Xylem co-creates new water sector podcast

Xylem UK and Ireland has partnered with media specialist WiseOnWater to launch a new podcast for the water community.

The WiseOnWater Podcast: Conversations in Flow is a monthly deep dive into the ever-changing landscape of the UK water sector and will feature insights from industry leaders.

The Environment Agency’s director of water Helen Wakeham and the National Infrastructure Commission’s director of policy Margaret Read are guests on episode one, which launched on 9 September 2024, and focuses on the big industry picture.

Speaking with host Natasha Wiseman, founder of WiseOnWater and non-profit news platform Make Water Famous, Wakeham discussed the agency’s plans to increase scrutiny of water companies in England and Wales.

Targeted recruitment campaigns, more site inspections and enhanced digital systems will drive better performance from the industry, she said. Site inspections will increase to more than 10,000, to be supported by new recruits, including “boots on the ground” and data analysts. 

Wakeham said: “Data can help us. When I started my career in 1990 it really was whack-a-mole. These days we can be a lot cleverer than that. We'll be able to focus our effort on where we know the problems are. We'll be able to visit the places that matter to people.”

Reflecting on the public’s heightened awareness of water quality, Wakeham said: “I think what started off as perhaps quite a narrow debate about storm overflows has brought the value of water to people's attention. While some of those conversations are hard, it's brilliant to have water very much more in the public consciousness. I think we've realised how central it is for all of us.”

In the second part of the 30-minute podcast episode, Read explores the proposed 2025-30 AMP8 investment. 

She said: “We've got a lot of different issues to solve in the water sector. The first one which we've looked at in detail is the water supply question. We haven't built any reservoirs in the UK for over 30 years and we're facing a big gap between supply and demand. 

“Secondly, we've got problems, as everybody knows, with water pollution and that requires a big investment to resolve. Then thirdly, we also need to maintain our existing assets. So, it does sound like a big amount of money, but we will need it - we also need to be realistic about what can be delivered over that period.”

Read urged regulators and government to “speak with one voice” and “be really clear with the public that there is a need for this new infrastructure and that they will have to pay for it”. 

“That takes some political courage,” she added, “but it's really important.”

Pollution reduction, nature-based solutions, smart metering, leakage, drought resilience and bill increases were among other conversation topics.

Episode two focuses on skills, recruitment and retention with guests Peter Simpson, chief executive of Anglian Water and Sarah McMath, chief executive of MOSL. Future episodes feature Wessex Water chief executive Colin Skellett and the managing director of Xylem UK & Ireland, Ian Thompson.

Andrew Welsh, water utility sales director at Xylem, said: “At Xylem we believe that meaningful conversations are the cornerstone of progress in the water sector. Partnering with WiseOnWater to launch this podcast allows us to bring critical discussions to the forefront, driving awareness and collaboration on the most pressing water challenges. 

“By connecting industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, we aim to not only highlight the issues but also inspire actionable solutions that will shape a sustainable future for the UK’s water infrastructure.” 

Wiseman said: “In each episode of the WiseOnWater podcast we'll bring together the brightest minds in water, from industry leaders and policymakers to engineers, communicators and researchers. These are the people tackling the pressing challenges of today and ensuring the future availability of our most precious resource. 

“We are especially excited to be supported by Xylem UK & Ireland, who have a deep understanding of the needs of this sector. It has never been more important for organisations in water to explore new collaborative communications initiatives if we are to ensure a sustainable water future for the UK and beyond.”

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About Xylem 

Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered combined pro forma revenue of $8.1 billion in 2023, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and Let’s Solve Water.

Laura Hayes
laura.hayes@xylem.com
Source: Xylem Water Solutions UK