An innovative project led by Thames Water that uses robotic underwater technology to modernise water treatment processes has been named one of the winners in Ofwat's £42 million innovation competition.

The project, titled SandSCAPE (Science and Novel Devices for Sustainable Cleaning and Productivity Enhancement), will receive £1.9 million in funding. It is being delivered in collaboration with Affinity Water, South West Water, and Northumbrian Water Group.

The SandSCAPE initiative will trial cutting-edge robotic underwater systems to enhance the cleaning and maintenance of slow sand filters — a nature-based, chemical-free method of water purification. These filters remove contaminants through biological and physical processes using layers of fine sand, and the project aims to simplify and accelerate their upkeep.

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Martin Padley, Water Operations Director at Thames Water, said: "The Sandscape project will deliver significant benefits to both our customers and the environment. By modernising our existing slow sand filter assets with innovative robotic technology, we are securing a more resilient and efficient water treatment process for the long term. This will translate to a consistently high-quality water supply for our customers, while the reduced reliance on chemicals and energy directly supports our net zero ambitions and minimises our environmental footprint. Sandscape is a testament to our commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking water management."

The Ofwat Innovation Fund, established five years ago, aims to drive progress across the UK’s water sector by encouraging collaborative, transformational projects with long-term benefits for the environment and consumers.

David Black, CEO of Ofwat, commented: "Water underpins our society and economy, and the water sector faces a range of challenges requiring urgent solutions. The Ofwat Innovation Fund was established five years ago to incentivise the water sector to collaborate with partners across industry, charities, and academia to accelerate the pace of transformation and create lasting benefits for customers and the environment. The level of ambition of this year’s winners is remarkable. We are supporting these projects to prove their impact so that they can be scaled, not only here in England and Wales, but exported around the world as a driver of economic growth."