The UK water industry is about to embark on a hugely ambitious monitoring programme called Section 82 of the Environment Act. This will require companies to implement an extensive network of flow and water quality monitoring systems to enhance environmental accountability.

Our own Jason Rowe recently attended the SWIG (Sensors for Water Interest Group) event Achieving Section 82 Compliance: Innovation in Flow and Water Quality Monitoring in Manchester, and the presentations deliver by the likes of Jacobs, United Utilities, Severn Trent and others were really insightful.

One thing that really came through was the scale of the challenge. This initiative is, quite frankly, huge in scale, requiring an installation process that will go on for a decade at least, plus an ongoing maintenance programme valued at approximately £300 million per year*. But in terms of scale – while the financial investment is significant, the real challenge lies as we see it is in securing the right people to deliver it!

The Scale of the Challenge

As Oliver Grievson of AtkinsRealis highlighted at the event, the industry is gearing up for an enormous surge in instrumentation deployment, data analysis, and system optimisation. With thousands of monitoring points to be installed and maintained, the demand for specialist expertise is set to skyrocket.

The water sector already faces a well-documented skills gap, particularly in technical engineering, controls, and system design. Section 82 compliance will only intensify this pressure, requiring:

• Instrumentation & Controls Engineers to oversee the deployment of cutting-edge monitoring systems.
• Data & Telemetry Experts to interpret real-time data for regulatory reporting and operational efficiency.
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineers to install, integrate, and maintain the new infrastructure.
• Optimisation Specialists to ensure the systems function efficiently, balancing compliance with cost-effectiveness.

The Role of Innovation

Innovation will play a critical role in achieving Section 82 compliance, with advances in new technologies, smart devices, connectivity, and data management being at the forefront of this transformation. The integration of AI-driven analytics and automation will allow for more sophisticated monitoring, predictive maintenance, and faster decision-making.

However, leveraging these innovations effectively will demand a more advanced skill set among employees. Utilities and contractors will need professionals who understand AI-driven data interpretation, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and advanced connectivity solutions. This is where specialist support from organisations like Aqua-Tech’s Technical Services Division will be invaluable—offering expertise in installation, commissioning, and reporting to help businesses navigate this technological shift.

The Role of Industry Expertise

This isn’t just about recruiting more people—it’s about securing the right mix of technical expertise and industry knowledge. Many organisations will need external support to bridge internal capability gaps, whether through hiring new talent or engaging specialist consultancy services.

At Aqua-Tech, we see this as a pivotal moment for the industry. Our Recruitment Division is already working with clients to source top-tier professionals with the necessary technical and regulatory expertise. Meanwhile, our Technical Services Division, led by in-house engineering professionals, is actively supporting businesses with design reviews, system integration, and performance optimisation.

Moving Forward

The successful implementation of Section 82 compliance isn’t just a regulatory necessity—it’s a watershed moment for how the industry monitors and manages environmental impact. The scale of investment is clear, but the real question remains: does the sector have the workforce to deliver it?

Ensuring compliance will require a collaborative effort between utilities, contractors, regulators, and specialist service providers. Addressing the workforce challenge now will be key to delivering this programme efficiently and effectively.

As the industry prepares for this transformation, Aqua-Tech is here to support both the recruitment and technical expertise needs required to make it a success. To find out more contact us directly, or reach-out to any members of the team.

* Figure from the SWIG presentation by Oliver Grievson from AtkinsRealis.