John Arundel MSc, CFChem, MRSC, FCIWEM, started his career in the water industry in 1972 and subsequently joined Thames Water Authority in 1974. As a scientist in charge of laboratories based at sewage works sites, he acquired much practical operating experience. Trade effluent control, plant commissioning and survey work also came within his remit. In 1988, as a Principal Scientist, he took over the management of Thames Water’s second largest laboratory at Reading. This had responsibility for rive and potable water analysis and later the analysis connected with the evaluation of the major refurbishment programme at wastewater plants then in progress. In late 1990, he formed his own consultancy in Walton-on-Thames and has subsequently established a considerable portfolio of clients including major environmental consultancies, most of the UK water companies and two government departments. His work involves site audits and appraisals of wastewater treatment plant, advising on design and treatment options, providing expert advice in legal cases and compiling the relevant sections of large environmental audits and assessments for due diligence cases or public enquiries. Teaching duties include a series of lectures on wastewater methods to postgraduate university students at Brunel and Surrey Universities and in-house training for plant operations.