Scottish Water alongside their wholly-owned commercially sustainable, stand-alone subsidiary, Scottish Water Horizons; are the lead partners for the Water Test Network. We use innovative ideas, knowledge and assets to encourage growth and renewable technologies in developing and delivering Scottish Water’s non-regulated commercial activities.
Scottish Water is responsible for the overall programme management of the project. We are excited to be leading a project which encourages collaboration across Europe and promotes innovation in the water industry. Being part of a project which aims to create a lasting network of testing facilities enables Scottish Water to promote Scotland’s Hydro Nation agenda and build our reputation both in Scotland, and in the Europe as a leader in innovation and promoting environmental benefits for its customers.
Two of Scottish Water’s assets form part of the Water Test Network’s testing facilities available for SMEs across North-West Europe to develop, test and verify their innovations:
• The Water Development Centre in Gorthleck, near Inverness was transformed from a water treatment works and benefits from varied raw water quality that is typical to many rural areas. As it is no longer on the distribution network, innovators can test and develop their processes and products under live conditions without risk to drinking water quality or public health.
• The Waste Water Development Centre in Bo-ness is located on a live, operational treatment works which enables testing in a safe and dynamic environment. The facility carries a Waste Management Licence so there is flexibility to import waste from alternative industrial streams to test on non-domestic sewage to enable industry-relevant results.
These two Development Centres are Scotland’s first full-scale testing facilities dedicated to supporting research and innovation in water and waste water treatment.
