Water Management Alliance
The Water Management Alliance is a consortium of eight statutory Internal Drainage Boards delivering water level and flood risk management across 3,700+ km of watercourse in England, funded by drainage rates, special levies and Environment Agency grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersKing's Lynn, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Water Management Alliance does
The Water Management Alliance (WMA) is a consortium of eight Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and six associate boards, established in 2008 and headquartered in King's Lynn, England. Operating as a statutory public body under the Land Drainage Act 1991, it delivers water level management and flood risk management across more than 3,700 kilometres of watercourse and 306,299 hectares of catchment spanning South Lincolnshire, East Anglia, the South East, and (from June 2026) parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. Its core service lines include civil engineering, coastal engineering, watercourse maintenance, environmental services, MEICA (mechanical and electrical engineering for pumping stations), natural flood management, development control, and shared GIS mapping and telemetry. Notable technical assets include fish-friendly pumping stations, remote telemetry systems, and an interactive GIS mapping platform covering board boundaries, works programmes, capital works and electoral boundaries.
The WMA generates operating income through three principal revenue streams: statutory drainage rates levied annually on ratepayers within each IDB district based on property rateable values, special levies charged to local authorities, and project-specific funding from the Environment Agency and other partners. Capital project delivery is funded primarily through Environment Agency Grant-in-Aid, with current major schemes including the £48.3 million Upper Thurne Integrated Drainage Improvement Project (replacing 11 pumping stations protecting 708 properties and 6,300 hectares), the multi-year Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project (protecting 35 homes, 46 businesses, the A12 and 600 hectares of farmland), the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project (£3.677 million EA grant), and the Exeter Drain Improvement Project (over £164 million in avoided flood damages). Development contributions provide a transactional one-off revenue stream tied to new construction discharging surface water within IDB districts.
The consortium model delivers engineering, environmental, GIS, development control, governance and financial shared services across member boards, with 51–100 employees supporting both recurring operational delivery and large capital programmes. Key partners include BAM Nuttall, Balfour Beatty, Stantec, Jacobs, Turner & Townsend, Breheny Civil Engineers, Bedford Pumps, and ECS Engineering Services. The organisation is governed under the leadership of Chief Executive Marcus Coleman and Chair Sam Markillie MBE, holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, and operates as a non-profit public statutory entity rather than a commercially traded company.
Water Management Alliance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Water Management Alliance
- Legal name
- Water Management Alliance
- Website
- https://wlma.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Water Management Alliance is a consortium of eight statutory Internal Drainage Boards delivering water level and flood risk management across 3,700+ km of watercourse in England, funded by drainage rates, special levies and Environment Agency grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Water Management Alliance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Flood Risk and Water Management Services
- NAICS
- Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)
- SIC
- Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Detention, Retention & Storage Systems (Ponds, Tanks, Vaults) (EUANAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Real-Time Monitoring & Smart Stormwater (Sensors, SCADA/IoT, RTC) (EUANAEAK), Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Asset Management (EUAEAMAH), Design & Engineering for Renewal/Expansion (Pipelines, Pump Stations, Treatment Plants) (EUANALAD), Water, Wastewater & Hydraulics Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAD)
Keywords
Where Water Management Alliance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- King's Lynn
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Water Management Alliance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Drainage Rates: Annual drainage rates levied on ratepayers within each IDB district based on property rateable values. Property owners within the Internal Drainage District pay drainage rates to fund water level management services.
- Special Levies: Special levies charged to local authorities within the IDB district. These contribute to funding water management services and infrastructure maintenance.
- Environment Agency Grant-in-Aid Funding: Capital project funding received from the Environment Agency for specific infrastructure projects, such as the £3,677,352 Grant-in-Aid for the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project.
- Development Contributions: One-off charges placed on developments requiring discharge of surface water to the drainage district. Reflects potential costs for managing additional runoff from new impermeable areas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Drainage Rates - Annual levy on rateable properties |
| Subscription | Annual | Special Levies - Charged to local authorities |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Development Contribution - One-time charge for new development |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Water Management Alliance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Water Management Alliance is a consortium of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) delivering water level management and flood risk management services across South Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and the South East of England. It operates and maintains arterial watercourses, pumping stations, and drainage infrastructure, while also providing development consent, environmental, mapping, and civil/mechanical engineering services through shared specialist teams.
Product overview
Water Management Alliance (WMA) is a consortium of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) providing water level and flood risk management services across South Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and the South East. The organization offers a portfolio of services including Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Watercourse Maintenance, Environmental Services, MEICA (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering), Natural Flood Management, and Partnership Working. The WMA delivers major capital projects such as the Upper Thurne Integrated Drainage Improvement Project, Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project, Magdalen Fen Strategy Project, and Exeter Drain Improvement Project. Services are provided through member boards covering Broads IDB, King's Lynn IDB, Norfolk Rivers IDB, South Holland IDB, East Suffolk WMB, Waveney Lower Yare & Lothingland IDB, and Pevensey & Cuckmere WLMB.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Civil Engineering Civil engineering services for water management infrastructure including pumping stations, watercourses, and water control structures, delivered to member boards and partner authorities.
