The Big Questions

UKWIR, working in partnership with others, has taken a lead in the development of the water research agenda in the UK and Ireland by defining a strategic research programme to address the key challenges facing the industry, now and in the future.

Our overall ambition is to help create a sustainable water industry for the future. To do this we need to work towards creating a sustainable water environment whilst meeting both social and economic objectives.

The water industry faces increasing challenges. We have a growing population and a changing climate that is placing pressure on the industry at a time of unprecedented market reform and continuously rising customer expectations.

The industry’s response to these challenges should be informed by the very best research and investigation, conducted with a global outlook. This is UKWIR’s mission and has driven the launch of an ambitious strategic research programme.

 
Our Approach to Key
Industry Challenges

UKWIR have developed 12 Big Questions to tackle the key challenges faced by the industry, now and in the future. These were identified through extensive consultation and discussion with our members and stakeholders. These questions are grouped under four different themes and are detailed below.

 
BQ1 - How do we halve Freshwater Abstractions in a Sustainable way by 2050?
 
BQ2 - How will we achieve zero leakage in a sustainable way by 2050?
 
BQ3 - How do we achieve zero interruptions to water supplies by 2050?
 
BQ4 - How do we achieve 100% compliance with drinking water standards (at point of use) by 2050?
 
BQ5 - How will we deliver an environmentally sustainable wastewater service that meets customer and regulator expectations by 2050?
 
BQ6 - How do we achieve a sustainable and resilient sewerage and drainage service for communities and the environment by 2050?
 
BQ7 - How do we achieve zero customers in water poverty by 2030?
 
BQ8 - How to continue creating positive value through Asset Management decision making?
 
BQ9 - How do we ensure that the regulatory framework incentivises efficient delivery of the right outcomes for customers and the environment?
 
BQ10 - How do we remove more carbon than we emit by 2050?
 
BQ11 - How do we embed and maximise a sustainable circular economy within the water sector by 2050?