Water

Section 81 of the Environment Act 2021 mandates that water and sewerage companies (WaSCs) in England must report to the general public on storm overflow discharges in near real time. The rollout of event duration monitors (EDMs) started in 2016 through WINEP, focusing on bathing and shellfish waters. 

Every five years, water companies produce business plans, which Ofwat scrutinise and challenge to determine the amount of money each water company receives for the delivery and investment of their water and sewerage services. If a water company is unsatisfied with the determination made by Ofwat on their business plan, they can appeal the decision and request that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review and “redetermine” the funding allowances. Currently, there are five water companies appealing the PR24 determinations in the hope of receiving more funding than Ofwat has allowed. 

A guide on applying big energy transition lessons to the water sector – both vital resources that support our economy, environment, and way of life.   

Climate change and population growth are straining Australia’s water supply. A diversified approach—stormwater harvesting, recycled water, desalination, and demand management—can build resilience and ensure long-term security.

A guide on applying big energy transition lessons to the water sector – both vital resources that support our economy, environment, and way of life.   

Ofwat has now published, on time, the final determinations  for the Business Plans submitted by water companies in October 2023. Our Senior Technical Director Joseph Sanders and Technical Director Kirelle Shepherd look into the Final Determinations and how they will impact the water sector.

Why early engagement and collaboration between infrastructure project owners, supply chain and investors is a key success factor for infrastructure delivery.

In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Chris Patmore and Jonathan Morley, Technical Directors at RPS, join Emily McGee to unpack the flood risk sequential test.

In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Martin Scott, Senior Director at RPS, joins Ben Stockdale to explore the intersection of the British bird population and renewable energy development.

Ofwat released their slightly delayed draft determinations  on the Business Plans submitted by water companies in October 2023. Alongside this the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, announced several measures to help “clean up the water industry”

The RPS teams across the UK came together on 3rd July for the annual Rutland Regatta. The event was hosted by Anglian Water Services, at the picturesque Rutland Water.  Featuring sponsorship from RPS, among others, the event was held to raise funds for WaterAid.

Having the opportunity to develop into a more challenging position is something that we all strive for when considering a new role. At RPS, we pride ourselves on empowering our people to grow within their careers, but what does this actually take? Read Myles’ story on how he climbed the ranks within the Leakage industry before finding his way at RPS.

It is important that water companies understand how water is being used within their system, along with any loss of water that is occurring. Water balance refers to the amount of water entering and exiting a system, in this case a water company’s input and output, and any discrepancies between these amounts.

Climate change, urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns, mean that there is uncertainty regarding the demands that will be placed on our infrastructure in the future. Water distribution and wastewater drainage networks are no exception from this uncertainty.

Through changing legislation and a greater public interest, increasing challenges and demands are being placed on the wastewater industry. In order to continue to meet our clients' needs and achieve absolute delivery, innovation is imperative. 

The complexities and challenges of high-level solution development for overflow spill reductions. AMP8

PR24 is likely to be a watershed moment for the water industry in the UK

RPS is working with Severn Trent Water to trial two new bathing rivers in England to help create a lasting legacy of a cleaner environment for our communities. 

Water is vital in terms of sustainable development. In this article, we discuss how we can manage our water resources to ensure a sustainable future.

Safe water depends on accurate, timely testing. RPS builds on years of water‑analysis experience to deliver UKAS‑accredited methods that exceed industry standards—including newly accredited assays for acid herbicides and triclosan—helping industries, water companies and regulators detect trace contaminants, meet monitoring programmes like the CIP, and protect both human health and the environment.

Mike Rose, Director at RPS has put together the following guidance to outline the steps to be taken to help minimise the risk of legionella growth and the general deterioration of water quality, within engineered water systems.