Northumbrian Water Water Framework Directive Asset Impact Study

Cascade were tasked with assessing the potential impact of revised consents, based on the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, on the performance of Northumbrian Water’s wasterwater assets in the north-east of England. Existing Environment Agency water quality data and the current UK TAG water quality standards were integrated using a GIS-based approach. The potential influences on water quality, such as waste water treatment works, CSOs and point and diffuse sources of pollution were identified. The effect of the revised consents on individual assets was determined using EA Monte Carlo water quality models and the effect on whole catchments was investigated using the EA SIMCAT model. The results and associated casebooks highlighted several key areas where the revised consents could impact.