The water sector needs to take creative new approaches to the challenges facing it, rather than just do the same things a bit better or cheaper, according to James Heath, chief executive of the National Infrastructure Commission.

Heath highlighted the sector’s challenges as down to “too much, too little and too dirty water”. He said three main things are needed:

1. “A long-term plan that is clear on what our water and wastewater needs will be over the next 30 years – and maps out how to get from here to there.”
2. Long-term strategic planning to meet the goals set.
3. Funding – large scale investment is needed, with enhancement spending potentially three times greater than today. Heath questioned: “How do we square this circle of increasing investment with the public’s ability to pay for it?” He said water bills would need to increase, but also that shareholder returns must be limited to reflect the true level of risk.

Heath called for innovation and new thinking – for instance on separating rainwater from sewerage systems, smart water metering and rainwater harvesting