As the year closes, it is a good moment to reflect on what has been a standout 2025 for the Future Water Association. Across events, policy influence, standards work, and sector-wide collaboration, the past twelve months have strengthened the role Future Water plays in shaping a more resilient, innovative water industry. Here is a look back at the highlights, and a preview of what is coming next.
45 Events, One Growing Community
Future Water delivered 45 events across the UK in 2025, bringing together expertise from every corner of the water landscape. Technical forums, innovation showcases, policy sessions, and networking moments created space for practical problem-solving and future-focused discussion. These events consistently centred on the real pressures facing the sector, including growth, environmental delivery, investment planning, and workforce capability. The scale and pace of the programme this year reflects both rising demand for cross-sector dialogue and the value of Future Water’s neutral convening role.
Policy and Sector Influence That Landed
A key thread through 2025 has been Future Water’s growing influence on major sector conversations. The Association played a leading role in the Cunliffe Commission Review, supporting evidence-led input and ensuring delivery realities were part of the debate. Alongside this, 2025 saw sustained focus on:
- Skills development, through sector-wide forums and targeted discussions
- Next-generation pathways, creating clearer routes into water careers
- Supply chain involvement, pushing for deeper engagement in business plan development
- Long-term asset strategy, encouraging a more future-ready view of infrastructure investment
The result has been stronger representation of practical delivery voices in decision-making spaces.
Insight and Access for Members
Future Water’s briefings, webinars, and feedback sessions expanded again this year, giving members a direct line into sector developments as they unfolded. Engagement with draft and final determinations supported timely understanding and meaningful input, helping shape outcomes rather than simply reacting to them.
Standards Became More Accessible
The Standards and Regulations Group achieved a major milestone with the launch of an Industry Guidance Note. This is a significant step toward demystifying standards, making them easier to navigate, and better aligned with innovation.It also sets a foundation for continued progress in 2026, particularly as the sector pushes for faster adoption of new approaches and technologies.
Inclusion and Representation Moved Forward
During Black History Month, Future Water supported five sector-wide events in partnership with water companies including Thames Water, Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, and Affinity Water. Diversity champions such as The Equal Group and The Digital Twin Academy also played a central role. These sessions created intentional space for honest conversation, celebrated progress, and strengthened partnerships aimed at making inclusion a sustained and everyday part of sector culture.
Thought Leadership That Sparked Debate
Future Water continued to shape national conversation through research and convening. The Building a Societal Licence report – written with Copper Consultancy – pushed forward vital discussions on public trust, transparency, and the relationship between water services and society. Three well-attended webinars brought diverse voices together to explore what rebuilding confidence could look like in practice. Work on AMP8 and beyond also remained a priority, keeping innovation, collaboration, and sustainability on the agenda as investment and delivery planning accelerates.
Invaluable Partnerships Flourished
A huge thank you to Horizon Water Infrastructure for being our Transformation Partner over the past 18 months. Their support has helped shape and strengthen so much of what we’ve delivered together – from releasing our three-part podcast series, to the exciting and insightful whitepaper we’re currently developing. Horizon have been instrumental in the supporting of our working groups, bringing energy, expertise, and a real commitment to collaboration. Most importantly, they continue to champion and enable the kind of transformational change our sector needs, and we’re incredibly grateful to have them on this journey with us.
2026: Future Water Turns 40
Next year marks a landmark moment: the 40th anniversary of Future Water. The calendar is already packed with special milestones and sector moments, including:
- A 40 Year Celebration
- The inaugural Future Water Awards
- A Water Dragons Alumni gathering
- Water Company Liaison Meetings with Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, Dŵr Cymru, Anglian Water, South West Water, and Southern Water
Report Card Version 2 Launches Next Year
2026 will also see the release of Version 2 of Future Water’s Report Card, the definitive annual view of sector performance and progress. The new edition goes further than before, with a deeper dive into 12 key areas shaping the industry’s future, offering clearer benchmarks, sharper insight, and a stronger platform for collective action.
Looking Ahead
2025 has been a year of pace, scale, and impact. The programme delivered this year has reinforced Future Water’s role as a connector of people, ideas, and action across the water sector. With a 40th anniversary, new awards, expanded liaison work, and a refreshed Report Card on the horizon, 2026 is set to be both a celebration of progress and a launchpad for what comes next.