Waterwise calls for water reuse infrastructure skills strategy

Demand for water reuse systems will outstrip workforce and supply chain capacity to supply it without urgent action.

That warning came from Waterwise in a new report prepared as part of the Enabling Water Smart Communities project. Bridging the skills gap for water reuse in the UK identified a shortage of water reuse capabilities, and warned this could constrain water scarcity preparations and housing development.

The report called for a comprehensive strategy, noting the Cunliffe Review recommended regulatory action to drive up the adoption of reuse infrastructure. Waterwise wanted to see: 

• Training on dual-pipe systems, water regulations and cross-contamination prevention in the plumbing industry, and education across the construction and property sectors.

• Clarification of regulatory frameworks to provide certainty and support standardisation.

• Establishment of dedicated funding opportunities to support workforce development.

• Alignment of water reuse skills with national green skills strategies and net zero goals.