Ofwat demands better from Water Resource Management Plans

Ofwat has challenged water companies to improve their draft Water Resource Management Plans before final plans are submitted in autumn.

It provided its feedback as a statutory consultee on the mandatory plans through a series of letters to English and Welsh ministers. It also fed back on the new regional water resource management plans. So far, letters have only been published for organisations whose plan consultation periods have finished.

Although the draft plans would see more infrastructure – including reservoirs, transfers and recycling schemes – delivered to increase supply and manage demand to 2050, Ofwat called for more creative and innovative ideas that are deliverable and provide best value for customers, at efficient cost.

Meanwhile, Trisha McAuley, chair of the Strategic Panel for the non-household market, issued an open letter to wholesaler CEOs on their plans. She said: “Having reviewed water companies’ draft plans, the Strategic Panel does not believe that they are currently considering the needs and potential contribution of NHH customers.

With Defra’s target to reduce NHH demand by 9% by 2038 now confirmed, more work is needed by water companies to go further, not only in the commitments set out around metering and water efficiency for the NHH market, but for these commitments to be much more prominent in companies’ plans.”

WRMPs have received press and social media attention this week. Analysis of the plans published in The Times warned: “England faces an ecological disaster if a severe drought strikes, with water companies turning to rivers to avoid drinking water shortages.”

Online, Ofwat’s Tweet that it had “asked water companies to seize the opportunity to improve their long-term water supply plans” received criticism including from shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon who commented: “Asked. Not required? When will the government get a grip!”

Meanwhile The Guardian reported the water resource position across Europe is “very precarious” following a winter drought.