The water and wastewater sector is a significant component of the regional economy. United Utilities alone is investing £2.9 billion in the current asset management plan from 2005-2010.

A number of leading global and multi-disciplinary consultancies operating in water utilities have a presence in the region including Biwater Treatment, MWH and Atkins. There are also a large number of specialised smaller enterprises offering relevant technologies and services. In addition to the water utility market, the regions industrial make-up has helped to foster a strong supply chain dealing with industrial water management including technologies for effluent treatment, water-reuse and monitoring.

As the UK market develops these companies are increasingly trading in expanding overseas markets in particular Central & Eastern Europe.

Although predominantly service based may of the companies do manufacture products in the Northwest. The sector's high levels of both knowledge and technology are complimented by the regional knowledge base which has significant expertise in water and wastewater management. Lancaster University's Environment Centre houses the largest concentration of Environmental Scientists in Europe and Liverpool’s SWIMMER institute has been established to provide a hub for water related research in the University.