Whitepaper

From Reactive to Proactive: Transforming Odour Management at Welsh Water

Welsh Water, one of the UK's largest water and wastewater service providers serving 3 million people across Wales, sought to enhance their odour monitoring capabilities at treatment facilities. While their existing odour monitoring systems provided basic data, Welsh Water recognised an opportunity to implement more advanced technology for greater insight and responsiveness. By adopting Envirosuite's Omnis platform, Welsh Water successfully evolved their approach from conventional to proactive odour management. 

Welsh Water operates as a not-for-profit company managing an extensive network of treatment facilities, including major sites in Cardiff, Cog Moors, and Swansea Bay. These facilities process substantial volumes of wastewater through advanced treatment works, serving both urban and rural populations across Wales, including communities where environmental concerns are particularly prominent. 

Prior to implementing a new solution, Welsh Water relied on static odour loggers at key locations that provided limited data without crucial context. Analysis could take up to two weeks, making timely responses impossible. The data lacked information on emission sources and weather conditions, making it difficult to identify trends or validate complaints. This reactive approach left operational teams unable to understand high-risk periods or determine whether odour events originated within their boundaries. 

Envirosuite's Omnis platform provided Welsh Water with comprehensive real-time monitoring capabilities by integrating odour sensors with hyperlocal weather data. The system delivered site-specific alerts, emissions trajectory analysis, and automated reporting. This integration allowed operators to predict potential issues based on weather conditions, validate past events by accurately identifying odour sources, and respond proactively to emerging situations—transforming their entire approach to odour management. 

Key Results: 

  • Investigation time reduced from days to minutes, allowing for immediate response to odour events 

  • Strengthened community trust through transparent data sharing and proactive notifications about potential odour events 

  • Improved operational efficiency through validated identification of odour sources and optimised scheduling of activities during low-risk weather windows 

  • More strategic allocation of resources for odour control technologies based on reliable data 

  • Enhanced regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement across all three major treatment facilities 

Download