A keynote conference taking place in London next month will see water sector experts gather to discuss progressing work on major water infrastructure projects and upgrades, while the industry is preparing for significant policy changes.
The Government has declared severe drought in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex. The South East and South West have experienced their driest April to September in over a century, impacting reservoir levels in that area.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued guidance on abstraction outside the authorised period for filling water storage reservoirs.
The government is urging water companies not to lose momentum and carry on water efficiency measures until the drought is over, as research shows above-average rainfall needed to end drought by April 2027.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle visited Havant Thicket reservoir in Hampshire last Thursday, overseeing the latest steps to deliver a water-resilient future, as the National Drought Group reported continued low rainfall in August.
The Environment Agency is taking action to protect water supplies and wildlife in the Midlands as dry weather continues to place pressure on river levels.
Ofwat has launched a consultation seeking views on its proposed decision to specify the White Horse Reservoir as a Specified Infrastructure Project and on its proposal to issue a Preparatory Works Notice to Thames Water in respect of the reservoir.
Ahead of land, consent or even capital, it is the supply and treatment of water that is impacting the growth of housing, renewables and digital infrastructure in many areas. In an Expert Focus article for WaterBriefing, James Cattermole, Partner - Infrastructures at Carter Jonas takes a look at water as a limiting factor on economic growth.
The Environment Agency says that the launch of the joint England and Wales public consultation on proposed reforms to reservoir safety is now planned for later in 2026 – the EA is seeking to ensure the work aligns with the recently published Water White Paper and wider government priorities.
Four months of above average rainfall mean England’s water levels have now largely recovered from last year’s drought, the National Drought Group heard yesterday.
South West Water has hosted the first municipal trial of the Fournier Rotary Press in the UK, assessing its potential to improve sludge dewatering performance and support future biosolids standards.
Uniwater has acquired Hy-Ram Engineering, a specialist in tooling, products and hire for the water sector, based in Mansfield, England.
Enpure Ltd and Clean TeQ Water Ltd have announced a collaboration agreement to bring Clean TeQ Water's Moving Bed Ion Exchange-based nutrient removal technologies to water utilities across the UK.
Near-real-time microbial monitoring of wastewater discharge and bathing waters is now possible thanks to the BactoSense ID solution created by Swiss-based bNovate Technologies.