How can we use nature and data to help solve our environmental, climate and affordability crises?

Solving our environmental, climate and affordability trilemma requires bringing together two factors that could be considered opposing ends of the spectrum: sustainable nature-based approaches and cutting-edge data- and technology-enabled solutions. This paper defines the trilemma and the impacts on the combined sewer overflows (CSOs) challenge, then discusses the art of the possible for these novel approaches and the potential regulatory, societal and technological shifts required to empower these solutions.

In this paper, we:

• Outline the trilemma currently faced by the U.K. water sector.

• Identify areas of change that can play a part in the solution, including funding opportunities, nature-based solutions and data- and technology-enabled solutions.

• Discuss the benefits of nature-based solutions and data- and technology-enabled solutions in relation to CSOs.

The water sector needs to collaborate on how to balance the desire for better outcomes for the environment and communities, against the backdrop of a challenging climate and affordability issues. There are demands to invest in combined sewer overflows to relieve the pressures from population growth, increased urbanization and changing water patterns.

In England, around 15,000 storm overflows are being operated beyond their intended capability and are significantly overwhelmed. If this is not addressed, it could lead to higher levels of sewer discharges which present two main types of harm: harm to public health and harm to the environment.

Can the 75% improvement required in CSOs by 2035 be delivered using a holistic, collaborative approach that provides the best value for society? Our short answer: Yes!

By combining the power of nature-based solutions with data-driven approaches, we can develop innovative and sustainable strategies to challenge traditional grey solutions. This paper identifies the benefits of using nature-based and data- and technology-enabled solutions to help overcome the CSOs challenge.

There is a consensus that there are no quick fixes and a suite of solutions is required. However, to successfully overcome the challenges faced by CSOs and adopt new approaches that are nature- or data-driven, we need to take a holistic view and a “systems-thinking” approach.

This paper explores the importance of nature and data in addressing the environmental, climate, and affordability issues associated with the Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) challenge in the U.K. water sector.