Published in Institute of Water: PR19 - Will it deliver a better future for water customers?

In September 2018, UK water companies in England and Wales submitted their business plans to Ofwat (the economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales). Ofwat will publish their initial assessment on 31 January 2019 and their final determinations in December 2019.

The water industry faces challenges and has set itself ambitious targets, on leakage, pollution and flooding from sewers for example. Likewise, some companies have large environmental improvement programmes.

Delivering these plans efficiently will require fresh thinking and innovative approaches if performance commitments are to be met and deliver best value for customers.

The supply chain undoubtedly has a role in helping companies deliver on challenging use of digital technologies. Greater resilience and system thinking will be essential in enabling improved performance. They can also be the key to unlocking areas that benefit from collaboration and other sector involvement including catchment management and market reform in areas like water resources, bioresources and strategic water resources.