{"id":9986,"date":"2026-03-10T15:53:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T15:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/?p=9986"},"modified":"2026-03-11T11:07:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:07:44","slug":"open-data-success-for-water-utilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/blog\/open-data-success-for-water-utilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Open Data in Water Utilities: How to Set Data Up for Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The shift towards Open Data in <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/sectors\/water-utilities\/\"><span>water utilities<\/span><\/a> is essential for solving massive, sector-wide problems. No single utilities company can tackle issues like flooding, environmental protection, and infrastructure replacement alone. By collaborating through initiatives like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.streamwaterdata.co.uk\/\"><span>Stream<\/span><\/a>, the sector can identify common challenges and allow analysts to turn disparate datasets into tangible solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-water-utilities-x-open-data-the-conundrum\">Water Utilities x Open Data: The Conundrum\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Open Data is all the talk in the water sector, it\u2019s facing a conundrum. To demonstrate the real-world value of Open Data, utilities companies must first release enough of it for researchers, analysts, and the public to use. However, evidence of this value doesn\u2019t exist yet, so securing internal buy-in to release data can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-what-s-the-value-of-open-data-in-water-utilities\">What\u2019s the Value of Open Data in Water Utilities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Open Data is still in the early stages of maturity across the sector, which makes it difficult to prove its value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s like Schr\u00f6dinger\u2019s cat but for data. There needs to be enough data available to see its value, but showing value is impossible without that data already being there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoe Shaughnessy, Business Analyst at Oakland<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Value is hard to measure &#8211; but not impossible. It\u2019s an ongoing process to understand what water utilities as a whole sees as \u2018value\u2019 in the data. Is it the number of visits to the Stream website? The number of clicks on datasets?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAt this stage of data maturity process, it\u2019s a work in progress. But by working with organisations like the <a href=\"https:\/\/theodi.org\/\"><span>Open Data Institute (ODI)<\/span><\/a>, we\u2019re able to develop value frameworks aligned to KPIs to start showcasing the impact of the open water data initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoe<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Challenges to Open Data in the Water Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/waterinnovation.challenges.org\/winners\/stream\/\"><span>Most of the major water companies in the UK<\/span><\/a> are involved in Stream. It\u2019s a strong turnout, but not without its challenges. Barriers to involvement in Open Data initiatives include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Resource constraints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reputational concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worries about releasing incorrect data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data comparisons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrong conclusions being drawn from the data by the press and public<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also the huge expectation of what\u2019s needed from the data, ranging from its formatting to its accessibility. For instance, data may be technically \u2018open\u2019, but if it\u2019s in a tricky-to-use format (e.g. a series of PDFs), it\u2019s not the easiest to extract and analyse.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the roles of data consultants, like Oakland Everything Data, is transforming data so it\u2019s set up for success. From machine-readable tables to APIs, the easier the data is to access and analyse, the more value there is to derive from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-how-open-data-could-improve-water-services\">How Open Data Could Improve Water Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like with any major change, there are challenges. But they\u2019re massively outweighed by the opportunities sparked by the open water data initiative. These include the National Storm Overflow Hub, infrastructure planning, and public awareness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">The National Storm Overflow Hub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a world-first, near real-time discharge data for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.streamwaterdata.co.uk\/pages\/the-national-storm-overflow-hub\"><span>nearly 14,000 storm overflows<\/span><\/a> in England is brought together in one interactive map. The hub enables:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Users to see which storm overflows are discharging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water users (swimmers and kayakers, for instance) to make informed decisions about whether or not to enter the water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to improvement plans for every single storm overflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water companies to access support from an independent steering group (including the Environment Agency and Ofwat)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty useful, if you ask us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"h-infrastructure-planning\">Infrastructure Planning\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water company boundaries are now together in one public place, meaning households, developers, planners, and policymakers can view and access accurate, localised information to support decision-making. For example, the data can be used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check who supplies your water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan new infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate service performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Public Awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During water shortages, high spikes in data usage occur. When the news is full of reports that reservoir levels are low, people have a tendency to do their own \u2018sanity checks\u2019. If the public has easier access to more water services data, their sense of ownership over it should grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Why Work with a Data Consultant on Your Open Data Strategy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Look, we know that getting your data into a fit state for the public domain is daunting. But data fitness is our bread and butter. As a trusted data consultant for <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/case-studies\/transforming-data-governance-for-a-major-uk-utility\/\"><span>some of the UK\u2019s biggest utilities companies<\/span><\/a>, we\u2019ve got a track record of turning raw data into structured datasets for open water data initiatives like Stream.