Members of the UK Water Reuse Association (UKWRA) were proud to visit the Senedd in Cardiff yesterday, joining policymakers to discuss the future of water reuse in Wales. The visit marked an important step forward in strengthening collaboration between industry leaders and government, as water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable development continue to rise up the agenda.
A highlight of the day was the strong cross-party engagement. Members of the Senedd from Plaid Cymru, Labour, and the Conservative Party came together in unity, each holding a pledge committing to: “make water reuse standard in all new developments from 2030.” This shared ambition reflects a growing recognition that water reuse must play a central role in how we design and build for the future.
Members of the Senedd pledge for Water Reuse with members of the UK Water Resuse Association (UK WRA). Top Row (left to Right): Llŷr Gruffydd MS and Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cyrmu), Carolyn Thomas MS (Labour), Andrew RT Davies and Paul Davies MS (Conservative). Lower Row Left: Llŷr Gruffydd MS discussing SuDS legislation with member of the UKWRA. Lower Row Right: Glyn Hyett and Alys Bradshaw (3P Technik UK members of the UKWRA) arriving the Senedd.
Discussions focused on the current Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) legislation in Wales. While SuDS has already driven meaningful improvements in surface water management, there is increasing awareness of the need to strengthen the legislation to maximise water reuse in all new developments. Integrating water reuse solutions alongside drainage and flood management strategies to deliver multiple benefits. By capturing, treating, and reusing rainwater and greywater at a local level, developments can reduce demand on potable water supplies, lower environmental impact, and improve resilience to both drought and flooding.
As a founding member of the UKWRA, 3P Technik UK Ltd was delighted to be part of these conversations. For many years, we have championed practical, scalable water reuse solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into both residential and commercial developments. Seeing this level of political support reinforces that the industry and policymakers are moving in the same direction.
Glyn Hyett discussing the current SuDS standards with Paul Davies MS and members of the UKWRA
UK WRA Director Glyn Hyett said this about the event:
“We were encouraged to see such strong cross-party support for making water reuse a standard feature of future development in Wales and thank the Members for their time and support today. We look forward to reconnecting with Members after the May election to continue these constructive conversations and to help shape practical, forward-thinking policies that embed water reuse at the heart of sustainable development.”
The 2030 target discussed at the Senedd is ambitious but achievable. Wales is already leading the way through its pioneering SuDS legislation, and there is a clear opportunity to build on this strong foundation by strengthening the current framework to further support rainwater harvesting in all new developments. With the right regulatory approach, industry collaboration, and continued innovation, water reuse can become a standard feature of sustainable development across Wales and beyond.
Events like this demonstrate the value of bringing together expertise from across sectors. By working collaboratively, we can accelerate progress, share best practice, and ensure that water reuse becomes not just an aspiration, but a reality embedded in future policy and planning.