Water and Wastewater Legal Services
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Supporting the delivery of resilient, sustainable water infrastructure
The water and wastewater systems are critical to economic growth, environmental protection and climate resilience. In recent years this sector has seen increasing regulatory scrutiny, water scarcity, capacity constraints and the impacts of climate change are driving investment in new infrastructure and upgrades to existing assets.
We work with leading regulated water and sewerage undertakers, as well as consumers, developers and contractors, on the planning, construction, delivery and operation of water and wastewater projects. Our advice is practical, focused on outcomes, and reflects the regulatory and operational realities of the sector, particularly where water interacts with energy, development and net zero objectives.
Many of our water and wastewater projects intersect with other infrastructure areas, including hydrogen, heat networks and low-carbon energy systems, enabling integrated solutions across energy, water and sustainable transport.
Supporting the full energy and water landscape
Water and wastewater infrastructure
Supporting new and upgraded treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, reservoirs and drainage systems, covering planning, construction and property requirements from land and consenting through to delivery and operation. We have particular expertise and experience in delivering NAV (New Appointment and Variation) schemes for new sewerage infrastructure.
Regulation and environmental compliance
Advising on abstraction and discharge regimes, environmental permitting and engagement with regulators and statutory bodies.
Growth, development and capacity
Helping clients plan water and wastewater strategies to unlock development, manage capacity and work effectively with local authorities and utilities.
Water, energy and net zero
Supporting projects at the interface of water and energy, including decarbonisation, energy-intensive operations and the use of renewable energy such as biogas and biomass.
Procurement, partnerships and delivery models
Advising on procurement, joint ventures, alliancing and long-term delivery structures for complex water and wastewater schemes.
Disputes and risk management
Providing practical advice on contractual and project-related disputes, and helping clients manage risk across water infrastructure schemes.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
What sets our water and wastewater expertise apart
Integrated, sector-led expertise
Our experienced team operate on a multi-disciplinary basis, meaning we bring together the range of specialists needed to support all aspects of water and wastewater projects. Combining construction, planning, property, procurement, commercial, regulatory, corporate, finance and disputes expertise in this way means we help you seamlessly progress complex projects with clarity and confidence.
Regulatory and policy fluency
With an established and dedicated core regulatory team, we help you navigate the Water Industry Act 1991 and wider statutory and regulatory frameworks imposed by Ofwat and other regulators such as the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, providing practical advice that supports decision-making and keeps projects on track.https://www.shma.co.uk/wp-admin/post.php?post=75123&action=edit#
Commercial and delivery focused
Our experienced team includes lawyers who have worked in house or on secondment with statutory water undertakers. Our advice is based on a one-team approach shaped by your commercial objectives and delivery pressures. We focus on solutions that work in practice, aligned to funding, programme requirements and long-term operational realities.
ESG in action
Where ESG is part of your project, we help embed environmental, social and governance considerations into delivery and governance, in line with regulatory and investor expectations.
Collaborative and forward-looking
We work with your technical, financial and policy advisers to manage risk, support innovation and deliver infrastructure that strengthens decarbonisation, resilience and sustainable growth.
Meet our water and wastewater team
Andrew Whitehead
Partner & Head of Energy
James Hawkeswood
Partner & Head of Corporate
Selina Hinchliffe
Partner & Head of Commercial Services
Eddie Flanagan
Partner
James Woolstenhulme
Partner
Peter Dilks
Partner
Tim Speed
Partner
Bhikhu Samat
Legal Director
Matthew Harris
Legal Director
Nicola Lediard
Legal Director
Sarah Evans
Senior Associate
Gabriella Norton
Solicitor
Georgia Spyrou
Solicitor
Kristine Malok
Solicitor
Charley Feenan
Chartered Legal Executive
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our water and wastewater specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
water and wastewater FAQs
What legal support do you provide for water and wastewater infrastructure projects?
toggle accordionWe advise on new and upgraded treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, reservoirs and drainage systems. Our support covers planning, construction and property requirements, from land acquisition and consenting through to delivery and operation. We also have particular experience in NAV schemes for new sewerage infrastructure.
We advise on abstraction and discharge regimes, environmental permitting and engagement with regulators and statutory bodies. We also help clients plan water and wastewater strategies to unlock development, manage capacity and work effectively with local authorities and utilities.
