In this episode of the Wise on Water podcast, host Natasha Wiseman engages with Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at Southwest Water, to discuss the pressing challenges and innovative solutions in the UK water sector.  

The conversation covers the responsibilities of water companies, the importance of nature-based solutions, and the need for increased investment in sustainable practices. Carolyn shares insights on collaborative approaches to water management, the role of the public in behaviour change, and lessons learned from global perspectives on water usage. 

Next, Natasha interviews Susie Roy, Technical Director of Water Quality at WSP UK. They discuss the critical role of consultancy in water quality management, the increasing public engagement in environmental issues, and focus on biodiversity and regulatory changes in the water sector.  

Susie shares insights on the importance of community involvement in environmental solutions, and the current projects WSP is undertaking to improve water quality and sustainability. 

Takeaways 

• Water companies must balance environmental responsibilities with service delivery. 
• Nature-based solutions can address multiple water management challenges. 
• Investment in water infrastructure is crucial for sustainability. 
• Collaboration with local authorities enhances urban water management. 
• Public engagement is essential for effective water management. 
• Behaviour change is challenging due to low trust in water companies. 
• Learning from countries with lower rainfall can inform UK practices. 
• Nature-based solutions should be normalised in water management. 
• Biodiversity net gain is a priority in water management. 
• Regulatory changes are being enforced to improve water quality. 
• Consultancies play a vital role in bridging gaps between sectors. 
• The UK is comparable to other European countries in water management practices.