United Utilities' strategic partnership with Greater Manchester will include flood risk measures

United Utilities has agreed a new strategic partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Environment Agency for sustainable water management, including tackling the growing flood risk across the city-region.

Under a memorandum of understanding, United Utilities will work with the two organisations to: ensure progressive improvements in sustainable water management; enhance the natural environment and the liveability of the area; ensure all future developments and critical infrastructure are resilient to flooding and the impact of climate change; and encourage residents and businesses to reduce the amount of water they use and reduce the amount of non-flushable items that make their way into the sewer.

The partnership will also support Greater Manchester’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2038, – 12 years ahead of the national target, through utilising nature-based solutions, biodiversity net gain, and opportunities to drive a more circular economy for materials and waste. It will also aim to create good jobs for residents across the city-region.

Director of environment, planning and innovation at United Utilities, Jo Harrison, said: “Strategic partnerships such as this one will play a critical role as we look to tackle climate change and the impacts it has on the region. In partnership we can work collectively to deliver resilient communities and improve the area’s natural environment and biodiversity, which will be crucial in the years to come. By working together we can also look to maximise innovative funding opportunities for projects across Greater Manchester and ensure that any developments are more sustainable for future generations.”