The Water Resources Act 1991 (WRA 1991) requires consent holders to measure the flow of sewage or trade effluent to controlled waters and to collect and report the monitoring data.
The Environment Agency has established its Monitoring Certification Scheme: MCERTS to provide a framework within which the measurements can be made to its quality requirements. MCERTS provides for the product certification of instruments, the competency certification of personnel and the accreditation of laboratories and onsite inspection in accordance with European and International standards. MCERTS is operated by SIRA Certification Service (SCS) on behalf of the Agency.
The Agency requires consent holders to have their flow-monitoring arrangements independently assessed and certified as conforming to this standard by the MCERTS inspection body. Inspection of flow-monitoring arrangements must be undertaken by MCERTS inspectors whose competency has been demonstrated to meet the requirements of the related MCERTS standard : Competency Standard for MCERTS inspectors - effluent flow monitoring.
Trueflow Surveys have been awarded MCERTS approval for undertaking audits of effluent flow monitoring installations in line with the EA document: Minimum Requirements for the Self-Monitoring of Effluent The approval covers open channel and closed pipe systems.
Trueflow are currently contracted to United Utilities Operational Services (UUOS) Welsh Region to undertake audits of effluent flow measurement installations throughout Wales, with approximately 250 audits undertaken to date. Options have been highlighted for improvements to measurement installations and for the most cost effective options in terms of installation cost, accuracy and maintenance costs.
In addition to MCERTS audits, Trueflow can undertake pre-audit surveys at sites where flow monitoring is to be installed or up-rated. A detailed site survey can be undertaken to ensure that any new or modified installation will meet the requirements of MCERTS.

With over 30 years experience of flow measurement in the UK water industry, together with extensive experience of both flow and effluent quality data collection for the design and improvement of Wastewater Treatment Works we can work with the minimum of supervision. All staff are qualified for confined space entry to City and Guilds level and are trained and experienced in undertaking risk assessments for work to be carried out at WwTW’s or in sewers.