Our Chief Executive Mike Rose has welcomed publication of the Government’s Water Sector Reform White Paper, calling it “the most significant legislative reset of the industry since privatisation.”

UKWIR backs the Government’s commitments to reform. While the White Paper sets a bold vision, the specific roadmap for future research and development remains at an early stage. As an impartial research organisation, UKWIR is excited to work closely with the Government, the new regulator, regional bodies, stakeholders and water companies, providing a technical bridge and helping to strengthen and define the research needed to deliver value for the sector, the environment and customers.

“At UKWIR, we are aligning our research to provide the scientific evidence and technical data recognised as essential by Sir John Cunliffe for these reforms to meaningfully deliver in the long term,” explained Rose.

“Crucially, our current portfolio is already delivering against the framework the Government has envisioned, providing robust, science-led solutions for lasting change across many areas that have already been identified as critical, including Asset health, Water quality and Environmental performance. We stand ready with our colleagues across the water sector, research organisations and academia to tackle these challenges.”