Become a Watermark Town

Join the new network of towns working to save water, manage rainwater, reduce runoff and improve the local environment.


Applications are currently closed

Applications to join the Watermark Town Awards programme for 2026 are now closed but will reopen for 2027 from 5th October until 20th November 2026.

About the programme

As a Watermark Town, you will lead sustainable water communities to improve life for people, places and the planet.

Safe water and wastewater services are essential for our day-to-day lives, our wellbeing and the natural world.

We recognise that we must work with local communities to help tackle climate and nature emergencies and respond to the need for:

  • carbon neutrality
  • rising public expectations of the environment
  • higher living costs
  • long-term resilience.

With the help of our customers, communities and stakeholders, we want to build a sustainable future where everyone values water and understands their water supply and waste systems.

You will join a network of concerned and responsible communities helping to increase awareness and take action to save water and protect the local environment.

Who can take part

This programme is designed for town councils in our region. You will need to commit to giving your officers time to manage the programme locally.

If you are a parish council with limited officer resources, you can still take part. We have a simplified programme that shares the same themes.

What it will involve

A breakdown of responsibilities

What we will do

  • Design a map of your town or parish for use in the workshop.
  • Provide social media packs and campaign materials.
  • Support your workshops and guide your communities through the key themes.
  • Provide specific local area information about networks, assets and water use.
  • Provide a maximum of £2,000 to deliver projects or provide practical support such as water butts.

What you will do

  • Agree a council resolution to support working towards Watermark Town status.
  • Provide officer time to help coordinate and lead the project locally.
  • Promote the Watermark Town aims to the wider community.
  • Run campaigns and hold local groups to help deliver local projects.
Wessex Water Watermark Town Award Logo

After the programme

The first year is just the launch of the programme in your area. We hope that your commitment to sustainable practices and Watermark Town status becomes embedded in your community and continues after the first year.

We will continue to provide information and support beyond this first year as you join the network of Watermark Towns in our region.

We have found that occasionally projects begun in the first year, might get rolled into the second year. That’s okay with us, and you will have our continued support.

If you have any questions

For any further enquiries, please contact community@wessexwater.co.uk

What our Watermark Towns have achieved so far

A number of towns have been taking part in the programme – find out what they have achieved and how their communities have benefited.