As the UK water industry embarks on the new Asset Management Period (AMP8), utilities are under pressure to meet stringent regulatory targets while navigating challenges that affect both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With regulators focusing more than ever on pollution control, water quality, and operational transparency, water utilities must innovate quickly to stay ahead of compliance demands.
The shift towards AI-powered tools, including real-time data collection and video risk assessments (VRAs), has already proven to be a game-changer in improving operational processes, especially in high-risk areas like water pollution and smart metering. The ability to leverage these technologies will not only help meet AMP8 targets but will also create opportunities for water utilities to achieve quick wins in both compliance and operational efficiency.
Meeting AMP8 targets with innovation and real-time data
The 2023 Environment Agency (EA) report reveals a rise in serious pollution incidents, from 44 in 2022 to 47 in 2023, and a total of 2,174 pollution incidents across water and sewerage assets. This trend underscores the mounting environmental pressures on the industry as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
In response, both Ofwat and the EA are tightening oversight. The EA plans to quadruple inspections by 2026 and increase penalties for non-compliance. In 2023, the EA completed 4 prosecutions, resulting in £6.8 million in fines for pollution and over-abstraction. These penalties highlight the need for water utilities to adopt more proactive risk management strategies.
Water companies now face the challenge of managing complex networks while meeting stringent regulations. Without real-time data and proactive tools, utilities remain vulnerable to unforeseen risks, such as pollution events, which can lead to costly fines and reputational damage.
This is where FYLD’s AI-powered platform steps in. Real-time insights and predictive analytics enable utilities to identify and address risks before they escalate. AI-driven Video Risk Assessments (VRAs) empower teams to mitigate risks on-site, ensuring swift action to prevent environmental incidents. FYLD helps utilities stay compliant and safeguard operations from costly violations by providing immediate insights and supporting proactive decision-making.
AI-driven risk mitigation: A game changer for pollution management
Water pollution remains one of the most pressing concerns for water utilities. In 2023 alone, UK water utilities released untreated sewage into rivers over 464,000 times, amounting to 3.6 million hours of sewage spills. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for more proactive pollution management strategies.
FYLD’s AI platform helps water utilities transform their approach to pollution control. By automating risk assessments and enabling real-time reporting, FYLD empowers field teams to spot potential pollution risks early, respond swiftly, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
For example, FYLD collaborated with Southern Water to help reduce pollution incidents by 34% in 2023. This success was driven by AI-enabled risk assessments, which proactively identified pollution risks and allowed Southern Water to respond before an incident escalated. Additionally, field teams could capture and submit real-time pollution data, reducing the time spent on documentation and enabling quicker, more accurate regulatory reporting.
Transforming field work into a data network
A key strength of FYLD’s platform is its ability to empower fieldworkers to contribute to a broader system of real-time data collection. Each worker equipped with a mobile device not only performs their duties but also contributes to a broader system of real-time data collection. These contributions feed into a centralised platform that enhances visibility, improves decision-making, and streamlines operations across the organisation.
Rather than reducing fieldworkers to mere data points, FYLD recognizes them as active participants in capturing essential environmental and safety data. By recording real-time footage of site conditions, field teams can identify and report potential risks, such as pollution or safety hazards, directly into the central system. The platform’s AI processes this data, giving managers a clearer understanding of site conditions and enabling them to address issues promptly.
The use of video risk assessments (VRAs) has proven to be especially beneficial for identifying potential hazards in real time. By capturing live video of site conditions, field teams can report hazards such as leaks, burst mains, or pollution risks before they develop into serious problems. This proactive approach to risk management helps utilities mitigate environmental risks and comply with regulatory standards, ultimately reducing the likelihood of fines and penalties.
Quick wins in water quality and workforce safety
As utilities focus on the regulatory targets set for the AMP8 cycle, there are several quick wins that can be achieved by adopting AI-driven technologies like FYLD. These quick wins not only improve operational performance but also have a direct impact on environmental sustainability, workforce safety, and customer satisfaction.
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Pollution control: AI-powered risk assessments can instantly identify potential pollution risks at water treatment plants, pumping stations, and throughout distribution networks. With FYLD’s platform, field teams can capture evidence of pollution risks, enabling rapid interventions and improving pollution management.
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Water quality monitoring: With real-time data on-site conditions, water utilities can ensure that water quality is maintained to the highest standards. By equipping field teams with the tools to monitor and report water quality issues immediately, utilities can prevent contamination incidents before they occur.
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Workforce safety: Safety is a critical concern for water utilities, especially in high-risk environments. FYLD’s AI-powered assessments recognise potential safety hazards, enabling field managers to intervene before an incident occurs. In Southern Water’s case, the platform helped reduce safety incidents by 50% through proactive risk assessments and real-time hazard alerts.
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Operational efficiency: The ability to monitor field operations in real time gives managers the insights they need to optimise workflows and reduce delays. With AI-driven workflows and remote manager interventions, utilities can enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime across their networks.
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Regulatory compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements is no longer a reactive task; it’s about being proactive. With FYLD’s real-time reporting and automated compliance tools, utilities can ensure they stay ahead of regulatory demands and avoid costly penalties.
Looking ahead: The future of AI in water utilities
The UK water sector is facing increasing regulatory pressure and changing customer expectations. To stay ahead, utilities must embrace innovative solutions that offer proactive management and transparency. FYLD’s AI-powered platform is already helping utilities like Southern Water improve pollution management, safety, and operational efficiency while boosting customer satisfaction.
As the industry enters the new AMP8 cycle, AI-driven tools will be essential for meeting regulatory targets, enhancing water quality, and reducing operational costs. By equipping field teams with real-time data, utilities can make quicker, more informed decisions, reduce risks, and better meet both environmental and customer service goals.
Ready to transform your operations? Book a demo to learn how FYLD can help you meet the demands of the new AMP8 cycle and beyond.
