What happens when water companies stop competing on data

The water sector faces some of the UK’s biggest environmental and infrastructure challenges. But solving them requires more than better technology. It requires better collaboration.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse, Zoe Cunningham is joined by Melissa Tallack, co-lead of the Stream initiative and former Head of Data and Digital at Anglian Water. Together they explore how water companies are working together to share data, learn from other industries and create more value for customers, society and the environment.

Melissa explains why breaking down data silos within organisations is only the first step. The real opportunity comes from sharing knowledge across an industry, and ultimately across sectors. From rail and energy to health and citizen science, she shares why the best ideas rarely stay in one place.

Whether you’re leading digital transformation in utilities, government or another regulated industry, this conversation offers practical lessons on open data, collaboration and creating lasting value.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why water companies are collaborating on open data rather than competing.

• How Stream is creating shared data infrastructure for the sector.

• Why borrowing ideas from rail, energy and other industries accelerates innovation.

• How to break down organisational and industry data silos.

• Why publishing data only matters if it creates measurable value.

• What other sectors can learn from the water industry’s collaborative approach.