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From creating roadmaps and value frameworks to establishing rigorous sign-off procedures, we guide you through the whole process. Ultimately, we ensure your data is clean, accurate, and secure before it\u2019s released to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-how-water-companies-should-prepare-data-for-open-data\">How Water Companies Should Prepare Data for Open Data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re a water company preparing for the transition to Open Data, <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/contact-us\/\"><span>reach out to our team<\/span><\/a> for personalised support. We\u2019ve also detailed the critical steps you should take below to make the process as straightforward and rewarding as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">1. Put a strategic roadmap in place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ad-hoc data sharing is to be avoided. Open Data success begins with a clear <a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/case-studies\/yorkshire-water-data-strategy\/\"><span>strategy<\/span><\/a> and a release roadmap. Utilities should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develop internal principles for how data will be accessed and used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create internal and external data hubs to manage the publication process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assess each potential dataset against a fixed set of criteria to avoid bias and ensure consistency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/data-strategy\/\"><span>Discover our Data Strategy services<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">2. Implement rigorous safe release protocols<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the primary barriers to Open Data is the fear of reputational damage or the release of incorrect information. To mitigate these risks, utilities must build a robust sign-off process. We recommend one with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cross-department sign-off<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Data should move through stages involving legal, communications, customer service, and data owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Data integrity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before release, data must be cleaned, accurately formatted, and paired with comprehensive metadata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Contextual clarity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing metadata ensures the public and the press don\u2019t draw incorrect or misleading conclusions from raw figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">3. Prioritise machine-readable formats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The technical definition of \u2018open\u2019 is changing. While a series of PDFs may be \u2018technically\u2019 accessible, they offer little use for modern analysis. Transition from static documents to machine-readable tables and APIs, and ensure data is interoperable. This way, it can be easily ingested into tools like PowerBI or spreadsheets for immediate use by third parties (who\u2019ll appreciate you for it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/services\/data-analytics-and-insights\/\"><span>Explore our Data Analytics &amp; Insights services<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">4. Align with regulatory and value frameworks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the moment, Open Data participation is largely voluntary. But we know that regulators (e.g. Ofwat) already expect companies to publish strategies and show progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThough it\u2019s currently a voluntary requirement rather than an obligation (or fined requirement) for water utilities to provide Open Data, utilities should look to other sectors with mandated requirements in place &#8211; like energy &#8211; for a preview of potential future regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoe<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Realising the Value of Open Data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To prove the impact of all the efforts outlined above, utilities can work with organisations like the ODI to develop value frameworks. When data publication is aligned with specific KPIs, companies can measure success &#8211; for instance, data downloads, API usage, and the development of public-facing tools (e.g. the National Storm Overflow Hub). From here, the bigger data picture can start to come together &#8211; and the true value of open water data realised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For advice or support with anything Open Data, please get in touch with our team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/weareoakland.com\/contact-us\/\"><span>Contact us<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The shift towards Open Data in water utilities is essential for solving massive, sector-wide problems. No single utilities company can tackle issues like flooding, environmental protection, and infrastructure replacement alone. By collaborating through initiatives like Stream, the sector can identify common challenges and allow analysts to turn disparate datasets into tangible solutions. Water Utilities x&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":9987,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[402],"tags":[30,465,466,469,468,467],"class_list":["post-9986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-data-strategy","tag-data-strategy","tag-open-data","tag-open-data-strategy","tag-water-companies","tag-water-data","tag-water-utilities"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Open Data in Water Utilities: How to Set Data Up for Success<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How water companies can prepare for the transition to Open Data and turn disparate datasets into insight for real-world solutions.\" \/>\n<meta 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