We reconvened the Stream Technical Advisory Group, Co-chaired by Icebreaker One and Pennon Group.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026 10:00-11:30 BST

Location: Online

Co-Chairs: Lucy Chambers (IB1); Katy Woodward (United Utilities)

Secretariat: Icebreaker One 

Meeting Aims

1. Understand the Open Data/EIR situation and agree how to work with EIR teams. 
2. Create a clear set of recommendations for the SG members in regards to the upcoming outcomes

Summary:

• It was agreed that:
  • The outcomes for the two pillars would be presented as a high level summary to Steering Group: 
    • Data Sharing Governance will focus on establishing a sector adopted, standardised data sharing governance framework and the implementation of it for one use case
    • Technology will focus on delivering the design phase of CWQM development and redesigning and deploying Stream’s new website.
• It was noted that:
  • Work relating to citizen science data with CaSTCo was reported as deferred due to delays on the project side.
  • Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests were perceived to be increasing across water companies.
  • The top EIR request themes for 2025 were reported as water quality and chemicals, wastewater and pollution events, assets and infrastructure, water resources, and requests relating to particular places, assets or incidents.
  • There was concern that Stream data may be generating additional requests, despite the intention that published data should reduce handling effort.
  • AI-generated requests may be contributing to increased request volume and complexity.
  • Users may have varying levels of data literacy, affecting their ability to interpret published datasets.
• It was discussed that:
  • A survey or engagement approach should be developed with EIR teams to understand whether requests are increasing, whether Stream is affecting volumes, and what support would help those teams.
  • Any survey should likely be short, standardized, and possibly complemented by face-to-face conversations.
  • Useful metrics could include request volumes, request handling times, whether requests were closed more quickly using Stream data, and whether requests were prompted by existing Stream datasets.
  • A more standardised industry approach to EIR requests may be worth exploring, while recognising that responses would still be managed by individual companies.

Next meeting: Tuesday 30 June 2026 10:00-11:30 BST

Formal records, including attendees, are maintained by the secretariat. 

These are confidential to the Advisory Group Members.