In this episode, Natasha Wiseman is joined by Lawrence Gosden, CEO of Southern Water, to discuss the monumental challenges and technological advancements defining the UK water sector.

Lawrence outlines the company's strategy for tackling the "triple threat" of storm overflows, nutrient management, and water scarcity. The conversation explores the engineering behind pioneering water recycling projects, the shift toward sustainable urban drainage, and the vital importance of rebuilding trust with customers through transparency and operational excellence. 

Top takeaways 

• The sector is shifting from static infrastructure to adaptive strategies. Southern Water is prioritising rainwater management through nature-based solutions and smart technology to mitigate the impact of intense weather events. 

• Facing unprecedented water scarcity, Southern Water is implementing advanced water reuse projects (such as those at Sandown and Havant). These projects treat wastewater to exceptionally high standards, ensuring resilience against drought while maintaining environmental health. 

• The company is utilising AI and an extensive network of sensors to monitor sewer networks in real-time, allowing for proactive intervention before pollution incidents occur. 

• Recognising the cost-of-living crisis, Southern Water has significantly expanded its support schemes, with nearly 200,000 customers currently receiving up to 45% (and sometimes up to 90%) off their bills. 

• Lawrence emphasises that the goal is the full recovery of customer trust. He advocates for a more unified regulatory approach that balances environmental progress with reasonable, affordable customer bills.