Future Water Association Events

Paul Horton, CEO, Future Water Association

An introduction to the day’s objectives: bringing together the sector to drive practical progress on leakage reduction.

09:40 – 10:25| Keynote followed by panel discussion: AMP8 and the Leakage Targets – Realistic or Reckless?

Is Ofwat’s 17% leakage reduction target by 2030 realistic—or is it setting the sector up to fail?

10:25 – 11:00 | The Reality of Mains Installation and Replacement

Explore why proactive pipe maintenance, combined with accurate metering data, is essential to reaching leakage reduction targets. Topics include:

Jon Hodgson, Ant Hire – Leakage at point of adoption and new installations.

11:00 – 11:15 | Water Dragons Innovation Slot #1 - GWF

11:15 – 11:30 | Water Dragons Innovation Slot #2

11:50 – 12:20 | Standards for Success – What Needs to Change?

Exploring the current gaps or constraints in technical standards that may hinder innovation and progress on leakage.

Who regulates the standards made for advancing leakage?

12:20 – 12:45 | Drawing the Line: Ownership, Accountability & What Data Tells Us

Exploring the blurred boundaries in leakage responsibility, metering insights, and unaccounted-for water

12:45 – 13:15 | The People Pipeline – Skills, Recruitment & Training for Leakage Technicians

How do we attract and retain the next generation of leakage specialists? Discussion around training pathways, perception, and career development. How do we attract the right skills and right diversity into leakage and metering?

14:00 – 14:30 | Engaging the Consumer – Driving Understanding and Participation

Leakage is partly a behavioural issue. How can the public help, and how do we get them on board?

Controversial view, but my POV: We will not change customer behaviour if it requires them engaging with an app or changing the way they live. The only way we will drive down PCC in a meaningful way if our homes start doing the work for us- low-flush toilets, efficient showers, smart appliances. Real change will come if it's easy for the customer and water-saving is built in, not bolted on.

Campaign Intelligence: What Campaign Management Is Telling Us About Leakage

14:50 – 15:05 | Water Dragons Innovation Slot

15:05 – 15:45 | Closing Panel: What Does Success Look Like in 2030?

A future-facing conversation on what good looks like if we get leakage right—across infrastructure, skills, public trust, and innovation. Discussion around the Future Water Report Card grading for Leakage.

Leakage and Metering Conference - Day 1: Meeting Leakage Targets for AMP8