The final report from the Independent Water Commission (IWC), chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, represents the most significant rethink of the UK water sector in a generation, recognising the need for fundamental reform to secure a sustainable water future. At WRAP, we welcome its ambition and see clear signals for the role of the food and drink sector in driving much needed change.
The report calls for a stronger, more integrated approach, especially in sectors like agriculture, where low compliance with current regulations remains a major barrier to progress. We support the report’s recommendation that government must set clear expectations for all sectors, backed by stronger levers and better enforcement measures. However, as the commission seeks to implement these measures, we can’t wait for regulatory change - action is needed now. This is one reason why the Water Roadmap is more relevant than ever.
As a collaborative, pre-competitive platform, the Water Roadmap provides a clear framework for the food and drink sector to take responsibility for its water impacts today. Through the Roadmap’s 10 collective action projects, we translate national targets into sector-led action at catchment level. For example, we worked on the development of the Recommended Key Practices for the Wye and Usk catchments in collaboration with over 20 organisations, including farming groups, NGOs, food businesses, regulators, and assurance schemes. As a result, over 4,000 farmers now have a clear ask and guidance on how to grow in a sustainable way for the health of the Wye and Usk.
Two key challenges the IWC report highlights are the lack of clarity from regulators about which interventions food and drink businesses should prioritise in their supply chains and the lack of a systems-based approach. Without these, even well-intentioned efforts risk missing the mark. The Water Roadmap helps fill that gap, using food systems thinking to transform water use for the food and drink sector through collective action. Alignment with national strategies and regulatory bodies that emerge from this review will be crucial to further shape and refine this approach.
We also note the proposal for regional water system managers. While we support more integrated governance, we echo concerns around the potential complexity this introduces. Food and drink businesses engaging through the Water Roadmap need clarity and consistency not another layer between national targets and catchment-level collective action.
The report sets out a vision for resilience, trust, and transformation. If we are serious about restoring our rivers and protecting communities, we must include food and farming at the heart of this conversation. Not as an afterthought, but as a key part of the solution.
Let’s use this moment to drive coordinated, cross-sector implementation. WRAP stands ready through the Water Roadmap to play a central role for food and drink.