Circular economy principles in the UK water industry

Water Companies in the UK and Ireland recognize the benefits of progress towards a circular economy for the urban water cycle – where resource use of water and material is minimized, value is retained in water and bioresources and where regeneration of natural systems is undertaken.

The United Kingdom Water Industry Research organization (UKWIR) initiated two Circular Economy projects in 2021. One project identified a vision for circular economy and key focus for progress, drawing on global best practice in implementing resource recovery from the urban water cycle. A second project prioritized resource recovery opportunities, building on earlier sector work – identifying enablers and blockers along with recommendations for the UK and Irish water industries to develop further plans for transition towards a circular economy – including synergies with other focus areas such as nature based solutions and net zero carbon.

Status

The projects were delivered by Jacobs (UK) in cooperation with a.o. Allied Waters and AquaMinerals (NL) and Brunel University (UK). As a follow up the UK and Irish water sector are assessing next steps to implement recommendations.