In October, we reconvened Stream’s Steering Group which comprises experts that represent water companies, regulators, research, innovation bodies and government. 

Co-chaired by Icebreaker One and NWL, the group’s primary function is to help provide leadership and market signalling. Oversight of, and endorsement from, this group will establish a lasting set of robust governance measures to ensure data is shared safely and with the correct regulations.

Date: 13 October 2025 10:00-12:00 BST

Location: online

Co-Chairs: Melissa Tallack (NWL); Gavin Starks (IB1)

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting Aims 

  1. Improved understanding & support regarding the Discovery work (in the context of the use case water efficiency fund for pan utility interoperability) 
  1. Vote on Q4 outcomes 
  1. Collaborate on the Independent Water Commission Review items 

Summary:

Outcomes:

  • It was noted that Q4 activities are focused on data quality improvements, CReDO refinement, platform analytics, and preparing Stream’s infrastructure and processes for 2026 readiness.
  • It was discussed that the ecosystem pillar, particularly around leadership, strategic clarity, and publisher-consumer coordination, is central to Stream’s long-term value and will require active support and championing through Phase 3.

Project collaboration opportunities:

  • It was noted that:
    • Stream is supporting two aligned bids to the Water Breakthrough Challenge Fund: CaSTCo (led by United Utilities) and Riverdeep Mountain AI (RDMAI), both of which seek to use Stream for data provision and verification, citizen science infrastructure, and model enhancement.
    • Mobilisation on Stream’s side would follow confirmation of bid success (expected April at the earliest), though early engagement on Section 82 and member discussions may be beneficial.

Marketing strategy:

  • It was noted that:
    • Audience segmentation is structured into Tier 1 (regulators, policymakers, etc.) and Tier 2 (civic tech, students, etc.).
    • The strategy will be delivered through four content pillars, with the current focus on trust and storytelling via Open October.

A strategic response to the Cunliffe review:

  • It was agreed that:
    • The Cunliffe review presents a key opportunity for Stream to represent the best collective industry response to its proposals.
    • The 32 relevant recommendations presented on the Miro board require senior-level socialisation to assess their strategic importance, particularly given the varying stages of progress and resource constraints across member companies.
  • It was discussed that:
    • Key opportunities include monitoring under Section 82, harmonising smart meter standards, and improving infrastructure data reporting
    • It would be worth running a workshop to divide items into short, medium and long-term aims.

Water Efficiency Fund

  • It was noted that the programme will consist of two parts: a national Water Efficiency Campaign and a Water Efficiency Lab for innovation testing.
  • It was agreed that robust data access plans must be in place by mid-2026, including anonymised smart meter and water consumption data with national coverage.