Stanton Bonna concrete pipes feature at the Hampton Court flower show

Celebrate excellence in the UK water sector by nominating outstanding individuals and organisations for the 2026 Future Water Awards, recognising emerging talent, people, and above-and-beyond contributions.

World Water Day 2026 carries a powerful message: “Where waterflows, equality grows.” Globally, this highlights the critical link between access to clean water, sanitation, and gender equality. While that global WASH context is vital, I want to reflect closer to home—on equality within the UK water sector, and specifically the experience of women working within it. Because equality doesn’t just flow through infrastructure. It flows through industries, workplaces, and the rooms where decisions are made. The Current Picture: Progress, but Not Parity The UK water sector has made progress, but the numbers still tell a clear story. Women make up around 20-30% of the workforce, with a disproportionate concentration - around 80% - in secretarial roles, compared toa UK average of 72%. Leadership gaps remain significant. These statistics aren’t abstract. They show up in everyday experiences. Being the Only Woman in the Room In my role, I spend a lot of time in meetings and conferences-online and in person - and it’s still very common to find myself as the only woman, or one of very few. That carries a weight.

The water sector is facing increasing pressure. In 2024, Ofwat issued £168m in fines for sewage discharges, highlighting the urgent need for pollution prevention and long-term solutions. At the same time, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of rainfall, putting further stress, which will only increase over time, on ageing sewer networks. Addressing these challenges requires a more resilient and environmentally responsible approach. At Ipsum, we are asset stewards, working closely with clients to apply our expertise and experience in delivering practical solutions that benefit communities and the environment. A core part of this approach is our dedicated trenchless (“no-dig”) division, which is helping Water companies and businesses implement innovative sewer rehabilitation projects across the UK.