The Water Commission’s Call for Evidence – Everything you need to know

By Henry Shepherd, Community Campaigns Coordinator, River Action

Dirty Water, Rising Bills — Let’s Change That

The privatisation experiment has failed. Our rivers are polluted, our bills are rising, and regulators are missing in action. Now, for the first time in decades, we have a real shot at change – but only if we seize it.

The Independent Water Commission was set up in response to mounting public pressure following campaigning from communities across the nation –  and, of course, the March for Clean Water.

The government has launched a “Call for Evidence” which seeks to gather public views on the current water industry. They want to know what you think about the current state of affairs. Think of it as a public consultation – and your chance to be heard.

If we don’t speak up, the only voices they’ll hear will be the ones profiting from the current mess.

What is the Call for Evidence? 

The Call for Evidence is a set of questions that the Commission is asking the public, NGOs, academics, and, yes – water companies. It’s wide-ranging, covering everything from regulation and pollution to ownership models, finances, and governance. And while there are 70+ questions, you don’t need to answer all of them. We’ve broken them down and created a simple guide to help you respond to the ones that matter most.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another review. The Commission’s recommendations will be used to shape new legislation, influence government policy, and set the direction of the entire water sector – and they want to know what you think should be done.

So, this is our chance to demand real accountability – and a system that actually works, not one where:

• Regulators consistently fail to hold polluters to account
• Water companies are on the brink of financial collapse
• Household bills are rising to service debt rather than fixing the problem
• Our precious rivers are dying

We must use this pivotal moment for British rivers and come together to demand a system that prioritises people and the environment – not shareholder returns or corporate bonuses.

What Could This Achieve? 

This is our chance to push for a water system that actually works — one that puts people, nature, and public health first. That means:

• Giving regulators the funding and teeth they need to hold polluters to account
• Ending the era of reckless profiteering and corporate bailouts
• Replacing private ownership with a model that works in the best interest for people and nature with community and municipal oversight

If enough of us speak out, the Commission’s final recommendations could help bring about stronger laws, tougher enforcement, and a real shift away from profit-driven water companies towards models that serve the public good.

Why Your Voice is Important

Water companies will be responding  – no doubt making the case to keep the status quo. We can’t let them be the loudest voices in the room.

Your submission doesn’t have to be long, and you can come back to it at any time. You can share your story as a wild swimmer, part-time angler, or simply someone who just wants clean rivers. Your experience, your passion, and your hopes for the future matter.

We’ve made it easy to respond. Use our no-nonsense guidance to get started.

Let’s show the Commission that the public won’t accept more of the same.

Don’t Miss the Deadline!

Deadline – 23 April

Speak in your own voice – copy-paste answers won’t count

This is our water system – not their cash machine.