This episode dives into the crucial and often challenging topic of water industry regulation in the UK.

As one of the most heavily regulated sectors, water faces a complex web of oversight designed to balance consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and vital infrastructure investment.

Natasha examines the roles of key regulatory bodies, including economic regulators such as Ofwat and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), environmental overseers like the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, and SEPA, as well as the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which ensures water quality.

In this insightful conversation, Natasha is joined by two leading voices in the sector: Jeevan Jones, Head Economist at Water UK, and David Satie, Chief Executive of WICS. Together, they tackle critical questions including: How can regulation effectively incentivise sustainable and innovative water management? What truly defines "good" regulation? And what changes could lead to improved outcomes for consumers, the environment, and the industry?

Takeaways:

· The multifaceted landscape of water industry regulation in the UK

· The roles of economic regulators (Ofwat, WICS), environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA), and water quality regulators (Drinking Water Inspectorate)

· The delicate balance between consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure investment

· Strategies for regulation to incentivise sustainable and innovative water management.

· Defining and achieving "good" regulation