An article published by researchers at Bangor University and Arup in Water Magazine discusses the water sector’s vital role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The article is in response to a stakeholder workshop which brought together representatives from water utilities, regulators, public health bodies, and academia, and revealed both the significant potential and current limitations of the UK water sector’s response to AMR.
The article refers to the following recommendations across four key areas that could transform the sector’s approach and contribution to combatting AMR:
- Cross-sector collaboration: Creating structured platforms for regular communication between water utilities, public health agencies, environmental regulators, and academic institutions. This includes developing frameworks for secure data sharing and establishing multi-agency advisory groups.
- Policy and regulation readiness: Engaging proactively with evolving regulatory frameworks, including updates to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the UK 5-year Action Plan for AMR. The sector has an opportunity to shape its own regulatory approach rather than simply respond to requirements.
- Targeted monitoring programmes: Investing in improved detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in wastewater and receiving waters, using this intelligence to target capital investment in treatment upgrades and implement best practices to minimise environmental release.
- Research and evidence: Supporting pilot studies and long-term research to evaluate AMR exposure risks, develop standardised monitoring methods, and transition from research to practical implementation.
The full workshop report by The EPSRC Digital Health Hub for AMR, Arup, Bangor University, and UKWIR, Antimicrobial Resistance and the Water Sector: Current Landscape and Recommendations, is available to read here: https://www.digitalamr.org/amr-publications.