Below Ground Drainage, Sewage and Surface Water Management Market Report – UK 2025-2029
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The 2nd Edition of the Barbour ABI Below Ground Drainage, Sewage and Surface Water Management Systems UK 2025-2029 market report provides detailed insight into the UK market for below ground drainage, sewer systems, and surface water management products. Valued at an estimated ยฃ846 million in 2024, the market is entering a new phase of steady growth, underpinned by government infrastructure investment, housebuilding targets, and urgent upgrades to ageing drainage networks.
The report explores trends in plastic, concrete, clay, and metal product systems, and evaluates the impact of legislation, climate resilience, and urban development on demand. It also profiles leading manufacturers and maps out distribution strategies across key merchant and direct supply channels. With five-year forecasts and granular segmentation by material and application, this report is essential for suppliers, contractors, and industry stakeholders navigating this complex and evolving sector.
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The UK market for below ground drainage and surface water management systems was valued at ยฃ846 million at manufacturers’ selling prices (MSP) in 2024, reflecting steady growth of around 9% since 2021. Despite economic challenges, the market is forecast to expand by 3โ4% annually through to 2029, driven by rising investment in housing and infrastructure, regulatory pressures for sustainable drainage solutions (SUDS), and the urgent need to upgrade ageing sewer networks. Population growth, climate change impact, and urban development continue to shape demand, while leading manufacturers such as Polypipe, Wavin, FP McCann, and Aliaxis play a critical role in supplying innovative drainage solutions across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Report Overview and Key Points
- Annual growth of 3โ4% is forecast between 2025 and 2029, supported by housing development targets, sewer network upgrades, and wider infrastructure investment.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are becoming a critical market driver, with regulatory frameworks tightening around water management in new developments.
- Key sectors driving demand include residential new builds, commercial projects, infrastructure upgrades, and land drainage for agricultural applications.
- The market is led by manufacturers such as Polypipe (Genuit Group), Wavin, FP McCann, and Aliaxis, with plastic and precast concrete products accounting for the majority of system installations.
- Climate change impacts, including increased frequency of major flood events and storm overflow incidents, are accelerating investment in sustainable and resilient drainage solutions.
- The main distribution channels for these products remain civils merchants such as Wolseley Infrastructure (Burdens Civils, MPS Civils), Jewson Civils, Frazer, and Grafton Merchanting.
Market Size
The UK below ground drainage and surface water management market reached an estimated ยฃ846 million in 2024, achieving steady growth of 9% since 2021 despite wider economic challenges, and signalling strong underlying demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
Market Analysis
Growth is driven by new housing developments, investment in sewer networks, and the rising need for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as flood risks and climate resilience pressures increase.
Urban expansion, major flood events, and regulatory changes โ including the move towards mandatory SUDS for new developments โ are accelerating long-term demand. Materials such as plastic (60%) and precast concrete (25%) dominate the market, with plastic pipes preferred in residential and smaller commercial projects, while concrete is critical for major sewer systems.
The market is led by a small number of major suppliers, including Polypipe (Genuit Group), Wavin, FP McCann, Marshalls Mono, and Aliaxis. Distribution is primarily through civils merchants, although large projects increasingly involve direct supply.
While rising raw material costs and political uncertainty remain challenges, opportunities linked to green infrastructure, climate adaptation, and net zero targets are strong. The market is forecast to grow by 3โ4% annually through to 2029, supported by increased investment in housing, infrastructure, and flood management initiatives.
Forecastย
The UK market for below ground drainage and surface water management products is projected to grow steadily over the next five years, with an anticipated annual increase of 3โ4% through 2029.
This growth is underpinned by several key factors:
- Government Initiatives: New housing policies and infrastructure investments are expected to boost demand for drainage solutions, particularly in urban areas experiencing rapid development.
- Climate Change Adaptation: The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as major flooding, necessitates the implementation of robust drainage systems to manage surface water effectively.
- Aging Infrastructure: The UK’s existing sewer and drainage networks are aging and require significant upgrades to meet current and future demands, driving investment in modern drainage technologies.
- Regulatory Changes: The anticipated mandatory implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) for new developments will further stimulate market growth, encouraging the adoption of innovative and sustainable drainage solutions.
Key Companies Mentioned in the Reportย
The UK below ground drainage and surface water management market is led by a handful of major suppliers:
- Genuit Group (Polypipe) โ Leading manufacturer of plastic drainage systems for residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
- Wavin UK โ Supplier of plastic pipe systems, including the well-known Osma brand.
- FP McCann โ Specialises in precast concrete pipes and drainage products for civil engineering projects.
- Aliaxis โ Global provider of advanced plastic piping and drainage solutions.
