New 2050 Vison For Water Sector In England

Public Consultation Open Through 31 March

17 Mar 2021 by The Water Diplomat
LONDON

Water UK, the industry association representing water and wastewater companies in England, UK, has launched a public consultation on a long-term vision for the country's water sector.

A discussion paper, “Developing a 2050 Vision for the Water Sector”, is  described as the first step in a programme to accelerate and broaden the sector’s role given recent unprecedented challenges

Population growth, droughts, floods, biodiversity loss combined with the effects of climate change have put increasing pressure on water resource and aging infrastructure.

The Vision 2050 paper outlines  the English water industry’s ambition to become a global environmental leader: to stewardship improvement and protection of England’s water resources, to act on the impacts of climate change and to protect its customers long-term interests.

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. 

“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, Chief Executive of England's regulator, Ofwat said: “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.  

Emma Clancy, Consumer Council for Water (CCW) Chief Executive, said:  “We welcome the water industry’s efforts to deliver a clear Vision to overcome the mounting pressure on its services and the environment and we want to see future – as well as current – consumers have a stake in developing those plans".