Protecting people but not pipelines: why water companies prioritise worker safety over asset protection
In the second of a series of Expert Focus articles for WaterBriefing, Richard Broome, Managing Director at LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource, explores the contradictory approach to safety in the water industry, highlighting the stark contrast between the protection of workers and the under-protection of assets.
Met Office warns May 20025 set to break spring records as June approaches
As the end of May draws closer, the Met Office is warning that Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a contender for the record books, particularly when it comes to temperature, rainfall and sunshine.
“Why do major infrastructure projects cost so much and take so long? Institution of Civil Engineers launches new consultation
The Institution of Civil Engineers has launched a major new consultation on its newly-published green paper programme entitled “Why do major infrastructure projects cost so much and take so long?”
Water industry skills crisis intensifies as ‘perfect storm’ looms for AMP8, recruitment firm warns
The water industry is facing a perfect storm of intensifying talent shortages, engineer departures, and a looming retirement cliff as AMP8 commences, according to a new report from specialist water industry recruitment firm, Water by Murray.
Scotland's infrastructure leaders sign landmark climate resilience agreement
Members of the Climate Ready Infrastructure Forum have signed an historic agreement to work together to protect critical infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.
Half of Scotland’s river catchments now at Alert for water scarcity
Scotland is experiencing growing signs of water scarcity, with half of all river catchments now at Alert status. The latest water situation report, published yesterday by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reflects the persistent dry conditions and reduced river flows across many parts of the country.
Environment Agency steps up dry weather preparation in England.after driest spring start in 69 years
The Environment Agency is urging water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies and warning of a medium risk of drought this summer after the driest start to spring in 69 years.
CIWEM calls for early action on drought as government's National Drought Group meet today
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is calling for early action on drought as the government's National Drought Group meet today to discuss (and possibly implement) drought plans for the UK.
Uisce Éireann launches new Advanced Water Stewardship Programme for trade effluent customers
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Water Stewardship Ireland and the Sustainable Enterprise Skillnet, is launching a new Advanced Water Stewardship Programme, now open to all trade effluent business customers.
Climate Change Committee warns UK not prepared for rising impacts of climate change
The Climate Change Committee is warning that the UK is not prepared for climate change and the impacts of extreme weather, including the rising incidents of severe flooding on property and critical infrastructure.
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.”
Expert Focus
News Sections
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
Watch
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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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