Defra wants public to help shape water strategy

In a move apparently taken straight from David Cameron's vision for more open government, Defra has today launched an online survey calling on the public to help shape its up-coming overhaul of the UK's water policy.

The department, which is currently working on a major Water White Paper designed to address rising climate change risks and fears over water supplies and affordability, will ask for ideas from the public on how to improve the UK's water industry.

"There's a growing population and a changing climate putting more pressure on our water supplies," said environment minister Richard Benyon. "Recent events have shown just how fragile our water supplies are and how we need to manage them properly in the future. It's an issue that affects all of us, so we want to give everyone the chance to get involved in drawing up solutions."

The online survey, which has been launched to coincide with World Water Week, will cover ideas for securing water resources, improving customer services and competition across the water industry, enhancing water regulations and incentivising water conservation.

The resulting White Paper, which is due to be released next summer, is expected to have a major impact on the future of the UK's water industry and will attempt to end a long-running stand-off between water companies and industry watchdog Ofwat over long-term investment plans.

Ofwat recently rejected proposals from a number of utilities for increases in water bills, prompting the industry to warn that it was struggling to deliver the investment required to ensure the UK's water infrastructure remains resilient to climate change.