GOTT has funded the British Antarctic Survey's new application of their radar tool to reduce water scarcity by locating and monitoring sources of groundwater.
Background
Some of the poorest communities do not have access to fresh drinking water, this is also known as 'water stress'.
The communities with the highest levels of water stress are found throughout Africa, the Middle East, and India. In these regions the effective management of water resources is limited due to its scarcity.
The knowledge asset solution
Scientists at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have been exploring new applications for a tool that was initially developed, in collaboration with University College London, to measure the rate at which ice shelves melt in polar regions.
Funding awarded by Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) is now being used by BAS to trial the technology in regions experiencing water stress to find and monitor underground water source, as well as helping to manage the water more sustainably.
The tool offers a more cost-effective and easier-to-operate way of measuring ground water compared with existing methods, as the team working on the project is developing it in response to user needs.
Who will this help?
- People: 83% of the population in the Middle East and Africa and 74% of South East Asia are experiencing extreme levels of water stress
- Non-Governmental Organisations and other water providers in water-stressed areas: The technology has potential to save borehole drilling costs and save time in locating underground water
- Municipalities: Monitoring with this technology could help identify water theft, and water quality
Funding awards
BAS were awarded £99,782 in the 'Expand' band of the Knowledge Assets Grant Fund in December 2023.
GOTT's role
GOTT provided grant funding to the project.
Quote from British Antarctic Survey
Beatrix Schlarb-Ridley, Director of Innovation and Impact at British Antarctic Survey said the following about the support from GOTT:
We're thrilled that a technology originally developed to study environmental changes in Antarctica can now help with water shortages caused by climate change.
The support from the Government Office for Technology Transfer was essential in advancing these new applications. This support builds on the initial investment and opens up new opportunities for societal benefits.
Early results
Market research and analysis has demonstrated clear requirements from potential customers and partners, and the team are developing the next generation of technology to meet these defined customer needs.
