UK government water reforms receive mixed responses

A January 2026 white paper proposes a new integrated water regulator, preventative regulation and other changes to oversight; environmental groups, industry and scientific bodies have offered differing responses.

The UK government published a white paper in January 2026 that sets out changes intended to address problems in water supply and the state of waterways. The paper proposes an integrated water regulator, a focus on long-term priorities and "preventative regulation," and measures to attract third-party investment. It also includes a commitment to replace the current regulator, Ofwat, and to revise the price control process. Responses from environmental groups, industry outlets and scientific organizations have been mixed. Key facts: - The white paper proposes an integrated water regulator, preventative regulation, and reforms aimed at long-term performance and investment. - The Environment Agency and Rivers Trust reported that raw sewage was discharged into English rivers for over 3.6 million hours in 2024, with 450,398 monitored spill events. - Thames Water was fined more than £120 million in May 2025 for environmental breaches related to sewage spills. - The document includes a commitment to abolish Ofwat, to appoint a chair-designate for the new regulator, and to revise price controls while encouraging third-party investment. - Environmental campaigners expressed concern that penalty changes could weaken enforcement, while industry coverage noted aspects such as price control revision and a designated chair were welcomed, and scientific bodies supported more open monitoring and further investment in treatment methods. Summary: The white paper seeks to change oversight, monitoring and investment in the water sector, and it outlines specific institutional and regulatory steps. The white paper's measures would need to be implemented and a chair-designate appointed for the new regulator; the ultimate effects of those actions are undetermined at this time.