Delivering the Water (Special Measures) Act: Supporting compliance and innovation
Published: 26 March 2025
The Water (Special Measures) Act was introduced into Parliament on 4 September 2024 and received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025. This landmark legislation strengthens regulatory oversight in the water industry, addressing concerns about pollution, underinvestment and illegal sewage spills. It introduces stringent measures to improve transparency, compliance, and environmental stewardship across the sector.
Independent monitoring of every sewage outlet
To enhance data transparency, the Act mandates real-time monitoring and reporting on sewage discharges, including previously unmonitored emergency overflows. Water companies must install appropriate MCERTS-certified monitoring equipment at all emergency overflows, with phased implementation by 2035.
MCERTS ensures accuracy and promotes public confidence in monitoring data, equipment and personnel, providing a framework for choosing monitoring equipment and services that meet the Environment Agency’s specifications.
Group company Detectronic specialises in monitoring solutions for wastewater and sewer networks. Our experts can support with:
- Installation and certification of monitors to meet the Environment Agency’s Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) requirements
- Real-time data collection and analytics to support near-instant reporting on discharges
- Predictive analytics and AI-driven insights to help water companies pre-empt potential overflows and prevent pollution incidents
Pollution incident reduction plans
Previously voluntary, the Act now mandates annual pollution incident reduction plans (PIRPs) for all water companies, ensuring accountability and transparency in pollution mitigation efforts. These plans must outline clear actions, timelines and impact assessments, with personal accountability placed on company CEOs.
Group company Aqua Consultants provides expert advisory services to help water companies develop and implement high-quality PIRPs, including:
- Strategic planning for pollution reduction, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Impact assessment and risk mitigation strategies tailored to specific network vulnerabilities
- Performance improvement consulting to enhance operational efficiency and environmental outcomes
Ofwat’s climate change considerations
The Act requires Ofwat to integrate climate change considerations into its regulatory framework, ensuring water companies contribute to national environmental targets.
Our net zero and sustainability services support water companies in:
- Carbon footprint analysis and emissions reduction strategies
- Renewable energy integration to reduce operational carbon intensity
- Sustainability reporting and compliance to align with regulatory expectations
Nature-based solutions in drainage and sewerage management plans
Sewerage undertakers must now incorporate nature-based solutions within their drainage and sewerage management plans (DSMPs) to enhance resilience, mitigate risks and restore ecosystems.
Group company Aqua Consultants offers expertise in nature-based solutions, including:
- Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) design and implementation
- Ecosystem restoration projects to improve water quality and biodiversity
- Holistic water management strategies integrating grey and green infrastructure
Supporting water companies through regulatory change
The Water (Special Measures) Act represents a transformational shift in how the UK regulates its water industry. From enhancing monitoring and transparency to mandating pollution reduction and climate action, these measures demand robust compliance strategies and innovative solutions.
With our expertise in monitoring technology, pollution mitigation, sustainability consulting, and nature-based solutions, we are ready to support water companies in delivering these ambitious regulatory commitments.
Have a project in mind? Contact us today to explore how our services can help your organisation comply with the Water (Special Measures) Act while driving environmental progress and operational excellence.
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