There are exciting plans to build a £4M leakage research and test centre to help implement and develop new approaches and tools to understanding and reducing leakage including means to Prevent, (be) Aware, Locate and Mend. https://nlrtc.co.uk/

Over the next 4 months, phase 2 of the project will be looking at specific aspects of the Centre design and operation.

As the decisions we make now will be fundamental to the eventual success of the Centre, we are keen to capture stakeholder views from across the industry to ensure that the Centre can meet the objectives of all potential users.

 This is your opportunity to input into the following areas through attending one or more workshops and ensure that the NLRTC meets the needs of your organisation.

Workshop – Developing the specification for the NLRTC

 Objective: This session will identify the key physical characteristics that the NLRTC should include. This might include aspects such as:

• pipe materials and sizes;
• nature and size of leaks;
• flows and pressures;
• topography;
• testing capabilities.

Who should attend: Leakage managers, innovation specialists, suppliers, academics and consultants with an interest in leakage technology and the centre.

Workshop – Developing a technology certification / verification scheme

In Phase 1 we identified that the Centre should be able to provide an independent certification or verification of technologies to reduce the need for repeat testing and accelerate the adoption of proven solutions.

 Objective: This session will begin to develop a certification / verification scheme for leakage technologies, exploring:

• The structure of the scheme;
• Essential elements;
• How to make the outputs accepted by water companies.

Who should attend: Water company and supply chain individuals with an interest in technology testing and new product approval, leakage specialists, procurement specialists.

 2 workshops on each of the above topics. They will be exactly the same, and you do not need to attend both.

 Workshop dates

• 4^th April – Specification of the centre (10am to 3pm)

Sandon Valley House, nr Chelmsford, Essex. Hosted by Essex and Suffolk Water.

• 5^th April – Certification / accreditation scheme (10am to 3pm)

Sandon Valley House, nr Chelmsford, Essex. Hosted by Essex and Suffolk Water.

• 20^th April – Specification of the centre (10am to 3pm)

University of Sheffield, Pam Liversidge Building, Sheffield city centre.

• 21^th April – Certification / accreditation scheme (10am to 3pm)

University of Sheffield Pam Liversidge Building, Sheffield city centre.

Everyone is welcome to attend both the specification and certification/accreditation workshops.

A full agenda and location details will be circulated shorty.

To register for any of the workshops please reply to Leo Carswell –  leo.carswell@wrcgroup.com with which workshops you would like to attend