The National Infrastructure Commission has announced the topics that will sit at the heart of its next major assessment of the UK’s long term infrastructure priorities, to be published in 2023, following analysis of the current performance of key sectors.

The priorities include a study on improving asset management within the flood protection, water and wastewater sectors.

The baseline report published today concludes that the sector delivers water of reliable quality to homes and businesses across England, with low numbers of service interruptions, and customers are generally satisfied with the water and wastewater services provided.

It goes on to note that while the number of serious pollution incidents caused by water companies has decreased from 2002, serious pollution incidents from water and sewerage have recently plateaued at an unacceptably high level.

Explaining the Commission’s chosen focus, the report says “asset condition is variable with challenges around leakage levels, sewer collapses and an aging asset base. The level of leakage is still considerable within the sector, although there have been reductions in recent years. Resilience to drought remains a challenge for the sector.”  Click here to read the report