Regulators call on water companies to take further action following assessment of WRMPs Annual Review 2025
Defra, the Environment Agency and Ofwat are calling on a number of water companies to take further action following the regulators’ assessment of the individual utilities’ Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) Annual Review 2025.
Office for Environmental Protection announces new investigation into Belfast Lough sewage discharges
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has announced it is investigating the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Utility Regulator over the regulation of sewage discharges into Belfast Lough.
Environment Agency says 87% of bathing waters rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ as new reforms come into law
The Environment Agency has published the 2025 bathing water classifications for 449 designated bathing sites in England - 87% meet standards for ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ classification, an improvement on 2024.
DEFRA considers consultation responses on proposed reforms to WaterSure support scheme
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is currently analysing public feedback on the consultation on its proposed reforms to the WaterSure support scheme which caps water bills for low-income customers who have high essential water use.
Lords Committee inquiry into drought preparedness in England to hear from more witnesses
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will continue its inquiry into drought preparedness in England this week by exploring the role of water resource planning for drought resilience, including assessing the robustness of currents plans and modelling for future supply and demand.
House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee to quiz Environment Secretary on water and environmental regulation
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee will quiz Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on water and environmental regulation during a one-off evidence session on Tuesday 25 November.
Environment Agency consults on significant water management issues for river basin planning
The Environment Agency has launched a new consultation on significant water management issues for river basin management planning - the current river basin management plans were published in October 2022 and must be reviewed and updated every 6 years.
Critical infrastructure - Government announces new Energy Resilience Strategy to better protect infrastructure
Energy Minister Michael Shanks has announced that a first of its kind comprehensive Energy Resilience Strategy will be published next year to future proof the energy system to address the evolving risks the sector faces, including climate change impacts, cyber threats and geopolitical tensions.
97% of bathing waters in Scotland meet required standards and 82% achieve Good or Excellent
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the 2026 bathing water classifications, which show that the majority of designated bathing waters continue to meet high environmental standards. 97% of bathing waters across Scotland now meet required standards and 82% achieve Good or Excellent classifications.
Environment Agency warns water companies - leakage and water demand management remain unacceptably high and exceed national forecasts
The Environment Agency is warning that despite some progress made by the water companies in England in reducing leakage and managing water demand, both remain unacceptably high and exceed national forecasts.
New powers for Ofwat will see customers have stronger voice in water companies' decisions
Under new powers given to Ofwat, water companies will be accountable not only for listening to customers’ views and feedback, but also for ensuring that these are considered in any decision-making processes that affect them.
Regulations banning wet wipes containing plastic to be signed into law today
Draft Regulations laid on 16 September banning the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic which will be signed into law today will come into force 18 months after the day on which they are made.
News Showcase
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ABB launches digital platform for optimizing operation of water networks
ABB has launched AquaMaster+™, a digital platform for smart water network management, designed to help water utilities monitor, analyze and manage their water networks, preventing pipeline water losses and optimizing operations. -
Safe access solutions a key requirement for water sector and other Critical Infrastructure Providers
Craig Nienaber, Business Development Manager for Safe Access Solutions (SAS) at HUBER Technology, explores why the company is seeing a growing level of interest in its safe access solutions for critical infrastructure providers, including their application in wastewater treatment assets. -
Albion Water appoints new Director of Business Development
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development. -
Webinar to explore moving indirect potable water reuse to full implementation
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
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Watch
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Southern Water showcases last footage inside Yew Hill Reservoir before filling
Southern Water has released film and images showing what it’s like to walk inside Hampshire’s expanded Yew Hill underground reservoir for the very last time, before it gets filled with water. -
Scottish Water completes £235m investment in two-way connection between drinking water networks
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply. -
United Utilities accelerates investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across Northwest
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
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