Water UK

Planning for climate change – the irresistible case for action

18/06/09

Water is on the front line of climate change. Changes already visible in the quality and availability of water and the frequency of extreme events (flooding and drought) are consistent with the new information.

Evidence and expectations are now combining to make an irresistible case for action by all essential service suppliers.

Impacts of climate change on water services

The water industry has long experience of planning for climate change. The projections add a level of sophistication and complexity that will take time to understand and embed, but companies are prepared and will begin work immediately. They will build the data into business and investment plans and take the action necessary to maintain high-quality, reliable services into the future.

One of the most important aspects of adaptation is the need to work in partnership across organisations and sectors. There are many areas where the water industry cannot deliver solutions to climate change alone, including surface water management, sustainable urban drainage, and the more efficient use of water.

Water UK Chief Executive Pamela Taylor said:

"The impacts of climate change will be felt first and foremost through the medium of water. It is imperative that we work in partnership to get it right in our sector, because every other sector of the economy is dependent on the services we provide."

Also published today is a government consultation on a new statutory adaptation reporting power. The water industry supports the need for essential service organisations to demonstrate publicly their current actions and plans for adapting to climate change. We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the new power is consistent with existing water industry guidance and good practice.

Climate change and the water industry

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For more information please contact:

Water UK Communication
020 7344 1809 (out of hours 07833 450544)