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)
- NFCC engaged Ofwat on mains compliance concerns and responded to an Ofwat consultation in October 2025 (Annual Report on Progress, MHCLG, February 2026).
- A revised National Guidance Document on water provision for firefighting was published (Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Recommendations Dashboard, MHCLG, updated March 2026).
- The government's dashboard states this recommendation is complete and has been fully discharged (Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Recommendations Dashboard, MHCLG, updated March 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
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.
The 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.