IET insight into ‘Broken’ Water Industry report

“The Jon Cunliffe’s independent review of the water industry in England and Wales signals a new era of positive change for the water sector, making it the most significant reform in over 35 years since privatisation. This reform should see modernisation of our aging infrastructure, improve water quality and supply. 

“Significant underinvestment in these areas has left us with challenges such as insufficient reservoir capacity, leaky pipes, and overall asset degradation that has brought about some of the worst environmental pollution seen in generations. This is the opportunity to fix the basics. 

“The focus should now be on strengthening the fundamentals, which will need water companies and regulators working closely together to deliver the best possible service for the public. 

“A key part is building a robust and well-maintained asset base. The planned construction of nine new reservoirs by 2050 is a positive step, but we must also ensure the effective management and maintenance of existing assets. This includes accurately locating and assessing their condition to prevent future incidents like the Godstone sinkhole that happened earlier this year (2025). 

Investing in data analytics and advanced technology alongside developing a skilled workforce will be crucial to achieving optimal asset health and deliver value for money water services to customers.”