Yorkshire Water has launched a two-year research project using AI to provide real-time water quality predictions at 20 inland bathing water sites across the county, in collaboration with AI specialists UnifAI Technology.
The project, funded through Ofwat’s Water Breakthrough Challenge, combines specialist flow and water quality sensors with laboratory sampling to build a predictive AI model.
Sensors installed by environmental monitoring company SOCOTEC will take readings every 15 minutes at each site, measuring dissolved oxygen, pH levels, ammonia, temperature and turbidity.
Water samples tested for harmful bacteria including E.coli and Enterococci will be taken four times per week at each location.
More than 7,800 data sets gathered over 24 months will train AI models capable of predicting harmful bacteria levels in near real time. Sites include Ilkley, Wetherby, Knaresborough and Harrogate. If successful, the public will be able to access predictions through a user-friendly web app.
Faye Cossins, Coastal Delivery and Engagement Manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “This project has real potential to give communities near real-time insights so they can make confident, informed decisions about taking a dip.”
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