# Water in brief — Friday 6 November 2026

> Water UK pushes back on Ofwat's board independence rules, the industry reacts to regional water councils, and a sludge trial beats the 2030 standard.

Published Friday, 6 November 2026 by The Water Wire (The Current). Canonical: https://waterwire.co.uk/brief/2026-11-06

## 1. Water UK says Ofwat's governance code could need 58 more directors, at a cost of £23m

Topic: Regulation & policy

The trade body wants a 'comply or explain' approach in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, and a formal statutory consultation.

Full story: https://waterwire.co.uk/story/water-uk-ofwat-governance-code-cost

Original source: [Water Magazine](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/06/water-uk-warns-ofwat-governance-proposals-could-cost-23m/)

## 2. Regional water councils: a conditional welcome from United Utilities and the Rivers Trust

Topic: Regulation & policy

UU points to Windermere and Greater Manchester as the model. The Rivers Trust says funded catchment partnerships must sit at the centre.

Full story: https://waterwire.co.uk/story/regional-water-councils-industry-reaction

Original source: [Water Magazine](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/06/catchment-partnerships-key-to-success-of-new-regional-water-councils-says-the-rivers-trust/)

## 3. South West Water's rotary press trial beats the 2030 sludge standard

Topic: Environment & performance

The UK's first municipal trial produced cake at 28–32% dry solids, against the 25% that will be required for land recycling by 2030.

Full story: https://waterwire.co.uk/story/south-west-water-rotary-press-sludge-trial

Original source: [Water Magazine](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/06/south-west-water-explores-new-approach-to-sludge-dewatering-in-uk-first-municipal-trial/)

## 4. Scottish retailer Intelligent Water secures a £3.5m facility

Topic: Company & finance

The challenger, at £8m turnover with almost 4,000 supply points, is targeting £18m within five years.

Full story: https://waterwire.co.uk/story/intelligent-water-3-5m-finance-facility

Original source: [Water Magazine](https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/11/06/intelligent-water-targets-18m-turnover-after-securing-3-5m-finance-facility/)