Other stories from last week

(by Karma Loveday)

Representatives of the Citizens Arrest Network last week visited the head offices of eight water companies with the stated intention of placing the chief executives of Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, South West Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent and Southern Water under citizens arrest. Frustrated in this, they handed over to staff “dossiers of evidence outlining how they are each responsible for extreme levels of pollution across Britain. The dossiers state that the levels of pollution equate to criminal public nuisance which affects the public's right to clean water”. The network said there was public frustration with government inaction, as well as with the companies themselves, over high bills and pollution levels.

Waterwise has announced the 2025 Water Night will take place on 23 October. The third annual UK event will invite households to pause their non-essential water use between 5pm and 10pm, to bring home how much we depend on water every day. This year’s theme is ‘From habit to hero’ and focuses on turning unconscious routines into intentional, water-wise actions. Schools and communities are also getting involved, and landmarks across the country will be lit up blue to show support.

Business retailer Water Plus is working with pub and hotel chain JD Wetherspoon on a large scale water management programme. 800 sites across the country will benefit from advanced water use analysis, additional water tracking technology and water efficiency device installation. More than 140 audits have already been delivered in 2025, and Wetherspoons has already been able to fix leaks, tighten loose connections, and reduce use at some sites – including a 820 litre an hour saving at one site in Scotland. Water Plus is also taking the opportunity to improve Wetherspoons’ water meter location data during the visits. 

Affinity Water has appointed Barhale to its capital delivery framework for both its capital enhancement and capital maintenance schemes for AMP8 and AMP9. The framework is valued at £900m, with £450m earmarked for each regulatory period. 

Wessex Water has appointed Galliford Try Environment to both the infrastructure and non-infrastructure lots on its AMP8 design and build framework. 

Northumbrian Water has appointed United Infrastructure as its smart meter installation partner in the north east. The work will involve installing 750,000 meters to deliver a fully smart portfolio for Northumbrian by 2035. 

The Rivers Trust has published a constructed wetland design guide – a resource that provides practitioners with information and tools to deliver constructed wetlands that address water pollution, enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience, and increase community access to nature. Partly funded by Natural England, the guide seeks to address a lack of governance and standardisation in wetland creation by setting out clear design principles and emphasising the importance of effective long-term maintenance.