Water Magazine

03/08/2026

Christopher Hinchliff MP has brought together a cross-party group of MPs and 17 leading conservation organisations, including the Freshwater Habitats Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link, to call on the UK Government to take better care of the country’s “tiny but mighty streams, small but spirited rivers, and ponds that punch above their weight.”

The letter coordinated by the MP for North East Hertfordshire recognises small waters as the unsung heavy hitters of biodiversity, noting: “Small waters, including ponds, headwater streams and small lakes, are a major part of England’s freshwater environment and critically important for biodiversity. Because of their small catchments, small waters are more likely to contain clean water and support the species which rely on this ever-diminishing resource.”

The group believes the Labour Government’s upcoming Water Bill could provide an opportunity to improve the protections for these vital habitats which make up the majority of England’s freshwater.

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/08/03/40-mps-and-17-environmental-leaders-urge-uk-government-to-recognise-biodiversity-rich-small-waters/

Cross-party group of MPs and 17 leading conservation organisations call on Government to take better care of the country’s small waters.

03/08/2026

Water UK has backed proposals to reduce the water efficiency standard for new homes in England, arguing that stronger building regulations will help reduce demand on increasingly stretched water resources.

In its response to the UK government’s consultation on reviewing Part G of the Building Regulations 2010, Water UK supports lowering the baseline water consumption standard for new homes from the current 125 litres per person per day (l/p/d) to 105 l/p/d.

The water industry’s trade association says the change would make a significant contribution towards improving water efficiency, particularly as England faces increasing pressure on water supplies from climate change, population growth and environmental obligations.

Water UK also supports the government’s proposal to calculate compliance using water-efficient fittings, describing the approach as simpler and more consistent than the current optional standard.

However, the response stresses that tighter building regulations alone will not achieve the long-term reductions in water demand needed across England. It argues that new-build standards should form part of a wider strategy that also includes retrofitting existing homes, greater uptake of smart metering, more efficient appliances and sustained consumer engagement.

The organisation says introducing a single national standard would provide greater certainty for developers, manufacturers and water companies while avoiding the complexity of different requirements being adopted by local planning authorities.

The consultation forms part of the government’s wider review of water efficiency requirements for new homes. Alongside a national standard of 105 l/p/d, ministers are also considering a stricter 100 l/p/d standard for new homes in areas classified as being under serious water stress.

Water UK says it supports the direction of travel and believes improving the efficiency of new housing is one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing future demand for public water supplies, while helping to improve resilience and protect the environment.

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/08/03/water-uk-backs-tougher-water-efficiency-standards-for-new-homes/

Water UK backs tougher water efficiency standards for new homes, supporting a 105 litres per person per day target in England.

31/07/2026

With very little rainfall and sustained high temperatures over the last week, Natural Resources Wales confirms it is extending its drought declaration across the whole of Wales

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/31/drought-status-extended-across-all-of-wales-as-environment-continues-to-feel-the-strain/

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales confirmed on 30 July 2026 that it is extending its drought declaration across the whole of Wales.

30/07/2026

London has launched its first Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, setting out a decade-long programme to improve water quality, restore river habitats and increase public access to the capital’s waterways

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/30/london-unveils-10-year-clean-rivers-plan-backed-by-1-8bn-investment/

London launches a 10-year clean rivers plan backed by £1.8bn of investment to improve water quality, habitats and river restoration.

30/07/2026

The Rivers Trust has called for a fundamental change in how water is managed across England’s landscapes following yesterday’s declaration of drought across seven regions of England by the Environment Agency.

The environmental charity said the latest drought, which follows a winter of persistent rainfall and flooding, demonstrates the need to retain more water within catchments rather than allowing it to flow rapidly from farmland and rivers.

According to The Rivers Trust, improving soil health, restoring river corridors and floodplains, and increasing on-farm water storage would help create more resilient catchments by holding water during wetter periods and gradually releasing it during dry conditions.

Tessa Wardley, Director of Communications & Advocacy at The Rivers Trust, said:

“We urgently need to change how water moves through the landscape. Too much winter water is being lost quickly from farmland and river, instead of being slowed down and stored where it is most needed.”

She added that interventions acting as “natural sponges” would not only improve resilience during drought but also help reduce flood risk by slowing surface water runoff during periods of heavy rainfall.

