Ofwat has today published a discussion paper setting out the case for how open data can enable water companies to create value for water customers, communities and the environment.

Introducing the paper, H2Open – Open data in the water industry: a case for change, the water sector regulator said open data means making data freely available to everyone to access, use and share, unless there is a really strong justification for not doing so.

According to Ofwat, the use of open data could transform water and wastewater service delivery by increasing transparency, increasing efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and stimulating innovation.

However, “very few companies have introduced open access to their data sets. There is currently a huge untapped opportunities through open data for the industry”, the regulator said.

Working alongside the water industry, consumer groups and the Open data Institute, Ofwat has sought to understand the benefits of open data and how it could be used to help address some of the challenges the water sector faces:climate change, the need to protect the environment, responding to changing customer demands and protecting the most vulnerable.

Via engagement with stakeholders, the regulator has identified key enablers needed to unlock the best outcomes from open data:

• a strong data culture and the development of capability and skills – A strong individual company and industry-wide vision and strategy is essential for delivering open data. Strong senior leadership ensures strategic focus, and that data and analytics capability is developed
• improved collaboration on open data across the industry – Working together to collect, share and use data can help to address challenges, improve decision making and adapt to changing environments; and
• established data infrastructure – Open and accessible datasets, technology, training and processes that collect, maintain and use the data to gain insights and solve problems

The report says no water company has opened large numbers of data sets beyond what is required by Government or a regulator for regulatory purposes.

Ofwat wants to see the industry keep pace, make open data more of a priority and work together to embrace open data for the benefit of customers, society and the environment.

The regulator would like to see the sector make measurable progress in delivering open data over the next 12 months.

Lisa Commane, Senior Director at Ofwat said:

“Other sectors have showcased the power of open data in delivering huge benefits for people and the planet. Open data plays a central role in stimulating new thinking and the use of open data is vital for the water sector to innovate and address some of the challenges and opportunities that exist.

“We need to unleash the untapped potential of open data and we’ve heard there is appetite for doing that. This can be done if the water sector works together to lead this work and to develop the skills, technology and culture we have heard are essential. We’re really looking forward to seeing how the sector responds over the next 12 months and the benefits it brings.”

While the paper is primarily focussed on the 17 incumbent regional monopoly companies, in Ofwat’s view many of the benefits of this approach to open data could – and should – apply to data held by all operators including business retailers and new appointees and variations.

The regulator wants to see those businesses also explore the opportunities and benefits that a more open approach to market data could present to business customers and the environment.

Ofwat said:

“We intend this paper to supercharge a public discussion about the benefits of open data and how it could be used to help address some of the challenges the water sector faces.”

Click here to download H2Open – Open data in the water industry: a case for change