Under the resilience duty, Ofwat must ensure that water companies can secure the long-term resilience of water and sewerage services; and of water and waste water networks.
The water companies will also have to plan to ensure that they manage water supply efficiently.
The environment secretary now has powers to specify what resilience issues a water company’s plan must address to help grow the economy and ensure we have enough water in the future.
The water minister, Dan Rogerson, said: “The Water Act introduced important changes to the water industry that will support the building of a stronger, more competitive economy and a fairer society.
“Our reforms will protect the industry for generations to come, ensuring a sustainable, competitive water market that benefits businesses and consumers alike.”