Mark Worsfold of South West Water highlights delivery as crucial for rebuilding public trust, emphasising the need for significant efforts to improve water quality and manage stormwater overflows.
- The doubling of capital investment planned for AMP8 signals a major shift in approach, focusing on long-term projects that span 25 years.
- Worsfold stresses the importance of public visibility in water companies’ efforts to address past shortcomings and enhance supply systems.
- The collaboration between supply chains and local communities is deemed essential to successfully implement planned improvements.
- Challenges persist, but Worsfold sees opportunities for growth in the water sector, especially in nurturing future talent through apprenticeships and long-term career paths.
Mark Worsfold, director of asset management at South West Water, has laid out a compelling vision for addressing the ongoing challenges in the water industry. He underscored that the key to improving public perception and trust in the water sector lies in effectively delivering tangible improvements in water quality and reducing stormwater overflows. ‘It’s going to be a tough challenge,’ he stated, emphasizing the necessity of rebuilding trust through action and visible progress.
The ambitiously planned AMP8 programme proposes a doubling of capital investment compared to its predecessor, AMP7. This significant increase is aimed at facilitating extensive, long-term projects that extend over a period of 25 years, reflecting a more sustainable and forward-thinking strategy. According to Worsfold, while the scale of these plans presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity to innovate and address existing supply constraints.
Public engagement is critical in this process. Worsfold highlighted the importance of demonstrating the improvements made by water companies, thereby fostering trust and confidence amongst communities. ‘We need to let people see where we’ve invested and the improvements we’ve made,’ he insisted. Such transparency is seen as vital in changing the narrative around water companies’ efforts.
To ensure successful project implementation, fostering collaboration between the supply chain and the public is crucial. Worsfold noted, ‘A lot of collaboration is going to be needed, and winning the trust and confidence of individuals in the area is essential.’ The emphasis is on engaging local communities, which is viewed as a pivotal element in the successful delivery of projects.
Despite the apparent difficulties, Worsfold remains optimistic about the industry’s future, particularly in terms of fostering new talent. He pointed out that the long-term nature of AMP8 provides a unique prospect for graduates and apprenticeships to thrive, potentially leading to lifelong careers within the sector. This underscores the potential for significant growth and innovation within the water industry as it navigates these complex environmental challenges.
Delivery and transparency are essential for water companies to regain public trust and drive industry innovation.
