Government publishes Water White Paper

The government has published a Water White Paper to overhaul the water system and protect households from disruption.

The new white paper sets out clear powers for the new regulator and includes tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies. 

A chief engineer will sit inside the new single water regulator, with the task of delivering hand-on checks of water infrastructure.

The regulator will introduce and MOT approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more.

The reforms will put prevention first, with companies and bosses required to plan for the long-term.

If companies don't meet standards, a new Performance Improvement Regime will give the regulator the power to act fast and fix failures so that underperforming water companies recover faster, protecting customers and the environment and giving stability to investors.

Smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "These are once-in-a-generation reforms for our water system – tough oversight, real accountability, and no more excuses.  

"Water companies will have nowhere to hide from poor performance, customers will get the service they deserve, and investors will see a system built for the future. 

"This builds on the tough action we’ve already delivered, from record investment to banning unfair bonuses."