In January 2026, the government set out its plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system. The white paper outlines the government’s plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system to deliver:
- safe and secure water supplies
- a protected and enhanced environment
- fair outcomes for customers and investors
It sets out how these changes will create a more efficient and integrated system. The white paper flows from the Independent Water Commission: review of the water sector (The Cunliffe Report) which set out recommendations for reform* to improve the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales.
Responding to the Government’s White Paper on water, Chris Walters, Ofwat interim CEO, comments included:
“We welcome the government’s White Paper and its direction for the future of the water sector. The creation of a new water regulator for England will bring a renewed focus, improve the sector for customers, investors, and the environment, and rebuild trust.
We are also overseeing the delivery of record levels of investment and 30 major infrastructure projects (which includes the White Horse Reservoir, previously called the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, in Oxfordshire being progressed by Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water) to improve the resilience of our water supplies and will continue to act within our current powers to protect customers and the environment, while ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the new regulatory model.”
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the March 2026 Windsor Debates on the topic of ‘Infrastructure’, welcoming a range of key speakers, including Nevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director at Thames Water.
*Water reform: “A new vision for water” – House of Commons Insight paper (January 2026).
