WiseOnWater podcast

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.

This episode of WiseOnWater, Conversations in Flow, marks the launch of Season Two and focuses on the genuine turning point for the UK water sector.  

Host Natasha Wiseman explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the recent Independent Water Commission (IWC) report and the commencement of AMP8.  

The discussion centres on moving the sector from reactive crisis management to proactive, deep resilience - ensuring water security and a thriving environment. 

Guests: 

• Karma Loveday (Editor of The UK Water Report): A highly respected voice in the sector, offering a critical, sector-wide perspective on policy, regulation, and finance in the wake of the IWC report and the new AMP world. 

• Matt Wheeldon (Director of Infrastructure Development at Wessex Water): Brings extensive experience in translating high-level goals into real-world sustainable infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on innovative solutions for storm overflows and water resource management

Top Three Takeaways:

• Regulate outcomes, not just outputs: Shift from narrow targets to a more flexible, supervisory approach that prioritises environmental impact, Net Zero, and innovation.

• Strategic communications and trust: The Government needs to adopt a strategic communications reset, to help recover public and investor trust and place necessary criticism in the context of industry reform.

• Future proofing is upstream: Achieve deep resilience and water security by shifting focus from traditional, carbon-intensive infrastructure to managing rain where it lands and promoting a societal shift in valuing water (smart metering, incentives).

  
  

  
  

  
  

In the final episode of Season 1, ‘The future of UK water’ host Natasha Wiseman speaks with two pivotal figures in the UK's water sector: Mark Lloyd, CEO of The Rivers Trust, and Tania Flasck, Director of Water Operations at Southern Water. The conversation explores the unprecedented challenges and opportunities facing the UK's rivers and water systems.  

Mark provides a grassroots perspective on the state of our rivers, the complexities of pollution, and the power of local action.

Tanya offers an inside view from a major water company, discussing the challenges of ageing infrastructure, climate change, and the crucial need for collaboration and innovation.

Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of a sector at a critical juncture, highlighting the need for collective effort, from government and industry to the individual "water citizen," to secure a resilient water future. 

Takeaways:

• Our rivers are in poor health. Despite some successes, pollution from agriculture, a growing population, and new demands are putting immense pressure on UK rivers.

• The regulatory system needs a reset. The current framework is confusing, and a new "super regulator" is proposed to provide clarity and strategic direction.

• Collaboration is key. Local, collaborative projects that bring together communities, charities, and businesses are the most effective way to tackle complex water issues.

• Pollution is a multi-faceted problem. We must address all sources of pollution, not just sewage, including agricultural runoff, highway pollution, and household chemicals.

• Water companies are part of the solution. The industry is actively working on innovative projects and collaborations to improve resilience and sustainability.

• We can all help. The "water citizen" concept urges the public to take responsibility for their own water use and disposal, contributing to a collective solution.

In this episode of the WiseOnWater podcast, host Natasha Wiseman engages with experts from two major water companies to discuss the critical intersection of energy and water. 

The conversation with Pete Vale, carbon and circular economy architect at Severn Trent Water and Xiang Cheng, head of energy and carbon at Thames Water, delves into the challenges and innovations surrounding carbon reduction and energy efficiency in the water industry, particularly in light of the 2030 net zero targets.  

Key themes include the energy-intensive nature of water treatment, the importance of collaboration and innovation, and the need for a conscientious approach to sustainability. 

Takeaways: 

• The water industry is energy-intensive, using about 3% of the UK's energy 

• Effluent quality must remain a priority while reducing energy consumption 

• Innovative technologies like anaerobic digestion are key to renewable energy generation 

• Collaboration across water companies accelerates progress towards net zero 

• Real-time data analysis is crucial for identifying inefficiencies 

• Drones and AI are transforming asset management in the water sector 

• Carbon reduction should be embedded in all decision-making processes 

• Understanding emissions variation is essential for effective management 

• The supply chain plays a vital role in achieving energy efficiency goals 

• Conscientiousness in resource use is essential for future sustainability 

This episode dives into the crucial and often challenging topic of water industry regulation in the UK.

As one of the most heavily regulated sectors, water faces a complex web of oversight designed to balance consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and vital infrastructure investment.

Natasha examines the roles of key regulatory bodies, including economic regulators such as Ofwat and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), environmental overseers like the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, and SEPA, as well as the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which ensures water quality.

In this insightful conversation, Natasha is joined by two leading voices in the sector: Jeevan Jones, Head Economist at Water UK, and David Satti, Chief Executive of WICS. Together, they tackle critical questions including: How can regulation effectively incentivise sustainable and innovative water management? What truly defines "good" regulation? And what changes could lead to improved outcomes for consumers, the environment, and the industry?

Takeaways:

· The multifaceted landscape of water industry regulation in the UK

· The roles of economic regulators (Ofwat, WICS), environmental regulators (Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, SEPA), and water quality regulators (Drinking Water Inspectorate)

· The delicate balance between consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure investment

· Strategies for regulation to incentivise sustainable and innovative water management.

· Defining and achieving "good" regulation

In episode 9 of the WiseOnWater podcast, host Natasha Wiseman discusses the critical importance of collaboration in the water sector with guests Mike Rose, Chief Executive of UKWIR, and Jo Harrison, strategic planning and sustainability director at United Utilities.  

They explore how effective partnerships can drive innovation, tackle climate change, and improve water management practices. The conversation highlights the need for diverse perspectives, community engagement, and the role of technology in shaping a sustainable water future. 

Takeaways 

• Collaboration is essential for addressing water sector challenges. 

• UKWIR aims to enhance research and innovation through partnerships. 

• AI can significantly improve decision-making in water management. 

