Integrated Water Management Plan

Integrated Water Management is a collaborative approach to the way we plan for and manage all elements of the water cycle in Greater Manchester.

Our Story

In September 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Environment Agency, and United Utilities, creating the first Partnership looking to manage water differently across the city region. By working collaboratively, the partnership will deliver progressive improvements in sustainable water management, enhancement of the natural environment and ensure all future developments and critical infrastructure are resilient to flooding and the impact of climate change.

At the Mayoral Roundtable on the 30th of September 2022, it was agreed that GMCA, United Utilities and the Environment Agency should produce an Integrated Water Management Plan to draw together a collective vision, objectives, and actions, and identify accountability and capacity for delivery. 

Our vision

Working together, we will manage Greater Manchester's water wherever it falls, to enhance the environment, support people and forge prosperous places.

This content cannot be displayed due to your current cookie settings. To view the content - most likely a video - please change your cookie settings

Our core objectives

1. Breaking down the barriers by working together

Working together to manage water in an integrated way. This will enable the delivery of sustainable growth in Greater Manchester. We want to identify innovative solutions and combine efforts with public and private investors to deliver more.

2. Creating multiple benefits

Ensuring that all interventions consider water neutrality, flood resilience, water quality improvement and build in climate adaptation.

Aiming to maximise multifunctional blue-green infrastructure, restore natural function and water landscapes, protecting and valuing biodiversity and the water environment.

3. Businesses and the community become an important part in creating the value.

Involving businesses and community stakeholders to deliver resilient, diverse, and inclusive public spaces.

Creating opportunity and access for jobs and skills needed for integrated water management.

Our workstreams

Building on the vision and objectives, and through partnership working and shared experiences, we have developed a series of workstreams to support implementation of the plan: