What’s next in the UK water sector

Celebrate excellence in the UK water sector by nominating outstanding individuals and organisations for the 2026 Future Water Awards, recognising emerging talent, people, and above-and-beyond contributions.

Cyber resilience is now inseparable from physical security. As water utilities become increasingly reliant on connected security and operational systems, they need confidence that the technology protecting essential assets and services is itself protected against cyber threats.

Anglian Water is seeking innovative, scalable and permitted supplier solutions to help strengthen biosolids offtake resilience and support the long-term performance of water recycling operations.

Wales faces its driest July in 190 years. Why UK water resilience now depends on digital transformation, AI and predictive systems -not just reservoirs and rainfall.

Twenty innovative projects from sectors including aerospace, agriculture and Tech/AI have been named as finalists and will receive £100,000 seed funding in the second Water Discovery Challenge (Discovery)

Water infrastructure is entering its biggest investment cycle in decades. RAPID is targeting 30 new large-scale projects through the Major Water Infrastructure Programme, much of it channelled into Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (2025) reshaping how these projects are planned, consulted on and examined, the stakes for delivery and consumer trust have never been higher.

Hubbell launches UK-made Sealed Boundary Box for water metering—WRAS-approved, faster installs, better smart meter signal.

Avove, a Tier 1 contractor partnering exclusively with the UK's critical utilities, has won both Contractor of the Year and Best Place to Work – Contractor, at the New Civil Engineer Awards 2026.

Lead service pipes remain a significant challenge across many UK water networks.Although lead pipe installation has not been permitted for decades, many older properties and infrastructure networks still contain ageing lead connections that can create operational, environmental and public health concerns.As utilities continue to modernise infrastructure networks and improve water quality standards, lead pipe replacement programmes are becoming increasingly important.

Water looks set to be back on the national agenda before too long. The new Prime Minister has been open about his desire to see public resources brought under greater public control and we’re all watching closely to see when the issue hits parliament.

SWIG appoints Angus Fosten as Director, bringing 35+ years of water measurement expertise to guide sensor innovation across the UK water sector.

Live distribution pipelines are in constant need of repairing, inspecting, and maintaining. They are the service networks that keep us connected to crucial water and gas utilities, so their upkeep is crucial.