Utilities automation expert Novotek UK and Ireland is inviting water operators and companies to speak with its specialists to discover efficiency savings in their operations. The company's invitation follows the announcement by Water UK that the average household water bill is to fall by £17 per year from April 1, with Ofwat calling for greater efficiency from operators.

Ofwat announced a crackdown on water firms in December 2019, stating that the average customer bill would need to reduce by £50 over the next five years. The regulator said that water companies must invest in systems to enhance their performance and reduce the number of leaks across the network.

Novotek UK and Ireland has extensive experience working closely with energy and water companies to help them realise the benefits and value of modern automation systems. However, the company echoes Ofwat's calls for greater efficiency, believing there is much more that can be done.

"The water industry is crucial to the daily routines of people and businesses throughout the country, so it's vital it is able to operate effectively," explained George Walker, managing director of Novotek UK and Ireland. "However, we hear regularly that perception of water companies is very low. It's also no secret that there are ongoing issues with leaks, ageing infrastructure and inefficient equipment in water networks — it's something we have encountered first-hand while working with water suppliers.

"Water companies themselves have identified things like framework-based purchasing models, regulatory-focused investment planning practices, and risk-management culture as being internal barriers to innovation, which hinders their overall efficiency. Water networks are complex collections of everything from pumps and pipes to pools and trenches, all in far-flung locations. It is a tremendous ask for an operator to improve its ability to monitor and maintain all these assets, but it is not an impossible one.

"We have automation systems and technologies available today that water operators can use to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Whether it's a Historian software to remotely monitor the performance of their systems or an industrial applications platform such as GE Digital's Predix, water operators can use industrial monitoring software systems to improve their network efficiency and reduce their operational expenditure.

"The key, however, is understanding the best system to meet your business objectives, and how a system can be set up to work most effectively in a network. This is why a consultation is crucial, which is why we're calling on operators to talk with us about the options available. The regulator will only continue to crackdown, so operators must adapt and adopt new technologies to remain competitive."

Novotek UK and Ireland is the sole UK distributor of GE Digital's automation systems for utilities companies, such as the Predix Essentials for Water software package. To arrange a consultation with Novotek UK and Ireland's utilities automation experts, call +44 (0) 141 332 1551.