The latest edition of our Infrastructure Intelligence magazine is out today, putting one of the country’s most critical sectors in the spotlight: water.

In this, our third issue, we lift the lid on what is an essential resource for life.

But the tide is turning for the water sector. The biggest overhaul of regulation since privatisation has been announced, unprecedented levels of investment are being made and a pipeline of new projects will reshape our water supply.

All of this is leading a major transformation in how water is managed, controlled and delivered. Driven by pressures from climate change, population growth and aging infrastructure, there is a lot to do.

The sector must also work on its image. The Independent Water Commission’s review, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, described the sector as “broken”. Intense public criticism over poor performance, sewage spills and underinvestment have led to a loss of public trust.

A radical reset of the sector, including the scrapping of Ofwat and the creation of a single “super-regulator”, means the coming years will be a time of intense activity.

In this issue, we take a closer look at work already underway – investment in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8), the completion of the Thames Tideway Tunnel and the pipeline of major projects that are bringing innovation to how we manage our water supply.

We talk to Ofwat about the changes that are coming, and to some of the industry’s key players who are making a difference to projects across the country.

While the water sector has come in for much criticism, it is one that is often widely taken for granted. Many of us rarely think about it until problems arise. We turn on a tap and water is there, giving the impression of an abundant supply, in fact, a water shortage is a genuine reality for the UK.

In writing this latest magazine, I have been struck by a common thread that has linked the people to whom I have spoken. Water is an industry with real heart. Its people are passionate about making a difference. And the drive to change, innovate and build a better future is there – by the bucket load.

Click here to read our latest edition.