Reservoirs in England and Wales are at record lows thanks to the driest spring for 132 years. According to The Environment Agency this isn’t just a short-term issue but a long-term challenge which is likely to get worse if we don’t take action.
They advised: “England faces a 5 billion litre a day shortfall for public water supplies by 2055 – and a further 1 billion litre a day deficit for the wider economy.
“Climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures are impacting supplies with the predicted shortfall equivalent to a third of our current daily use.”
While this highlights the current overwhelming strain we are placing on our potable water supplies there are actions we can take to help alleviate some of the pressures. For example, much of the water we use residentially, as well as by commerce and industry, does not need to be potable quality.
By managing our water resources better we can reduce the impact of future droughts - and lower the risk of localised flooding by reducing peak discharge into stormwater systems.
