A New Vision for Water 💧  

Written By Ehsan Ibrahim

Good news for water! A new policy paper was released in January detailing how the Government will deliver its promise to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas – not just today, but for generations to come.    For too long, our water system has needed fundamental reform. Rivers and coastlines have suffered while short-term shareholder returns were prioritised over long-term resilience, environmental protection and customer fairness. That is now changing.    The government has already taken action. We have passed the Water (Special Measures Act) https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3751, which makes unfair bonuses for senior executives at water companies banned – blocking at least £4m of bonuses to executives. Compensation has at least doubled for customers hit by issues caused by water company failures. Pollution cover ups have become a criminal offence, meaning that big companies cannot flout environmental laws for private gain.  

Government plans to improve our water systems further are extensive.   

  • A new integrated and empowered regulator will replace the current fragmented system, cutting red tape and strengthening oversight.  

  • 15,000km of rivers will be improved or protected through major investment to combat pollution.  

  • £11 billion will be invested in storm overflow improvements in England.  

  • £5 billion will go towards upgrading wastewater treatment works.  

  • Between 2025-2030, this will be an upgrade to the water sector of £104bn.  

Some of our precious habits such as chalk streams are particularly susceptible to water pollution – this is why the Government is focussing some of the funding towards local-led project funding. Collaborative partnerships between water companies, government agencies, farmers and other actors are essential to tackling the sources of pollution in these special places.   

I am aware of issues locally with water services, such as flooding. I have been in contact with Severn Trent directly, ensuring that future service standards are representative of the price you pay for them.   

These reforms mark a decisive shift towards a water system that works for customers and protects our natural environment. I am very happy to see these changes coming into play throughout 2026.   

See more details here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-new-vision-for-water-white-paper   

Ehsan Ibrahim
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