How is technology improving water quality monitoring?
Tuesday 1st April 2025
As one of the UK’s leading business water suppliers, we understand just how important water quality is. As a resource that is essential to the survival of all living things, the impact low quality water can have on critical tasks such as drinking, cooking and cleaning is pretty obvious.
Yet, with threats coming from all angles, quality isn’t always guaranteed. So, why is water quality important and how is technology improving the monitoring systems that give more people access to the quality levels they deserve?
The importance of water quality
Whether a water supply has been compromised by pollution, weather patterns, tidal activity, climate change related acidification, human interference, or more localised issues like runoff, wastewater or sedimentation, polluted water can have a far-reaching impact.
Poor water quality can expose people to unsafe chemicals and microbes that can be damaging to health as well as destroy entire habitats. The economic benefits of protecting resources and preserving quality are also well worth noting, with high levels of water quality linked to strong ecosystems and economies.
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How tech is leading the way
Technology plays an integral role in ensuring that the water used by communities remain clean and safe.
Water quality analysis has always been integral to the treatment process. Yet, with real-time monitoring now possible via technological advancements, water quality optimisation is moving away from traditional, lab-based analysis and into the 21st century.
Online analysers are now commonplace within the industry, a fact that is making water quality analysis eco-friendlier from the outset. Analysis can be undertaken remotely, with devices able to self-monitor, self-calibrate and validate without – or with minimal – human intervention.
In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of waste water treatment plants, online analysers boast better accuracy and reliability. The frequency of sampling can also be taken up a notch thanks to automation and digital reporting, meaning better (and more time efficient) management and control of contaminants that can compromise water quality.
The future of water quality looks bright
With business water suppliers leading the way with digitalisation of water quality analysis, there are several rewards that can be reaped throughout the water cycle.
Online water quality analysers decrease greenhouse gas emissions to benefit the planet. Inside waste water treatment plants, there are opportunities to lower net water intake, mitigate risks, guarantee better compliance, and minimise downstream pollution.
The collection, analysis and use of data in real-time is guaranteeing the best overall performance to date within the water and wastewater sector. With increased visibility and understanding, we have better comprehension of challenges and changing operational needs, as well as contaminant levels and system performance.
The treatment of contaminants is also receiving the validity required. The question of whether plants are under- or over-treating can be answered quickly and precisely using online analysers, giving them room to grow, improve and optimise operations with new processes and technologies.
