This paper discusses progress in instrumentation, control and automation in the UK water industry. Included are details of recent legislation of relevance, particularly the impact of privatization of the ten Regional Water Authorities in 1989, the setting up at the same time of the National Rivers Authority, and the likely impact of the enforcement of European Community regulations by 1992. Developments in sensor and support systems are examined and progress in computer-based ‘expert’ systems for control of treatment facilities is discussed. Also considered are improvements in telemetry systems for remote supervision of river quality and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Finally, recent trends in the deployment of instrumentation, control and automation systems are examined.
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