Water UK: 21^st Century drainage programme

Everyone in the water sector realises the scale of the challenges facing the industry and that is why more than 40 organisations from across the UK have joined Water UK for this 21st Century Drainage Programme. Everyone in the water sector realises the scale of the challenges facing the industry and that is why more than 40 organisations from across the UK have joined Water UK for this 21st Century Drainage Programme. The 21st Century Drainage Programme is about the fundamentals of life – how and where we work and learn, how and where we live and play. Many of us don’t think about what happens to the water that we use once it’s gone down the drain. However, billions of litres of water are constantly travelling through hundreds of thousands of miles of pipes, being treated and returned to the environment.

The water industry has invested billions of pounds over the last few decades on behalf of customers. Working in partnership with the UK’s governments, regulators and community groups, we have rivers and streams that are now abundant with life. There is much still to do, but we have seen the benefits of that investment. However, there are very real external pressures that we have to prepare for now, to ensure our children and grandchildren can build on this success. More people, bigger towns and cities and the effects of climate change will mean a greater demand for water when it’s hot and dry, fewer green spaces to absorb the rain when it’s wet, and more unpredictable weather.

Since the programme started, the political landscape has changed significantly. Those involved in the programme believe it is the right thing to do, irrespective of whether we are subject to wider European legislation, which is why we are seeking to identify the major risks for drainage in the future, and to provide options for policy makers based on sound research and evidence.  Click here to download the documents.