UK Government Introduces Historic Water Sector Reforms

Overview

• Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced the Water (Special Measures) Bill to address pollution and infrastructure issues.
• Executives face prison sentences and loss of bonuses for non-compliance with new regulations.
• The reforms are expected to unlock the largest private sector investment in the water industry’s history.
• New measures include building reservoirs, upgrading water mains, and real-time monitoring of sewage overflows.
• The legislation aims to balance immediate enforcement with long-term sector improvements and investment incentives.