The ICE policy team works with the Water and Wastewater Expert Panel to develop policies on the water and wastewater sector. Government consultations are an example of this cooperative work.
The policy team develops scenarios and probes government policy to establish how water engineers could be affected and how they can improve the way they deliver their services.
ICE policy position statements
Water supply and demand
The UK must invest in new water resources, including reservoirs to guarantee long term security of supply.
The water stress in the South East of England is being exacerbated by the increasing demand for water due to population growth, demographic and behavioural changes, and new housing development. At the same time, water available from existing supplies is falling due to increased environmental regulation to protect rivers and increased pollution of groundwater, notably from agriculture. ICE PPS Water Supply and Demand
Charging for water
The UK must invest in new and upgraded water resources to guarantee long term security of supply and to cope with the impact of climate change.
Water charges in the UK are generally low compared to most continental countries. The current regulatory regime controlling water charges is restricting water company investment in new water resources as well as the mains replacement needed to reduce leakage, thereby denying customers the opportunity for a more secure and reliable service. Equally, the low charges and lack of compulsory water metering mean customers undervalue water and have no incentive for water efficiency.
Flood and coastal risk management
Flooding is a natural phenomenon which cannot be prevented, however its impact can be reduced by flood forecasting, public warnings, and engineered defences, as well as by making urban areas more flood resilient.
ICE believes that ensuring that adequate defences exist and longer term improvement of the flood resilience of buildings and infrastructure are key responsibilities of government and engineering professionals. It is also the responsibility of government to ensure that the management framework for coastal defence and inland flood risk assets secures maximum value from the budget available.