Hawk's eye view protects the environment

20/12/2006

Successful trials of new technology have already prevented more than 40 potential pollution incidents in the North East.

Northumbrian Water is investing one million pounds on the innovative technology, ‘Hawkeye’, which raises an alarm and alerts the water company when the wastewater within a section of the sewerage network rises above normal levels.  It gives advance warning of the potential for pollution and flooding to homes, businesses and land.

After a successful three-month trial ten months ago, Hawkeye was installed across the water company’s supply area, from Berwick to North Yorkshire across to the Pennines, and as well as preventing potential pollution incidents throughout the area, it has also significantly reduced the risk of environmental impact.

Hawkeye, an automatic sensor, alerts Northumbrian Water using mobile phone technology and web-based systems, of rising levels of wastewater within the sewerage network which then allows prompt action to be taken to help prevent pollution and provide additional data where possible flooding may occur.

Hawkeye has been installed in more than 300 locations within the 16,000 kilometre sewerage network in the water company’s supply area.  Another 150 Hawkeye devices will be fitted by March 2007.

Andrew Blakemore, Northumbrian Water’s sewerage operations controller, said: “Hawkeye is an excellent piece of technology which will allow us to respond rapidly at times of heavy rainfall to combat the threat of pollution and sewer flooding. Hawkeye also provides a better understanding of sewerage network performance and where upgrading may be required.
 
“Customers have put sewer flooding as a priority for Northumbrian Water’s five-year investment programme (2005 – 2010).  A total of £380 million is being invested on upgrading Northumbrian Water’s sewerage network.”

Frequent causes of blockages in the sewerage network are due to items being put in the network – via toilets, sinks and drains – which should not be there.  These include used kitchen grease, nappies, cotton wool buds and sanitary products.  The sewerage network should not be used as an extension of the waste bin.

Hawkeye demonstrates how the mechanical sensor device can help prevent flooding.  Customers can also do their bit to reduce the risk of blockages and flooding by visiting www.nwl.co.uk and learn more about the water company’s ‘Bag it and Bin it’ and ‘Grease Monkey’ campaigns which explains what items should not be put in the sewerage network and how these items are disposed of correctly.