Project to predict algal blooms wins funding award

Researchers have won an award to fund a major project that aims to help predict and manage algal blooms before they grow.

The Prediction and Early Detection of Algal Blooms in Lakes and Reservoirs (PEDAL) project is led by South West Water (SWW) and has been awarded £2.17m through the Ofwat Innovation Fund's Water Breakthrough Challenge.

Naturally occurring algal blooms are caused by the rapid growth of algae and can harm water quality while also being expensive to treat.

Andrew Pennington, innovation programme and partnerships manager at SWW, said: "This project will help us protect the environment, reduce treatment costs and ensure reliable, high-quality water for our customers."

The water company has worked with partners including the University of Exeter, the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The scheme will work by combining satellite images and drone technology with water quality data and input from local communities to build an early warning system for algal blooms.

Using artificial intelligence, the new system will help water companies take action sooner to improve water quality, protect nature and reduce treatment costs.

The project is due to start in October 2025 and is expected to three years to complete.

Prof Lisa Roberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: "This project has the potential to develop pioneering new methods to predict and detect the onset of algal blooms in our water systems, to help experts take action before they affect both water quality and supply.

"It will help companies to continue to ensure safe, affordable water and protect our natural spaces and ecological health."

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