- Naylor Drainage โ Offers a wide range of clay and plastic drainage systems across several sectors.
- ACO Water Management โ Market leader in surface water and linear drainage systems.
- Brett Martin Drainage โ Supplies underground drainage, rainwater systems, and chambers.
- Marshalls Mono โ Provides precast concrete drainage products, including pipes and manholes.
These companies play a central role in supplying products essential for improving the UK’s drainage infrastructure, flood resilience, and sustainable water management.
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Sources of Information
- 1.3 Glossary
- SUMMARY
- 2.1 Market Background
- 2.2 Market Prospects
- BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE, SEWAGE AND SURFACE WATER
- 3.1 Product Definitions
- 3.2 Market Size and Recent Trends
- 3.3 Key Market Influences
- 3.3.1 Population Growth
- 3.2.2 Urban Creep and Urban Expansion
- 3.2.3 Ageing Sewage Systems
- 3.2.4 Water Companiesโ Asset Management Plans
- 3.2.5 Climate Change and Increases in Flooding
- 3.2.6 Demand for Sustainable Products and Technological Advancements
- 3.2.7 UK Construction Output
- 3.2.8 Disruption to Supply Chains
- 3.2.9 UK Materials Cost Increases
- PRODUCT SEGMENTATION
- 4.1 Market Mix by Material
- 4.1.2 Plastic Systems
- 4.1.3 Precast Concrete
- 4.1.4 Clay Systems
- 4.1.5 Metal Systems
- 4.1.6 Linear Drainage
- 4.2.1 Market Size
- 4.2.2. Major Suppliers
- 4.3 Concrete Below Ground Drainage Systems
- 4.3.1 Market Size
- 4.3.2 Major Suppliers
- 4.4 Metal below Ground Drainage, Sewage and Surface Water Systems
- 4.4.1 Market Size
- 4.4.2 Major Suppliers
- 4.5 Clay Pipes, Fittings and Associated Products
- 4.5.1 Market Size
- 4.5.2 Major Suppliers
- 4.6 Linear Drainage Systems
- 4.6.1 Market Sizing
- 4.6.2 Major Suppliers
- MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTOR REVIEW
- 5.1 Manufacturers and Supplierโs Overview
- 5.2 Key Supplier Profiles
- 5.3.1 Plastic Below Ground Drainage Products
- 5.3.2 Metal drainage products
- 5.3.3 Linear drainage
- MERCHANTS AND DISTRIBUTORS
- 6.1 Civils and Drainage Specialist Distributors with Depots
Jewson Civils Frazer (JCF) - 6.1.2 Others
- 6.2 General Builders and Plumbersโ Merchants
Travis Perkins Stores
- INNOVATION
Research Services Offered By Barbour ABI
Tables and Charts
CHART 1: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE AND SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS BY VALUE (ยฃM MSP) 2016-2025
TABLE 2: POPULATION FORECASTS FOR UK AND REGIONS 2020 AND 2030
CHART 3: UK – NUMBER OF DWELLINGS 2016-2018 AND PROJECTIONS 2019 -2039
TABLE 4: WATER & SEWERAGE COMPANIES
CHART 5: UK NEW SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION -CONTRACTORS OUTPUT BY VALUE 2015 -2021
CHART 6: PRICE INDICES FOR PRODUCTS USED IN BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE 2016 -JUNE 2021
TABLE 7: FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS STATE OF TRADE SURVEYS % OF RESPONDENTS REPORTING SKILLED TRADES IN SHORT SUPPLY
CHART 8: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE, SEWER PIPES & FITTINGS, CHANNEL DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS BY VALUE 2020
CHART 9: UK TOTAL MARKET FOR PLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS FOR UTILITIES APPLICATIONS 2015 -2020
CHART 10: UK MARKET FOR PLASTIC UTILITIES PIPES AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS โ PRODUCT MIX BY BROAD PRODUCT CATEGORY BY VALUE 2020
CHART 11: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND PLASTIC DRAINAGE, SEWER AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS BY VALUE 2015 -2020
TABLE 12: LEADING MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS OF PLASTIC BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE, SEWER AND SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CORE PRODUCT GROUPS.
CHART 13: PLASTIC BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE, SEWER AND SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS-DISTRIBUTION MIX BY VALUE
CHART 14: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND CONCRETE PIPES & FITTINGS BY VALUE 2015 โ 2020
CHART 15: PRECAST CONCRETE GROUND DRAINAGE – DISTRIBUTION MIX BY VALUE
CHART 16: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND METAL DRAINAGE, SEWER AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS BY VALUE 2015 -2020
CHART 17: UK MARKET FOR BELOW GROUND CLAY PIPES & FITTINGS 2015-2020
CHART 18: CLAY GROUND DRAINAGE -DISTRIBUTION MIX BY VALUE
TABLE 19: LEADING UK SUPPLIERS OF BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE PRODUCTS – MARKET SHARES BY VALUE 2020
The UK below ground drainage market is being shaped by several major trends.
