British Science Week 2025: Change and adapt

Science has advanced over time through new discoveries, observation, and experiments, leading to new technologies and a better understanding of the world. You may instantly think of medicine or the physics of space, but this also applies to water.

From making a cuppa first thing in the morning to having a shower in the evenings, we can often take for granted the top-quality drinking water that comes out of our taps every day.

But, our in-house scientists are there, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure that every drop that comes out of your tap is safe to drink.

South East Water’s Scientific Services: A leading water testing laboratory

Our laboratories, based in Farnborough, Hampshire are one the leading water testing facilities in the country Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, they conduct over a million water tests every year to guarantee the safety of water.

They don’t just test our tap water, but also provide testing services for a range of commercial and private sectors. This includes residential care homes, pools and spas and local authorities to ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean water, regardless of their source.

Beyond "tasting"

The commitment to water safety goes beyond simple taste tests. The team of scientists at South East Water includes specialized Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) officers who are responsible for ensuring that the water meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

Recently, the team has implemented a change in their testing procedures by switching from plastic cups to glass containers for drinking water samples. This change was made to eliminate the potential for absorption of contaminants from plastic, leading to a more accurate and reliable testing process.

Meet the scientists passionate about water quality

Chloe Bates, Senior Quality Analyst: I’ve been working at South East Water for nearly 2 and half years now, previously as an Organic Technician then as a Quality Analyst. Recently, I was promoted to Senior Quality Analyst. I've always been inspired by learning new things. I’ve had a big passion for science and the ability to learn more and more is what's given me my drive. Hence why I have strived to move between departments and progress up to Senior Analyst.

Luke Ridge, Quality Analyst: I’m fairly new having worked at South East Water for just over a year now. I’ve always been interested in science, particularly in chemistry. I've found it really interesting working here, getting to know the challenges in the water industry and how it all works and the science behind water quality.

Every day our team of scientists make sure our customers have clean, safe drinking water coming out of their taps... that's pretty big!

The vital role of science and water in environmental processes

When we hear the word ‘science’ most of us think of someone who works in a laboratory in a white coat. But what if we told you that science and water isn’t just about our laboratories and testing?

Water plays a critical role in atmospheric and environmental processes, making its study crucial for our understanding of climate change, biodiversity and the overall health of the environment.

To secure the future of water supplies, we need to be sure we’re not causing damage to the rivers and streams we rely on. That’s why we have numerous scientists within our Environment Team ensuring that there is a healthy balance between taking the water we need from rivers and streams for our customers while leaving enough for the environment to thrive.