Ofwat publishes final climate change principles for water sector
Ofwat has published its final climate change principles following stakeholder engagement conducted over summer 2025. The principles-based framework comprises six areas: aligned and transparent pathways, comprehensive and integrated actions, circular economy approaches, monitoring and reporting, research and innovation, and active stakeholder engagement. The final principles incorporate revisions following consultation on a discussion paper published in July 2025, which received 20 written responses and included workshops with regulators, companies and environmental groups. Key changes include additional references to the UK National Adaptation Programme and Welsh Government's Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales, alignment with Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan guidance, and expanded detail on the Adaptation Reporting Power. The principles are intended to support the UK Government's water sector reform direction set out in its January 2026 White Paper 'A New Vision for Water', which followed the Independent Water Commission's July 2025 report. Ofwat confirmed its intention to engage with the sector on climate resilience metrics in spring 2026.