Future trends
We live in a changing world. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, it's clear that we'll encounter a distinct set of challenges compared to those of the past. Many are already affecting our drainage and wastewater services and will continue to do so in the future.
To support the development of our DWMP28, we’ve assessed 28 future trends. These were identified in the DWMP regulatory guidance for all water companies. We also see trends that are especially important for our business and the London and Thames Valley region.
You can explore these trends and how we plan to respond in the one-page summaries below. For an overview of what each summary includes, please start with the guidance document. These documents form the Generic and Future Trends technical appendix to our Strategic Context Document.
Climate and environmental factors
Over the next 25 years, we’re expecting extreme weather events to become more frequent, and generally wetter winters and drier summers. Weather events like these can create major challenges for our wastewater services and drainage assets.
Climate change may also impact:
- Sewer flows
- Water quality
- Ground conditions
- Sensitivity of receiving watercourses
DWMP28 will aim to:
Future-proof our assets against changing weather and environmental conditions.
Development and population
By 2055, our region’s population is expected to increase significantly. This growth will drive the development of new homes, communities and infrastructure, placing a greater demand on our wastewater systems.
That’s why we’re investing in smarter, more resilient drainage solutions to help deliver a reliable service for all – now and in the future.
DWMP28 will aim to:
Support our assets having capacity for future growth, treating to the required standards, and being delivered at the right time.
Statutory and regulatory priorities
As laws and regulations change, we must stay compliant while adapting to uncertainty. This includes stricter environmental standards, a focus on storm overflows, and new regulations. These present both challenges and opportunities for the wastewater sector.
Our future trends assessment looks at how these pressures might evolve. It also explores how risk-based planning and innovative solutions can help us protect customers, communities, and the environment while fulfilling our legal duties.
DWMP28 will aim to:
Identify and deliver long-term sustainable value while meeting legal and regulatory priorities and protecting customers and the environment.
Customer and stakeholder behaviour
Protecting drainage and wastewater systems is a shared responsibility. Water companies, customers, local authorities, and highway agencies all play a part. Customer behaviour is key; it greatly affects system performance. Problems like misconnected drains, sewer blockages, and paving over green spaces can raise the risk of flooding, pollution, and environmental damage.
We promote education and legislative changes to drive improvements. By raising awareness and encouraging better habits, we can reduce water use and blockages, protect rivers, and strengthen our wastewater network.
DWMP28 will aim to:
Include options that encourage partnership-working, influence customer behaviour, and help shape government policy.
Economic influences
Economic changes will greatly impact the cost of our future drainage and wastewater plans. These include inflation, rising material costs, and possible new taxes. Meeting the UK Government’s net zero carbon target by 2050 may raise costs linked to carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater services. This will push us to lower emissions in our operations. In response, we're looking into low-carbon and nature-based solutions for a more sustainable future.
Meanwhile, funding availability may change. Many of our large, complex wastewater assets are from the Victorian era. They will continue to age and need more investment to build resilience and reliable service.
DWMP28 will aim to:
Stay flexible and adapt to changing economic conditions. Keep delivering strong infrastructure and plan for the long term. Use adaptive pathways to ensure our communities get the essential services they need.
Technological changes
Technology is rapidly changing how we manage drainage and wastewater. This shift has big implications for our long-term plans and investments. Automation and AI help us use existing assets better, cutting the need for new infrastructure. We're also seeing better sewer rehabilitation techniques. These methods reduce groundwater ingress and extend asset life.
Embracing these innovations will make our systems more efficient, proactive, and sustainable for the future.
DWMP28 will aim to:
Optimise potential technological advancements that support further efficiencies and opportunities for collaboration. Some of these technologies may be more energy-intensive. We’re exploring innovative ways to balance environmental protection with long-term sustainability.