Martin Gooch of BIM4Water discusses the forum’s newly approved Roadmap, which sets out key measures to support its core mission of leading the digital transformation of the water sector through better information management
Established in 2013 as part of the government’s BIM Task Group initiative, BIM4Water is an expert forum that promotes BIM as a process in conjunction with digital engineering across the UK’s water sector.
It aims to lead this digital transformation though Better Information Management.
Following approval by our Steering Group, we have formally adopted the BIM4Water Roadmap 2026-2030+, which provides a strategic direction for the forum through AMP8 and into the early planning of AMP9.
The Roadmap is structured around four industry outcomes.
Promote a best practice information management framework
Integrating and leveraging data from multiple sources including assets, sensors, control systems, maintenance activities and the broader supply chain enable a powerful foundation for more proactive maintenance, improved risk management and better
long-term planning.
Supporting the sector through guidance aligned with ISO 19650, a robust Asset Information Management Strategy (AIMS) will support water companies to manage these diverse data streams into actionable intelligence that supports proactive maintenance, informed risk management and strategic planning.
The aim is to create trusted foundations for information management that can be adopted across the water sector to achieve a common approach.
Support and enable educational pathways
Developing learning frameworks, competency models, outreach initiatives and stronger links between industry and academia to ensure the sector has the skills required
for the future.
Promote organisational change management and collaboration
Recognising that successful digital transformation is as much about people, culture and leadership as it is about technology.
BIM4Water will develop collaboration models, maturity assessments, case studies and practical guidance to support change across the supply chain.
Enable strategically aligned innovation
Creating opportunities for innovation through knowledge sharing, AI use cases, collaboration with innovation centres and the development of practical pathways to deliver measurable value.
The Roadmap’s ambition is clear: move from isolated digital initiatives towards a connected information ecosystem that better serves customers, communities and the environment.
New faces
As BIM4Water moves from Roadmap development into delivery, we have welcomed two experienced leaders to our Steering Group.
Marcus Chambers, UK & Ireland information management lead at Stantec, is rejoining the Steering Group. He brings extensive experience in information management, digital delivery and strategic transformation across infrastructure programmes. He will focus on the practical delivery of the Roadmap.
Roi Otero of Autodesk is also joining the Steering Group as a co-opted member.
His career spans construction, utility operations and technology. Today, Roi serves as senior manager, water industry and business strategy at Autodesk, working with customers, industry partners and internal teams to support digital transformation across the water sector.
BIM4Water and Women in BIM formalise collaboration
Elsewhere, BIM4Water has signed a collaboration agreement with Women in BIM, strengthening cooperation between two communities committed to advancing digital
transformation and professional development across the built environment.
This partnership recognises that successful digital transformation depends upon diverse perspectives, inclusive leadership and creating pathways for future talent to enter and thrive within the industry.
Looking ahead
The publication of the Roadmap, the development of the AIMS Framework, our partnership with Women in BIM and the strengthening of our Steering Group demonstrate our passion to support the water sector in digital transformation.
The challenge is now the successful adoption of best practice and obtaining feedback from the sector. Success will not be measured by guidance documents alone but by evidence of use across owner-operators, procurement processes, projects and operational environments.
As always, BIM4Water welcomes participation from across the water sector. Whether your interests lie in information management, digital engineering, asset data standards, skills, organisational change or innovation, there are many opportunities to contribute.
Together, we can continue building a more connected, collaborative and information-driven water sector.