- Coastal Engineering Coastal engineering services for flood defence and coastal protection projects, provided to member boards and partner authorities.
- Watercourse Maintenance Maintenance services for watercourses, drainage systems, and arterial watercourses across the WMA network.
- Environmental Services Environmental management services including ecological surveys, biodiversity protection, and environmental compliance for water management operations.
- MEICA (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering) Mechanical and electrical engineering services for pumping stations and water control infrastructure operated by member boards.
- Natural Flood Management Natural flood management solutions using environmental and ecological approaches to flood risk reduction across catchments.
- Development and Consent Services Regulation of development and drainage management including land drainage consent, byelaws enforcement, planning application consultation, and development contribution charges.
- Mapping Services Interactive board maps and GIS mapping tools showing catchment boundaries, drainage districts, pumping stations, watercourses, and water control structures for each member board.
- Exeter Drain Improvement Project Improvement works to Exeter Drain in Spalding including culvert replacement and lining, and open channel replacement to reduce surface water flood risk, protecting 692 residential and several non-residential properties.
- Benacre and Kessingland Flood Management Project Flood management project protecting 35 homes, 46 businesses, the A12 and 600 hectares of farmland from tidal and surface water flooding in Suffolk, including coastal realignment and intertidal marsh habitat creation.
- Upper Thurne Integrated Drainage Improvement Project Major investment replacing or refurbishing 11 pumping stations within the River Thurne catchment, protecting over 6,300 hectares of Broads district and 708 properties.
- Magdalen Fen Strategy Project Drainage improvement project protecting 119 homes, businesses, SSSI land and agricultural fenland by replacing infrastructure including pumping stations and culverts in the Magdalen area.
Quantifiable outcome
- 708 properties protected across Upper Thurne catchment
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Water Management Alliance
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Water Management Alliance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Water Management Alliance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- BAM NuttallcoreBAM Nuttall was awarded a £9.5 million contract to deliver three replacement pumping stations (Martham, Potter Heigham, and Brograve) as part of the Upper Thurne Flood Risk Management Project. The NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract was signed on 14 April 2026, with works programmed through to September 2028. The contract covers design and construction of new pumping stations including civil, mechanical, and electrical improvements.
- JacobsmajorEngineering consultancy for Brograve Pumping Station Replacement project as part of Upper Thurne Integrated Drainage Improvement Project.
- Turner & TownsendmajorProject management consultancy for Brograve Pumping Station Replacement project as part of Upper Thurne Integrated Drainage Improvement Project.
- Breheny Civil EngineerscoreCivil engineering contractor partner for the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project, delivering infrastructure improvements including pumping station upgrades and culvert replacements.
- Bedford Pumps LtdcorePump supplier for the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project, providing pumping equipment for drainage infrastructure upgrades.
- ECS Engineering ServicescoreEngineering services partner for the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project, contributing to pumping station mechanical and electrical works.
- StanteccoreEngineering consultancy partner for the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project, providing technical expertise for drainage improvement works.
- Balfour BeattycorePrimary contractor for the Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project, delivering coastal engineering and flood defence construction works from Spring 2025 to Summer 2030.
- Environment AgencycoreKey funding partner and statutory body for flood risk management projects. Provides Grant-in-Aid funding for capital projects including Upper Thurne (£48.3 million programme) and Benacre & Kessingland projects. Responsible for main river management and national flood defence investment programme (£1.4 billion for 2026/27).
- Anglian (Eastern) Regional Flood & Coastal CommitteecoreFunding partner for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project, contributing to coastal and flood risk management investments.
- Suffolk County CouncilcoreFunding partner and local authority partner for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project.
- East Suffolk CouncilcoreLocal authority partner and funding contributor for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project.
- Sizewell CmajorFunding partner for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project as part of nuclear power station infrastructure investment in the region.
- Benacre EstatemajorLandowner partner for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project, collaborating on coastal realignment scheme and habitat creation.
- Parkdean ResortsmajorPartner for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project, with embankment and pumping station works around the Parkdean Resorts holiday village in Kessingland.
- Oxford ArchaeologyminorArchaeological consultancy engaged for Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project to conduct archaeological investigations during construction phase.
- Lincolnshire County CouncilcorePartner in Exeter Drain Improvement Project, working with WMA and Environment Agency on flood risk management for Spalding area.
- Middle Level CommissionerscoreNeighbouring drainage authority whose Main Drain serves as navigation channel and affects gravity discharge capacity for Magdalen catchment in Magdalen Fen Strategy Project.
