Water UK, the industry body representing water and wastewater companies, has launched a public consultation on building an ambitious, long-term Vision for the water sector in England.
The ‘Developing a 2050 Vision for the Water Sector’ discussion paper is the first step towards agreeing ways of accelerating and broadening the sector’s role in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The increased risk of droughts, flooding, biodiversity loss and significant population growth, combined with the climate emergency, will place significant pressure on the environment, water resources, and ageing infrastructure, unless there is a long-term strategic plan for future generations. At the same time, there is an opportunity to find new ways of delivering for customers and the environment.
The Vision 2050 discussion paper confirms the industry’s ambition to be recognised as a global environmental leader: stewarding the improvement and protection of England’s iconic rivers, seas, lakes and streams; acting on the severe impacts of climate change; as well as protecting customers’ long-term interests in keeping households and businesses bills affordable.
Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, commented:
“The launch of today’s public consultation on our 2050 Vision for the water sector in England is the beginning of a dialogue, with those inside and outside of the industry, on how we collectively address the challenges we face, such as the climate emergency.
“Water is a precious natural resource, and over the coming decades, society will need water companies, suppliers, and others working together to continue delivering a reliable world-class service.
“We welcome views from all individuals and organisations in helping us develop a Vision which the sector can stand behind for the long-term benefit of customers, society and the environment.”
Rachel Fletcher, Ofwat Chief Executive, said:
“We support the water industry’s Vision to provide the very best service for customers and improve the environment and life through water both now and in the future.
“The water sector faces profound challenges, not least from climate change, population growth and changing customer needs. It’s vital that companies, regulators and government redouble their joint work to unlock the industry’s full potential to benefit customers, communities and the natural world while keeping bills affordable.
“We look forward to working with Water UK as they develop their Vision and identify the priority work we must all focus on.”
Emma Clancy, Consumer Council for Water (CCW) Chief Executive, said that CCW wanted to see future – as well as current – consumers have a stake in developing the plans.
“The scale of the challenge demands urgency but also value for money and a sustainable package of support to keep bills affordable as we recognise the cost to customers of funding essential long-term investment,” she added.
Water UK welcomes stakeholder responses to the Vision discussion paper, which was produced with support from Frontier Economics, by Wednesday 31 March. All submissions, including any supporting evidence, should be sent to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Water UK will also be hosting virtual roundtable events to gather views of stakeholders from across the sector before publishing the final paper later this Summer.
Click here to download Developing a 2050 Vision for the Water Sector