RAINWATER MANAGEMENT M
eeting the huge challenges in the UK’s water infrastructure system will be no easy task, even with the input of the Independent
Water Commission’s July 2025 report (the Cunliffe Review), which recommends merging Ofwat, the Environment Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and other bodies into a single regulator and establishing regional planning bodies.
Alongside this, AMP8 will see more than £100 billion invested in networks over the next 5 years, including upgrades to sewerage, stormwater management, and SuDS integration. Water resilience in towns and cities alongside storm water and flood protection are gaining increased attention.
There is also a clear shift from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management, in line with Water UK’s Net Zero 2030 roadmap. Hybrid solutions are becoming more common, with growth in nature-based measures and permeable paving being used alongside traditional water management systems, particularly in urban developments. Paul Curtis, managing director of Marshalls Water Management says that several pressures are contributing to these trends. “Climate change is intensifying drought frequency and water scarcity, intense rainfall events and increased flood risks. Public pressure and increased media scrutiny are creating urgency to reduce pollution, sewage incidents and low water quality ratings.” he says.
Rising investment needs are forcing short- term pricing adjustments and long-term infrastructure strategies. Alongside this, digital transformation is becoming essential, with new technologies aligning with industry goals around leakage reduction, efficiency and resilience.
WATER RULES TO ROCK MERCHANTS
The water management industry is bracing itself for sweeping regulation changes, which will impact the merchant sector, BMJ finds out.
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Curtis says that the company is constantly working on product development, whether that means making existing products easier and safer to install, or collaborating with industry partners to deliver innovation in the sector. “We currently have several projects underway with major water authorities to deliver significant carbon reductions within our concrete drainage ranges. At the same time, our design and engineering team are developing new systems to help clients upgrade and replace Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs),” he says.
The company is also developing a new suite of digital tools, including online hydraulic calculators for design and specification, as well as online tools specifically for merchant customers to improve service levels and stock availability.
As well as the wider infrastructure issues, Curtis says there are challenges such as ongoing inflationary pressure from raw materials such as cement and steel, as well as energy and logistics costs. “We are always reviewing the situation and working to mitigate these pressures wherever possible,” he explains.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2025
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