In late 2019, Professor Darren Reynolds and Dr Gillian Clayton from the Centre of Research in Biosciences at the University of the West of England visited Perseverance Works to test the quality of our tap water.
Water samples were collected by the academics for analysis by an independent accredited drinking water laboratory: Wessex Water, in Bristol. Three taps were used for the analysis, in Units 18, 19 and 21.
The water hardness, microbiological, chemical and metallic quality of the water were analysed by the lab.
Results confirmed that the water adhered to UK drinking water standards, and were comparable to samples provided by leading bottled water brands Evian and Smartwater!
There is, therefore, no reason to bring bottled water onsite.
On 29th January at 5pm, Professor Reynolds and Dr Clayton will present their findings at Atelier 10. All tenants are invited!
Please contact Paul King if you wish to attend paul-king-perseveranceworks@outlook.com
Further details can be viewed in the full report: The Perseverance Works Water Report
Brief Biographies
Gillian Clayton
Gillian Clayton is currently a postdoctoral research associate in the Centre for Research in Biosciences at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol. With a degree in environmental sciences from UWE Bristol and Gillian has previously worked in industry at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK and United Parcel Service. Gillian returned to UWE to carry out her PhD under the supervision of Darren Reynolds and Robin Thorn, and was sponsored in part by Portsmouth Aviation Ltd. The PhD developed point-of-use water treatment technologies for the production of drinking water. The overall aim was to develop a system which could allow off-grid, or decentralised, communities gain access to biologically and chemically safe drinking water. Gillian works on several projects including the recovery, identification, and quantification of microplastics present in air, as well as the development of a non-thermal plasma applicator for the decontamination of medical endoscopes. Gillian’s research interests include working towards a more sustainable future by trying to find solutions to global issues, such as the food-water-energy nexus or water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH), by developing and implementing fit-for-purpose technologies. All of the research she has been involved with engages with industry, NGOs and end users, to try and encourage positive changes. Gillian enjoys going off-grid on hikes, and spending time in nature, and is also partial to watching a game of rugby.
Darren Reynolds
Darren Reynolds is a Professor in Health and Environment at the Centre for Research in Biosciences at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. With a passion for Teaching, Learning and Research Darren has over 20 years of experience of interdisciplinary working, research and development. From potatoes and wound infections to environmental sensing and water treatment Darren has worked with people from many disciplines to solve real world real-world problems. Working with charities, small medium enterprises, government agencies and high-technology partners specialising in driving interdisciplinary science and innovation from laboratory through to real-world application, maximising Impact through Research. I also work extensively with students and try to use my research to inspire individuals about the power of science – maximising Teaching through Research. Darren is a Professor of Health and Environment in the Centre for Research in Biosciences at the University of the West of England, Bristol. He has a passion for Teaching, Learning, Research and Innovation and has over 25 years of experience in Higher Education and R&D in science, technology and working in partnership with end-users to drive innovation and make things happen. He is inspired by working together with passionate individuals from other disciplines and walks of life. Darren is committed to tackling some of the big problems that we all face in areas of health, food and water security. He has spent most of his working life interacting and working with businesses (big and small) both here and overseas and believes in pulling science and innovation out of brains and buildings and into the real-world, to help make a difference. He enjoys communicating science and dreams of inspiring a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs that will change and shape the world in which we live. Darren enjoys the outdoors and one of his favourite pastimes is watching the game of cricket with good friends.