University of Surrey and DelAgua announce major collaboration for research and development in drinking water testing technology
Posted: Wednesday 7th February 2007
The University of Surrey and Neil McDougall are delighted to announce that investment has been secured to significantly extend and improve DelAgua's microbiological water testing products.
Initially £500,000 has been committed to research and development at the University of Surrey with financial backing from DelAgua Water Testing Limited's new chairman Neil McDougall. It is anticipated that further significant funding for research and development will be committed shortly.
For more than 20 years the University of Surrey, through the DelAgua organisation at the Robens Centre for Environmental and Public Health, has specialised in providing rugged, portable water testing kits for use in regions with limited access to laboratory facilities and for use in disaster relief. DelAgua has grown into a global brand, delivering these vital kits to over 120 countries to help prevent disease and loss of life from water borne contamination.
The collaboration between the University of Surrey and DelAgua Water Testing will concentrate on developing new and improved water testing kits by extending the range of parameters tested, enhancing portability and improving ease of use, and in the longer term developing an instant, simple, low-cost microbiological water test for community use. There will also be extended and improved provision of technical support services for NGOs, aid agencies and other users.
James Beaumont has been brought into DelAgua Water Testing to develop the expansion plans. He will be the contact for both customers and suppliers and is working closely with the technical support and R&D departments at the University of Surrey. He will be working alongside key members of staff, including Dr. Steve Pedley, BSc PhD, Professor Barry Lloyd PhD MIWA, the developer of the original DelAgua kit, and Brian Clarke MSc, DIC, DipCE, CEng, MICE.
