Water
Managing water, protecting the environment, delivering for people
With record investment and a public mandate for change, water companies are stepping up, and Copper Consultancy is helping its partners in the water sector to communicate, consult and deliver projects that will shape the UK’s water industry for years to come.
The UK’s water sector is at an inflection point
Copper is helping water companies deliver major infrastructure projects across the UK
Our research shows that most people want more investment in water, but knowledge gaps mean the sector is vulnerable to misinformation.
Our research found that 82% of the public agree that the sector needs to invest, but only 59% are ready to accept local disruption. With ongoing engagement and transparency vital, our approach focuses on helping companies navigate complex consultations and build lasting advocacy.
Copper’s work doesn’t stop there. We’re collaborating with engineering alliances to communicate the record investments in Asset Management Plan (AMP) 8 and helping water companies deliver statutory consultation on their future plans.
Thames Water – South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO)
Copper provided communications, stakeholder engagement and public affairs support for Thames Water’s proposed South East Strategic Resource Option (SESRO) reservoir in Oxfordshire. Thames Water serves over 10 million customers, adding 100,000 annually, with demand projected to exceed supply by one billion litres a day by 2050. Our work included delivering a spring communications plan and a summer public engagement campaign across four venues, attracting hundreds of attendees. We supported these events with booklets, posters, postcards and banners. The Copper team also facilitated relationships with stakeholders, landowners and political figures as part of Thames Water’s DCO submission.
Amplify / @one Alliance – AMP8 Frameworks
Copper worked with engineering alliances to deliver AMP8 for Pennon Group Plc and Anglian Water, providing strategic communications support for their multibillion-pound frameworks. Our role helped shape the narrative and deliver meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout their capital project delivery. Collaborating closely with the alliances, we developed a comprehensive communications package to support the entire AMP period (2025–2030). Each alliance faced unique challenges related to investments, priorities and geographies, but both remained equally committed to achieving the environmental improvements their customers expect and deserve.
Thames Water – Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP)
Copper and Binnies are spearheading stakeholder engagement for Cycle 2 of Thames Water’s Drainage and Wastewater 25-year Management Plan, proactively bringing together key partners to shape London’s future water strategy. By organising dynamic workshops and crafting tailored materials, enabling clear communication throughout the project, we are fostering strong relationships and ensuring that stakeholder insights directly influence the plan’s development. Even amid industry challenges, this collaboration helped to maintain momentum and build trust. Ultimately, Copper and Binnies set a new standard for inclusive, expert-led engagement, demonstrating how active participation and transparent processes drive successful, resilient infrastructure planning for London’s long-term needs.
View more water projectsGet in touch
Engage communities, businesses and key stakeholders to shape opinion, foster strong advocacy and trust, and build robust support for highway projects.
water@copperconsultancy.comOther sectors we support
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