Could AI Stop Dangerous Algae in Cornish Waters Before It Starts?

South West Water has secured funding for a major new project that aims to predict harmful algal blooms before they appear – using AI, satellites and even drones.

The project, called PEDAL (Prediction and Early Detection of Algal Blooms in Lakes and Reservoirs), is one of 16 winners from the fifth Water Breakthrough Challenge, part of the Ofwat Innovation Fund. More than £42 million has been awarded to the winning projects, which all focus on tackling big problems in the water sector.

📷A bloom of cyanobacteria in Cheddar Valley Lake

What Are Harmful Algal Blooms?

Harmful algal blooms, or HABS, happen when algae grow quickly in water. They can make water harder to treat, harm wildlife, and spoil places people use for recreation. The problem is getting worse, partly because of climate change and pollution.

HABS have been affecting lakes and reservoirs across the UK, including in the South West. Until now, most responses to these blooms have been reactive. PEDAL is designed to change that.

How PEDAL Will Work

Starting in October 2025, the three-year project will use satellite imagery, drone flights, water quality data and even community input to develop a system that can give early warnings of algal blooms. The technology will be powered by artificial intelligence.

South West Water is leading the work in partnership with the University of Exeter’s Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW), Plymouth Marine Laboratory and other collaborators from both academia and industry.

Andrew Pennington, Innovation Programme & Partnerships Manager at South West Water, said:
“Algal blooms are a growing national challenge for the water industry, impacting water quality, biodiversity, and public enjoyment of natural spaces.

“With PEDAL, we aim to move from reacting to these events to mitigating their impact early on. This project will help us protect the environment, reduce treatment costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality water for our customers and we’re proud to be collaborating with our CREWW partners, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and other groups to achieve this.”

📷Andrew Pennington, Innovation Programme and Partnerships Manager at South West Water

A Boost for Environmental Research

CREWW is a joint venture between South West Water and the University of Exeter, based at the university’s Streatham Campus. The Centre focuses on sustainable and resilient ways to manage water and waste, particularly in the face of climate change and population growth.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said:
“We are delighted that this vital project, led by colleagues at CREWW, has been selected to receive such significant funding.

“It is a testament to not only the globally recognised expertise of our team and partners in this crucial area of environmental research, but also the ability of CREWW to deliver real world impact, and solutions, that make a difference to people’s everyday lives.

“This project has the potential to develop pioneering new methods to predict and detect the onset of algal blooms in our water systems, to help experts take action before they affect both water quality and supply. It will help companies to continue to ensure safe, affordable water and protect our natural spaces and ecological health.”

More about CREWW is available at www.exeter.ac.uk/research/creww

Ofwat’s Push for Innovation

The Ofwat Innovation Fund was set up to drive innovation in the water sector, especially through collaboration. It is delivered by Challenge Works (part of the Nesta group), along with Arup and Isle Utilities.

David Black, CEO of Ofwat, said:
“Water underpins our society and economy, and the water sector faces a range of challenges requiring urgent solutions. The Ofwat Innovation Fund was established five years ago to incentivise the water sector to collaborate with partners across industry, charities, and academia to accelerate the pace of transformation and create lasting benefits for customers and the environment.

“The level of ambition of this year’s winners is remarkable. We are supporting these projects to prove their impact so that they can be scaled, not only here in England and Wales, but exported around the world as a driver of economic growth.”

To read more about PEDAL and the other winning projects from the fifth Water Breakthrough Challenge, visit waterinnovation.challenges.org.

📷A drone image of an algal bloom