United Utilities Better Rivers programme: automation, process control and monitoring systems for combined sewer overflow

This case study outlines how Actemium delivered fully compliant automation, process control and monitoring systems for combined sewage overflow applications, while working to compressed timelines and detailed United Utilities OT standards.

Project overview:

• Market sector: Water & Wastewater
• Customer: United Utilities
• Project location: West Yorkshire, UK
• Expertise: Automation | Process Control | Standardisation | Telemetry Integration
• Main client benefits:  Fast deployment | Reduced delivery risk | Lower pollution risk | Better river water quality

Client and their requirements

United Utilities (UU) provides water and wastewater services to around seven million people across the North West of England. The ‘Better Rivers’ programme aims to reduce sewage spills into more than 300 miles of rivers by increasing storage capacity and improving the control of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) assets.

At a CSO, spill water is directed first into detention tanks and, only if capacity is exceeded, into a receiving watercourse. To achieve United Utilities’ environmental commitments, Ward & Burke required a systems integrator that could design and implement compliant controls for:

• Combined Sewer Overflow screens with automated brush-cleaning systems
• Detention tanks with storm return pumps, mixer pumps and level-monitoring instrumentation

All deliverables needed to align with UU’s operational technology standards and governance processes, including documentation, testing and telemetry requirements.

The challenges

• Alignment from the start: This was Ward & Burke’s first project with UU, so early alignment on standards, compliance steps and acceptance criteria was essential.
• Compressed timeline: The schemes needed to be delivered in around half the usual timeframe to meet the accelerated ‘Better Rivers’ schedule.
• Design and documentation changes: Frequent updates to design parameters increased engineering and change-control complexity.
• Telemetry challenges: Abortive telemetry testing introduced delays due to issues with existing systems.

The solution: standardised automation, process control and monitoring systems

Recognising that the three Combined Sewer Overflow projects shared substantial similarities, Actemium proposed a delivery strategy focused on standardisation and repeatability. This created a clear opportunity to streamline engineering effort, improve programme certainty and reduce risk and cost for both Ward & Burke and United Utilities.

1) Early engagement to embed UU compliance

Actemium engaged early with Ward & Burke to align the control philosophy, documentation pathway and acceptance activities to UU’s standards. This ensured the automation systems and process control systems were designed right first time’, reducing late-stage rework and governance risk.

2) A repeatable template across three schemes

Actemium recommended staggering the project timelines so the first scheme could act as a template for the remaining sites. Major engineering deliverables were then replicated with minimal modifications, including:

• URS, schedules and standard documentation sets (including ENT045)
• FDS and SDS
• Test documentation (supporting a consistent FAT/SAT approach)
• Telemetry elements and HMI graphics

Standardisation of system architecture, bill of materials and I/O layouts simplified software development and enabled a repeatable commissioning approach.

3) Efficient FAT/SAT and telemetry integration

Testing followed a multi-stage FAT approach, with Phase 2 and Phase 3 FATs completed at the panel manufacturer’s facility. By keeping the architecture and interfaces consistent, Actemium reduced rework across HMI development, telemetry testing and SAT activities.

Siemens hardware was procured across both projects to match the agreed design, supporting consistent spares, configuration and maintainability.

4) Collaboration and governance

Actemium worked closely with Ward & Burke throughout delivery, enabling rapid issue resolution, consistent governance, and ongoing alignment with UU’s standards. Despite the demanding schedule, the projects were completed on time, with final as-built documentation scheduled for completion in January 2025.

Results and client benefits

• Stringent timelines met: Delivery achieved in around half the usual timeframe, supporting the Better Rivers programme schedule.
• Cost savings realised: Standardisation reduced duplication, minimised rework and improved programme certainty.
• Compliance assured: Designs aligned with United Utilities OT standards, reducing governance risk and avoiding late-stage redesign.
• Improved operational resilience: Standardised Combined Sewer Overflow screen and detention tank controls improve performance during heavy rainfall events.
• Positive environmental outcomes: Upgraded assets contribute to reducing pollution and improving river water quality.
• Supporting AMP8 objectives: The schemes advance commitments on water quality, environmental protection, wastewater resilience and reducing reliance on storm overflows.

Client testimonial

“We had the pleasure of working with Actemium on a recent project, and I can confidently say that their team was exceptional. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a “no task too big, no problem” attitude, which made the entire process smooth and stress-free.

Sudheer and his team were particularly outstanding – knowledgeable, professional, and always ready to offer solutions to any challenges we faced. His deep understanding of United Utilities procedures was invaluable and ensured that every step of the process was handled efficiently and in compliance with their requirements.

Actemium’s support, expertise, and proactive approach made a significant difference, and we could not have asked for a better partner in this project. I would highly recommend Actemium to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and hardworking systems integrator.”

Derek Bennett
Project Manager | Ward & Burke