I currently work as a public health scientist (water). I was awarded a Fellowship to learn more about alternative water treatment technologies through the lens of public health. As water scarcity increases in the South East, new technologies such as water recycling and desalination are going to play an increasing role in ensuring a resilient water supply. Countries such as the USA and Singapore have a long track record of using these technologies and a wealth of experience to learn from.

I attended a conference on Adapting to Change: Considerations for Water Recycling and Desalination to Address Future Water Supply Challenges in the UK in late February 2020. During the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic there was increased recognition of the essential work carried out by frontline water industry staff. At the same time, opportunities to visit key water sites were highly restricted to protect staff.

I plan to adapt how I carry out my research. In the meantime, Southern Water has launched its Water for Life: Hampshire scheme virtually.