Digital Health Hub for AMR publishes report on the role of the UK water sector in tackling Antimicrobial Resistance
The EPSRC Digital Health Hub for Antimicrobial Resistance, in collaboration with Arup, Bangor University, and UK Water Industry Research, has today published a major new report: Antimicrobial Resistance and the Water Sector: Current Landscape and Recommendations.
The report summarises findings from a cross-sector workshop held in June 2025 that brought together water utilities, regulators, researchers, and public health bodies to examine the UK water sector’s role in addressing the public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the top 10 global health threats, AMR already causes an estimated 1.27 million deaths annually and could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 if no action is taken. While often discussed in medical and agricultural contexts, the report highlights the growing importance of the environment, particularly water systems - as both a pathway for AMR transmission and a potential intervention point.
The report highlights:
A map of stakeholder influence across the landscape.
The role of wastewater, rivers, and sludge in the spread of AMR.
Current initiatives in the UK water sector, including the Chemical Investigations Programme.
Gaps in regulation, monitoring, and occupational health risk assessment.
Opportunities for innovation, from advanced testing methods to AI and geospatial modelling.
Strategic recommendations across four key areas: operational actions, regulatory readiness, cross-sector collaboration, and research priorities.
A key emerging theme throughout the report remains the need for closer integration between academia, pharmaceutical manufacturers, the water industry, health agencies, and environmental regulators - this collaborative approach will be essential in aligning with “One Health” principles.
Professor Davey Jones, Bangor University, said:
"Antimicrobial resistance is no longer just a clinical or agricultural issue - it is an environmental one. This report highlights the water sector’s unique position to act as a sentinel and a safeguard, supporting national surveillance and helping to shape effective interventions. I sincerely hope that this report serves as starting point for continued collaboration across the ecosystem."
Bhavik Barochia, Senior Digital Water Consultant at Arup, added:
“Our watercourses are often the passive recipients of AMR risks, but the UK water sector has an extraordinary opportunity to become an active partner in the global response. Collaboration and innovation across disciplines will be key to unlocking that potential.”
