This short newsletter is produced quarterly and provides updates on CREW projects, publications and the use of CREW outputs in the policy environment.

A key guiding principle is that the use of organic wastes as a fertiliser should only be used on land that would normally be fertilised as part of its management regime otherwise it becomes a waste disposal route rather than a beneficial recycling activity. This is paramount to both the external perception of the activity and to environmental protection.

In most water treatment plants ozone is used for multiple applications. Ozone is now used as a disinfectant, an oxidant of organic and inorganic molecules, a coagulant aid, removing taste and odour, a means of controlling algae and as a way of biologically stabilising water. Ozone is very effective for disinfection against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. However, when used in a disinfection capacity, it is often used when contaminants are highly resistant to more conventional disinfectants.

The July-September 2012 edition of CREWs NEWs is available now. Find out about CREW events, projects, contract opportunities and competitions as well as news and events from the wider water sector. If you have any comments about CREWs NEWs or would like to advertise an upcoming event please get in touch.

The April-June 2012 edition of CREWs NEWs is available now. Find out about CREW events, projects, contract opportunities and competitions as well as news and events from the wider water sector. If you have any comments about CREWs NEWs or would like to advertise an upcoming event please get in touch.

The October-December 2012 edition of CREWs NEWs is now available. Find out about CREW events, projects, contract opportunities and competitions as well as news and events from the wider water sector. If you have any comments about CREWs NEWs or would like to advertise an upcoming event please get in touch.

Short accessible briefing summaring current academic thinking and evidence on the value of water resources. It considers the Scottish context and examines how the value of water resources might be developed. Produced for the stage 3 debate for the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill which took place in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 27th February.

The supply-demand balance is a key measure of water resource sustainability.This balance is highly uneven across Scotland with much of the demand for water in the drier east. Agricultural irrigation is increasing in many areas, linked to land use change and requirements for high-quality produce. Better knowledge of the water balance can help secure its multiple benefits, including food security, energy crops, and the natural environment. A changing climate has implications for both water supply and demand but previous assessments have not included the influence of land use.

This research builds on the current evidence base showing a salutogentic (i.e. health improving) benefit of green space (termed “green health”). Based on this evidence we posited that water settings (blue space) should hold similar health benefits, i.e. offer opportunities for increased physical activity and recreation; afford opportunities for social contact – planned or impromptu; and promote psychological restoration and stress reduction.

There is increasing interest in exploring the health and well-being impacts of water in the environment (blue health), including the potential of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to enhance amenity for residents. Blue health research is relatively new, and the purpose of this project was to review the literature and draw together any research evidence about the health impacts of SUDS.