The group ensures that high quality bluespaces projects deliver km of improvements to meet and exceed targets for the ODI that are justified and of benefit to customers. The WEGG is also responsible for providing evidence of external assurance to Ofwat.
The WEGG covers NWG’s approach to improving bluespaces across its Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water supply and operating areas (covering the North East and parts of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk).
We define the water environment as the environment close to all surface water within our regions, including streams and rivers, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, coasts and beaches.
Bluespaces are defined as the areas of rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, beaches and coastline that customers can get to via public or private access, principally via public rights of way, allowing customers to engage with, enjoy and benefit from water in the environment.
Water environment improvements are being delivered across 10 management catchments in our NW and ESW regions, with our ESW area expanded to a broader area to include downstream catchments which ESW customers may visit and to facilitate a regional and catchment-based approach.
The WEGG provides advice on project opportunities and development, approves Candidate Projects for the bluespaces scheme, and signs off km water environment improved through review of project Evidence Packs following delivery and completion.
The aims of the WEGG are to: