Establish water undertaker communication protocols
That all fire and rescue services establish and periodically review an agreed protocol with the statutory water undertakers in their areas to enable effective communication between them in relation to the supply of water for firefighting purposes. (113.63)
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) accepts this recommendation on behalf of all fire and rescue services. NFCC and fire service lead officers for water are discussing with water undertakers how to strengthen existing arrangements and with Ofwat to identify potential improvements to the interactions between services and water undertakers. The NFCC will produce a delivery plan by the end of April 2025 to set out what actions it will take as a result.
Progress Timeline
NFCC engaged Ofwat; mains compliance concerns raised with Environment Department. NFCC responded to Ofwat consultation October 2025. LFB maintains positive engagement with water companies; revised National Guidance Document published with clear incident support protocols. This recommendation is now complete and has been fully discharged.