Two new Water (Special Measures) Act measures came into force yesterday - water companies will now have to publish plans to reduce pollution incidents and address the use of nature-based solutions when managing wastewater.

Pollution Incident Reduction Plans

Water companies must be transparent in their efforts to prevent pollution from 23rd June - new rules make it mandatory for water companies to prepare and publish Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs).

These outline how companies will identify, respond to and reduce sources of sewage pollution incidents in their network each year. This includes actions like increasing monitoring, investing in technology and infrastructure and carrying out awareness campaigns for customers.

The companies will need to publish these plans by 1 April each year, and report on the progress made since their previous plan. The first plans will be published by 1 April 2026 and scrutinised by the Environment Agency.

As this is now a statutory requirement, failure to produce a PIRP in line with guidance is an offence, and could lead to a fine.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

“From today, the latest measure in the landmark Water Act will force water companies to publish specific plans on how they will tackle sewage pollution in local communities.

“This measure will increase transparency and accountability in the sector—focusing bosses’ minds on cleaning up our waterways for good.”

Nature-based Solutions

Water companies will alsohave to address  how they will use nature-based solutions within their networks as a new legal requirement from 23rd June onwards.

The new rules require water companies to consider nature-based solutions within their statutory Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs) - for instance the construction of wetlands rather than water recycling centres to help clean sewage effluent before it is released back into the wider environment.

Another example could be riparian buffers—a border of vegetation next to a river or stream which helps improve water quality and protect it from surface runoff while providing habitats and reducing erosion.

The new legal requirements mean companies have to specifically explain if and how they are using nature-based solutions within their networks, the benefits these systems have and provide transparency around their decision-making process.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive at The Rivers Trust commented:

“Installing the right nature-based solutions in the right places to complement traditional water infrastructure has huge potential to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of flood and drought, whilst also boosting biodiversity and providing high-quality green and blue space for communities. We look forward to playing our part in delivering those measures and creating a more nature-positive future.”