Reforming water management: Earthwatch responds to Independent Water Commission’s Call for Evidence

23rd April 2025

Reforming water management in the UK is vital for addressing the challenges of water pollution and the threat to our environment. The Independent Water Commission’s recent Call for Evidence was a crucial opportunity to shape the future of water management in England and Wales.

At Earthwatch Europe, we believe that a healthy future for our planet relies on a collaborative approach. By bringing together scientific expertise with the lived experiences and concerns of communities and organisations across the UK we can fight for equitable positive change.

That’s why we responded to the Independent Water Commission’s recent Call for Evidence.

The Commission’s initiative aimed to gather diverse perspectives on the pressing challenges facing our water system. From the pressures of competing demands and environmental degradation to the critical need for integrated planning and improved public trust.

Their questionnaire delved into key areas such as strategic direction, geographical scales for planning, integrated water management, environmental objectives, and the effectiveness of current water industry planning frameworks.

For Earthwatch, this platform enabled us to amplify the concerns we witness firsthand through our citizen science initiatives, including the Great UK WaterBlitz. Our response drew upon our extensive experience in engaging the public in monitoring the health of their local rivers and streams.

Our key messages to the Independent Water Commission

Our submission highlighted several areas that we believe require urgent attention and reform:

• Prioritising environmental outcomes: we strongly advocated for placing the health of our water environment at the heart of all decision-making. For too long, economic considerations have overshadowed the ecological imperative. Our top priority for the future of the water system is a demonstrably improved water environment, supporting thriving habitats for aquatic life. While we acknowledge some progress, our experience through initiatives like the WaterBlitz reveals that significant challenges remain.

• Building climate resilience: the increasing impacts of climate change demand a water system that is resilient. We expressed our concern that the current framework falls significantly short in delivering this. Future planning must proactively address water scarcity, flooding, and the impacts of extreme weather events on water quality and infrastructure.

• Safe and accessible water bodies: we believe everyone should have access to clean and safe water bodies for recreation. While some progress has been made, the prevalence of pollution incidents and concerns around sewage discharges highlight the need for more stringent measures to ensure our rivers and coastal waters are safe for all to enjoy.

• Integrated and collaborative management: a siloed approach to water management is no longer fit for purpose. We championed the Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative (CaSTCo) model, advocating for a national standardised framework delivered at a catchment level. This collaborative approach necessitates clear leadership from government, local coordination by authorities, and the involvement of volunteers and local expertise – mirroring the successful model of the WaterBlitz.

• Empowering citizen science: our response strongly emphasised the role of citizen science in monitoring and safeguarding our water resources. Initiatives like the Great UK WaterBlitz demonstrate the immense potential of engaging the public in data collection, raising awareness, and fostering a sense of ownership over their local environment. We called for the integration of citizen science data into official monitoring frameworks and for increased public participation in shaping water management plans.

• Strengthening regulation and enforcement: we voiced significant concerns about the current regulatory framework, rating its performance as ‘poor.’ Increased capacity and empowerment for regulators are essential to effectively monitor the water industry and take decisive action against polluters. The disparity between pollution incidents and prosecutions, alongside the reduction in water quality reporting frequency, shows the urgent need for reform.

• Reforming economic regulation: we challenged the notion of a simple trade-off between customer bills and infrastructure resilience, highlighting potential mismanagement within water companies. The economic regulatory framework must move beyond solely focusing on cost and prioritise environmental protection and long-term sustainability.

Reforming water management for the future

The Independent Water Commission’s Call for Evidence represents a positive step towards a more sustainable and equitable water system.

At Earthwatch Europe, we are committed to evidence-based advocacy and the power of collective action.

We eagerly await the Commission’s findings and recommendations. We will continue working with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure a healthier future for our precious water resources.

Join the movement

Help us continue the fight for our freshwater. Get involved with the Great UK WaterBlitz and help monitor the health of your local river, stream or lake.

With the data you collect, we can show decision-makers what needs to be done to improve our waterways for people and wildlife.