Sustainability 
Future climate patterns suggest that the UK will face greater stress on already-strained water resources. The Government must implement a sustainable, long-term strategy to reduce demand and ensure security of supply.
Cross-party think tank Policy Connect and the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) have today launched a new inquiry into the challenges associated with water resources and reuse. This follows the recent publication of the Independent Water Commission’s Review of the water sector and the Government’s White Paper, A New Vision for Water. The inquiry will develop robust recommendations for government, which will help to inform the forthcoming Water Bill.
This inquiry will be chaired by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering. Experts from academia, industry, and the third sector are included in the inquiry’s steering committee, with Stormsaver, Queen Mary University of London, Anglian Water, and the Enabling Water Smart Communities project kindly sponsoring the inquiry.
The Cunliffe review and Water White Paper call for legislative and regulatory changes to water resource management and reuse. This includes stricter household water consumption targets, accelerating smart meter roll-out, and the adoption of water reuse infrastructure in household and non-household markets.
A scoping session for the inquiry was held in September 2025. This will be followed by an evidence session in March 2026 to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by the Government. The inquiry will produce evidence-based policy recommendations that address these challenges and harness opportunities for change.
The inquiry will explore the following themes:
- Water resource demand, storage, and priority
- Water efficiency and leakage
- Water reuse (rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, SuDS)
Inquiry Chair, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering, said:
“I am delighted to return as chair of this fifth Bricks and Water inquiry, which will consider water resources and reuse. The inquiry comes at a critical moment as our communities face growing pressure from water scarcity. The recommendations within the Cunliffe Review are welcome, but it is vital that we see these translated into policy if we are to achieve a resilient and sustainable water system. This inquiry will gather evidence from public bodies, businesses, academia, and the third sector to produce a robust set of recommendations for Government later this year. I encourage all organisations with an interest in the water sector to participate.”
Managing Director at Stormsaver, Lisa Craven, said:
“Sponsoring the 5th Bricks and Water report is a fantastic opportunity for Stormsaver. We look forward to working with Policy Connect to create a powerful document that helps the construction industry better understand the need for water-efficient buildings. 2026 has begun with water reuse at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and all stakeholders are coming together to plan how we can incorporate this in our future homes and buildings to ensure that our precious mains water is reserved for potable use only and recycled rainwater or greywater is used elsewhere. Stormsaver has advocated for change in this area for over 23 years and is confident that this report will inspire a desire to move towards utilising water reuse as standard in our new buildings.”
Reader in Environmental Science and Policy at Queen Mary University of London, Dr Andrew Russell, said:
“I am glad to be a part of this timely inquiry as we face increasing pressure on our water resources due to climate change, population growth, and ageing infrastructure. I look forward to the analysis and recommendations that will be produced from this inquiry to help set the strategic direction of the forthcoming Water Bill.”
Catherine Moncrieff, Head of Policy and Engagement at CIWEM, said, on behalf of Enabling Water Smart Communities
“We are delighted to support this inquiry into water resources and reuse. Rainwater harvesting and reuse are essential for unlocking growth. Through the Enabling Water Smart Communities project, we have worked closely with the housing sector to develop tools and evidence to overcome the key barriers to water reuse.”
Inquiry Steering Group
- Cat Moncrieff, Head of Policy and Engagement, Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management
- Lisa Craven, Managing Director, Stormsaver
- George Warren, Integrated Water Management Lead, Anglian Water
- Dr Andrew Russell, Reader in Environmental Science and Policy, and Director of the Environmental Change and Communities Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London
- Oona Muirhead, CBE, Fellow, Policy Connect
Note to Editors
For further information about the inquiry, please contact aakash.patel@policyconnect.org.uk.
For any comms enquiries, please contact victoria.zeybrandt@policyconnect.org.uk.
About Policy Connect
Policy Connect is a cross-party think tank. We specialise in supporting parliamentary groups, forums and commissions, delivering impactful policy research and event programmes and bringing together parliamentarians and government in collaboration with academia, business and civil society to help shape public policy in Westminster and Whitehall, so as to improve people’s lives.
Our work focusses on five key policy areas: Education & Skills; Industry, Technology & Innovation; Sustainability; Health; and Accessibility.
We are a social enterprise and are funded by a combination of regular annual membership subscriptions and time-limited sponsorships. We are proud to be a Disability Confident and London Living Wage employer, and a member of Social Enterprise UK.
About the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum
The WSBF is a coalition of leading parliamentarians, businesses, academic institutions and organisations informing better policymaking on sustainability issues for the built environment.
