How a strategic pump upgrade may change UK water forever
The United Kingdom’s water infrastructure is under growing strain with a combination of ageing systems and climate pressures, water loss and inefficiency are becoming critical issues, particularly in England and Wales.
A new initiative led by German pump manufacturer Wilo and UK-based Integrated Water Services Mechanical and Electrical signals a pivotal shift in how the sector tackles infrastructure shortcomings. Through a strategic partnership involving 12 major UK water utilities, the programme will see the deployment of more than 260 borehole pumps to safeguard water delivery for over 30 million people.
Beyond equipment upgrades, this collaboration represents a broader effort to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and prepare national water systems for future challenges. The move is especially timely, as public reports expose the volume of water being lost across outdated networks.
Over one trillion litres lost: The staggering scale of leakage in England and Wales
The water sector in England and Wales is facing a credibility crisis. According to data reported by The Guardian, water companies across both regions lost more than one trillion litres of water due to leakage in a single year. Thames Water alone accounted for a daily loss of 570.4 megalitres, which equates to nearly 25 percent of its entire water supply.
The magnitude of this water loss reflects operational inefficiency and poses significant risks to supply resilience, particularly during periods of drought or high demand. Compounding the issue are outdated pumping systems and infrastructure that, in many cases, have not been modernised in decades.
Why borehole pumps became ground zero for infrastructure renewal
While public attention often centres on leaking pipes above ground, a significant portion of the UK’s water infrastructure challenge lies beneath the surface. Boreholes play a crucial role in abstracting groundwater, which accounts for around 30 percent of public water supply in England and Wales. Yet the machinery responsible for this process, particularly borehole pumps, has received relatively little attention.
Many of these pumps have aged beyond their optimal lifespan. Frequent breakdowns, excessive energy use and complex maintenance have made them inefficient and costly. In some regions, a single pump failure can disrupt supply to entire communities. This lack of reliability exposes a fragile link in the water network that cannot be overlooked.
Energy efficiency is also a pressing concern. Traditional borehole pumps consume large volumes of electricity, contributing to inflated operational costs and higher emissions. For water companies aiming to meet the UK’s carbon reduction goals, upgrading these systems offers a clear and immediate path to improvement.
Inside the Wilo and IWS partnership: targeting energy and carbon efficiency
Recognising both the environmental and operational need for change, Wilo and Integrated Water Services Mechanical and Electrical (IWS M&E) have launched a national programme to upgrade borehole pumps across the UK. Partnering with 12 major water companies, the goal is to ensure a reliable supply of 496 billion litres of drinking water annually for over 30 million people.
Central to the initiative are 260 Wilo Zetos K borehole pumps, designed for high efficiency and long operational life. The pumps are expected to reduce unplanned failures by 85 percent. With advanced motor systems and hydraulic design, they deliver consistent performance while minimising maintenance requirements.
Energy savings are a core benefit. According to Wilo, the upgraded systems will save more than 44 million kilowatt-hours annually. This reduction in electricity use contributes directly to lower emissions, supporting wider sustainability goals set by both the industry and government.
The Wilo and IWS M&E programme offers a strong example of how coordinated infrastructure investment can produce lasting improvements. However, the scale of inefficiency within UK water networks means this type of intervention must be replicated across the sector. For households and businesses alike, this means fewer disruptions, improved service and a more secure water future.
Sources:
Wilo
The Guardian