British Rowing welcomes independent commission into the water sector

British Rowing is pleased to see the announcement yesterday by the UK and Welsh governments of an independent commission to undertake an extensive review of the water industry and its regulation – the largest since its privatisation

The Commission will be led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England. He will be supported by advisers with a range of expertise in the water sector, including the environment.

British Rowing, along with The Clean Water Sports Alliance, has been calling for a review of the water industry as its members are reporting getting sick from the poor quality of the country’s waters. Although we have published our own Guidance for Rowing When Water Quality is Poor to protect our rowers – this should not be necessary and the quality of our waters poses a risk to not only our sport, but many other recreational users of our waters. This is coupled with additional risks of water scarcity and flooding – all of which will improve with significant investment and innovation in the country’s infrastructure.

British Rowing CEO Alastair Marks said, “We welcome the Government’s announcement of the independent commission and look forward to being part of the review and contributing to it to ensure that everyone can row on and enjoy healthy waters in the future. We urge the government to ensure there is a joined up approach, not only looking at the water industry itself but other industries that affect and are dependent on the water industry.”

Rachel Dulai, British Rowing Sustainability Lead, said, “It is great to see action so soon in the Government’s term. We are mobilising our community who will be keen to contribute to the review and we hope the Government acts on any recommendations made.”