Rising housing development and urban expansion continue to drive demand for new drainage infrastructure, while increasing climate change risks โ including more frequent flooding โ are accelerating investment in surface water management.
There is a growing shift toward the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), supported by tightening regulations that are likely to make SUDS mandatory for most new developments.
At the same time, aging sewer networks and pressure from environmental groups over water pollution incidents are prompting urgent infrastructure upgrades.
Material innovation remains important, with continued preference for lightweight plastics (PVC-u, HDPE) over traditional materials in many applications, although precast concrete remains dominant for large-scale sewer projects.
Finally, government policies encouraging green infrastructure and a strong focus on net zero carbon targets are influencing both public and private sector investment strategies.
Legislative and Regulatory
The market is shaped by several key frameworks, including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Building Regulations Part H, and the National Planning Policy Framework, all aimed at reducing flood risk and promoting sustainable drainage.
Pending implementation of Schedule 3 of the FWMA in England is expected to make Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) mandatory for most new developments โ a major shift for developers, planners, and suppliers.
Regulatory oversight comes from the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs), and in future, SuDS Approving Bodies (SABs), with increasing focus on environmental protection, surface water control, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Product Category
The market includes a wide range of factory-made products used for managing wastewater and surface water below ground:
- Plastic Drainage Pipes โ Typically made from PVC-U, HDPE, or PP, used extensively in residential and light commercial applications.
- Precast Concrete Pipes โ Used for large-diameter sewerage systems, culverts, and infrastructure projects.
- Clay Pipes โ Still used in traditional drainage systems, especially for buildings and commercial drainage.
- Iron Products โ Including ductile iron pipes and cast-iron manhole covers, frames, and gratings.
- Fittings and Accessories โ Bends, couplings, chambers, and adaptors used to connect and maintain pipe systems.
- Land Drainage Pipes โ Perforated and unperforated pipes for agriculture, landscaping, and attenuation systems.
- Twinwall Pipes โ Durable HDPE pipes for surface water, stormwater, and floodwater applications.
- Linear Drainage Systems โ Includes channel drains, slot drains, and combined kerb drainage, linking surface water run-off to underground systems.
- Stormwater Attenuation Systems โ Modular crates, tanks, and infiltration units designed to manage flow during heavy rainfall.
Sector Analysis
Residential Construction
Demand is being driven by new housing developments, with stronger planning policies pushing for increased homebuilding volumes across the UK. Drainage systems for residential developments increasingly require Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to meet planning and environmental regulations.
Commercial and Industrial Construction
Projects such as retail parks, business centres, industrial estates, and mixed-use schemes require large-scale drainage solutions, often integrating attenuation systems, twinwall pipes, and linear drainage.
Public Sector and Environmental Projects
Government-driven projects focused on flood prevention, watercourse management, and green infrastructure (e.g., sustainable parks and city-wide SuDS installations) represent a growing area of opportunity, particularly under net zero and biodiversity targets.
Overall, all sectors are seeing a shift toward higher-specification, environmentally compliant drainage solutions, creating opportunities for innovation in materials, systems design, and smart water management technologies.
Distributor and Supplier Analysis
The UK below ground drainage market has a well-established but evolving distribution structure.
- Civils Merchants dominate supply for most drainage products, with key players including Wolseley Infrastructure (Burdens and MPS Civils), Jewson Civils (Stark Group), Grafton Merchanting (Civils & Lintels and PDM), and Keyline Civils Specialist (Travis Perkins Group). These merchants are critical in supplying contractors and developers for both housing and infrastructure projects.
- Direct Sales are more prominent for larger commercial, infrastructure, and government contracts, where manufacturers work directly with contractors and specifiers to deliver large-volume or bespoke drainage solutions.
- Online and Specialist Distributors are an emerging growth channel, particularly for smaller projects, retrofits, and self-builders, offering ease of access to a wide range of standardised drainage products.
- Supplier Concentration:
The market for manufactured drainage products remains fairly concentrated. Key suppliers include Genuit Group (Polypipe), Wavin UK, FP McCann, Aliaxis, ACO Technologies, and Naylor Industries, supported by a network of smaller and specialist manufacturers.
Overall, traditional merchant channels remain dominant, but the market is becoming more fragmented with the growth of online sales and direct-to-site delivery models, particularly for modular drainage and water management systems.
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