Thinking Catchments: moving beyond physical asset management

Research currently undertaken at the University of Bath in collaboration with Wessex Water indicates that the water sector needs to consider the benefits provided by the natural environment in their strategic decision-making. The work proposes catchment-based asset management and demonstrates how water industries can include natural assets (e.g. land, soil, ecosystems) in their portfolio. The methodology is created on a transdisciplinary basis, linking water science, environmental management and cost engineering. It is the first attempt to define a structured method that will allow for the management of the catchment systems in an integrated way. The holistic asset management approach will enhance the ability of water industry to support human wellbeing, safeguard ecosystems and preserve private costs.