Twenty environmental NGOs, co-ordinated by Blueprint for Water, and nine water companies are announcing today that they have pulled together to create a set of shared principles setting out how they will work together to help leave the environment in a better state.

The companies and charities are already working together on many projects across England including tackling pollution by ‘unflushables’, natural water filtering and working with farmers on more environmentally-friendly agricultural techniques.

The firms have this month all submitted their business plans for 2020-25. The organisations intend for the shared principles to deliver more effective joint working on environmental and wildlife issues, including more on the ground projects - achieving better outcomes for the environment and improved value for money.

Hannah Freeman of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Chair of Blueprint for Water, said:

‘This is the first time water companies and nature charities have agreed how to work together ahead of business plans being delivered. With our waters under increasing pressure it is essential that businesses and environmentalists are more joined-up in acting as their guardians. We must make sure investment and action delivers effective improvements for wildlife, habitats, and customers alike, and this initiative is a very welcome steps towards achieving change.’

Nathan Richardson of RSPB, Vice Chair of Blueprint for Water, said:

‘With the UK’s waters in a critical state this pooling of resources and expertise is essential to help make them healthy again. Joint projects on the ground across the country are already achieving success and we look forward to more joint work on policy, targets, campaigns, and initiatives delivering results for the environment.’

Heidi Mottram CBE, Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water Group, said the water companies wanted to take their work on improving the UK’s water systems further in partnership with environmental groups by working closely with nature experts on the ground.

“Together we can push for changes to help improve outcomes for the environment and deliver a more sustainable and resilient water sector.’ she added.

The shared principles announced today include:

• greater collaboration on policy and projects;
• promoting greater awareness of the links between water management and the natural environment;
• working together to achieve and build upon Water Framework Directive obligations;
• sharing key data sets in a timely and transparent way and making key datasets openly available; 
• and joint efforts to enhance and improve the resilience of water-based ecosystems.

Steve Robertson, Thames Water Chief Executive Officer, said:

‘Our primary role, to provide resilient water and waste services to customers across London and the Thames Valley, touches the environment on multiple levels every single day. When planning our investment its hugely important to work closely with environmental groups to limit the impact we have and ensure we sustain a thriving environment for future generations.’