A strategic response to the Storm Overflow Assessment Framework version 2

One of the most pressing risks is the availability and reliability of event duration monitoring data. The SOAF version 2 requires high-quality datasets to trigger investigations and justify decisions. Water and sewerage companies need to be able to validate rainfall data, review Environment Agency water situation reports, and conduct localised assessments to ensure that spill frequency triggers are accurately applied. Where data gaps exist, companies need to navigate regulatory expectations while avoiding misinterpretation.

Beyond data, the framework demands deep technical insight into asset condition and hydraulic performance. Conducting targeted surveys across gravity sewers, pumping stations, and treatment works identifies operational issues that contribute to high spill frequencies. Hydraulic modelling (both validation and new assessments) ensures that solutions are grounded in robust analysis.

Environmental impact is another critical dimension of the SOAF version 2. Investigations into aesthetic and ecological effects, including invertebrate sampling and water quality assessments, are consolidated into comprehensive reports that inform the next stage: options appraisal. From here solutions are developed and evaluated, factoring in future pressures such as climate change, urban creep, and population growth. Cost-benefit assessments should include carbon analysis and long-term sustainability metrics, ensuring that interventions meet both regulatory and environmental standards.

Once a preferred solution is identified, Water and sewerage companies need to carefully navigate the decision-making process, liaising with regulators and refining models where necessary. Delivery should encompass programme prioritisation, project batching, detailed design and commercial management, and full visibility of performance commitments and penalties.

Complemented by the operational strength of the wider Group, clients benefit from a truly end-to-end service – from data and diagnostics to delivery and defence. We are uniquely positioned to help water and sewerage companies navigate this complexity, reduce risk, and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. The SOAF version 2 is not just a compliance exercise, it’s a catalyst for transformation. Our combination of strategic excellence and operational depth gives the sector the tools, talent, and tenacity to turn obligation into opportunity.