Durham water retailer Wave acquires Infersens technology
Durham-based Wave has acquired the assets, intellectual property, and patents of Cambridge water-sensing technology company Infersens, known for its systems that help manage Legionella risk in water supplies.
The deal follows a two-year partnership between the two companies, funded by the Market Improvement Fund, which supported the deployment of 1,000 remote flow and temperature sensors at non-household customer sites.
The project aimed to explore how smart water sensing could reduce demand while maintaining safety standards.
Lucy Darch, chief executive officer at Wave, said: “Infersens has developed truly transformative technology that aligns perfectly with our mission to help businesses use water more efficiently and safely.
“By bringing its assets and expertise into Wave, weโre accelerating our ability to offer smart, scalable solutions to our customers.”
The technology at the centre of the acquisition is Infersensโ flagship product, Cortenseยฎ, a non-invasive, wireless sensor system that monitors water flow and temperature in real time.
Wave plans to integrate the system into its service offering.
The company believes the technology could significantly reduce water waste and improve compliance with Legionella regulations.
Cortenseยฎ sensors are already in use at universities, hotels, government buildings, and commercial real estate.
The data-driven approach allows organisations to cut down on unnecessary flushing and manual temperature checksโactivities that account for up to 8% of total non-household water consumption in the UK.
Wave said it will continue to support existing Infersens customers and intends to expand the rollout of Cortenseยฎ sensors through its commercial and public sector partnerships.
Ms Darch said: “Infersens has developed truly transformative technology that aligns perfectly with our mission to help businesses use water more efficiently and safely.
“By bringing its assets and expertise into Wave, weโre accelerating our ability to offer smart, scalable solutions to our customers.”
The company recently became the first business to be named Water Retailer of the Year for a third time at the 2025 Water Industry Awards in Birmingham.
Wave also met its initial water savings target a full year ahead of schedule and is now aiming to achieve 19 million cubic metres of water savings by 2030.
As one of the highest-rated business water retailers in the UK, Wave has earned ‘strong customer loyalty and positive reviews’.
The company is rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot and holds a transactional net promoter score of +22.