AMP8 Unveiled: navigating the £104 billion investment landscape

The start of AMP8 (Asset Management Period 8), covering April 2025 to March 2030, represents a step-change in how UK water companies will operate. With Ofwat approving a record £104 billion investment, this settlement period marks a huge shift for the sector, with a focus on upgrading infrastructure, adopting new technologies, and meeting ambitious sustainability targets, all feeding into the goal of achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2030.

For suppliers, consultants, and contractors, AMP8 creates an opportunity to influence and deliver the future of the UK’s water and wastewater infrastructure. For PureTec Separations, it’s an opportunity to further our commitment to developing efficient, sustainable, and reliable water treatment solutions.

Understanding AMP8: what’s new and what’s at stake?

The AMP cycle governs how water companies in England and Wales manage capital and operational expenditure. Each AMP lasts five years and follows a regulatory price review, in this case, PR24, which has shaped the budget and strategy for AMP8.

Key priorities in AMP8

Priority	Description
Net Zero by 2030	Implementing carbon reduction through renewable energy and low-energy processes.
Environmental Resilience	Reducing storm overflow pollution, enhancing storage, and increasing reuse capacity.
Infrastructure Modernisation	Upgrading treatment works, pipelines, and water quality systems.
Innovation and Digital Adoption	Using predictive analytics, AI, and remote monitoring to boost efficiency.
Customer Affordability and Engagement	Balancing investment with transparency and customer expectations.

Sources: Ofwat PR24, Water UK, Environment Agency

What this means for water utility companies

AMP8 demands more than meeting baseline compliance. Utilities will need to:

• Accelerate infrastructure upgrades to address demand growth and climate pressures.

• Achieve tangible reductions in carbon emissions and energy use.

• Meet increasingly strict standards for drinking water quality and discharge compliance.

• Invest in systems that support reuse, closed-loop treatment, and long-term resilience.

• Build delivery alliances and select framework partners with proven expertise.

Choosing the right suppliers during AMP8

Selecting the right suppliers will be key to delivering AMP8 outcomes. Utilities will need to evaluate:

Consideration	Why it matters
Proven track record	Reduces risk and ensures deep sector knowledge.
Alignment with AMP8 goals	Supports net-zero, resilience, and innovation.
Modular & scalable technologies	Flexibility to meet evolving needs.
Service and support infrastructure	Minimises disruption and ensures lifecycle performance.
Sustainability credentials	Technologies that support carbon, energy, and waste reduction are key procurement drivers.

By choosing suppliers who meet these needs, utilities will be well-placed to deliver AMP8 objectives, but its important to get it right for longevity and sustainability.

Sustainable filtration options for a net-zero future

One of the key technical challenges in AMP8 is balancing water quality with environmental performance. Advanced membrane-based filtration and water reuse systems can help meet these demands:

• Ultrafiltration (UF): Low-energy process for removing suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses.

• Nanofiltration (NF): Targets divalent ions, organics, and micropollutants; ideal for softening and partial demineralisation.

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes the highest level of contaminants, including PFAS, nitrates, and emerging contaminants, with energy recovery options.

• Water Reuse Solutions: Enables closed-loop treatment, reducing discharges, limiting river abstraction, and improving drought resilience.

Our UF, NF, and RO systems can also be supplied with DWI-approved cartridges and housings, fully compliant with Regulation 31 and BS 6920, for use in potable water applications.

A 2024 Journal of Water Process Engineering study highlighted that new-generation low-pressure RO membranes can reduce energy use by up to one-third which is an ideal fit for utilities with net-zero ambitions.

How PureTec Separations can help

At PureTec Separations, we bring decades of experience supporting water utilities, EPC contractors, and technology integrators across the UK and Europe. Our solutions are defined by flexibility, efficiency, and reliability while being focused on sustainability, efficiency and longevity.

Our capabilities aligned with AMP8

We also offer bespoke design, full technical support, commissioning and ongoing support services, helping utilities stay on time, on budget, and compliant.

Industry collaboration: more important than ever

AMP8 delivery requires new levels of collaboration. Water companies are increasingly forming frameworks and delivery alliances to manage the scale and complexity of ongoing investment.

PureTec works seamlessly with:

• Tier 1 contractors and engineering firms

• Process designers and OEM partners

• In-house utility project teams

As a delivery-focused partner, we help bridge the gap between policy, design, and operational performance, enabling fully integrated project outcomes and simplifying the process.

Partnering for progress: let PureTec be part of your AMP8 journey

AMP8 is one of the most ambitious and far-reaching programmes the UK water sector has undertaken. To satisfy regulators, customers, and environmental goals, utilities need partners who combine advanced technology with regulatory understanding.

As AMP8 progresses, we remain committed to helping utilities drive innovation and conserve resources, in line with our sustainability and purpose commitments.

PureTec Separations is ready to help, from energy-efficient systems to advanced filtration and reuse technologies, aligned with AMP8’s net-zero and quality commitments.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your AMP8 initiatives.