The past twelve months have marked an extraordinary chapter in our company’s journey – one defined by renewal, resilience, and remarkable growth. Despite our well documented challenges with an investor group in our previous company, we took the decision to move forward, building on more than two decades of experience in water management and environmental innovation.
What could have been a setback quickly became a powerful opportunity. As we rebuilt, we came to truly appreciate the depth of expertise, hard-earned lessons, and enduring relationships we had accumulated over the years. That foundation – shaped by innovation, integrity, and a drive to make a difference – became the launchpad for a new era of success.
It soon became clear that our pace of progress was not only returning to form but accelerating. The momentum reminded us of one of our most exciting and impactful periods: the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, with vital support from the UK Government’s Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) team, we developed eight new products that contributed directly to the national COVID response. That intense period of creativity and purpose remains one of our proudest achievements – and continues to inspire the way we innovate today.
Rebuilding and reconnecting
Starting anew is never without uncertainty, but this past year has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. Our reputation for reliability and deep-rooted relationships within the UK Water Sector helped smooth the transition. Our customers – many of whom have worked with us
for years – placed their confidence in our ability to deliver, knowing that we always go above and beyond to support them.
That customer-first approach is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just provide equipment; we partner with our clients to help them meet their challenges head-on. This philosophy has allowed us to rebuild faster, stronger, and more connected than ever.
Driving innovation in water quality monitoring
Innovation continues to be our defining strength. Over the past year, we have launched two new products, with a third about to enter the market. Each was born from active collaboration with our customers and partners – a direct response to the evolving needs of the Water Sector.
One of our most exciting recent initiatives is the Continuous River Water Monitoring Collaboration, developed to meet the new requirements of Section 82 legislation. This comprehensive system measures the mandated parameters for river water quality, integrates secure data transmission to the cloud, and helps utilities demonstrate compliance and accountability.
The urgency of this work cannot be overstated. Water companies across England face mounting pressure to clean up rivers and restore ecosystems, and legislation now clearly defines their responsibilities. With only 2% of the planet’s water being potable, any pollution of this finite resource carries profound consequences. Clean water is fundamental to public health, environmental balance, and global sustainability – and we are proud to be part of the solution.
Collaborating for smarter, cleaner solutions
Our approach to innovation has always been holistic. In developing our river monitoring systems, we have collaborated with a network of expert partners to deliver a full end-to-end solution that not only meets legislative requirements but exceeds them.
Some of the key design advancements include:
- Precision auto-cleaning and auto-calibration of sensors for maximum data accuracy.
- Extended maintenance intervals, reducing site visits and operational costs.
- Optimised power consumption, with off-grid and battery-powered options.
- Environmentally sound protocols for Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity sensors that eliminate the need for calibration fluids.
- A breakthrough Ammonia sensor that uses minute amounts of calibration fluids, extending sensor lifespan and reducing waste.
- Ease of maintenance and recycling, with modular components designed for sustainability.
Solving the Ammonia Accuracy Challenge
Section 82 stipulates that Ammonia must be monitored every 15 minutes using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) technology, yet even the best sensors on the market have struggled with drift and fouling. In wastewater environments, where sensors are constantly exposed to challenging conditions, maintaining accuracy has been a persistent issue.
After years of pursuing incremental improvements, our breakthrough came through collaboration. When we were introduced to Instru, a Spanish company with over 20 years of experience in precision ammonia analysis, we immediately recognised a perfect synergy. Their Instran Ammonia Analyser had solved the drift problem entirely through a clever process of automatic calibration every 15 minutes using the Standard Known Addition method.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, we partnered with Instru to bring their proven technology to the UK market. The partnership reflects our shared commitment to precision, sustainability, and customer service – and we are proud to represent such a trusted and innovative brand.
The vital role of Dissolved Oxygen
Another critical parameter under Section 82 is Dissolved Oxygen (DO) — a direct indicator of river health and ecological balance. Oxygen levels determine whether rivers can sustain aquatic life and influence the entire surrounding ecosystem. When oxygen levels fall, fish
kills are often the most visible symptom, but the invisible damage to smaller organisms can be far more devastating.
Our SensorOUR technology, developed by RTC Instrumentation, was built on years of experience in wastewater treatment and process optimisation. While competitors claim self-cleaning oxygen sensors that don’t require calibration, feedback from the field tells a different story. True precision demands reliable self-cleaning and verified calibration – and that’s where our disruptive technology stands apart.
Through a rigorous process of design, testing, and redesign, our multidisciplinary engineering team refined the SensorOUR until it met the toughest demands of real-world wastewater conditions. The result is a robust, low-maintenance sensor capable of accurate, repeatable measurements – ideal for both wastewater treatment and river monitoring applications.
From sensors to systems: Building on experience
Our innovation doesn’t stop at individual instruments. When a client requested a toxicity analyser, we used the SensorOUR platform as a foundation, designing a new automated system suitable for both laboratory and field environments. Every design decision was made with safety, accuracy, and environmental integrity in mind – from accounting for explosive atmospheres and temperature variations to handling diverse waste streams.
These projects demonstrate how our decades of experience translate into practical, customer-focused solutions. We don’t just build sensors; we engineer complete systems that integrate seamlessly with client processes, providing the reliability and precision required for environmental compliance and operational excellence.
Partnership beyond the sale
Our relationship with clients does not end at the point of sale. We work closely with them long after installation, helping optimise their processes, troubleshoot challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Auto-cleaning and auto-calibrating devices like ours enable precise control of the most cost and energy-intensive stages of wastewater treatment, such as aeration. This not only reduces maintenance and downtime but also improves process efficiency – delivering both environmental and financial gains.
Global impact and partnership opportunities
We are actively seeking partners and buyers for our product designs and innovations. While we may not yet have the global footprint of the industry’s largest manufacturers, our technologies have immense potential to transform wastewater treatment worldwide.
Today, most treatment plants operate with 10-40% over-aeration because current sensors cannot maintain precise calibration. Considering that aeration consumes roughly 2% of all power produced globally, improving this efficiency represents a massive opportunity for both climate mitigation and cost savings.
At one facility we helped optimise, the customer saved £390,000 annually – and that was several years ago, before today’s higher energy costs. The environmental benefit, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, amplifies the importance of this work even further.
Recognition and the road ahead
Being named Sustainability Today’s Water Management Company of the Year is the perfect culmination of this year’s achievements. It recognises not only our innovation and dedication but also the collective effort of our team, partners, and loyal customers.
We have delivered independent audits and optimisation for older facilities, managed transformative long-term client projects, designed and upgraded major wastewater treatment sites, and advanced research and development for the next generation of monitoring instruments.
Each milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to precision engineering, sustainability, and collaboration – the same values that have carried us through change and fuelled our success.
A heartfelt thank you
As we look back on this extraordinary year, we want to extend our deepest thanks to our customers, colleagues, and partners across the Water Sector. Your trust, support, and collaboration have made our resurgence possible.
Starting again has reminded us that progress is not about avoiding challenges – it’s about facing them with experience, passion, and purpose. The year has gone better than we ever imagined, and with new projects already in motion, the next chapter promises to be even more exciting.
For us at DWEC and RTC Instrumentation, this recognition is not the destination – it’s another step forward in our mission to make water management smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable for everyone.
Please visit: https://www.dooleyconsulting.co.uk