian D’Arcy, Independent Environmental Consultant.

FWR Newsletters - Issued 2010

Issue 4 - December 2010
URBAN FLOODING - Understanding the challenge of urban flooding in AMP5 and beyond

Key article by Jamie Margetts, Clear Environmental Consultants Ltd and WaPUG Vice Chair: 

Issue 3 - September 2010
WSP - Water Safety Plans In Drinking Water Supplies

Key article by David Drury, Former Deputy Chief Inspector, Drinking Water Inspectoriate.: 

Issue 2 - June 2010
Reducing diffuse water pollution - The Demonstration Test Catchments Project.

Key article by Professor Bob Harris, Secretariat for the DTC Project.

Issue 1 - March 2010
A NEW look for FWR which has now been in operation since 1989

Key article by Tony Lloyd and Tim Evans.
The roles of the FWR and its sections covering - WFD, Water Supply, Wastewater and the FWR Library.