The RSPAWIR and partners were presented with the award at the WWEM Expo at the NEC
The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) has been named the winner of the Best New Initiative in the Water Sector at the Water, Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring Expo (WWEM), held at the NEC Birmingham.
The award recognises the RSPAWIR’s pioneering work in harnessing advanced wireless technologies to address critical water management challenges across the River Severn Partnership catchment.
The RSPPAWIR, managed by Shropshire Council, is a £4 million investment programme from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, aimed at driving wireless innovation across water, agriculture, and public sector domains.
The RSPAWIR has delivered eight ground-breaking water themed initiatives in just 18 months. Among the standout projects are:
- Smart Abstraction Modelling: In collaboration with Cranfield University, Harper Adams University, and the Strine Internal Drainage Board, a network of sensors now feeds a hydrological model that supports flood mitigation and abstraction guidance for landowners.
- Rainfall Monitoring via Mobile Networks: Partnering with Vodafone, the programme is trialling mobile signal attenuation as a measure of rainfall intensity and the scope to enhance the accuracy of localised weather forecasting.
- Precision Irrigation: Working with salad producer PDM in Shifnal, researchers from Cordoba and Cranfield Universities have developed a bespoke irrigation management system powered by real-time environmental data.
- Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring: Working with Southwest Sensor Ltd, Fluidion, and the Environment Agency, the programme monitors nutrient and bacterial levels and has been used to launch the free to use Shropshire Wild Bathing app, which allows swimmers to consider water quality before swimming.
- Smart Water Butts and Flood Mitigation: Industrial-scale rainwater harvesting systems have been piloted to support storm resilience in farms, schools, and factories.
- Radar-Based Gully Sensors: Installed across multiple counties allowing local authorities to reduce flood risk through proactive drainage management.
- Community Flood Warning Schemes: Delivered with Chester University and Andel Ltd to improve early warning systems in rural areas.
- Peatland Restoration Monitoring: Real-time groundwater tracking supports ecological restoration efforts with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
Ross Cook, co-chair of the River Severn Partnership, said:-
“This is a well-deserved win for the Advanced Wireless Innovation Region programme.
“All these projects are not only advancing the use of wireless technologies in environmental monitoring and water management, but also building stronger, more resilient communities across the region.”
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for digital and the green economy, added:-
“Winning this award is a testament to the collaborative spirit and technical ingenuity of our partners. The RSPAWIR has shown how wireless technologies can transform water management, and we’re proud to be leading the way in environmental innovation.”
The River Severn Partnership continues to champion connectivity, sustainability, and resilience across the region, with plans to scale up successful use cases and share best practices nationally.
