GOV.UK
GOV.UK is a public administration that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Environment Agency receives record £189 million to tackle water pollution
The largest ever budget for tackling water pollution has been handed to the country’s water watchdog, as part of the government’s plan to deliver the most significant increase in enforcement powers in a decade. The Environment Agency, who are in charge of water company inspections and prosecutions for environmental damage, will receive a cash injection of […]
UK Government enforces stricter rules on sewage pollution and nature-based solutions
Water companies will now have to publish plans to reduce pollution incidents and address the use of nature-based solutions when managing wastewater.
UK Government to invest over £100m in water company fines to local environmental projects
The Government will invest water company fines into local projects across the country to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. Over £100m in fines and penalties levied against water companies since October 2023, as well as future fines and penalties, will be reinvested into projects to clean up our waters which could include local […]
New drainage standards tackle pollution in England’s communities
In a move to tackle water pollution and protect communities from flooding, the government is updating the national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the first time in a decade. The new standards – welcomed by the construction industry – will give developers clearer guidance on how to create rainwater management systems that mimic […]
Reforms to bolster flood protection for communities across the UK
Delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, proposals will introduce a simplified approach benefitting poorer communities and speeding up project delivery.
UK water industry requires overhaul, says report
Interim report sets out scale of change needed to reform water sector.
Drought declared in north-west of England after driest spring start in 69 Years
The Environment Agency has declared drought status for the north-west of England following the driest start to spring in 69 years. River flows have been declining along with groundwater levels due to the dry March, April and start of May. Reservoir storage levels in the region are also receding and are currently lower than they were […]
UK Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years
New reservoirs will supply three quarters of a million homes and unlock the building of tens of thousands more as part of the Plan for Change.
Environment Agency launches consultation on cost recovery for water company enforcement activities
Following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Environment Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry. This includes the cost of existing and new enforcement activities, which were previously funded by the government's Grant in Aid. The proposals, set out in a consultation seeking views from the industry, campaigners […]