UK wastewater analysis reveals scale of drug consumption as Scottish firm, Aqua Clear, leads supply-side national monitoring programme
A UK Government-backed wastewater analysis programme is changing how drug consumption is measured across England and Scotland, providing near real-time insights into public health and criminal activity
At the centre of this work is Aqua Clear, acting as contract lead within a consortium including Eurofins, delivering the latest phase of the Home Office’s wastewater analysis programme. (See below for the full Home Office Report.)
The initiative uses wastewater sampling to detect drug metabolites, providing an objective, population-level measure of consumption, independent of surveys or enforcement data.
Recent findings highlight sharp shifts in drug use
Recent Government-backed wastewater analysis reveals significant changes in drug consumption patterns across the UK, with sharp increases in several substances alongside a notable decline in others.
These findings provide one of the clearest pictures to date of changing drug habits at a population level, highlighting the rapid rise of so-called “party drugs” and evolving patterns of use across the country.
A UK-wide programme with real-world impact
Running since 2021, with Aqua Clear being involved since August 2024, the programme covers a substantial proportion of the population across both England and Scotland, with expanded monitoring sites and more advanced detection methods.
The data is already being used by government and public health bodies to:
Aqua Clear delivering UK-wide capability
Based in Scotland, Aqua Clear provides wastewater monitoring services across the UK, supporting clients including the Home Office, HMPPS, UKHSA, the Ministry of Justice, local authorities, and commercial operators across retail and hospitality.
As contract lead on the current phase of the programme, Aqua Clear is responsible for overall delivery of the contract and sampling activities.
Kenny McGregor, Director at Aqua Clear, said:
“This programme changes how drug use can be understood at a national level. Wastewater analysis provides a near real-time picture of population behaviour in a way that has not been possible before.
As a Scotland-based company working across the UK, we are proud to be leading delivery on behalf of the Home Office alongside our partners. The data is already supporting more informed public health responses and enforcement activity.”
Looking ahead
Wastewater-based analysis is becoming an important tool for understanding population-level behaviour.
As the methodology develops, it is expected to play a growing role in public health monitoring and policy development, alongside more traditional data sources.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Kenny McGregor
Director
kenny@aquaclearsc.com
Julie Caughey
Project Manager
Julie.caughey@aquaclearsc.com
www.aquaclearsc.com
About Aqua Clear
Aqua Clear is a Scotland-based specialist in wastewater monitoring and environmental analysis, delivering services across the UK for both public and private sector clients.
The company works with organisations including the Home Office, HMPPS, UKHSA and the Ministry of Justice, as well as local authorities and commercial operators in sectors such as retail and hospitality.
Aqua Clear provides sampling, monitoring and analytical support for a range of applications, including public health, compliance, environmental management and infrastructure operations. The company plays a central role in national programmes using wastewater data to inform policy, enforcement and public health strategy.
HOME OFFICE – Research and analysis: Wastewater Analysis: Estimating drug consumption
Published 13 April 2026
