Water Matters is dedicated to navigating these uncertain times under a powerful theme: ‘Call for Change – Clear thinking in a time of uncertainty’
The UK is facing a stark water reality. By 2050, the Environment Agency forecasts a shortfall of nearly 5 billion litres per day, more than a third of our current public water supply. This isn’t a distant problem. It’s a rapidly approaching challenge, driven by rising demand, tightening abstraction rules, and the worsening effects of climate change.
That’s why Waterscan’s Water Matters event this June is so timely. It brings together senior decision-makers, technical experts, and commercial leaders to address one question: how can businesses build resilience in the face of water scarcity?
My call for change… Act now to reduce consumption and effectively manage water in your business.
Neil Pendle, CEO, Waterscan
“The nation’s public water supply is heading towards a collective deficit of 4,800 megalitres per day. That’s up from 4,000 due to shifting demand and environmental pressures. We need to stop viewing water scarcity as a distant concern and start treating it as a present operational risk.”
Neil sees Water Matters as a platform for urgent engagement. “Businesses must take control of their water usage now, before regulation tightens further or supply disruption becomes a reality. Reducing consumption and improving efficiency are immediate actions within our reach.”
My call for change… Treat water like your bottom line – because wasted water is wasted profit.
Emily Grice, CFO, Waterscan
“In today’s economic climate, where cost control is paramount, water can no longer be the forgotten utility. It’s rising in price, and if you’re not managing it, you’re almost certainly overspending.”
Emily emphasises that most organisations still have untapped opportunities to cut usage and save money. “Using less water protects your business financially, but it also supports continuity and long-term sustainability. It’s a win-win that starts with visibility and intent.”
My call for change… Businesses must lead in this digital and strategic challenge.
Barry Millar, CTO, Waterscan
“Water has slowly emerged as one of the UK’s biggest business risks. And yet many businesses still don’t know how much they use, what it costs them, or how to improve.”
Barry sees digital transformation as the lever for change. “Smart metering, real-time data, better estate management and these tools already exist. But solving the water challenge requires collaboration at a scale we haven’t seen before. Water Matters is the space where those connections happen.”
Expect technical deep dives at the event, from trade effluent compliance to data-driven optimisation. “Businesses can’t wait for the sector to deliver solutions. They need to lead.”
My call for change… Get ahead by using less. The water you lose, you pay for.
Nick Hayes, CCO, Waterscan
“Water is finite, but demand is rising, with population growth, industry, and climate change all accelerating the pressure. And yet across the commercial sector, we’re still losing vast volumes of water to waste and leaks, silently, expensively.”
Nick urges businesses to rethink their water strategies entirely. “This isn’t just a facilities issue – it’s a strategic priority. Reducing consumption and eliminating leakage will drive cost-efficiency today, while helping secure supply for tomorrow.”
Join us at Water Matters – Thursday 19 June 2025
Water Matters is your opportunity to hear directly from the experts, connect with peers, and build a meaningful water resilience plan for your organisation.
Topics will include:
- Smart metering and estate efficiency
- Trade effluent compliance
- ESG integration and risk profiling
- Leakage control and digital innovation
- Regulatory readiness and long-term planning
If your business hasn’t yet put water at the centre of its operational or sustainability strategy, now is the time. The risks are growing. The costs are rising. And the businesses that act now will be the ones best prepared for a future defined by water scarcity.
Registration closes Monday 9th June, visit the website > to discover more and secure your place.
