Waterwatch UK Submits Call for Evidence to the Independent Water Commission

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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