Water resources security

Under the all-embracing new EU Water Framework Directive the ecology of each water resource has to be measured by monitoring various species – in the UK we’re helping the Environment Agency address the directive’s many requirements

Bringing affordable, appropriate approaches

Ensuring adequate security of water resources is a growing national and international challenge. Rising world population, geographic inequality of resource availability and widely varying industrial and domestic demands present national governments with unique and complex planning needs that can, in the case of trans-boundary resources, have significant political dimensions.

At Mott MacDonald we understand how making the very best assessment of the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater resources is increasingly vital in the face of increasing legislation. Master planning that encompasses river basin management and addresses the need for sustainable solutions provides governments and private water companies with the tools required to counter ever growing demands. But maintaining security of supply for all also needs efficiency savings and complex scenario modelling to ensure that a sufficient buffer, or headroom, exists to cater for uncertainties – avoiding the unnecessary and often expensive development of additional resources.

These are all areas in which Mott MacDonald’s specialists have the experience and knowledge to provide our customers with the best possible and most up-to-date advice. Whether the need is to evaluate the impact of Europe’s water framework directive, analyse the continuing degradation of a river’s upper catchment or assess the over-exploitation of groundwater, we work closely with our customers and their stakeholders to develop business-orientated affordable solutions that are technologically appropriate and resource security focused. Our skill base has been developed from a wide range of public and private sector commissions that put us at the forefront of current thinking including the likely impacts of climate change.