In season 2, episode 11 of WiseOnWater, Conversations in Flow, host Natasha Wiseman dives into the concept of the circular economy within the UK water sector.  

Moving away from traditional linear models, the industry is exploring innovative ways to recover energy, valuable materials, and high-purity water from sewage and wastewater. Natasha is joined by two leading experts to discuss how cutting-edge technologies, cross-sector partnerships, and changing regulatory and social frameworks are unlocking the hidden value in wastewater. 

Guests:

Lisa Mansell, Head of Innovation and Outperformance at United Utilities, explores: 

• United Utilities’ historic investment programme in the North West and how standardisation and innovation act as twin levers for outperformance 

• Insights into major Water Innovation Fund projects, including Splitting Biogas, Multiplying Value (converting sewage biogas into hydrogen and graphene) and recovering cellulose and biopolymers from wastewater 

• What a closed-loop water system looks like and how wastewater can be treated to give it a second life 

• The real challenges of water reuse – focusing on public perception, engagement, and education rather than technology gaps 

• Global perspectives – drawing on international examples from Spain (where up to 90% of wastewater is reused for agriculture) to demonstrate how reusing water for industry and irrigation frees up fresh water for public consumption 

• How green funding mechanisms are helping utilities offset initial capital burdens, and why seawater desalination and water reuse will be complementary pillars of future water security.