How AMP8 is redefining water infrastructure delivery

AMP8 (Asset Management Period 8) marks one of the most ambitious investment periods the UK water sector has ever faced. Ofwat has approved a record £104 billion in funding for AMP8 water infrastructure delivery, which will be used to upgrade ageing networks, reduce pollution from sewage overflows, and improve water quality and resilience. 

Water companies and their delivery partners now face the challenge of transforming this large‑scale funding into practical, safe, and future‑ready infrastructure. This means adopting materials and systems that enhance on‑site safety, support efficient installation, and minimise maintenance burdens – especially across high‑corrosion and high‑risk environments. 

Discover how Ezi Klamp can help you prepare for the AMP8 changes below.

AMP8: the pressure, the opportunity, and the push for safer delivery

AMP8 (running from 2025-2030) is reshaping how utilities plan, procure, and deliver upgrades across their networks. Major frameworks have already been awarded to United Utilities, Wessex Water, Northumbrian Water, Southern Water, and Thames Water, setting the pace for an exceptionally busy investment period. 

The regulatory priorities that are driving AMP8 water infrastructure delivery include:

• Greater regulatory oversight, driven by heightened environmental performance requirements
• Improved resilience i.e. ensuring that assets can withstand climate impacts and long-term operational demands
• Enhanced utility infrastructure safety for both operatives and the public
• Efficient capital delivery, favouring modular systems that can be rapidly installed to reduce downtime and whole-life cost

These priorities are already shaping activity across treatment works, pumping stations, and critical network assets. Contractors are now facing much tougher environmental expectations and increased scrutiny around site safety. At the same time, there’s a growing need for durable, low-maintenance materials across these environments, as water infrastructure must withstand high levels of corrosion. 

Where our GRP access solutions fit into the AMP8 landscape

This is where our GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) access platforms come into their own. They’re exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are also much safer to handle than traditional steel alternatives – helping to support faster installation, reduce maintenance burdens, and help contractors stay aligned with AMP8 compliance from day one. At Ezi Klamp, we work closely with water authorities and their delivery partners to ensure that every GRP access system, platform, and barrier aligns with the operational and regulatory demands of this next investment cycle.

GRP is not new to the water industry – but as network demands grow and assets change, GRP is playing a vital role in water sector upgrades. GRP systems allow water companies to deliver safe, compliant, and low-maintenance infrastructure, even in the harshest environments. Here’s why GRP is such a game-changer for water infrastructure:

How our GRP systems are compliant with AMP8

1) Corrosion-resistant and built for water treatment environments

Exposure to harmful chemicals, constant moisture, and aggressive cleaning regimes can quickly degrade steel. GRP, however, is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for settlement tanks, treatment works, and odour control facilities. This helps to reduce long-term maintenance costs and keeps sites operational for longer. 

2) Lightweight, modular, and fast to install

AMP8 places huge pressure on delivery teams to accelerate their project timelines. Our GRP platforms and access structures are up to 75% lighter than steel, meaning they are easier to transport and can be quickly assembled on-site. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and keeps your project running smoothly with minimal downtime.

3) Designed for safer access and better compliance

AMP8 for water infrastructure is laser-focused on operational safety. Our GRP access systems are non-conductive, anti-slip, and built to suit confined spaces, raised work areas, and tricky site geometries. When combined with our GRP handrails, you gain a fully compliant barrier system that’s perfect for any water-sector setting.

4) Reduced lifetime risk and lower carbon impact

Water companies are now under significant pressure to reduce embodied carbon. GRP has a lower environmental footprint compared to steel, particularly when considered over its full lifecycle. It requires minimal maintenance and aligns naturally with AMP8’s sustainability priorities.

5) Flexible design for any AMP8 project stage

GRP can be tailored to almost any configuration, whether it’s a quick retrofit during an outage window or a full-scale upgrade of a treatment facility. At Ezi Klamp, we provide comprehensive design support to ensure our customers get a safe, durable, and cost-effective solution that aligns with the latest AMP8 guidance.

Need help complying with the latest AMP8 guidance?

At Ezi Klamp, we understand the regulatory pressures and practical challenges of AMP8 water infrastructure delivery. Our team works closely with you from specification through to installation, designing long-life, low-maintenance GRP solutions that comply with all relevant water-industry standards. Whether you’re planning early-stage designs or preparing for major capital works, our GRP systems are guaranteed to help you deliver safety, sustainably, and on schedule.

Planning AMP8 upgrades? Talk to Ezi Klamp for GRP systems that deliver safety, speed, and compliance. 

FAQs

1) What is AMP8 and why does it matter?

AMP8 is the 2025-2030 investment cycle for the UK water industry. It sets new regulatory expectations for safety, resilience, and environmental performance, and defines how water companies will spend the billions of pounds invested in network upgrades.

2) Why is GRP important for AMP8 water infrastructure?

GRP is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, modular, and inherently safer than many traditional materials, making it the perfect material for AMP8 water infrastructure. It helps contractors comply with AMP8 while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

3) Are GRP platforms suitable for wastewater and chemical environments?

Yes. GRP performs exceptionally well in corrosive, wet, and high-humidity environments, making it ideal for settlement tanks, pumping stations, and water treatment facilities.