We understand that water and the environment are intrinsically linked. That’s why we’re the first UK water company to implement a 25-year environment plan.
As a drinking water-only company with 2.3 million customers, we recognise the need to protect our valuable and finite water sources.
With the increasing pressures of climate change, population growth, flooding, drought and change in water use, we need to make sure there is enough water for the environment and future generations.
It’s everyone's responsibility, from water companies to local authorities to businesses and customers, to protect this precious resource.
What is H25?
The plan was created following two years of extensive consultation with more than 200 customers, stakeholders, and employees.
One unilateral message from the feedback we received was clear: water companies cannot alone deliver everything needed to future-proof our raw water sources.
H25 focuses on four key areas which are:
- Safe water – futureproofing water for the environment and next-generation
- Climate change – building an environment that adapts to a changing climate
- Sustainability – protecting and enhancing our natural environment
- Partnerships – working collaboratively to keep rivers and underground water sources healthy
Pilot projects are underway across our supply which involve our customers, partners, businesses and communities.
Never standing still, we will review and update H25 regularly, at least every five years.
Safe water
Future-proofing water for the environment and the next generation.
We will do this by
- Working on ways to sustainably source water and reduce usage.
- Learning more about water sources to have the right mix of sources and storage
- Developing ways to improve the quality of water at the source, using data to improve our understanding.
- Ensuring the capacity to store, clean and provide water into the future.
Climate change
We're building an environment that adapts to climate change
We will do this by:
- Reducing emissions and minimising the demand for energy in the future
- Valuing nature and ensuring our business decisions reflect long-term climate change predictions
- Monitoring the impacts of climate change and exploring nature-based solutions
- Ensuring water sources can adapt to climate change
- Creating a positive impact on the environment through wider health and wellbeing opportunities
Sustainability
We're committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment
We will do this by:
- Reducing waste, using chemicals inside the company, and incentivising those outside to do the same.
- Developing strategies to improve natural diversity and counter threats from Invasive Non-Native species
- Protecting habitats and designing ways to avoid environmental harm.
- Enhancing our Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- Sourcing sustainable materials to build networks that add to landscapes
Partnerships
We're working with partners to keep rivers and underground water sources healthy
We will do this by
- Creating widespread partnerships for data sharing and education
- Delivering solutions to drive innovation and embed charge for long-term environmental benefits
- Building relationships to help reduce water use
- Working with science and academic organisations to advance knowledge of water
- Testing the art of the possible with partners
Read the plan here
You can read the draft plan below while we make the finishing touches to the revised plan.