PBJ Engineering Services

If you follow our posts, you’ll know wastewater can be used in some surprisingly clever ways – including to tackle one of the tech world’s biggest challenges. Let's talk data centres. They’re critical infrastructure – without them, there’s no streaming your favourite shows, no scrolling LinkedIn, and no asking AI bots those burning questions. But here’s the problem: data centres generate lots of heat, and keeping them cool requires vast amounts of water. That’s not ideal in a world where water scarcity is an increasing concern — even in the UK. But some tech firms have worked out a smart solution: wastewater. Amazon is cooling dozens of its US data centres using reclaimed wastewater (yes, sewage). The water undergoes a three-step treatment process that removes 99% of impurities before running through the cooling system. Once used, it returns to the wastewater facility for treatment so it can be reused again. Amazon aims to be 'water positive' by 2030, and other tech giants, including Microsoft, have committed to similar ambitions. So next time you’re bingeing data, spare a thought for wastewater – it keeps tech running more sustainably. #Sustainability #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #CircularEconomy #PBJEngineering

This week, M&S announced they’re using sewage-powered lorries to slash their carbon emissions. But how does wastewater end up fuelling food trucks? It all comes down to biomethane—a renewable gas made from wastewater sludge, among other things. Here’s how it works: Wastewater is treated in anaerobic digesters, where bacteria break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, producing biogas (a mix of methane and carbon dioxide). The biogas is refined to remove impurities, leaving behind biomethane, which can be used as a clean fuel. The benefits are huge. Biomethane-powered vehicles can cut carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to diesel. They’re also quieter, cheaper to run, and a great example of the circular economy in action. M&S is adding 80 biomethane-fuelled lorries to their fleet to transport food, clothing, and homeware across the UK. This move supports their goal to achieve net zero operations by 2030 and supply chain net zero by 2040. This is just another reminder of wastewater’s potential to drive sustainability! #Sustainability #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #PBJEngineering

Improving the health of our waterways is no small task for water companies. But if there's one thing that's sure to form part of the solution, it's natural engineering. A great example is in Berkshire, where South East Water has just completed a project to restore a Thames tributary called the Maidenhead Ditch. The project tackled two key areas: At Fleet Ditch, trees were selectively felled to let more sunlight reach the water, improving conditions for aquatic plants and wildlife. The felled trees were repurposed to create in-stream features that enhance flow and collect sediment, which will ultimately help to create new habitats for wildlife. Further up the tributary at Strand Water, a new marginal shelf was built along the riverbank to form wetland habitats. This fills with water during high flows, creating small pools and channels that provide a perfect habitat for wetland plants, insects, and other wildlife. By embracing natural engineering, the project has already boosted biodiversity and improved river health. Here’s hoping we see more initiatives like this on waterways across the country. #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #NaturalEngineering #PBJEngineering

Kidney dialysis and wastewater treatment aren’t often talked about in the same breath – but that could be about to change. Researchers in Houston, Texas, and Guangdong, China, have adapted medical dialysis technology to tackle one of the toughest challenges in wastewater treatment: salty, organic-rich wastewater. Industries like petrochemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals produce wastewater that’s salty and full of organic compounds, making it incredibly hard to treat. Existing methods can use a lot of energy, clog easily, or depend heavily on chemicals. This new dialysis approach takes a different route. Instead of forcing water through a membrane using high pressure, it relies on diffusion. Salts naturally move across a membrane into a separate freshwater stream, leaving organic compounds behind. This gentler method uses less energy and is less likely to clog or damage equipment, making it more efficient and cost-effective. What’s more, it offers the chance to recover valuable materials like salts and chemicals during the process – turning waste into something useful and supporting a circular economy. A great example of how borrowing ideas from other industries can lead to breakthroughs in wastewater treatment! #WastewaterIndustry #Wastewaterengineers #EngineeringExcellence #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

Despite a wet autumn, the UK’s water supplies are still under enormous pressure. Could we learn a few lessons from Cyprus? The Mediterranean island recycles an impressive 97% of its wastewater in urban areas, treating it at 17 plants before reuse. In contrast, less than 1% of urban wastewater is reused in the UK, according to a European Commission report. So, why the gap? Recycled water isn’t something UK consumers are used to, and many may find it unappealing. As a country known for its rainy weather, it’s easy to think water scarcity isn’t a problem here. But the reality is, our water system is under growing strain. Part of the solution is reducing how much water we use. UK residents are among Europe’s highest consumers per person, which is why water companies are rolling out smart meters to help households track and reduce their usage. Of course, the water industry has a big role to play in improving infrastructure, but addressing this challenge will also require a cultural shift. Public attitudes toward water recycling and conservation will need to evolve, supported by better education and communication from the sector. High-tech fixes are important, but becoming a more water-conscious nation may be just as essential for easing the pressure on our water supplies. #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #WastewaterRecycling #PBJEngineering

