The press is full of the alarming state of the quality of our river waters and public trust in water companies is at an all-time low, with many quick to blame water companies for turning our waterways into sewers. But are they the only ones responsible?

In response, the Government has now launched an Independent Commission to assess the water sector and its regulation.

Its goal is to ensure the UK has a sufficiently robust and stable regulatory framework to attract the investment needed to clean up our waterways, speed up infrastructure delivery and restore public confidence in the sector. The Commission’s recommendations are due to be released in 2025.

Our keynote speakers will explore the origins of how we manage inland waters, the various parties involved, the current state of our waterways and the pressing public concerns regarding water quality. A critical examination will be made of the extent of the crisis and the political drivers behind the ongoing challenges with water management.

Looking ahead, we will investigate potential solutions, focusing on how to implement nature based solutions, catchment wide approaches that deliver multiple benefits for best value. What role should the regulators and regulation have, and how can we create a governance framework that fosters integrated, collaborative delivery across the many stakeholders involved?

Finally, we will consider the expectations of the public — how can we meet their demands and align our efforts with their perceptions, both now and in the future?

This Plumbers’ Annual Lecture is not to be missed and promises to be a fascinating evening!

Please note tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Further details here on how to book

Programme

The event will start at 5:15 pm followed by the lecture at 6:00 pm. This will be followed by the drinks reception at 7:15 pm and an excellent dinner at 8 pm at Brasserie Blanc. The evening will end at approximately 9:30 pm.

Who should attend?

• Liverymen and guests
• Corporate Members and guests
• Apprentices, trainees and students (special concessions apply)
• Anyone interested in our rivers

Tickets

Lecture Only

• £25 Standard (per head)
• £15 Students and under 25 (per head)

Lecture and dinner at Brasserie Blanc

• £85 Standard (per head)
• £75 Students and under 25 (per head)

How to book

Members of the Plumbers’ Company

Please book through the members section of the website.

Non-members

Please book through CIPHE by scanning or clicking the QR code:

https://www.ciphe.org.uk/about/events-diary/wcop-annual-lecture-2025