Water UK

Water UK is the trade association representing all of the water and wastewater companies of the United Kingdom. It has 25 full members plus four associate members.[1] It was established in 1998.[2] The current Chief Executive is David Henderson who was appointed in February 2023.[3] The current Chair is Ruth Kelly who was appointed in March 2023.[4]

Role and activities

Water UK represents the collective interests of the UK water industry, engaging with government, regulators, and other stakeholders on policy, regulation, and long-term strategic issues affecting water and wastewater services.[5] It provides a forum for collaboration among water companies and acts as a central point of coordination on industry-wide challenges.

The organisation contributes to consultations and policy development relating to environmental protection, water resources, infrastructure investment, customer service standards, and public health.[6] It also promotes the sharing of best practice across the sector and communicates industry positions on legislative and regulatory proposals.[5]

Governance

Water UK is governed by a board comprising senior leaders from member companies, with overall strategic oversight provided by the Chair.[7] Day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and executive leadership team.[7]

The organisation represents collective industry views and does not act on behalf of individual companies.[5]

Membership

Water UK’s full membership includes all major water and wastewater service providers operating across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.[1] Associate membership is open to organisations connected to the water sector, including suppliers and service providers.[1]

Membership enables companies to participate in policy forums, technical working groups, and industry initiatives coordinated by Water UK.[5]

Policy areas

Water UK’s work covers a range of policy areas, including:[6]

  • Environmental regulation and water quality
  • Climate change adaptation and resilience
  • Water resources, leakage, and drought management
  • Infrastructure investment and asset management
  • Customer affordability and vulnerability
  • Innovation and efficiency in the water sector

The organisation publishes consultation responses, industry briefings, and policy reports addressing these topics.[6]

Public engagement

Water UK engages with the public and media to provide information about the water industry and its role in delivering water and wastewater services.[8] It also supports industry-wide public information campaigns, including those focused on water efficiency and protecting sewer infrastructure.[9]

History

Water UK was established in 1998 following changes to the structure and regulation of the UK water industry, consolidating earlier representative bodies into a single organisation covering the UK water sector.[10] Since its formation, it has evolved alongside regulatory reforms and increasing environmental and resilience requirements placed on the industry.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Our members". Water UK (www.water.org.uk). Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  2. ^ "About us (see section 'Our History')". Water UK (www.water.org.uk). Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  3. ^ "About us (see section 'Our Team')". Water UK (www.water.org.uk). Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Rt Hon. Ruth Kelly appointed as Water UK Chair". Water UK (www.water.org.uk). Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "About us". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b c "Policy topics". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Our team". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  8. ^ "News". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Campaigns". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  10. ^ "About us – Our history". Water UK. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Water companies and regulation". Ofwat. Retrieved 31 October 2023.

Water UK website


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