It’s common knowledge that trees help cut carbon emissions. But did you know they’re great at improving water quality, too? In Pembrokeshire, Wales, 6,500 trees have been planted along the Western Cleddau River to tackle nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff. These trees form 14-metre-wide buffer strips between farmland and the river. Acting as natural filters, they soak up excess nitrates and phosphates, stopping them from polluting the water. There are other benefits, too. The trees connect with existing woodlands, creating habitats for wildlife and boosting biodiversity. Over 1,000 metres of fencing has also been installed to keep livestock away from the river, reducing further pollution. It’s proof that while high-tech solutions have their place, nothing beats the simplicity and effectiveness of working with nature. #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #EnvironmentalEngineering #PBJEngineering

A New Year horror story from the US highlights why wastewater treatment centres and other facilities must prioritise regular boiler checks. At the start of the month, a worker at a wastewater treatment plant in Norwich, Connecticut was hospitalised in a boiler incident. While the cause is still being investigated, it’s a stark reminder of the risks posed by faulty or poorly maintained equipment. Boilers are the powerhouse behind many wastewater treatment processes, including thermal hydrolysis. But when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. That’s why regular inspections and servicing are so important. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment not only poses safety risks but can also disrupt essential treatment processes. They impact both efficiency and compliance. Our team specialises in servicing and maintaining boiler and thermal hydrolysis equipment for wastewater treatment centres across the UK. With safety as our top priority, we’re here to ensure your systems run smoothly, efficiently, and, most importantly, safely. So put safety first this year! If your boilers are due a check-up, give us a call. #WastewaterIndustry #WastewaterEngineers #EngineeringExcellence #SafetyFirst #BoilerMaintenance #PBJEngineering

We often post about thermal hydrolysis and how it makes sewage sludge more manageable. But new research from China shows it could also help reduce the impact of microplastics. The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) uses high heat and pressure to sterilise sludge, reduce its volume, and prepare it for anaerobic digestion, where biogas is produced as a renewable energy source. Now, scientists in Beijing have found another benefit: breaking down microplastics. These tiny plastic particles often end up in wastewater and are notoriously hard to remove. But under the intense heat and pressure of THP, plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) become brittle, breaking into smaller fragments with altered chemical structures. THP is also showing promise in reducing plastic pollution by breaking down both sludge and microplastics. Given our role in installing and maintaining THP equipment, it’s great to see how this technology can tackle multiple challenges, helping wastewater treatment become more efficient and environmentally friendly. #WastewaterIndustry #ThermalHydrolysis #Sustainability #WastewaterEngineering #PBJEngineering

It’s often true that nature knows best, and recent evidence suggests that’s also true in wastewater treatment. At PBJ Engineering Services, we’re experienced in working with advanced thermal hydrolysis process (THP) equipment, which is highly effective for treating sewage sludge. But there’s another, more natural method that could complement THP: reed beds. Reed beds, or sludge treatment reed beds (STRBs), use natural processes to treat wastewater and reduce sludge volumes. By harnessing bacteria and the unique properties of reeds, STRBs can break down organic matter, remove nutrients, and reduce sludge volumes by up to 98%. The science is fascinating. Reeds create oxygen-rich pockets in the sludge, while their roots release compounds that stimulate helpful bacteria. These bacteria break down waste and clean the water – all without chemicals or energy-intensive processes. A number of UK wastewater treatment centres, including Thames Water’s Cirencester plant, already use reed beds successfully. They offer a sustainable solution that balances effective wastewater treatment with environmental conservation – a trend the industry will likely lean on more in the future. #WastewaterEngineers #WastewaterIndustry #Sustainability #PBJEngineering

A major focus for the water and wastewater industries in the year ahead: data. Water companies are under growing pressure to cut leaks, reduce their environmental impact, and drive efficiency. One key way they’re tackling these challenges is by installing smart meters. Smart meters provide real-time data on water usage, helping identify leaks faster and giving customers insights into their consumption. This not only saves water but can also lower household bills by encouraging more efficient use. It’s all part of Ofwat’s targets to improve performance across the sector, and the government aims for 80% of homes in England, Scotland, and Wales to have a smart meter by the end of this year. If successful, the initiative will mean fewer leaks, better water resource management, and take a step closer to meeting sustainability goals in a sector that’s under increasing scrutiny. But as with any new technology, customer adoption will be key. It’ll be interesting to see how households respond — and whether the water industry can win public support for a smarter, more efficient future. #WaterIndustry #WastewaterIndustry #PBJEngineering