
Mapping the Unseen: How APEM Group is Revolutionising Sewer Mapping with AI and Remote Sensing
In 2011, a major responsibility quietly shifted in the UK water industry when the ownership of customer-side sewerage systems was...
APEM Group, in collaboration with Thames Water and WRC, has been awarded Asset Management Initiative of the Year award at the Water Industry Awards 2025, recognising a pioneering approach to asset management that is reshaping operational efficiency across the sector. This is the second consecutive win for APEM Group at the Water Industry Awards, having won “Pollution Mitigation Initiative of the Year” in 2024.
The Asset Management Initiative of the Year award sees APEM Group celebrate their successful implementation of a semi-automated AI-driven process that has enabled the rapid tagging and classification of millions of assets—an undertaking that would have been logistically and financially unfeasible using traditional methods. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic planning, the project has delivered a scalable solution that significantly reduces both cost and processing time, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
One of the defining features of the initiative was its seasonal execution. By conducting surveys during the summer months, the project team capitalised on optimal conditions to capture a broader range of insights. This included the identification of features that often go unnoticed but have a substantial impact on operational planning and regulatory compliance. These additional insights have added considerable value, accelerating the return on investment to under two years—well ahead of initial forecasts. Click here to find out more about the sewer mapping project.
This award-winning approach offers a blueprint for how innovation and collaboration can deliver tangible results at scale. By automating previously manual processes, the project has freed up valuable resources, improved data accuracy, and enabled more informed decision-making across the asset lifecycle.
APEM Group’s leadership in this initiative underscores its commitment to driving innovation in environmental and infrastructure services. Working closely with the client, the team demonstrated how cross-group collaboration can unlock new capabilities and deliver measurable outcomes. The project not only supports operational goals but also aligns with broader environmental and sustainability objectives—an increasingly important consideration for utilities and regulators alike.
We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. It highlights the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. This project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can set new standards in asset management, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the water industry.
Darroch Baker, Managing Director of Water, Land and Environmental Services
As the sector continues to evolve, this award-winning project serves as a powerful example of how innovation can be harnessed to solve complex challenges. With its proven impact and replicable model, it is poised to influence future strategies across the UK water industry and beyond.
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