Enabling Water Smart Communities

EWSC is an Ofwat Innovation project focused on mainstreaming integrated and sustainable water management approaches into new housing developments.

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Welcome to Enabling Water Smart Communities.

The challenges facing water & housing are linked. Follow this page as we accelerate integrated water management, sparking ambitious innovation across the sector.

https://t.co/0FJHLXCoip

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Delighted to hear #SuDS and #rainwatermanagement discussed in Westminster last week by MPs (@SarahDykeLD) and Minister Hardy.

Thank you to @MartinWrigley, @LibDems for bringing forward this debate.

Our latest work on this topic can be found below 👇

🔗 https://t.co/h04bzw99p2

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

As part of the Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC) Autumn Webinar Series, our next webinar is on the Impacts of Water Conservation on Sewer Systems.

📅 Wednesday 19 November 2025
🕐 Time: 13:00 – 14:00 (GMT)
🌐 Online

Register here 👇

https://t.co/kayqQv62p3

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

Today we launched Sponge Cities UK. Simple aim: Build an irrefutable evidence base for taking forward sponge cities principles in new & existing UK devt. Sponge baby sponge @SteveReedMP. Briefing: https://t.co/dyZYWPUhpU

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

1) 🚨Government is finally(!) consulting on requirements for water efficiency in new homes. This is good to see, though not before time.
https://t.co/qecgaG13DS

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

🚨 #EWSC Webinar this Wednesday:

Join @WaterSmart_EWSC & @Good_Homes for a deep dive into our recently launched 'Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing: Design Guide for a Changing Climate'.

➡️ 24 September 2025 | 13:00-14:00 | Online

Sign up here 👇
https://t.co/UlBWQeI1UH

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Still time to sign-up for our Friday lunchtime webinar on all things water reuse, as part of #WaterReuseWeek.

We're looking forward to being joined by speakers from @TheUkWRA, @Stormsaver, @AnglianWater, @SDSWater, @AqualityUK and more!

Register now👇

https://t.co/yEWsx71c7n

[UK WRA @TheUkWRA]

Pleased to be joining the Enabling Water Smart Communities webinar on the 19th Sept, 13pm-14pm.

The webinar will feature speakers from CIWEM, Anglian Water and UKWRA, alongside other organisations.

Register here https://t.co/DarXQ0hSuQ.

#WaterReuseWeek #WaterSmartCommunities

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

🔔 New #EWSC Webinar:

Join @WaterSmart_EWSC and @Good_Homes as we get into the detail of our recently launched 'Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing: Design Guide for a Changing Climate'.

➡️ 24 September 2025 | 13:00-14:00 | Online

Sign up here 👇
https://t.co/UlBWQeHu59

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Current workforce & supply chain capabilities are insufficient to meet projected demand for water reuse schemes.

But, there is action that can be taken to fill this 'skills gap', as this report, produced by @Waterwise and @WaterSmart_EWSC, explains 👇

https://t.co/WB4hIOqzK6

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

🔔 New #EWSC Webinar:

Join @WaterSmart_EWSC and @Good_Homes as we get into the detail of our recently launched 'Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing: Design Guide for a Changing Climate'.

➡️ 24 September 2025 | 13:00-14:00 | Online

Sign up here 👇
https://t.co/UlBWQeHu59

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Current workforce & supply chain capabilities are insufficient to meet projected demand for water reuse schemes.

But, there is action that can be taken to fill this 'skills gap', as this report, produced by @Waterwise and @WaterSmart_EWSC, explains 👇

https://t.co/WB4hIOqzK6

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

In this latest EWSC insights article, @uniofeastanglia researchers Tom Hargreaves & Kavindra Paranage explore how different stakeholder groups envision and evaluate future water system scenarios, through a series of workshops.

Read the article 👇
https://t.co/cH0kjPuyd9

[Enabling Water Smart Communities @WaterSmart_EWSC]

Presenting 'The Ick Factor' – a short article from @CIWEM's Catherine Moncrieff on public attitudes to water reuse.

She shares key insights from EWSC's research on public attitudes – conducted by @OfficialUoM and Public First.

Read the article here: https://t.co/dmU4mCpRWD

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

Ongoing drought & heatwaves really highlight climate risks to health, farming, infrastructure, water supplies, nature

It's so crucial govt fully implements Independent Water Commission's recommendations & regulates properly for climate resilient housing
https://t.co/Zh5p3sHowP

[High Plains Journal @HighPlainsJrnl]

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥: Updates will be given on water supply and water quality throughout the region. Topics include water smart communities and watersheds, water quality monitoring, emerging contaminants, and more. #HighPlainsJournal #HPJ #water #GPWC
https://t.co/tTydVRnELA

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

Life in 45°C Britain: The steps policymakers can take to drought-proof housing ambitions – right now. Via @TheENDSReport
https://t.co/46aUqzgrPK

[Defra UK @DefraGovUK]

BREAKING: Ofwat abolished in biggest overhaul of water since privatisation.

New water regulator established to cut pollution into our rivers and protect families from massive bill hikes.

Water responsibilities across four regulators merged into one.

https://t.co/IuLnScNB3O

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

Water supplies were first, now wastewater treatment capacity a growing growth issue.

Solutions not dissimilar for either:
1) upgrade major infrastructure
2) put less rainwater down drains - harvest it
3) reuse more grey water @ development/ plot scale. https://t.co/XzwsIDqOJ4

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

It's widely said we need to move water from wetter to drier parts of the country. Maybe, but why not start with making better use of what falls on our rooftops etc first? Rain: we get plenty of it but we don't use it very intelligently and we should.
https://t.co/EBCArIeZCH

[Alastair Chisholm @alastairchisholm.bsky.social @al_chisholm]

The need to save use less water is massive. Water companies need to reduce leaks but govt must urgently update building regulations to bring in better efficiency standards plus water efficiency labels on taps, showers etc so people know what they’re using. https://t.co/KBDRPrk99o