The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is planning campaigns to put a clear focus on water security in the UK in 2013.

Using the theme of water security, ICE is following up on issues raised in last year’s State of the Nation: Water report.

During the first quarter of 2013, the institution will meet with senior political figures to follow up these lines of advice with Government and opposition parties.

It has very recently hosted the Duke of Gloucester debate on flood management, and will host a round table debate with industry and political leaders to identify the next steps needed around water security.

World Water Day on 22 March will then give water issues a global focus. To support this, ICE will be helping to raise awareness through its media work, news and resources on its website and discussion across social media channels.

This is part of ICE’s ongoing programme to raise the profile of civil engineering and lead the infrastructure debate to ensure civil engineers’ expert advice is heard by Government and influences decision making.

In recent months ICE has already featured significantly in the news due to the UK’s record rainfall in 2012. Following heavy flooding in December, ICE Vice President David Balmforth gave several interviews to highlight the need for continued strategic investment in engineering solutions.

Then in January 2013, ICE water panel chair Michael Norton appeared on national television calling for a water storage strategy for the winter rainfall to ensure a secure water supply during sustained dry spells.