Waterwatch UK has formally submitted a detailed response to the Independent Water Commission’s national Call for Evidence. Representing the voice of communities, our submission advocates for a water system that is safe, resilient, accountable and rooted in the public interest.
Our top priorities for the future of the water system:
- Water bodies that are safe for swimming and recreation
- Improved water environments with thriving ecosystems
- Greater resilience to climate change
Key reforms we are calling for:
1. Clear roles and accountability
- Government should set long-term, enforceable national outcomes
- Regulators must act independently, enforce standards and be publicly accountable
- Local authorities should coordinate land use, water planning and public education
- Communities must have a formal, funded role in decision making
- Water companies should deliver, not dictate strategy
2. Stronger community voice
- Local Water Summits and Community panels should be embedded into governance
- Community scrutiny must be recognised as a legitimate accountability mechanism
- Engagement should go beyond consultation and include performance review
3. Smarter investment planning
- Water companies must prioritise long-term resilience over short-term cost savings
- Price Review processes should link investment to environmental and public health outcomes
- Maintenance and enhancement must be properly funded and transparently reported
4. Regulatory reform
- Ofwat and the Environment Agency need greater enforcement powers and independence
- Penalties must be stronger and swifter
- Real-time open data should be mandatory
- Citizen-friendly performance dashboards should be published
5. Economic fairness
- Water bills must be fair and linked to real improvements
- Dividends and executive pay should reflect environmental and service performance
- A single social tariff should be introduced across England and Wales
6. Financial and structural accountability
- Overleveraged water companies must face tighter controls
- Investor returns must reflect delivery against public goals
- Complex financial structures must not obscure ownership or reduce transparency
7. Innovation with impact
- New technologies must deliver real public and environmental benefits
- Regulatory ‘sandboxes’ and ringfenced R&D budgets should support innovation
- Citizen-led solutions must be supported alongside corporate investment
8. National strategy, local delivery
- Strategic direction must be enshrined in law and protected from political cycles
- Planning must integrate housing, agriculture, nature and water policy
- Community priorities should shape regional delivery plans
Daniella Boon, Founder of Waterwatch UK, commented:
“Our submission reflects years of lived experience from communities across the UK who feel ignored and let down. This is a moment to reset. The Commission must listen to the public and reimagine the system, not just patch over failure. We’re calling for a water governance model where government leads, regulators enforce, companies deliver, and communities hold everyone to account.”
Waterwatch UK remains committed to building a fairer, cleaner and more democratic water system.
Contact: info@waterwatchuk.org
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