Ofwat Abolition and Water Regulation Reform – Implications for Development

Why water regulation is changing

Government plans to replace Ofwat with a consolidated water regulator signal tougher oversight of pollution, assets and customer outcomes. For planning, the biggest shift is likely to be closer scrutiny of how developments manage surface water and wastewater, alongside clearer expectations on evidence at application stage.

Implications for developers

Expect planning officers to challenge drainage strategies that lack infiltration testing or water‑quality treatment. At the same time, waste carriers and facilities are tightening acceptance criteria, demanding better documentation and lab results before taking soils or demolition arisings. Projects that can’t demonstrate compliant discharge and disposal routes risk delays and extra cost.

How EnviroSolution can help

Our infiltration testing to BRE 365 quantifies infiltration rates and supports soakaway feasibility, while WAC Testing classifies waste correctly to prevent load rejections. We package findings in planner‑friendly reports and can coordinate with your drainage engineer to streamline submissions.

Next steps

Speak to our team to align your scheme with the evolving water regulation framework.