Thread by @BDavisBriz

Looking forward to hearing more about Eden Tree's latest research into water quality across England and Wales' rivers #WaterReport

https://twitter.com/EdenTreeIM/status/1527295815726862336

First, Neville White gives an overview of England & Wales' waterways. Notes that, while there have been significant improvements in water health since 1970s, only 14% of rivers have good river health & this is becoming an increasingly salient issue for media & public #WaterReport

Next, Rita Wyshelesky gives an overview of England & Wales' water industry - including the 11 integrated water & waste water treatment companies & the roles of the three main regulators #WaterReport

Wyshelesky discloses that @EdenTreeIM has holdings in 8 water & waste water utilities across it portfolios. Explains that Eden Tree conducted this thematic engagement to better understand what companies were doing in river quality & biodiversity #WaterReport

Now, @carlota_esg gives an overview of the reports findings. On sewage overflows, Esguevillas says companies recognise that such incidences are "unacceptable", but that media focus was "misplaced", with sewage discharges only a small % of negative river health #WaterReport

Esguevillas says that companies also recognised that agriculture & consumers had a role to play - highlighted examples of best practise of working collaboratively with farmers & egs of Thames Water campaigns to raise awareness of unflushable wet wipes #WaterReport

Esguevillas also discussed Price Reviews, which had previously focused on cutting consumer bills, rather than investment. Says there is "quiet optimism" that PR24 will have more of a focus on investment & futureproofing assets #WaterReport

Similarly, Esguevillas said many water companies were positive about PR24's role in encouraging the uptake of new & innovative technologies, as well as helping with the uptake of nature-based solutions #WaterReport

Finally, Esquevillas focuses on the role of investors. She notes many water companies noted that Eden Tree was the first investor to discuss river health with them. However, companies were happy to engage with investors on the issue, and keen for their support #WaterReport

The webinar now moves on to a Q&A session #WaterReport

The webinar now moves on to a Q&A session #WaterReport

On why the report was done now, White says that the idea "predated the media frenzy" on river health, but felt the report was needed given the importance of rivers & waterways to environmental health, people's physical & mental wellbeing & pressure of climate change #WaterReport

When asked why investors have previously not engaged with companies on river health, Esquevillas says it is a mix of ownership structure of companies, and investors generally being quite late in taking an interest on environmental issues #WaterReport

On how structure may affect journey towards improving water health, Wyshelesky says research does not suggest ownership structure affects a company's ability to improve water health, but acknowledges many companies are at "different stages of the journey" #WaterReport

When asked if water companies are "mistreated" in the media, Esguevillas says media coverage has been "simplistic". Says that there are many other sectors - including agriculture, highways and housebuilding - that need engaging with & scrutinising on water health #WaterReport

Final Q is on what next for the report - White says that the report will be submitted to Ofwat and given as evidence to Parliamentary Select Committees. Also commits to continue engaging with water companies Eden Tree invests in #WaterReport

Very interesting presentation on how companies are promoting good #RiverHealth & the role of investors. Thanks to Neville White @carlota_esg & Rita Wyshelesky for your insights, to @Philip_Baker for chairing & @EdenTreeIM for hosting! #WaterReport

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