Water is essential to people, the economy, and the planet. More than ever, people across the UK are aware of the challenges facing water quality, water resilience, and the systems which rely on effective water management. The public has high expectations, which can be met as long as we take an approach which recognises the depth and complexity of water systems.

In the long-term, a systems approach to sustainable water resource management would help provide water quality and water security. Before that can be achieved, there are many urgent challenges facing UK water, which require immediate triage to lay the foundations of a sustainable approach. Water stress, compounding challenges for freshwater quality, and water security in the wake of climate change are all immediate priorities to safeguard to health of UK water.

By the middle of the century, we can achieve a water system which is healthy, sustainable, and resilient, delivered over the coming decades by efficient, robustly-informed regulators and a water industry focused on providing the most benefits to people and the planet. 

This document is a provocation paper with draft priorities for the next UK Government, developed to support the FWR's discussion event on 19th June 2024. It does not represent the policy position of the IES, IES members, or the FWR.