Water infrastructure fit for the 21st century
The centralised model for water infrastructure established in the 19th century has served us well, but it comes with high energy, capital and maintenance costs that are not compatible with a global net-zero carbon and sustainable economy.
Our vision is a future for off-grid water and wastewater biological treatment systems that operate with the ease, convenience and reliability of commercial domestic appliances (or community-scale versions of them).
Our Objectives
- Reliability
New systems must be reliable so that they are dependable for end users. - Ease of maintenance
New solutions require the development of new maintenance approaches. - Safety
Safety is paramount. End users will be able to take control of their water-related health. - Desirable to end users
Technologies must be desirable to end users. We will work to overcome barriers to adoption. - Affordable
We will work to ensure new solutions are economically viable for communities. - Effective
New off-grid test solutions to ensure efficacy will be developed. - Desirable to legislators
New approaches must be acceptable to regulators and legislators.
Updates
- Homes Need More Than Land: Rethinking Water in Rural and Island Housing
January 20, 2026
Homes Need More Than Land: Rethinking Water in Rural and Island Housing
Discover how rural and island communities across Scotland are grappling with a growing housing emergency and why water infrastructure is an often overlooked but essential part of the solution. This thought‑provoking blog explores the challenges facing these communities, the barriers to building new homes, and the urgent need to rethink how water systems support sustainable ...
- Percy Fellowship in the Centre for Rural Economy- Dr Elizabeth Lawson
January 6, 2026
Percy Fellowship in the Centre for Rural Economy- Dr Elizabeth Lawson
Congratulations to Dr Elizabeth Lawson for having been awarded the Percy Fellowship in the Centre for Rural Economy, at Newcastle University where she will continue with her work on water and the rural economy. The four year position will support her development as an independent researcher, whilst working on a number of national and international ...
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