Delivering AMP8: How IPS Flow Systems Supports the UK Water Industry's Most Ambitious Investment Cycle

The UK water sector is preparing for a step-change. As Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) begins in April 2025, water companies face new challenges, tighter environmental obligations, and an unprecedented investment scale. At IPS Flow Systems, we understand the unique pressures of this regulatory cycle - and we're here to support the sector with resilient, sustainable, and intelligent solutions.

🔍 What is AMP8? A Transformational Moment for the UK Water Sector

AMP8 is the eighth Asset Management Period defined by Ofwat, the regulator for the water sector in England and Wales. It will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030 and marks a fundamental shift in how water companies operate and invest.

📈 Key Features of AMP8:

• £104 billion in total investment - a 77% increase on AMP7
• Focus on Net Zero by 2030
• Major investment in storm overflow reduction and nutrient pollution control
• Greater emphasis on digital transformation, data-driven maintenance and smart infrastructure
• Increased scrutiny of customer service, resilience and affordability
• Enhanced supply chain engagement and long-term planning expectations

AMP8 will challenge water companies and their delivery partners to balance performance, sustainability, and innovation - all while demonstrating value to the public and regulatory stakeholders.

🧭 The Drivers Behind AMP8

AMP8 is not just a regulatory cycle - it's a response to real-world pressures:

• Climate change: More frequent extreme weather events are putting water and wastewater systems under pressure, particularly storm overflows and flood-prone areas.
• Public trust: Customer concerns around pollution, leakage, and river quality have pushed water companies to demonstrate improved environmental performance.
• Regulatory ambition: Ofwat and Defra are demanding faster progress on environmental restoration, leakage reduction, and digital transparency.
• Net Zero targets: The UK water sector has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 - and AMP8 is the final full AMP before that deadline.

AMP8 is about preparing for the future, not patching the past. It rewards forward-thinking suppliers and project partners who can provide not just products, but expertise and long-term value.

💼 How IPS Flow Systems is Supporting AMP8

With over 35 years of experience in supplying plastic piping, flow control, and chemical containment solutions, IPS Flow Systems is well-placed to help water companies and contractors deliver on AMP8’s most critical priorities.

We’re already working with water utility frameworks, engineering consultants, and Tier 1 contractors across the UK and Ireland to support the design, specification, and delivery of safe, efficient, and future-proof systems.

💧 1. Environmental Protection and Pollution Control

AMP8 includes:

• £12 billion investment to reduce storm overflow discharges
• £6 billion to tackle nutrient pollution
• £2.4 billion to improve wastewater treatment works

IPS Flow Systems plays a crucial role in this transformation.

✅ Our Solutions:

• Double Containment Systems - Products like DuoSafe and Poly-Flo protect the environment from accidental chemical releases in dosing and treatment systems.
• Swissfluid Lined Valves - Engineered to handle aggressive chemicals like ferric sulphate, sodium hypochlorite and polymers used in wastewater treatment, while maintaining integrity under harsh conditions.
• Kessel Backwater Valves - Installed in flood-prone or critical areas to prevent reverse flow and system surcharging during storm events.

These solutions are designed to minimise the risk of environmental incidents, support compliance with new discharge permits, and futureproof chemical dosing systems.

⚡ 2. Digital Transformation and Smart Monitoring

AMP8 calls for:

• Increased use of real-time monitoring
• Digitally enabled networks
• Predictive maintenance strategies

IPS Flow Systems offers essential components for building intelligent, automated and reliable systems.

✅ Our Solutions:

• Flowmeters - Our range supports precise measurement for chemical dosing and water flow applications. These are critical to managing dosing accuracy, leak detection, and compliance reporting.
• Electric Actuated Valves - Enable remote operation, feedback integration and improved responsiveness across treatment plants, dosing skids and pipework infrastructure.
• Support with Integration - Our team helps with product selection and control integration to ensure that assets support the digital-first direction AMP8 demands.

🌱 3. Net Zero and Low Carbon Infrastructure

AMP8 is the final full regulatory cycle before the water industry’s 2030 net-zero target. All new investments must demonstrate environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

✅ Our Solutions:

• Thermoplastic Pipework Systems - Materials like PVDF, Polypropylene, ABS, and Polyethylene offer reduced embodied carbon, corrosion resistance and extended service life compared to traditional metal systems.
• Lightweight Systems - Easier to handle and install, reducing the need for heavy equipment and energy-intensive processes during installation.
• Long Lifecycle, Low Maintenance - Reduced risk of corrosion, scale and system failure leads to fewer replacements and lower operational emissions.

IPS systems help water companies reduce both construction-phase and operational carbon - key metrics under AMP8’s sustainability and performance frameworks.

🔧 4. Infrastructure Resilience and Compliance

Aging infrastructure and rising regulatory scrutiny mean water companies must do more than just meet standards - they need to build resilience into their networks.

✅ Our Solutions:

• Corrosion-Free Piping and Valve Systems - Ideal for use in chemical dosing, water treatment and effluent applications where traditional materials degrade quickly.
• Expert Technical Support - We work closely with project teams on material selection, jointing methods, pressure ratings and chemical compatibility to ensure right-first-time installation and performance.
• Comprehensive Product Range - Our breadth of supply ensures that design teams and installers can access complete solutions from a single trusted source.

🤝 5. Collaboration and Supply Chain Support

AMP8 requires deeper collaboration between water companies and suppliers - and IPS is a proactive partner in project delivery.

✅ How We Help:

• CPD Training and Webinars - We offer regular technical training for engineers, asset managers and installation teams, ensuring correct specification and installation.
• Large UK Stockholding and Fast Dispatch - To keep projects on time, we maintain high stock levels across critical product ranges and offer same-day dispatch.
• Dedicated Technical Team - Our team is available to assist with everything from project planning to site support and commissioning advice.

🏁 Conclusion: Ready to Deliver for AMP8

AMP8 is a bold step forward for the UK water sector - a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise infrastructure, protect the environment, and meet the needs of future generations. At IPS Flow Systems, we are ready to play our part.

With proven products, technical expertise, and a long-standing commitment to reliability and service, we are your trusted partner in delivering safe, sustainable and compliant systems under AMP8.

📞 Contact IPS Flow Systems

📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 📞 IRE: +353 1 2573741 🌐 www.ipsflowsystems.com