Water UK

A vision for water

20/03/07

I just want to welcome you to Water UK on behalf of our Chairman, Richard Ackroyd, Water UK Council members and staff colleagues.

Today is an opportunity to discuss something that matters very much to us all – the future of water policy in this country.

We’re here this morning because of Ian Pearson’s initiative to develop a clearer picture.

Ian has sent his apologies. As you know he has been very much in demand following the announcement of the Climate Change Bill – but I know that he is very disappointed not to be here. Despite this we shall hear from Peter Unwin on Ian’s behalf

I’m confident that today will provide a really valuable input to the strategy because we have the right people here – the right people to contribute to government thinking on water policy and the right people to share ideas.

We’ve learned many things in the water business in recent years – and one of the big things we’ve learned is how to share ideas. We usually agree on the issues. We don’t always agree on the way forward but we know that the best way to explore options is by working together and being frank with each other.

We’ve certainly heard some frank speaking from some unhappy stakeholders over the past year – about the drought and leaks, prices and profits, and about regulation itself. We have listened and we have learnt.

Water UK is optimistic that the new strategy will help those stakeholders (and all stakeholders) to understand and contribute on where the industry is heading.

And we know, don’t we, that there is certainly scope for more public and wider stakeholder understanding. And it’s our job to achieve that.

That’s the next stage, but the primary users and audience for the new strategy will be us – the people and organisations here today so an open workshop discussion is just what we need.

In the industry we’ve felt for a couple of years that it would be good to have a new overview of water policy.

We liked ‘Directing the Flow’, but things have moved on a very long way since 2002. We need something more focused on the medium and long term.

I know many of you share this view. I know this because over a year ago when we consulted you on our roadmap for future regulation you told us that we all needed a fresh look with a long term perspective.

Since then, haven’t we seen a lot of activity!

The Environment Agency has been working with us on the water sector plan. Ofwat have consulted and reported on their sustainability duty. CC Water is contributing valuable research. And with your help we at Water UK are preparing a vision for the industry.

All of this is valuable work for its own sake, but also in the context of Defra’s strategy.

For our part we’ll publish our vision later in the year, but we’re very happy that in the first place it will be a contribution to this project. That feels right to us.

Our vision is for a sustainable industry.

I know it’s hugely important to find strong visual ways of communicating sustainability and we support the use of ideas such as the carbon footprint and one-planet living but we’re not keen on losing the original idea completely.

Our take on sustainability will emphasise the value of water and water services – the underlying value to everyone in society.

And to make this reality we have to focus more on the part it plays in local economies and communities.

So we think an integrated approach is needed – based on national principles but local delivery.

In other words an approach that recognises different circumstances demand different solutions

We think it will be crucial in future to make policy that engages people more and makes it easier for them to understand, to contribute, and support the best solutions.

Our overall vision will be of an industry that:

 • protects and promotes public health
 • provides a high quality service and value for money
 • responds fully to climate change
 • ensures a secure and sustainable supply, and
 • earns the trust of the community.

I know that all these things will be discussed in one way or another today. And indeed some – such as climate change - will be central from the start.

Further information
Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
0207 344 1804