What’s next in the UK water sector

The Government has announced new plans to reduce nutrient pollution in England's freshwater habitats while facilitating sustainable homebuilding. This initiative aims to protect wildlife and improve conditions in affected areas.

Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs) outline long-term strategies for wastewater and drainage systems in England and Wales, addressing future climate and population needs while reducing pollution and flooding. Draft plans from ten water companies are available for review until June 2023.

Ofwat's £200 million Innovation Fund will soon launch the Water Breakthrough Challenge on 3 October, offering two funding streams for water company-led innovations. An open access competition will also be introduced in early 2023 for early-stage ideas from any sector.

The UK government has announced changes to simplify the application of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark for businesses in England, Scotland, and Wales. Key measures include reducing re-testing costs and extending labelling requirements.

Ofwat has released its draft methodology for the 2025-2030 Price Review (PR24), aiming to enhance customer and environmental outcomes through long-term planning and innovation.

Ofwat has announced a new open access competition for innovators, launching in early 2023, alongside plans to extend its Innovation Fund to 2030. The initiative aims to encourage diverse ideas to improve water services.

M Group Services is making significant strides towards its net-zero targets, aiming to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050. The company has implemented various sustainability initiatives and received recognition for its environmental efforts.

HAL24K and its partners are advancing the AQUA project, which aims to develop AI-driven water quality monitoring solutions to enhance public health and utility reputation.

The Future Water Standards and Regulations Group supports members in navigating standards and regulations, sharing updates and facilitating engagement in UK standards committees.

The Water Dragons competition, an initiative by Future Water, has been granted a trademark, highlighting its role in promoting innovation within the water sector. This recognition underscores the initiative's success in fostering new ideas and solutions.

Morrison Water Services and Northumbrian Water have successfully reduced leakage by 25% in pilot areas using the VariSim Delta technology, which enhances leak detection and network management.

Thames Water's shareholders have approved an additional £2 billion for its business plan, aimed at enhancing performance, reducing leakage, and improving river health as part of its turnaround strategy.