Copper Secures Safe and Sustainable Water Infrastructure
Copper Secures Safe and Sustainable Water Infrastructure
The UK’s water infrastructure is at a critical juncture, with the need for substantial investment and reform becoming ever more pressing. The country faces increasing risks from outdated systems, where aging pipes and materials such as lead and plastic can lead to contamination and water leaks.
In light of this, the use of copper pipes continues to stand out as a future-proof solution to ensure safe, sustainable, and efficient water delivery.
Copper’s unmatched durability and corrosion resistance
Copper has long been celebrated for its superior durability and resistance to corrosion, as opposed to plastic pipes, which are heavily prone to degradation and failure over time.
Plastic pipes, while often used for their initial low cost, can deteriorate when exposed to incompatible materials such as caulks, fire-stopping materials, leak detection fluids and even paints. This can lead to escape of water (EOW) incidents, a growing problem that costs UK insurers £2.5 million a day, or nearly £1 billion annually, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
In contrast, copper pipes do not pose the same risks of contamination as plastic alternatives. With the material not only corrosion-resistant but also entirely non-toxic preventing harmful substances from leaching into the water supply, ensuring that drinking water remains safe.
As the UK continues to modernise its infrastructure, copper’s durability, reliability, and resistance to degradation provide a robust, long-term solution that outperforms plastic and other alternatives.
Meeting regulatory and public health demands
The £104 billion investment plan approved by Ofwat for the 2025–2030 period is one of the largest in the sector’s history and will be crucial for modernising the UK’s water infrastructure. However, there is significant pressure on water companies to improve their performance. According to Ofwat’s Forward Programme 2025-2026, poor performance cost the sector £165.2 million in 2023-24, as companies fell behind on key service levels set at PR19.
To address these issues, Ofwat is introducing several new initiatives, such as the Water Efficiency Fund and the development of smart metering systems. These efforts are designed to help water companies modernise infrastructure while simultaneously improving efficiency and reducing demand. However, the success of these initiatives relies on the use of robust materials that stand the test of time. Copper pipes, with their 20-year advantage in lifespan over plastic pipes, corrosion resistance, and non-toxic properties, align perfectly with the regulatory objectives outlined for the next five years.
Replacing outdated pipes is not only about improving performance, but also a matter of public health. The antimicrobial properties of copper are a crucial asset in the fight against water contamination, ensuring that the pipes themselves contribute to maintaining the highest standards of water quality. This is particularly relevant given the public health risks associated with lead contamination and microplastics found in older or plastic pipes.
Copper’s natural antimicrobial properties effectively kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA, with over 99.9% eliminated within two hours, according to EPA Findings.
It also inhibits viruses like influenza and COVID-19 faster than plastic or stainless-steel surfaces. By preventing bacterial growth, these qualities make copper ideal for maintaining sterility in water systems and reducing waterborne disease risks.
This is a major advantage over plastic pipes, which can harbour bacteria and other pathogens, posing an increased risk to public health.
Copper’s role in achieving 2025–2030 sustainability goals
As the world continues to face environmental challenges, sustainability remains a top priority. Copper offers numerous environmental benefits that align with the objectives of the 2025–2030 infrastructure investment plan, with copper being fully recyclable and can be reused indefinitely without losing its properties. This makes it an environmentally sustainable material, in comparison to plastic pipes, which are historically made from fossil fuels and contribute significantly to global oil consumption.
The construction industry's growing reliance on plastics, which are prone to failure and costly to repair, further exacerbates the environmental and financial burden. Plastic pipes account for 4-8% of global oil consumption, a figure that is set to increase as demand for plastics grows. In contrast, copper offers a more sustainable, long-term alternative, reducing the environmental impact of the water sector.
By opting for copper, we not only reduce the risks associated with plastic pipes but also contribute to a more sustainable future, lowering carbon footprints and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Copper as the future of water infrastructure
As the UK moves forward with the largest investment programme since privatisation, copper pipes will play a vital role in ensuring a safe, sustainable, and efficient water infrastructure. Copper’s unparalleled durability, corrosion resistance, antimicrobial properties, along with its environmental benefits make it the ideal material to meet the challenges of modernising the water sector.
The risks associated with outdated infrastructure, such as contamination from lead, microplastics, and the costly failures of plastic pipes, underscore the urgent need for change.
Copper provides a reliable, long-term solution that aligns with regulatory objectives whilst also promoting public health and sustainability. Copper is not only the right choice - it is the only choice for a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply in the UK.
The Copper Sustainability Partnership
Third Floor, New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5UG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 121 285 3760
Email: info@cuspuk.com