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On 20 January 2026, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a Water White Paper in response to the Independent Water Commission’s (IWC’s) 2025 report, which set out 88 recommendations to reform and improve the water sector regulatory system in England and Wales.
Defra’s White Paper outlines plans to abolish Ofwat and consolidate key water system functions from existing regulators into a single new regulator. It also sets out measures to upgrade infrastructure, with increased investment in storm overflow controls and wastewater treatment to address phosphorus pollution. The paper signals reforms to the legislative framework, including updates to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and the Water Framework Directive Regulations. It proposes a shift in focus to pre-pipe solutions, such as rainwater management and tackling sewer misuse. A Transition Plan will be published in 2026, providing a roadmap for implementing these changes.
Although the report does not specifically mention cosmetic products, companies rely on water supply and infrastructure for production and therefore this remains an important topic.
