Water is the Landscape Operating System
Water21 is an independent, not-for-profit systems-thinking practice exploring relationships between water, soil, infrastructure & communities.
For over forty years, we have developed practical solutions that restore landscape function, improve water quality and create lasting climate, biodiversity, environmental, social and economic value.
Designing with water, not against it.
Proof in the Landscape
Real projects demonstrate how water, soil and communities function as one system when landscapes are designed and maintained as vital infrastructure.
SuDs & Catchment Design
That slows, stores and sustains water.
Water21 works with natural processes and landscape systems to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, increase drought resilience; while creating healthy, prosperous places for people and nature.
Renewable Energy
Generating energy from water & waste. Biomass for safe nutrient recovery & energy storage.
Hydropower schemes that remove river toxins, plastic trash & produce the least cost energy. These support healthier catchments and strengthen local economies.
Farming
By improving soil, water storage and productivity.
Water21 works with farmers and communities to rebuild soil health, retain water, reduce runoff and strengthen biodiversity — creating more resolved landscapes, productive farms and lasting local value that retains wealth.
Parliamentary Evidence
Living with Water – Flood Resilience of the Future (2015)
In 2015, Water21 was invited to provide oral evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group Commission of Inquiry into Flood Resilience of the Future, contributing practical experience in catchment management, sustainable drainage and landscape-scale water infrastructure. See our evidence highlighted on page 26, this formed part of a national inquiry exploring how the UK can better live with water through integrated, nature-based solutions.
Coherence is Water21’s forthcoming book. A practical exploration of water, landscape and systems thinking—drawing on four decades of engineering experience to rethink how we design, restore and live with water. Coming soon.
Selected Essays, a collection of chapters and essays exploring the ideas behind the book.
+ An Infrastructure of Trust
How water governance shapes the resilience of landscapes.
+ Flooding is a Landscape Design Problem
Why flood management must move beyond defence toward system design.
+ The Sewage Crisis is a Failure of System Design
Why wastewater problems reflect deeper failures in how landscapes are planned.
Get in Touch
Work With Water21
Water21 works with organisations, communities and institutions seeking to design water systems at landscape scale.
Strategy
Catchment-scale thinking for water, land and infrastructure.
Projects
Design and delivery of landscape water systems.
Advisory
Policy, governance and long-term water strategy.
