This episode of WiseOnWater, Conversations in Flow, marks the launch of Season Two and focuses on the genuine turning point for the UK water sector.
Host Natasha Wiseman explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the recent Independent Water Commission (IWC) report and the commencement of AMP8.
The discussion centres on moving the sector from reactive crisis management to proactive, deep resilience - ensuring water security and a thriving environment.
Guests:
Karma Loveday (Editor of The UK Water Report): A highly respected voice in the sector, offering a critical, sector-wide perspective on policy, regulation, and finance in the wake of the IWC report and the new AMP world.
Matt Wheeldon (Director of Infrastructure Development at Wessex Water): Brings extensive experience in translating high-level goals into real-world sustainable infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on innovative solutions for storm overflows and water resource management
Top Three Takeaways:
Regulate outcomes, not just outputs: Shift from narrow targets to a more flexible, supervisory approach that prioritises environmental impact, Net Zero, and innovation.
Strategic communications and trust: The Government needs to adopt a strategic communications reset, to help recover public and investor trust and place necessary criticism in the context of industry reform.
Future proofing is upstream: Achieve deep resilience and water security by shifting focus from traditional, carbon-intensive infrastructure to managing rain where it lands and promoting a societal shift in valuing water (smart metering, incentives).