A Royal Horticultural Society site with rainwater harvesting, using collected rainwater for irrigation

Guide Reports & Policy • 13 May 2026

Water Reuse in the UK: A Policy Progress Briefing for Engineers

About this briefing

In the UK, a significant amount of discussion has occurred surrounding the growing role of water reuse within our built environment. Recognition of the key role that rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling play has been compounded by several reports, consultations and pilot schemes.

Progress around water reuse in the UK is rapid, and the volume of publications and launches can often mean that it is hard to keep up with progress, especially from an engineering perspective.
Keeping updated with industry progress is key, as it will impact how future buildings are designed and built.

What this article will cover…

Key summary of reports relating to water reuse
Key summary of White Papers relating to water reuse
A timeline of when key publications were launched
The key bits of information relating to water reuse
What engineers need to know about the technology

2025

Part G of the Building Regulations 2010 consultation
The consultation covered the inclusion of water reuse technologies within the building regulations.

Revised Environmental Improvement Plan
In the plan, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) are tasked with investigating the growing role of water reuse.

Water White Paper for Water Reform in England
A formal UK Government acceptance of the Cunliffe report’s recommendations to improve the legislative environment for water reuse. Read about the changes.

National Standard for Sustainable Urban Drainage launched (SuDs)
Developers must now prioritise rainwater harvesting as the primary runoff destination for stormwater on new development sites. Read about the standards.

Water Reuse Safety Plan launched
Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC) launch a formal approach to assessing and mitigating risk, aligned with World Health Organisation safety planning principles.

The Case for Water Smart Housing report launched
Public First research shows that 80% of respondents would be willing to flush with rainwater.

Single Source of Truth report launched
EWSC launch a document summarising the current legislative environment in the UK for water reuse, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.

Good Homes Alliance Design Guide launched
New design guidance for water efficiency in new homes includes the provision of community-scale rainwater harvesting.

Waterwise Skills Report on water reuse
The report identified the need for upskilling plumbers by including water reuse as part of the plumbing curriculum.

2026

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) estate management consultation
The consultation asks the question about which is the most appropriate organisation for the adoption of SuDs assets.

Private Members Bill on rainwater harvesting launched
The Rewarding Rainwater Reuse Bill was brought to No.10 Downing Street to begin draft legislation.

DWI Governance Framework for Water Reuse launched
A framework with 10 recommendations covering the future of water reuse regulation in the UK.

Water Smart Growth Board created
DEFRA and Future Homes Hub establish a board advising on future efficiency in new homes, including water reuse.

Green Paper for Sustainable Water Management in Wales
The Welsh Government commit to removing the barriers to water reuse in Wales. Read about the changes.

Ofwat remove falling block tariffs for non-household users
Falling block tariffs, a previous mechanism for water pricing which incentivises high water usage, begin to be phased out.

EXPECTED – Launch of the 5th Bricks and Water report
The full report on water efficiency and water reuse in new homes is expected to be launched in summer 2026.

EXPECTED – Part G of the Building Regulations 2010 consultation outcome
Formal government response to the 2025 consultation set to be launched throughout 2026.

EXPECTED – MHCLG consultation on estate management
MHCLG is expected to give clarity on the adoption environment for SuDs assets.

What does this mean for engineers?

The growing role of water reuse is clear, and the recent publication of the National Standards for SuDs means that rainwater harvesting must be included in all new schemes as a priority method of managing stormwater.

Given the new national standard and increased discussion of legislative reform enabling community-scale water reuse to go ahead in new homes, there has never been a more important time for engineers to know about the latest best practice when it comes to water reuse implementation within building design.