The UKWRA held its annual online conference yesterday, exploring the progress, challenges and opportunities around water reuse in the UK. Aquality joined to follow the discussions and hear from industry experts, policymakers and practitioners.
The event opened with UKWRA Executive Director Jayne Cowan, followed by Chairman Lutz Johnen. The keynote was delivered by Julia Buckley MP, who discussed three key areas:
Government policy: Julia described the government’s water reuse plans, especially the Clean Water Bill that will be introduced in Spring 2027 and what needs to be done in terms of standards, training and the removal of legislative barriers to help ensure water reuse is mandatory in new-builds by 2030.
The new Labour leadership: With Andy Burnham as the new PM, Julia expects more focus on outcomes. She mentioned:
- the Cunliffe Review proposals where activity had quietened but has now been pushed back onto the agenda
- the great support shown from Emma Hardy, Defra Minister of State
- Louise Haigh MP, who runs the cabinet office that has established a cross-departmental task force looking at water resilience
Backbencher’s Work: The Water APPG has looked at water reuse, flood resilience and sustainable housing. Julia has also carried out personal work, looking to incentivise housebuilders in the interim before a mandate on water reuse is implemented to capture rainwater for WC flushing, fast track water connection licences and introduce tax relief to water reuse.
An innovative case study highlighting water reuse being implemented at scale in a residential setting was then showcased by Wenke Schönfelder of Hamburg Wasser. Referring to the 835-home Jenfelder Au development, she described how it uses vacuum toilets and separate wastewater streams where blackwater is processed to produce biogas for electricity and heat, and greywater is recycled for WC flushing and irrigation.
Through the expert panel discussion and CPD seminar, the conference explored many topics such as system development costs, ownership and maintenance, monitoring, policy, education, guidance, standardisation and competence across the water reuse cycle—from installation and commissioning through to operation and ongoing maintenance.
Overall, a very well-organised and informative event, with plenty of valuable insight into where the industry is heading.
