Navigating AMP8: What It Means for Plastic Piping in the Water Industry
The UK water industry is entering a new phase of transformation with AMP8 (Asset Management Period 8), running from 2025 to 2030. Backed by Ofwat’s PR24 framework, this regulatory cycle demands greater efficiency, lower emissions, and smarter infrastructure investments from water companies and supply chain partners alike.
For specifiers, engineers, and procurement professionals, selecting the right piping systems is more important than ever. The focus is shifting towards sustainable, cost-effective, and futureproof materials, and plastic piping is leading the way.
At IPS Flow Systems, we provide robust, compliant plastic piping systems that help utility companies and contractors meet AMP8’s evolving demands.
What is AMP8 and why does it matter?
AMP8 is the eighth cycle of investment planning for the UK’s water and wastewater sector, covering the five-year period from 2025 to 2030. Under Ofwat’s PR24 strategy, AMP8 places stronger emphasis on:
• Sustainability and Net Zero – reducing greenhouse gas emissions across operations
• Customer Outcomes – improving service reliability and reducing leakage
• Long-Term Resilience – supporting infrastructure that adapts to environmental change
• Cost Efficiency – delivering more through innovation, asset longevity, and smarter materials
This means infrastructure materials such as pipes, valves, fittings, and supports must meet stricter criteria for performance, environmental impact, and total lifetime value.
Why plastic piping systems are aligned with AMP8 objectives
Plastic piping systems have long been trusted in water and wastewater applications, but AMP8 makes their advantages even more relevant.
Reduced embodied carbon
PVC-U, PE100, PP, and ABS all offer lower embodied carbon compared to traditional materials like steel or concrete. This supports water companies in achieving net zero goals without compromising on performance.
Corrosion resistance and longevity
Plastic systems are highly resistant to internal and external corrosion, chemical exposure, and scaling. This increases reliability, extends service life, and reduces maintenance demands.
Ease of installation
Plastic piping is lightweight, simple to transport, and quick to install using a variety of jointing methods such as solvent welding, mechanical fittings, and electrofusion. This reduces installation time and overall project costs.
Leak reduction and flow efficiency
Smooth bore surfaces and precision-moulded fittings reduce pressure loss, improve hydraulic performance, and help meet targets for leakage reduction and water efficiency.
How IPS Flow Systems supports AMP8 delivery
IPS Flow Systems has over 30 years of experience in delivering specialist plastic piping systems for water and wastewater projects across the UK and Ireland. We support AMP8 outcomes through:
• Complete ranges in PVC-U, PE100, ABS, PP, and PVDF
• WRAS-approved systems for use in drinking water infrastructure
• Double containment options for safe chemical transport and dosing
• Full fixings and support solutions for compliant and secure installation
• Detailed technical documentation to support design, installation, and audits
• Ongoing project support and tailored product advice from our experienced team
We work closely with consultants, contractors, and utilities to deliver systems that meet the highest standards for performance, compliance, and sustainability.
AMP8 is an opportunity to build smarter, not just bigger
As the sector faces rising environmental and operational demands, AMP8 presents an opportunity to rethink how systems are designed and delivered. Choosing the right materials is fundamental to meeting long-term resilience and sustainability targets.
Plastic piping solutions offer a powerful combination of reliability, versatility, and environmental benefit. By partnering with experienced providers like IPS Flow Systems, water companies and their contractors can meet AMP8 expectations with confidence.
Let’s deliver better infrastructure for the future - efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
