rebuilding our nation's water networks
What is the Big Upgrade?
The BIG Upgrade is the largest investment in our national water infrastructure for generations. Our projects span the length and breadth of the nation, upgrading, expanding and future-proofing the systems that keep water flowing to and from more than 50 million homes and businesses across the country.
View regional projects
£104bn
investment between 2025 and 2030
50%
reduction of sewage spills from storm overflows
10
new reservoirs
Why do we need the big upgrade?
Population growth
The number of people in our country alone is growing by around 700,000 a year. That puts a huge strain on both our resources and our networks. By 2050, an additional 5 billion litres of water per day will be needed.
Climate change
Climate change is real, and for us it means hotter, drier summers and colder winter temperatures, set against our growing water needs.
Environmental impact
We want to improve our rivers, streams and habitats to help our wildlife thrive.
Ageing infrastructure
Much of our water infrastructure is old, and needs modernisation. This is our chance to improve our supply for the next generation and beyond.