South West Water Launches £2 million Digital-Twin Project to Forecast Algal Blooms

UK water company South West Water is spearheading the three-year project PEDAL (Prediction and Early Detection of Algal Blooms in Lakes and Reservoirs) with academic and industry partners including University of Exeter, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and South West Lakes Trust. The initiative has secured funding of about £2 million and starts in October 2025.

The project will deploy a first-of-its-kind “digital twin” for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the UK, integrating satellite imagery, drone data, in-situ sensors, laboratory testing and citizen-science input. Advanced modelling and artificial intelligence will be used to forecast bloom development, allowing water companies to intervene earlier to protect water supplies and aquatic ecosystems.

The PEDAL partnership builds on the joint venture between South West Water and the University of Exeter known as the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) and is supported by the regulator’s innovation fund. The project is expected to provide the water sector with predictive tools and data-driven insights that reduce operational costs, improve water quality and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Funding of more than £42 million was allocated across 16 winners of the regulator Ofwat’s Water Breakthrough Challenge, and South West Water’s award was listed at approximately £2.17 million.