In this final episode of 2025, we dive into the crucial issues shaping the future of the UK water sector: regulation, resilience, and policy change.

We’re joined by two high-profile and influential figures who are driving this vital conversation forward.

Guest 1: Lee Pitcher MP

Labour MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axum, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Water.

Key discussion points:

· The APPGs' influence: Lee discusses his role in Parliament, chairing both the Water APPG (one of the most popular and cross-party groups) and the Floods and Drought APPG, and how they shape government policy through expert dialogue.

· The Cunliffe Review and regulatory change: Insight into the potentially generational changes coming from the Cunliffe Review

· A new regulator: Discussion around the recommendation to replace Ofwat with a different, more integrated regulator to consolidate management activities and align strategic planning over 20-25 year cycles.

· Systems planning and governance: The need for end-to-end management of the water cycle, moving away from fragmented responsibilities

· Infrastructure: The importance of investment in both traditional and nature-based solutions (SuDS) to build flood and drought resilience.

· Water reuse & conservation: Calling for a cultural change to address the predicted 5 billion litres/day shortfall by 2055.

· Accountability and public trust: The role of transparency and innovative leadership in rebuilding public trust.

· Career in water: A passionate case for why the water sector is a rewarding place to work.

Guest 2: Marcus Rink

Role: Chief Inspector at the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).

Key Discussion points:

· The DWI’s role: Overview of the DWI’s role in regulatory oversight, inspection, enforcement, and policy advice, with the ultimate goal of protecting public health by ensuring safe, clean, and wholesome water from source to tap.

· Drinking water quality: Marcus emphasises that the UK's drinking water quality is world-leading. The Yale Environmental Performance Index (2024) ranks the UK with a perfect score of 100 for drinking water, putting it at equal #1 in the world (one of eight countries).

· The risks: A stark reminder of the global context, where over a million people die annually from lack of access to safe drinking water.

· Challenges: Key challenges include ageing infrastructure, the impacts of climate change (droughts and heavy rain), changes in population/usage (high per capita consumption), and the threat of new and emerging contaminants like PFAS.

· Regulating PFAS: The DWI is shaping its regulatory response to PFAS (forever chemicals), acknowledging the growing public and scientific pressure to set stricter standards.