Catherine Treagus-Mullan, Associate Director, Water & Environment and Neil Mason, Associate Director, share insights on the benefits of integrating traditional engineering with smart sewers to improve river health.
In recent years, the health of our rivers has come under increased attention. With growing concerns about pollution, flooding, and biodiversity loss, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. By integrating traditional engineering methods with smart sewer systems and nature-based solutions, we can significantly enhance river health and, in turn, foster community well-being and resilience.
The Challenges of Short-Term Solutions
Rivers are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, yet many rivers in the UK face significant challenges due to pollution from agricultural and highway runoff, sewage overflows, and urban development. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, leading to more frequent and intense flooding events.
Traditional engineering solutions, such as concrete channels and flood defences, often prioritise immediate human needs whilst neglecting the long-term health of river ecosystems. While these measures may offer short-term relief, they frequently fail to address the root causes of river degradation.
The Role of Smart Sewers
Smart sewer systems harness advanced technologies like sensors and data analytics to monitor and manage wastewater more effectively. This allows water companies to monitor flow rates, detect blockages, and identify pollution sources more effectively and in real-time. This approach allows for quicker responses to issues, reducing the likelihood of sewage spills that can harm river health. By integrating these systems into existing infrastructure, we can enhance our ability to manage stormwater and reduce the risk of pollution during heavy rainfall events.
Nature-Based Solutions: A Complementary Approach
Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a holistic way to tackle environmental challenges by leveraging natural processes that enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and enhance public health and wellbeing. Restored wetlands, for example, can act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and filtering pollutants before they reach our rivers. Similarly, planting trees stabilises riverbanks, reduces soil erosion, and improves water quality. By incorporating NbS into our planning and operations, we can deliver multiple benefits that extend beyond water management and align with broader environmental goals.
A Case Study: United Utilities’ Better Rivers Framework
Tetra Tech is delivering the benefits of these integrations under the Better Rivers Framework for our client, United Utilities. The framework exemplifies how traditional engineering, smart technologies, and nature-based solutions can work together to create a sustainable approach to river management.
A key component of the Better Rivers Framework is the integration of smart sewer systems. By investing in real-time monitoring and data analytics, United Utilities can better manage its wastewater infrastructure. This allows for quicker identification of issues, such as blockages or pollution events, enabling more effective responses that reduce the risk of sewage spills into rivers.
In addition to smart sewers, the framework emphasises the importance of nature-based solutions. United Utilities is actively restoring wetlands and enhancing green spaces around rivers, creating habitats for wildlife and recreational areas for local communities. For instance, wetland restoration not only improves water quality by filtering pollutants but also provides vital ecosystems for various species, thereby enhancing biodiversity.
The Better Rivers Framework also involves community engagement initiatives, encouraging residents to participate in conservation efforts. By fostering a sense of stewardship, United Utilities helps communities connect with their local rivers. Educational programmes and volunteer opportunities empower residents to take an active role in protecting their waterways.
The framework also aims to address the impacts of climate change by implementing sustainable practices that enhance resilience. This includes creating green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, which help manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding risks. By combining these strategies, United Utilities not only improves river health but also contributes to the overall resilience of the surrounding communities.
The Benefits of an Integrated Approach
In addition to the environmental benefits, this integrated approach can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. By investing in smart technologies and natural solutions, water companies can reduce the need for expensive infrastructure projects and minimise the costs associated with pollution clean-up.
Finally, engaging communities in these initiatives fosters a deeper connection to local rivers. When people witness the positive impacts of these efforts, they are more likely to support and participate in conservation activities, creating a culture of environmental stewardship.
River Health: A Critical Juncture
The time for innovative solutions is now. In the UK, the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) is underway. This eighth phase of the regulatory framework cycle, which runs until April 2030, encourages water companies in England and Wales to invest in smart sewer technologies as part of their commitment to improving water quality. Tetra Tech is supporting water companies like United Utilities to embrace an integrated approach that creates a more sustainable and resilient future for our waterways.
As we move through AMP8 and beyond, let us champion these strategies and ensure that our rivers remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the health of our rivers and the communities that depend on them.
About the authors
Catherine Treagus-Mullan
Catherine Treagus-Mullan is an Associate Director at Tetra Tech, where she leads multidisciplinary teams delivering environmental and water engineering projects and programmes, overseeing technical assurance, client relationships, commercial performance and regulatory compliance.
She has over 20 years’ experience in flood risk management, water and wastewater engineering, and environmental consultancy, delivering flood resilience projects and sustainable water infrastructure design. Her project work includes leading programme delivery on the United Utilities Better Rivers programme, HS2 river engineering design, contaminated surface water investigations, supporting the business‑plan development and price reviews for multiple UK water companies, and major flood risk management schemes such as the Kendal scheme.
She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (FCIWEM) with a strong track record in business development, programme management and embedding sustainability and inclusion across organisations. She holds an MSc in Natural Resource Management and Development from the University of East Anglia.
Neil Mason
Neil Mason is an Associate Director at Tetra Tech, where he leads multidisciplinary teams delivering infrastructure and water engineering projects and programmes, overseeing technical assurance, client relationships, commercial performance, and regulatory compliance.
Neil’s background is in Civil Engineering where he has an extensive portfolio of experience in designing infrastructure schemes including wastewater, utilities, and highways. Neil has 18 years of experience, and his project work includes leading several multidisciplinary frameworks and large infrastructure projects for private sector clients, local authorities, and utility providers. Currently, Neil leads the Cumbria West region of the United Utilities Better Rivers framework and is responsible for overseeing 70 projects in the region ranging from new grey water infrastructure including detention tanks and pumping stations to surface water removal and SUDS schemes.
Neil is a Technician Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and holds several academic and vocational qualifications including a HNC in Civil Engineering and a NVQ in Design in the Built Environment.