25 Aug 2022

Two-thirds of Europe is under some sort of drought warning, in what is likely the worst such event in 500 years.     The latest report from the Global Drought Observatory says 47% of the continent is in “warning” conditions, meaning soil has dried up, the BBC has reported. Another 17% is on alert – meaning vegetation […]

17 Aug 2022

Most parts of the UK have seen significant rainfall over the last few days, but the drought is not over. Latest news includes Hosepipe bans in Yorkshire Water (from 26 Aug) and potentially Thames Water Environment Secretary meeting with water companies Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, calling for greater investment in […]

10 Aug 2022

Water UK blog Water and sewerage are uniquely sensitive to the impacts of a changing climate. The water industry has been working hard on its response: from mitigating industry’s own carbon emissions, to managing the multi-decadal impact of increased rainfall, to preparing for increased algal blooms in water sources. More than any other impact, though, we worry about […]

03 Aug 2022

Following last week’s piece about the EA’s convening of the National Drought Group, the National Infrastructure Commission has warned of emergency queues on the streets, without swift and extensive hosepipe ban and compulsory water metering. This follows the driest July in England since 1935. Reported in the Guardian, “a national hosepipe ban should be implemented […]

28 Jul 2022

The Environment Agency convened the National Drought Group, made up of senior decision makers from Environment Agency, government, water companies, Water UK, the NFU and environmental protection groups including the Angling Trust and Rivers Trust. The group discussed the current situation and agreed actions to protect water resources and the environment in the UK in the […]

28 Jul 2022

Water shortages could become more serious and frequent due to climate change, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned and reported by the BBC. The environment watchdog says drier summers in Scotland could seriously affect water supplies. The warning comes after record breaking temperatures earlier in the week. Scotland’s east coast is facing the […]