The UK has ranked top for satisfaction with drinking water quality in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation Development’s (OECD) latest Better Life Index.
Among key findings of the environment survey, 97% of people in the UK say they are happy with their water quality, compared with an average of 84%.
Water UK, the trade body representing UK water companies, has welcomed the news, saying that companies have welcomed the findings and the clear link the report makes between excellent drinking water quality and our sense of well-being.
Pamela Taylor, Water UK Chief Executive, commented:
“The quality and safety of our drinking water is the highest priority for the water industry. The Better Life Index – or the ‘happiness index’ as it is widely known, confirms the value of this investment in our health and the overall well-being of our society.“
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.