A Farewell to our Founder

February 4, 2025

As 2024 came to a close, we reflected on a truly remarkable year of progress and innovation for the Envireau Water team. But now, our focus turns to what lies ahead in 2025.

Marking our 27th year of operation, the new year brings significant milestones, including the departure of our Chairman and founder, James Dodds.


With nearly 40 years of national and international industry experience, James has built an extraordinary career. From starting his career as a Hydrogeologist in the UK in 1987, establishing what is now Envireau Water in the attic of his home in 1998, to becoming a nationally recognised expert in water management and abstraction licensing, his accomplishments are many.


The fundamental philosophy James established in 1998 was to deliver a high-quality, technically supported, pragmatic consulting service that provided the best possible support and guidance to our clients. This vision has since been the foundation of our success and growth. Who could have imagined that a two-person operation in a single room would flourish into a thriving consultancy with 24 employees and four offices across the UK?


Our Managing Director, Dr Phil Ham, commented: 'James leaves a lasting legacy on the business, the team and the industry for his regulatory tenacity. With a strong senior leadership team in place, Envireau Water will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead, as we evolve with the times and continue to tackle industry challenges head-on. And, of course, this is not goodbye, and we look forward to collaborating with James in the future.'


James' last working day at Envireau Water is 5th February, after which he will continue working with Envireau Water and the wider RSK Group on an Associate basis.

Share

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?
Show More

World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 2025

By Rachael Plant • June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?

Tom Onslow joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.

Securing your Water Bottling Plant against Climate Change

By Rachael Plant • June 11, 2025
As the threat of climate change continues to grow, the occurrence of extreme weather events is becoming increasingly common across the UK, with the rising frequency of flooding and drought posing significant challenges nationwide. After the recent dry spell experienced across the UK, one thing is clear: climate change is a hazard affecting all industries and it is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to secure their water supplies against these unpredictable weather events. We asked our Principal Hydrogeologist, Shona Symon , for her thoughts on the matter within the bottled water industry. Shona, can you explain the importance for operators to safeguard their water bottling plant against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?

Bethan Joule joins Envireau Water

By Rachael Plant • June 10, 2025
We're thrilled to welcome Bethan Joule to our growing Shrewsbury office! Bethan joins us as a Senior Hydrogeologist, bringing over six years of experience in technical roles at Wardell Armstrong. Prior to this, she graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an MSc in Environmental Engineering in 2019. Bethan is experienced in preparing abstraction licence applications, delivering Hydrogeological Risk Assessments (HRAs), and overseeing a wide range of site investigations — including borehole drilling and hydrogeological testing - across multiple sectors, including minerals, waste, and construction. At Envireau Water , Bethan will be continuing to provide similar hydrogeological services to our extensive client base whilst also developing complimentary skills across our broad range of sectors.
Show More