• Diversity in teams leads to better problem-solving. 

• Community engagement is crucial for effective water management. 

• Sustainable drainage systems can mitigate flooding risks. 

• Partnerships with NGOs enhance understanding of local needs. 

• Regulatory collaboration can support innovation in water management. 

• The value of water must be communicated to the public. 

• Long-term planning is necessary for climate resilience. 

Keywords 

water management, collaboration, innovation, sustainability, UKWIR, United Utilities, AMP8, climate change, community engagement, research 

This episode of the WiseOnWater podcast delves into the critical themes of customer empowerment and the dynamic changes shaping the water industry.  

First, host Natasha Wiseman engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mumin Islam about the need for stronger relationships between water companies and their diverse customers. They explore the challenges of building trust, the transformative power of innovation in enhancing customer engagement, and practical strategies for effective communication and community outreach.  

The discussion underscores the vital importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in ensuring water services meet the needs of all communities. 

In the second part of the episode, Natasha speaks with Bob Taylor, Chief Executive, Portsmouth Water. With 40+ years' experience in the sector, Taylor provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of the water sector. 

He also outlines Portsmouth Water's future plans, including the implementation of smart metering and how this will be vital in enhancing customer communication and empowering them to make water-saving choices. Taylor emphasises the importance of building and maintaining customer trust, advocating for collaborative approaches to water conservation and a deep respect for water as a finite and precious resource. 

Key takeaways: 

• Customer empowerment: Placing customers at the heart of water company strategies is essential for building stronger relationships and improving service delivery. 

• Trust: The water sector faces ongoing challenges in building and maintaining public trust, requiring proactive and transparent efforts. 

• Innovation: Embracing innovative solutions can enhance communication, improve services, and ultimately, foster greater customer confidence. 

• Regular communication and transparency: Open and consistent communication is vital for keeping customers informed and building trust. 

• Engaging with diverse communities: Tailoring engagement strategies to different communities' specific needs and preferences is key. Recognising and respecting diverse cultural practices can inform more effective water conservation initiatives. 

• Data sharing: Utilising data effectively can lead to more innovative solutions and greater transparency in operations. 

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Ensuring equitable access and inclusive practices are fundamental to providing effective water services for all. 

• Listening: Actively seeking and responding to customer feedback is paramount for effective service delivery and building strong relationships. 

In this episode, host Natasha Wiseman delves into the heart of operational efficiency within the UK water sector.

Featuring insights from Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, and Duncan Wildgoose, Head of Wastewater at Xylem UK and Ireland, this episode explores the critical challenges and groundbreaking solutions shaping the industry's future.

From ambitious AMP8 targets and the integration of AI, to the urgent need for net zero strategies and community engagement, our guests provide expert perspectives on how the sector can optimise operations and drive sustainable outcomes. 

• The UK water sector faces significant challenges requiring innovative solutions. 
• Operational efficiency is paramount for meeting environmental targets. 
• Collaboration, AI, and community engagement are crucial for success. 
• Storm overflows are a key focus. 
• Recruitment of top talent is vital. 

• Energy efficiency and data utilisation are key drivers for operational improvement. 
• Innovative solutions in pumping and treatment are essential. 
• Procurement processes need to prioritise whole life costs and energy efficiency. 
• Integrated digital solutions and collaboration are the future. 

This special edition WiseOnWater ‘mini pod’ delivers key insights from the World Water Tech Innovation Summit, in a brand-new bitesize format.  

In this ten-minute podcast, attendees worldwide discuss pressing water challenges and innovative solutions.  

Kieran Brocklebank of United Utilities highlights the need to blend technology, especially AI, with traditional infrastructure to combat climate change and address forever chemicals. Marcus Rink of the DWI emphasises the regulatory challenges of PFAS, advocating for international collaboration and technology exploration. Andrea Gysin from WSP explores the importance of challenging regulations to drive innovation. Elise Cartmell of Scottish Water details their net-zero goals, emphasising supply chain engagement and innovation in biosolids and digital solutions. Finally, Dr Robert Bornhofen of DC Water underscores global water utilities' shared challenges. 

Top three takeaways: 

• Global water utilities face remarkably similar challenges, emphasising the need for collaborative solutions. 
• Innovation, particularly in AI and PFAS treatment, is crucial for addressing evolving regulatory and environmental demands. 
• Regulatory frameworks must adapt to encourage innovation and facilitate the adoption of new technologies. 

In episode six of WiseOnWater podcast, host Natasha Wiseman delves into the innovation landscape within the UK water sector, and its role in driving transformation. First, Marc Hannis from Ofwat discusses the innovation fund's purpose, its impact on collaboration among water companies, the importance of commercial aspects in fostering innovation, and the significance of the supply chain and workforce development in managing the substantial investment required for future projects.  

Next, Natasha speaks to Dr Angela MacOscar, head of innovation at Northumbrian Water. She discusses the company's innovation strategy, the importance of collaboration, and the transformative projects funded through Ofwat. She highlights Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival, a week-long event in the water sector.  MacOscar also reflects on the need for a longer-term vision in the industry and draws inspiration from historical figures like Mary Anning to encourage more women in STEM fields. 

Takeaways 

• The Ofwat Innovation Fund has doubled for AMP 8. 

• Collaboration among water companies has significantly increased due to the fund. 

• The fund supports both water companies and non-water companies in innovation. 

• The supply chain plays a crucial role in bringing innovative ideas to the sector. 

• Investment in workforce development is essential for harnessing new technologies. 

• The sector must adapt to longer planning horizons for sustainable innovation. 

Keywords 

UK water sector, innovation, Ofwat, funding, collaboration, supply chain, investment, workforce development