A Glimpse into Groundwater at #BHUC2022

October 13, 2022

As we look forward to our 10th Borehole Users Conference on the 3rd of November at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. We thought we would give you a reminder of the knowledge that the delegates will receive.

 

By this point, we’re sure you're aware of our expert line up of speakers, highly acclaimed exhibitors, and the well-thought-out structure of the one-day conference. But if the BHUC is new to you, check out our conference programme, and make sure to read on! If you haven’t booked and would like to, please email marketing@envireauwater.co.uk, and we’ll see if we can squeeze you in. 


As with all our previous nine conferences… Yes, we have been doing this a long time! The day starts with a buzzing topic and a renowned keynote speaker. This year, Dr Mike Jones, previously of Thames Water will take to the stage…


In short, Mike has built an excellent career spanning more than 30 years as a hydrogeologist and water resources specialist. His expertise in the water industry is unparalleled. He has directed major groundwater resource schemes; he has led impact assessments of groundwater abstraction to support sustainability and conducted risk-based impact assessments of infrastructure development on water resources. The list well and truly does go on!

So, what will Mike bring to the BHUC?


Setting the context of the UN-Water’s theme “Making the Invisible, Visible”, Mike will introduce the concept that often what is out of sight, is out of mind…


This is exactly the case for groundwater - which despite contributing to over 95% of the Earth’s liquid freshwater - is often poorly understood, undervalued, and mismanaged. Burgeoning global demand, real threats from pollution, over-abstraction, and the impacts of climate change mean that in many places, this vital resource faces an uncertain future.  


The UN-Water and UNESCO’s vision is for “the value of groundwater to become progressively recognised by everyone”. Mike will take delegates on a journey of how the global perspective on groundwater is reflected in the UK and help us understand how we can be confident in our ability to effectively manage groundwater resources.


Siting Boreholes is easy business…right?!


Our very own, Penny Jenkinson, a principal Hydrogeologist with over 15 years consultancy experience, will put the myth in buster as she takes to the stage! Her engaging and immensely practical presentation will enlighten delegates on the steps to successfully siting boreholes and why this complex exercise needs careful consideration. Penny’s colourful presentation will span geological maps, hydrogeological datasets, field verification, water quality, and regulatory controls!


Christian Bird of Terradat, will follow on from Penny to indulge delegates in the world of Geophysics, using case studies to uncover what lies beneath the ground! Christian will utilise his double decade of expertise to highlight how geophysics can lead to you situating your borehole water supply in the most favourable location. From the verification of geological structures to the identification of faults and bedrock lithologies, you will begin to see the subsurface from a new perspective!


As the ground beneath our feet becomes a little less muddied… David Hingley of European Geophysical Services, will take us on a journey inside boreholes. He will paint a picture of the geophysical techniques that allows us to examine the geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the ground, and the physical condition of existing sources. We weren't messing around when we said we would make the invisible, visible! 

It's time for a wander into our afternoon workshops!


Previous Borehole Users Conference delegates know that the day holds its buzz throughout the afternoon due to our bespoke, expert, and practical workshops! This is where our delegates split in half to attend two parallel sessions, this year the first busts borehole myths, whilst the second opens up the world of water stewardship! Keep reading to gain an insight into what they cover…


Workshop 1: Borehole Myths


Bethan Harrison, Carl Gilbert, Phil Merrin and Lydia Yates, all water resource specialists from Severn Trent Water, will demonstrate just HOW to make the invisible, visible! Their engaging session will cover some of the most common borehole supply and water quality issues faced by water undertakers, based on case studies from Severn Trent’s extensive water supply network. This no-holds-barred session will see our group of experts tell all, allowing you to understand practical applications and the good decisions you need to make to mitigate against the risk of failure.


Workshop 2: Water Stewardship


Flip charts at the ready! Dr Phil Ham and Penny Jenkinson of Envireau Water are joining forces with Steve Brown from Central solutions and Ben Davies of AWS to bring Water Stewardship, and its importance to your business, to life! The session will explore the concept of water stewardship and how to address shared water challenges at a catchment scale. Looking at stakeholders, brand reputation, water demand, regulations, and finance. Delegates attending workshop 2 can expect to put pen to paper, working in collaboration with like-minded professionals on various stages of the journey to certification. 


Sounds interesting, right?! We certainly think so and can’t wait to hear more on the day! 


If you’ve not yet signed up, you have to ask yourself…


  • Are you content with missing nationally renowned experts impart their industry expertise?
  • Will you forgo the chance to network with a room full of water professionals?
  • Where else will you attend a conference dedicated to industrial and private water supplies?


If you haven’t booked and would like to, please email marketing@envireauwater.co.uk, and we’ll see if we can squeeze you in.



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