Partners to use funding to work on ways to treat algae earlier

SOUTH West Water has secured a share of more than £42 million awarded to initiatives that tackle major challenges in the sector.

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The company’s algal project, known as Prediction and Early Detection of Algal Blooms in Lakes and Reservoirs (Pedal), will receive funding through the Ofwat Innovation Fund's fifth Water Breakthrough Challenge.

The money will help the development of new tools to predict and manage harmful algal blooms before they grow.

The blooms are a growing concern for water companies and communities across the UK. The naturally-occurring events are caused by the rapid growth of algae in water and are becoming more frequent due to climate change and pollution.