AMP 8

When it comes to securing water supplies:

• £2bn of development funding to unlock £50bn investment for 30 major projects designed to secure water supplies including nine new reservoirs and nine large-scale water transfer schemes. 
• £456m of extra funding on day-to-day allowances to increase the rate at which water mains are replaced, with 8,445km set to be improved over the next five years.
• Targeting companies to reduce leakage by a further 17% - to the lowest level since privatisation.
• Launching a £100m Water Efficiency Fund to stimulate a sustained and measurable reduction in water demand across England and Wales.

Ofwat is also calling on water companies to improve customer service with:

• Improving drinking water quality – targeting 29% fewer contacts received by water companies. 
• Stretching targets on reducing sewer flooding.
• Better customer service incentives – companies only rewarded for good customer service compared to other sectors.
• Ofwat’s final determinations for the 2024 price review can be downloaded here.

Benefits versus cost

With wide ranging benefits for customers, the environment and our long-term water supply, there is an inevitable increase in cost for consumers. The average bill increases by £157 (36%) over the next five years, with an £86 rise in 2025-26, excluding inflation, and smaller percentage increases in each of the next four years. This is a reduction from bill increases first proposed by water companies, but customers will still want to see results and the industry will face intense scrutiny from all sides.

Building a strong supply chain ahead of AMP8

One area Ofwat has praised water companies ahead of AMP8 is preparations for the massive increase in spending. In their PR24 draft determinations published in the summer, the regulator said: “It is encouraging that over the past 18 months many companies have strengthened their relationships with key suppliers to enable the step-up in activity that will be needed.”

AVK UK has been working closely with customers in preparation for the upcoming asset management period, ensuring a strong supply chain of industry-leading valves, fittings and Smart Water solutions. Our products are designed to reduce water loss and optimise the network, helping water companies to achieve their targets under AMP8 and beyond.

For example, the AVK Series 36 PE-tailed Gate Valve, which has been engineered to reduce installation time while improving water security and reducing leakage pathways. Our wide range of fittings, including pipe repair clamps, couplings, tees and flange adaptors, are manufactured in the UK to the highest standards while reducing delivery times. This includes our 24/7 emergency pipe repair clamp fitting service.

Meeting AMP8 targets with Smart Water and Pressure Management solutions

Meanwhile, our Smart Water solutions are enabling water companies to get real-time data from their network, including levels, flow rates, pressure, temperature, and valve status. Our Smart Wastewater Air Valves – ARISENSE – are also helping companies to optimise operational efficiency and avoid potential failures, such as clogging, flooding, leakage, and overflow.

What that means in terms of sustainability improvements:

• Less pollution incidents due to burst pipes / broken assets.
• Targeted maintenance minimises unnecessary work, reducing carbon footprint.
• Better knowledge of asset performance, ensuring optimal working conditions, therefore reducing energy consumption.

AVK UK also offers an extensive portfolio of pressure management solutions, including pressure and flow control valves, air valves, and check valves, all accompanied by holistic support services and a comprehensive warranty. All our products come with free training and learning opportunities, held at one of our facilities across the UK or a location to suit customers. And our AVK UK Mobile Roadshow is available to bring our industry-leading products to customers’ doorsteps, anywhere in the UK.