Defra calls for greater sector collaboration in surface water management

Defra has urged water companies and other risk management authorities to "work together to manage water in a more integrated way to improve flood resilience, enhance the natural environment and deliver value for customers."

In an update to its surface water management policy, Defra said The Environment Agency and Ofwat will help enable this greater collaboration "through their respective roles and strategies – specifically the new national strategy and Ofwat strategy." It said the two regulators will, in the lead up to the 2024 Price Review, "develop a joint approach for how water companies should consider flood and coastal resilience in the context of their statutory roles and duties (by April 2022)." Defra went on to add: "All risk management authorities should actively participate in Local flood risk management strategies and Drainage and wastewater management plans, to share their expertise and engage with communities in the collective endeavour to manage flooding in communities.”

Defra's update was a formal response to 28 recommendations from a 2020 independent review on arrangements for determining responsibility for surface water and drainage assets. It has also reported on progress against the 2018 surface water management action plan. Defra referenced the new Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat which it is currently consulting on, and noted Ofwat, the Environment Agency and Water UK were progressing a review of the relevant PR19 performance measures which should be complete by summer 2022.

On joining up planning on surface water management, Defra pointed out Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans would be made statutory under Environment Bill provisions, with the first set due for consultation in 2022 in time for PR24 business planning.

Defra pointed out: “Whilst the production of Drainage and wastewater management plans is being led by water companies, all organisations that have interests and / or responsibilities relating to drainage, flooding and protection of the environment have a part to play in their creation. The Environment Agency, Ofwat and Water UK are currently assessing how other organisations are contributing to the production of Drainage and wastewater management plans, a commitment they have made in the strategy action plan. This is important work to ensure Drainage and wastewater management plans identify actions to better manage local flood risk and improve water quality.”