Policy paper

A new vision for water: white paper

This white paper sets out the government's plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
20 January 2026
Last updated
12 February 2026 — See all updates

Documents

A new vision for water (with correction slip)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6178-2, E03529336 , CP 1940

PDF, 3.22 MB, 5253 pages

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A new vision for water (print-ready PDF)PDF with correction slip)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6178-2, E03529336 , CP 1940

PDF, 16.916.8 MB, 5253 pages

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This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email defra.helpline@defra.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This white paper outlines our plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system to deliver: 

  • safe and secure water supplies 

  • a protected and enhanced environment 

  • fair outcomes for customers and investors  

It sets out how these changes will create a more efficient and integrated system.

Updates to this page

Published 20 January 2026
Last updated 12 February 2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

  1. We have published an updated version of the water white paper with a correction slip. The text on page 28 states that falling block tariff will be completely phased out by April 2026. In fact, water companies have issued in their published wholesale charges, they will be phasing out the tariff by March 2030.

  2. First published.

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