Phil, tell us what was so special about this years Borehole Users Conference?

You mean, other than it being our 11th conference?! The conference was notably full. Full of industry professionals, regulators, exhibitors, speakers and of course the Envireau Water team. This year's conference was truly exceptional due to its unwavering focus on sustainability and climate change, how this can be applied to water resources management and, not forgetting, how we as individuals all have a role to play in making a positive impact for future generations.

There was a consensus at the conference, that change needs to happen, and rapidly. Whether regarding borehole design, pumping operations or water management, the audience and speakers were clearly aligned... we can all make a difference!

The momentum and engagement of a professional community on such an important topic, made the BHUC 2023 really special. 

What were your key takeaways from the morning session?

A huge amount of thought went into how we structured the conference to deliver the knowledge and confidence our delegates needed to improve their water management practices and reduce their carbon footprints. 

Simon Garrett, Environment Engagement Lead at RSK Nature Positive, opened the conference with a compelling talk on sustainability; bouncing around graphics which perfectly illustrated the challenge climate change and finite resources pose to our world, the significance of these issues, and their relevance to our collective responsibility. It wasn’t all doom and gloom. Simon expertly showed how we can rise to the challenges and delivered a foundational introduction, setting the stage for the day's discussions and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future.

Andy Turner, Water Resources Manager at the Environment Agency, zoomed in on the issues highlighted by Simon, proposing that success in mitigating the impacts of climate change in the UK requires building resilience and the sustainable allocation of water abstraction rights. He elaborated, stating that there must be a reduction in the 'hoarding' of water rights for collective benefit, with reasonable and justified quantities abstracted. Andy also underlined the importance of innovation and multi-sector solutions.

David Banks from Holymoor Consulting and John Calder from Dura Pump delivered insightful talks, providing valuable guidance on how delegates can optimise their own borehole and pumping system designs for potential long-term savings in energy, costs, and carbon emissions. Their focus on energy, hydraulic, and cost efficiency underscored the often-overlooked complexities of boreholes and pumping equipment, shedding light on the necessity for continuous monitoring and maintenance.

What was covered in this year's parallel workshops? 

We hosted two really practical workshops this year!

Workshop 1 was led by David Banks, John Calder, and Shona Symon from Envireau Water. Our tremendous trio considered some of the themes from David and John's talks in further detail by collectively designing a borehole, selecting a pump, and specifying a suitable monitoring scheme.

The complexity and technicality of boreholes might come as a surprise to some. Still, by keeping the design efficient but straightforward, businesses can reduce costs in multiple areas and help keep environmental impact to a minimum.

Elsewhere, Workshop 2, collaboratively delivered by Steve Brown (20 Fifty Partners) Dr Lee Oliver (The Woodland Trust), Sarah Wade (Alliance for Water Stewardship), Harriet Robson (Envireau Water) and myself, was a practical session focusing on how to carry out effective stakeholder engagement to progress Water Stewardship. The session provided valuable insights to those who are actively progressing stewardship and equally to those delegates who are new to the concept. 

Can you give us a hint on what next year might entail?

That's a work in progress! All I will say is that it' s time to do something a little different; or at least take the conference somewhere different, so watch this space.

You heard it here first, folks! Watch this space into the new year to hear more on #BHUC2024. Otherwise, we wish a final Thank You to all our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and delegates for attending the Borehole Users Conference 2023!