Free pioneering publication delivers comprehensive analysis across 8 regions as UK abolishes Ofwat and nations confront unprecedented water challenges
BANBURY, UK – The Water Matters Yearbook 2025, the world's first comprehensive global water yearbook, launches today offering free access to critical analysis of water governance, risks, and trends across every continent. The publication arrives at a pivotal moment, with the UK water sector facing historic regulatory upheaval following Ofwat's abolition, while nations worldwide grapple with escalating water security challenges from climate change to geopolitical tensions.
A Global First, Available Free to All
Unlike fragmented regional reports, The Water Matters Yearbook fills a critical market gap by providing the first unified global perspective on water issues. The 90 page publication offers consistent analysis across multiple global regions.
"Water challenges don't respect borders, yet until now, we've lacked a truly global perspective," says editor Shaun Warren. "This yearbook connects the dots between regional crises and global patterns, offering policymakers, researchers, and advocates the comprehensive intelligence they need to drive change."
The yearbook's UK chapter provides essential context as the nation implements its most significant water sector transformation in decades. Following the Water Commission's damning July 2025 review that found "pretty much all sides are to blame," the government confirmed Ofwat's abolition and creation of single regulators for England and Wales.
Key UK insights include:
Sewage Crisis Deep Dive: Analysis of 2.3 million hours of sewage discharges in 2023 and the end of "self-monitoring"
Water Poverty Solutions: Examination of the 26% bill increase crisis and expanded social tariff proposals
Infrastructure Transformation: Long-term investment strategies for resilience including nature-based solutions
Regulatory Revolution: Implications of the new single-regulator model for industry and consumers
Global Water Governance in Flux
Beyond the UK, the yearbook reveals unprecedented shifts in water governance worldwide:
Europe: New EU water directives responding to drought crises affecting 60% of EU territory
North America: Colorado River agreements reshape water rights for 40 million people
Africa: Transboundary water cooperation models emerge amid Nile and Zambezi tensions
Asia: China's water security strategies impact downstream nations across the Mekong
Latin America: Constitutional water rights movements gain momentum in Chile and Mexico
Australasia: Murray-Darling Basin reforms offer lessons for global river management
Unique Features Driving Action
Each regional chapter includes:
5-Year Retrospective: What worked, what failed (2020-2025)
2025 Snapshot: Current state of play with latest data
2028 Projections: Forward-looking scenarios for strategic planning
Policy & Regulation Watch: Governance insights and legislative tracking
Call to Action: Concrete steps for policymakers, researchers, and advocates
Multiple Audiences, One Resource:
The Water Matters Yearbook 2025 delivers targeted insights and actionable intelligence to seven key stakeholder groups, each finding unique value within its comprehensive global analysis.
Academia / Research / Educators: Citation-ready data and research gaps for papers and teaching.
Construction & Infrastructure: Regulatory forecasts and climate-resilient design standards for project planning.
Manufacturing & Industry: Water risk assessments and efficiency benchmarks for operational planning.
Policy Makers / Government: Evidence-based policy comparisons and tested governance models globally.
Utilities & Service Providers: Performance benchmarks and transformation strategies from leading utilities.
NGOs / Non-Profits & Community Organisations: Advocacy tools and proven engagement strategies for campaigns.
Water-Conscious Individuals: Accessible expert analysis for informed citizenship and action.
Beyond Information to Impact
"This isn't just another report gathering dust on shelves," notes Shaun. "Every chapter concludes with actionable recommendations. We're transforming passive reading into active advocacy, connecting voices across sectors and continents to drive conversations and real change."
Special Features Address Critical Issues
Sewage crises from Thames to Ganges
Water security impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Climate change effects on polar water resources
Indigenous water rights movements gaining global traction
Technology innovations from Singapore to Silicon Valley
Available Now, Updated Annually
The Water Matters Yearbook 2025 is available immediately for free download at www.watermatters.life. Future editions will launch annually on World Water Day (March 22), directly aligning with the premier global freshwater advocacy event.
Join the Global Water Conversation
With water crises affecting 2 billion people lacking safe drinking water and 4.5 billion without adequate sanitation, the need for comprehensive, accessible intelligence has never been greater. The Water Matters Yearbook transforms complex data into actionable insights, empowering stakeholders worldwide to build water-secure futures.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shaun Warren: [email protected]
Damian Smyth: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.watermatters.life
Social Media:
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