AMP8 six months in: updates, lessons and what project teams need next

AMP8 started in April. Six months on, the direction is clearer and the expectations are higher. Here is what has changed since launch, what the numbers now look like, and how delivery teams can stay ahead.

The AMP8 picture in numbers

• Bills rise on average by £31 per year before inflation, tied to delivery and clawback if outputs slip.
• Over 10 million smart meters are planned to be installed or upgraded across 2025 to 2030.
• Leakage reduction target set at 17% for the period, with the sector still aiming for a 50% cut by 2050.
• Save 8 litres of water per person per day through demand management and engagement programmes.
• Tripled rate of water mains replacement targeted, with more than 8,000 km expected to be replaced by 2030.
• Fewer incidents remain a focus: 16% fewer sewer collapses and reductions in internal and external sewer flooding.
• New infrastructure is being backed at record scale, including major reservoirs, transfers, interconnectors and water recycling plants.

What changed since April

Final determinations are live
Price controls took effect from 1 April. Companies are now working to a clear set of performance commitments and outcome delivery incentives for 2025 to 2030. A clawback guarantee protects customers if outputs are not delivered.

Appeals are in progress
Five companies have taken PR24 price controls to the CMA for redetermination. Bills for 2025 to 2026 follow Ofwat’s decision. Outcomes of appeals may influence later years in the period.

WINEP has been published for AMP8
The Water Industry National Environment Programme dataset sets out the actions requested of all 19 water companies in England for 2025 to 2030. This is now the reference list for environmental obligations and investigations that flow into capital work.

Storm overflow rules have tightened
The Environment Agency issued its 2025 assessment framework for storm overflows. In practice this means clearer evidence requirements, tighter spill frequency targets in many locations and more pressure to deliver storage and network control where it is needed.

Common performance commitment definitions are set
Definitions for leakage, per capita consumption, storm overflows, customer service and other targets are now fixed for the period. Payments are in period and linked to actual performance.

Affordability and customer support are part of the package
Companies plan to support around 9% of customers with reduced charges. Trials on fairer charging structures are underway in several regions.

What delivery teams are learning already

Front‑load investigations. Programmes are pulling surveys forward to reduce risk in design and consents. Catchment studies, flow monitoring, CCTV, hydrographic and utilities mapping are being bundled to accelerate option selection.

Prove location and condition. The bar for geospatial accuracy and asset condition evidence is rising. Expect tighter audit trails that link survey IDs to drawings, models and ODI reporting.

Digital matters. Smart meter rollouts and network telemetry need clean and secure data sharing. Cloud platforms and common data environments are now standard on multi‑party programmes.

Plan for access and ecology. More activity at sensitive sites means more permits, access windows and protected habitats. Early topographic and ecological constraints mapping saves time later.

Capacity beats intent. Tripling mains replacement and cutting spills quickly needs more crews, more night work and sharper traffic management. Design and survey readiness is the bottleneck if it is not planned well, with out of hours and weekend availability being a bonus.

Practical steps that keep projects on track

• Utilities mapping first – Use electromagnetic location and GPR to PAS 128. Reduce break‑in excavation and shorten trial hole programmes.
• Hydrographic surveys – Multi‑beam sonar and bathymetry to map channels, outfalls and structures up to 10 metres depth. Feed data into 2D and 3D models and digital terrain models.
• Drainage condition – High‑definition CCTV with coded observations, plus jetting, descaling and root cutting where required. Pair with infiltration and flow monitoring.
• Topographic baselines – High‑accuracy topographic surveys for new assets and reinstatement. Capture levels, boundaries, embankments and structures.
• Laser scanning and LiDAR – Static, drone and vehicle‑mounted capture for 3D point clouds and digital twins. Speed up clash detection and offsite fabrication.
• Shareable data – Deliver CAD and BIM files that slot into client workflows. Host point clouds and large imagery in secure viewers so teams can annotate and collaborate without heavy local storage

Where we help with AMP8

Survey Solutions supports AMP8 delivery nationwide with utilities mapping, hydrographic, topographic and measured building surveys, CCTV drainage, laser scanning, LiDAR and mobile mapping. Data is delivered in the formats your designers and asset teams use. We provide secure viewers and collaboration tools so wider teams can view, download and comment without the need for specialist licences.

If you are scoping investigations for storm overflows, leakage, mains replacement or resilience projects, we can mobilise quickly and integrate with your frameworks.