Utility Week

6 | 10TH - 16TH MAY 2019 | UTILITY WEEK News Inside story I ncreased pressure and "profound chal- lenges" have prompted the water indus- try, regulators and the government to come together and pledge to create an "ambitious vision" for the future. Organisations from all parts of the water sector joined forces last week and promised that they would develop a long-term strat- egy to guide the industry towards having the "most positive impact possible" on society and the environment. The sector has already engaged with cus- tomers and stakeholders to produce a dra• joint vision, and three common themes have emerged from these discussions. The first is the importance of the sector delivering "everyday excellence"; the second is long-term stewardship of the environment, assets and relationships with customers; and the third is "adding value". The vision specifies that "adding value" means value for money as well as adding value to communities and the environment. Alongside the joint vision, Ofwat has pub- lished its own dra• strategy to engage with stakeholders on how this ambitious new direction may be delivered (see column from Rachel Fletcher, right). The water sector is working together to confront "profound challenges" such as cli- mate change, population growth, increased demand and greater customer expectations. The water sector 'must unite behind single vision' Water industry stakeholders, including companies and Ofwat, have drawn up a draft vision to guide the sector towards a more ambitious future. Katey Pigden reports. Views from stakeholders "It is crucial that the water sector works together to develop a collective vision and to set out the neces- sary priorities for a water industry that works for everyone. "We want this shared vision to focus on deliv- ering the best services and value for money for customers alongside protecting and enhancing the natural environment both now and in the long term. I look forward to working closely with regulators to achieve this." Environment minister Thérèse Coffey "We all need to work together – companies, custom- ers, regulators, policymakers and stakeholders – to deliver a flourishing future for water. "Public policy needs to walk in step with pub- lic expectations, and industry needs to work in harmony with the environment and the communi- ties they operate in. Leadership from water companies in representing the best in responsible business practice is essential, which is why we published our Public Interest Commitment recently, reinforcing our determination to put the public interest at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to making that commitment a reality, as an integral part of a new vision for the water sector." Water UK chief executive Michael Roberts "The water industry plays a vital role in providing clean and plentiful water for people and the envi- ronment. It also faces significant challenges from climate change and population growth which must be met while improving the environment for future generations. Together with government and other regulators we will encourage water companies to be more bold and strategic to meet these challenges." Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan "Our drinking water quality is among the best in the world. The delivery of a balanced set of stra- tegic objectives for both England and Wales must build on those areas which are already excellent, enhance those areas which require attention and deliver a visionary and deliverable plan to address future challenges. "I look forward to shaping collective responsibility, defining the sector's social purpose and promoting the health and wellbeing of our communities." Drinking Water Inspectorate chief inspector Marcus Rink "There is no escaping the enormous challenges facing the water sector, which we will only over- come if everyone is pulling in the same direction, towards a common vision. Many people don't feel they get a fair deal from their water company but the industry can begin to change this by building a stronger bond with their customers and striving for excellence in everything they do. Companies also need to show they can be trusted as stewards of our water resources for current and future generations. The sector cannot afford to fail consumers or the environment." Consumer Council for Water chief executive Tony Smith "The vision specifies that 'adding value' means value for money as well as adding value to communities and the environment."

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