As part of our focus on transforming the water sector, the next newsletter will be devoted to views, opinions and thoughts under this ‘agenda’ – this time I want to highlight how Future Water Leading the Way on Industry Standards.
The UK water sector is set to benefit from a new Industry Guidance Note (IGN), developed by Future Water on behalf of the sector, with the support of Water UK. This initiative aims to bring greater clarity, consistency, and collaboration to the application of industry standards, ensuring alignment across utilities, regulators, and the supply chain. With Water UK’s role in overseeing Water Industry Standards (WIS) and IGNs, this new guidance will provide a structured framework to navigate the complex regulatory and technical landscape. By addressing inconsistencies, integrating digital innovation, and embedding sustainability, the IGN will act as a vital tool to future-proof the sector and support more efficient decision-making.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to deliver smart, sustainable, and resilient solutions, this IGN will help bridge knowledge gaps and promote a collaborative approach to standardisation. Whether in leakage management, metering, carbon benchmarking, or sustainable procurement, aligning best practices will drive efficiency while ensuring compliance. The guidance will provide flexibility for regional and operational differences while setting a clear direction for future industry developments. By taking the lead in developing this IGN, Future Water, through its standards group, is ensuring the UK water sector is equipped to meet current and future challenges with a coordinated and informed approach.