Future Water has a vision centred on ‘Shaping the Future of the Water Sector’ – therefore the organisation brings together experts to look at issues facing the sector.
Product and system standards are often seen as boring, too technical, stifling innovation and reducing things down to the lowest common denominator. Conforming to standards can be seen as costly. So Future Water has set up the Future Water Standards and Regulations Group.
On the other hand, standards provide a level playing field within an industry, ensuring a level of quality and compatibility between different suppliers. Compliance with a product standard can offer a powerful marketing message. Standards ensure that the supply chain is supplying products and services that are consistent with requirements. Good standards, in fact, save money and encourage innovation.
However, it is important to ensure that standards that are being developed do not come as a surprise and put industry players at a competitive disadvantage. Across
the water sector, there is a plethora of standards, regulations and industry guidance, covering different products and materials. In addition, throw in Brexit and the potential future divergence between Harmonised Standards (CE marking) and UK Designated Standards (UKCA marking). How does industry keep up with it all and how can those in the industry have an input into standards that may affect business?
Commenting on the new group Paul Horton, Future Water CEO, said: ‘’Standards are a vital part of the water Industry, ensuring that we deliver excellence in projects and use the best equipment. They help to drive new ideas and innovations across products and services and the Future Water group is all about understanding and unlocking potential that standards bring to the water sector.”
The group will be chaired by Dr David Smoker of ACO Technologies, who has over 15 years participation in British, European, and International standards work.
The Future Water Standards and Regulations Group has been set up to:
- be the focus of Future Water’s input to water sector standards and regulations of concern
- be the route for members to participate in standards, representing Future Water
- work with other organisations and external stakeholders to influence standards and regulations for the benefit of the sector
- share updates on standards, regulations and industry guidance that affect members
- develop and mentor members new to standardsThe first meeting of the Water Standards and Regulations Group will take place on Thursday 10 February, 2022.
www.futurewaterassociation.com
