Arup on regional systems planning for the water sector: from ambition to delivery
In an Expert Focus article for WaterBriefing, as the water sector in England and Wales enters a pivotal phase, Louise Ellis, Water Strategy, Regulation & Asset Management at Arup takes a look at the need for a whole system transformation - and how regional systems planning could be the missing link between national reform and catchment-based delivery.
New report says UK water sector has ‘pivotal opportunity’ to rebuild trust in AMP8 - amid widespread public distrust
New research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Cavendish Consulting reveals a complex and often contradictory picture of public attitudes towards the UK water sector, highlighting both deep-rooted distrust and a significant opportunity for companies to rebuild confidence during the AMP8 2025-2030 investment period.
Fitch Ratings: Neutral Outlook for UK Utilities in 2026; water improving
Fitch Ratings has maintained its ‘neutral’ outlook for UK utilities, as higher electricity network investments should cut transmission curtailment costs and build distribution network capacity ahead of demand.
Environment Secretary to set up powerful water ombudsman to support customers with complaints
Environment Secretary Steve Reed is set to establish a new water ombudsman to support customers - the consumer champion will have legal powers to resolve disputes to put money back in people’s pockets.
OEP calls on Government to take urgent action on meeting environmental targets
The Office for Environmental Protection has called on the Government to take urgent action on progressing the environmental targets set out in the 25-year Environmental Improvement Plan and statutory targets set for the environment.
Highly critical EFRA Committee report says senior leadership in water sector and regulatory system have failed - "root and branch reform" needed
A highly critical new report by the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is warning that a failing water sector in which “water companies increasingly look like financial institutions rather than businesses servicing monopolised critical infrastructure” is in need of “root and branch reform”.
Independent Water Commission interim findings highlight “deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures” where fundamental change is needed
The Independent Water Commission is calling for wide-ranging and fundamental change to reset the water sector in England & Wales to address ”deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures” in its interim findings released today ahead of its final report this summer.
MOSL and independent Strategic Panel warns Cunliffe review against returning all but very largest business customers to incumbent monopoly providers
The independent Strategic Panel, the most senior governance group in the Business Retail Market, is warning the Independent Commission’s water sector review led by Sir Jon Cunliffe against returning all but the very largest business customers (using >50Ml/year) to incumbent monopoly providers, making the case why businesses of all sizes should remain in the market.
News Showcase
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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. -
Kohtari CEO says joined-up water intelligence needed to predict, not just react - not more data
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react. -
IED compliance – using automated sliding floodgates to support secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites. -
Making storm overflow data make Sense – Metasphere launches dedicated monitoring device
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
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Other Latest News
- LSBUD and UK Government sign Memorandum of Understanding on safe digging collaboration
- South East Water unveils new £50 million water treatment works to help secure Kent's water supply
- Yorkshire Water awards c£3.5 million AMP8 maintenance and support contract for thickening and dewatering assets
- Southern Water issues RFI on Smart Systems seeking input from technology suppliers
- South East Water launches dedicated emergency support for livestock owners during water supply outages
- Scottish Water launches innovative “plug and play' microturbine hydropower trial at Shieldhall WWTW
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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. -
Working for WSP - what if you could build a career as unique as you? With us, you can
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.
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