Industry News
A Year in Water Review: Reflections from the Future Water Association Event, November 2025
On November 4th, I had the privilege of joining industry leaders at the Future Water Association’s “A Year in Water Review” event, held at SEC Newgate. Since its founding in 1986, the FWA has been a driving force for positive change in the UK water sector, championing innovation, collaboration, and honest dialogue across government, industry, and the public.
The event brought together a fantastic line-up of speakers, including Paul Horton (FWA), Phil Barnaby (SGB Civils), David Smoker (ACO), Martin Greenhalgh (AVK), Daniel Reilley (Horizon Water Infrastructure), Nicci Russell (WaterWise), David Coxhead (Wolseley), Kate Lloyd (CECA), Bhavik Barochia (ARUP), and myself, representing FPS Environmental.
I was invited to share insights on recent developments in the flood risk side of our industry. My talk focused on three key areas:
- The launch of new sustainable drainage standards,
- The formation of the International Property Flood Resilience Association (IPFRA),
- And the FloodReady review led by Sir Peter Bonfield, commissioned by the Environment Agency and launched in October 2025.
These initiatives are all steps towards a more cohesive flood risk sector, better management of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and stronger implementation of Property Flood Resilience (PFR). My presentation focused on the importance of high standards in both assessing flood risk, and its management, referencing the CIRIA C790 Code of Practice and its six critical stages, each playing a vital role in effective flood risk management.
Events like this highlight the importance of knowledge sharing, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and striving for better consideration toward our environment and water. When looking at water management, joined up thinking across the water cycle is certainly beneficial, whether that be through a reduction in water entering our sewers, or saving water through capture and re-use. We can achieve this when we come together as an industry. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and working towards a more resilient water future.
Written By: Simon Crowther
