Water quality is high on the agenda

Clive Thompson has worked in water analysis for 45 years and is now Chief Scientist at ALcontrol Laboratories.
He is also a committee member for the RSC's Water Science Forum, who were closely involved with the recent publication of the RSC's Water Report.

Q What does ALcontrol do?
A  It is one of the largest environmental (water, land and air), food and oil analysis organisations in the UK and Ireland. Evolving out of  Yorkshire Water LabServices, it now has a presence over most of Europe. 

Q What does your job at ALcontrol involve?
A My job involves helping to ensure that the regulatory water analysis carried out for over 7 million consumers is fit for purpose. In addition, it also involves making sure that ALcontrol keeps up to date with relevant technological developments; troubleshooting any major problem issues and serving on a range of national and international committees associated with environmental analysis.

Q What was the pathway you took into your current position?
A I took a chemistry degree and analytical chemistry PhD at Imperial College (1962 - 1968). Whilst undertaking these two degrees, I also worked in most vacation periods at the Metropolitan Water Board (MWB) under the famous Dr Edwin Windle Taylor, gaining a considerable amount of invaluable experience whilst working at the MWB. I was then a lecturer at Imperial College for a short period, followed by six very happy years working on the development of atomic spectroscopic instrumentation for Southern Analytical Ltd at Camberley. I moved to Severn Trent Water in 1975 then joined Yorkshire Water in 1980. After privatisation the laboratory arm evolved into ALcontrol Laboratories.

Q What is your view of the RSC Water Report?
A As a member of the RSC Water Science Forum I was sent the report to read through prior to its launch. I certainly endorse all the comments made by the Forum on this prestigious report. In my opinion, this is a really useful and extremely relevant authoritative document produced by a wide range of eminent experienced scientists.

Q What would you like to see happen next with the report?
A It is essential that this authoritative report (like so many similar key documents where many man years of effort have been expended) does not simply just end up sitting on a shelf in a government archive. All the recommendations need to be actively considered by all relevant organisations; formal responses made and suitable short and long term actions instituted. This report should also be regarded as a living document that will need regular updating in many areas as knowledge advances.