The organisation said it will continue to advocate for policy and funding changes that support catchment-scale approaches to improving water resilience, alongside its practical river restoration work across the UK.

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/30/the-rivers-trust-calls-for-fundamental-rethink-of-water-management-following-drought-declaration/

The Rivers Trust calls for a rethink of water management, urging catchment-based solutions to improve resilience to drought and flooding.

29/07/2026

Half of England has officially been declared in drought following months of exceptionally dry weather, with the Environment Agency confirming that seven of its 14 operational areas have now moved from prolonged dry weather to drought status.

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/29/half-of-england-declared-in-drought-as-environment-agency-escalates-response/

Half of England declared in drought as Environment Agency intensifies response to prolonged dry weather - 7 regions now in drought status.

29/07/2026

A new podcast series exploring the health of the River Thames has been launched, bringing together voices from across the water sector, environmental organisations and local communities.

The six-part series, Thames Unfiltered, has been produced by THE STANDARD in association with Thames Water and follows the River Thames from its source to the sea. Launched on 28 July 2026, the podcast examines the river’s history, current environmental challenges and future management through discussions with a range of guests.

The series, presented by acclaimed business journalist and author Lucy Tobin, examines the Thames as both a symbol and a lifeline for London, reflecting the city’s environmental history from periods of severe pollution to significant recovery.

It also revisits defining moments such as the Great Stink of 1858, when untreated sewage and industrial waste overwhelmed the Thames during a hot summer, creating an unbearable smell that brought parts of London to a standstill and forced the government to invest in a modern sewer system. The resulting infrastructure, designed by engineer Joseph Bazalgette, redirected waste away from central London and marked a turning point in improving public health.

Thames Water said the series is intended to encourage wider discussion around river health and the shared responsibilities involved in protecting and improving freshwater environments.

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/29/new-podcast-explores-the-health-of-the-river-thames/

Six-part podcast series exploring the health, water quality and environmental challenges facing the River Thames, with guests from the sector.

28/07/2026

Representatives from the UK water sector have returned from a visit to see Spanish plants in action as Anglian Water - Love Every Drop gears up to develop the first major continuous-use seawater desalination plants in the UK

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/28/uk-water-sector-turns-the-tide-on-desalination-with-visit-to-spain/

Representatives from the UK water sector have returned from a visit to see Spanish desalination plants in action.

27/07/2026

In a Water Magazine exclusive this month, MP and former water industry professional Lee Pitcher MP draws on 25 years of sector experience to argue that Britain has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform water—and that saving lives through stronger water safety must be part of that agenda.

Last year Lee brought forward Sam’s Law - a Private Members’ Bill requiring safety equipment at reservoirs, making it a criminal offence to vandalise that equipment, and putting water safety education on the national curriculum. It passed its first stage unanimously and shortly after the government adopted part of it, launching a Water Safety Code in schools.

In addition to water safety matters, Lee's water industry experience puts him in a unique position to comment on the current state of the sector.

He believes we need a genuine shift to long-term funding and planning, that we need to finally get serious about sustainable drainage and rainwater harvesting, and we also need to simplify how the sector is governed.

Read Lee's full article on pages 19, 20 and 21 of the August issue - out now.

Flipbook: https://online.flippingbook.com/shelf/840208/72112/19

Webpage: https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/07/27/from-campaigning-to-parliament-delivering-the-water-reforms-britain-needs/

In this Water Magazine exclusive, Lee Pitcher draws on 25 years of experience to argue that Britain has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform water.

27/07/2026

The latest edition of Water Magazine is now live, bringing together news, analysis and technical insight shaping the industry.

Inside the August issue you'll find:

💧 The latest crackdown on water companies.
💧 An exclusive from Lee Pitcher MP on the future of the water sector.
💧 Everything you need to know about the new Let's Save Water campaign.
💧 Highlights from the latest Drinking Water Inspectorate annual report.
💧 AMP8 investment, innovation and the technologies helping improve resilience and performance.
💧 Expert analysis of the policy, regulatory and environmental issues affecting the sector.

Whether you're involved in water, wastewater, engineering, regulation, consulting or the supply chain, there's something for everyone in this month's edition.

Read the latest digital edition here:

https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/magazine-archive/

A big thank you to all our contributors, advertisers and readers for your continued support, and especially APEM Group for sponsoring this month's front page.

Water Magazine - full coverage of industry issues, from rainfall to outfall.