- Bedfordshire and River Ivel Internal Drainage BoardcoreOne of three predecessor boards amalgamated to form Upper Ouse Water Management Board, which joined WMA in June 2026.
- Buckinghamshire and River Ouzel Internal Drainage BoardcoreOne of three predecessor boards amalgamated to form Upper Ouse Water Management Board, which joined WMA in June 2026.
- Alconbury and Ellington Internal Drainage BoardcoreOne of three predecessor boards amalgamated to form Upper Ouse Water Management Board, which joined WMA in June 2026.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Water Management Alliance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Environment Agency: The UK's statutory regulator for flood risk management and the principal grant funder for WMA's capital projects. Comparable as the overarching public authority governing main rivers, flood defence investment, and coastal protection across England, with which WMA member boards partner and from which they receive Grant-in-Aid funding.
- Anglian Water: The regional water and sewerage utility serving the same East Anglia geography as several WMA member boards. Comparable as a regulated water utility operating in overlapping catchments, though focused on potable water supply and wastewater treatment rather than land drainage and flood risk management.
- Severn Trent: Major UK water utility operating across the Midlands with regulated water and wastewater services. Comparable as a regional water company in the same broad utilities category as WMA's water management functions, though focused on municipal water supply rather than land drainage.
Regional players
- Kent County Council (Flood Risk Management): Lead Local Flood Authority for Kent operating drainage and flood risk functions in a different English region from WMA. Comparable as a public-sector body exercising statutory flood risk management duties, but serving a separate geography rather than directly competing for WMA's drainage rate base.
Others
- Jacobs: Engineering consultancy engaged on the Brograve Pumping Station Replacement project as part of WMA's Upper Thurne programme. Comparable as a flood and water infrastructure consultancy supporting UK drainage authorities, though contracted to deliver technical services rather than operating its own drainage districts.
- Stantec: Global engineering consultancy engaged by WMA as the engineering partner on the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project. Comparable as a technical advisor and contractor in the UK water and flood risk management sector, though operating in a vendor capacity rather than as a service delivery peer.
- Natural England: Statutory nature conservation body advising on environmental designations relevant to WMA's Broads, SSSI, and intertidal marsh projects. Comparable as an ecosystem partner whose environmental compliance remit shapes WMA's project design, rather than a direct competitor in drainage services.
- Balfour Beatty: Primary contractor delivering the Benacre & Kessingland Flood Management Project for WMA from 2025 to 2030. Comparable as a Tier 1 infrastructure delivery partner in the UK flood and coastal defence sector, engaged by WMA on a contract basis rather than competing for the same statutory drainage mandate.
- DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs): UK government department setting flood and coastal erosion risk management policy, funding the Environment Agency, and shaping the legislative framework under which WMA operates. Comparable as the ultimate policy sponsor of the IDB sector, rather than a commercial service peer.
Direct peers
- Middle Level Commissioners: A neighbouring Internal Drainage Board and navigation authority covering the Middle Level catchment in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Directly comparable as a statutory drainage authority operating Main Drains that affect WMA's gravity discharge capacity for the Magdalen catchment, and a mutual partner on the Magdalen Fen Strategy Project.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Water Management Alliance social profiles
Digital presenceWater Management Alliance compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Water Management Alliance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Water Management Alliance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Water Management Alliance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Water Management Alliance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Water Management Alliance
What does Water Management Alliance do?
The Water Management Alliance is a consortium of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) delivering water level management and flood risk management services across South Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and the South East of England. It operates and maintains arterial watercourses, pumping stations, and drainage infrastructure, while also providing development consent, environmental, mapping, and civil/mechanical engineering services through shared specialist teams.
Is Water Management Alliance a public or private company?
Water Management Alliance is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Water Management Alliance founded?
Water Management Alliance was founded in 2008. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Water Management Alliance based?
Water Management Alliance is headquartered in King's Lynn, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Water Management Alliance make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Drainage Rates are the primary driver. The others are special Levies, environment Agency Grant-in-Aid Funding and development Contributions.
Who are Water Management Alliance's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Environment Agency, Anglian Water and Severn Trent. Kent County Council (Flood Risk Management) is listed as a regional player. Others are Jacobs, Stantec, Natural England, Balfour Beatty and DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Middle Level Commissioners is listed as a direct peer.
Does Water Management Alliance have an API?
No public API is recorded for Water Management Alliance.
What industry is Water Management Alliance in?
Water Management Alliance's product category is Flood Risk and Water Management Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUANAEAD, Detention, Retention & Storage Systems (Ponds, Tanks, Vaults), with a secondary code of EUANAEAK, Real-Time Monitoring & Smart Stormwater (Sensors, SCADA/IoT, RTC). Its NAICS code is 2213 and its SIC code is 4900.