The Telecommunications Association of the UK Water Industry (TAUWI) acts as the focus for the UK Water Industry in communications matters and represents its members in negotiations with external bodies, government departments, agencies, regulatory organisations, suppliers and manufacturers.
The Association was formed in April 2004 and replaced the Telecommunications Advisory Committee (TAC) which for the previous 14 years had acted as the focus for the UK Water Industry in relation to fixed and mobile communications and scanning telemetry from a technical and regulatory aspect. The scope of TAUWI has been extended to capitalise on new opportunities resulting from emerging technologies and regulatory changes. The association meets on a regular basis to discuss issues and opportunities affecting the industry. Discussion topics include Cyber Security, IoT, Telemetry, leased line replacement, Radio Communications and other telecoms related matters . At the same time, more emphasis is being placed on strategic issues in relation to other areas of an organisation’s operation, such as IT/OT convergence, General Communications Infrastructure and Business Requirements. TAUWI is chaired by Mr Mark Taylor of Yorkshire Water Ltd.
The membership is drawn from representatives from the following Industry Groups:
The Industry operates a limited number of stand-alone PMR radio systems as increasing use is being made of Public Cellular Services, provided by the UK Service Providers for voice and data communications.
Along with Mobile and Fixed line communications, the Water Industry makes considerable use of Telemetry and Control data in the provision of its core services and also when dealing with its many millions of Supply and Recovery domestic and business customers. The Environment Agency & Natural Resources Wales also use telemetry and data control as part of their flood defence management schemes. All aspects of water management, including the recovery, treatment and distribution of water, the control and monitoring of water quality and operation of flood defence systems utilise telemetry to ensure compliance with statutory requirements as well as reducing maintenance and operational costs.