Water Efficiency Lab opens to bidders

(by Karma Loveday)

Ofwat is to formally open its new Water Efficiency Lab to bidders tomorrow.

£5m of the total £25m available between 2025 and 2030 will be on the table in year one, with a maximum award per project of £1.5m. Innovators have until 10 March to submit their pitches, which must be focused on developing new technologies, data-driven tools and solutions that enable households and businesses to understand their water use and take steps to reduce it.

Ofwat said potential areas could include:

• Customer-facing smart data platforms that provide real-time behavioural nudges and incentives.

• Fixture-level monitoring systems that track the usage of specific appliances.

• Combined leak detection and consumption systems that provide behavioural feedback.

• Alternative approaches for properties that are unable to have a water meter fitted, properties that are hard to meter and properties that are a low priority to be metered. 

The competition is open to all UK-based innovators, and international innovators that partner with a UK-based lead entrant from any sector. Entries will be assessed on their potential impact to deliver water consumption reduction, innovation, feasibility and implementation across England and Wales.

Winners will be announced in June 2026. The entry form, assessment criteria, terms and conditions and the support available to entrants will be published at launch at waterinnovation.challenges.org.