Yorkshire Water, in partnership with ODI Leeds, a city Node of the Leeds’ Open Data Institute (ODI) Leeds, is set to host a ‘Water Challenge Data Dive’ event aimed at deepening industry understanding around water analytics.

The event, scheduled for the 10th and 11th July in Leeds, will offer a chance for delegates to learn how to investigate and interrogate water data to help reduce future consumption. This will help meet Yorkshire Water’s target to reduce useage by five litres per person per day by 2020.

Specifically, the data will relate to the flow and use of water across Yorkshire Water’s distribution system, which will include metering and useage data, as well as other anonymised data relating to water use across the region.

As well as attracting water sector professionals, the two day event is expected to appeal to citizens, technologists and data experts keen to discover innovative ways data can be exploited.

Mark Gregory, Project Manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

“We are really excited about identifying the opportunities available through Open Data and to promote awareness of it. Water is a precious resource that we are all sometimes guilty of taking for granted, so if access to data can help us save it and use it more wisely this is good for both customers and the industry.

“The purpose of the event is to bring together those who have a professional and social interest in water use and open data sets. In the future, this could help spur the development of data tools such as water use apps and dashboards that could be used to incentivise our customers to reduce future consumption.”

During the event, using the water data provided, attendees will be encouraged to develop and present prototypes ideas, with judges awarding a total of £1,000 in prizes for the best concepts.

Paul Connell, Founder of ODI Leeds , said:

“This is a very exciting project to be working on with Yorkshire Water which will make a difference to our community and the environment. Using the power of collaboration, open data and open innovation is central to our work as an ODI node.”

The UK government is driving forward Open Data at home and internationally. Organisations such as the NHS and San Francisco Transport Authority have already identified millions of pounds worth of savings through the use of Open Data. Several Yorkshire Water partners are also involved with the Open Data movement.