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Water companies in England are strengthening their ongoing commitment to working in the public interest and placing wider good at the heart of everything they do.

We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The UK has over 600 designated bathing waters, put in place under the EU Bathing Waters Directive. While people may swim in many locations, designated bathing waters are regularly tested throughout the bathing water season each year.

Wide, shallow and crystal clear, chalk streams are rivers almost unique to England. They rise from springs, flow through chalk and their mineral-rich water is a haven for aquatic plants, insects and species including otters, kingfishers and water voles. 

For much of the past 100 years our rivers have been in a state of crisis. Until the 1990s sewage and other pollutants caused the numbers of invertebrates, fish and mammals to plummet. In recent decades water quality has greatly improved but the water industry and other sectors still face considerable challenges to ensure the health of our rivers meets the expectations of 21st century users.

In November 2020, water companies unveiled a ground-breaking plan to deliver a net zero water supply for customers by 2030 in the world’s first sector-wide commitment of its kind. 

This document sets out Water UK’s response to the Independent Water Commission's Call for Evidence.

The current regulatory system is no longer fit for purpose and the Independent Water Commission provides the opportunity for a reset. This will enable the sector to meet the long-term needs of people, our economy and our environment.

You can read our full submission by downloading the document on the right.