Water UK

Water resources and long-term planning for climate change

06/03/08

The OECD provides an overview of the environmental challenges, among them global water scarcity. Its report highlights the great importance that will be placed on good water management.

In the UK we are fortunate in having a well-established water planning framework and secure public water supply. But, as OECD points out, no country, however advanced, can afford to be complacent.

Planning

UK water companies look decades ahead in preparing water resource management plans with the support of the government, the Environment Agency and Ofwat, the economic regulator. The plans are built on detailed analysis of supply and demand and explain how companies will deliver a secure supply through a range of demand management and resource development measures.

In April water companies in England and Wales will publish for consultation water resource management plans for 2010 to 2035.

It is true that globally we face limits on the amount of water available to us - the impact of climate change must now be factored into all planning. It is also important to raise questions about how we use water and the resources needed to ensure a secure supply. But comments such as those quoted in today's Daily Express predicting water rationing are alarmist and misleading.

Investment

Planning for water services has always been a long-term business. Water companies have invested heavily in maintaining and improving vital national infrastructure and developing resources to meet future need.

By continuing this strategy they are confident they will be able to provide a secure water supply in line with the OECD's conclusion - that solutions are achievable and affordable through timely investment in sustainable strategies.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Bruce Horton, Water Resources Adviser or

Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication

Notes

OECD report
The OECD – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Environmental Outlook to 2030 analyses economic and environmental trends to 2030

Water Resource Management Plans
Water companies are preparing their long-term (25-year) plans to address water supply needs from 2010 and to take account of changing populations, housing growth and climate change. These plans, developed with the Environment Agency, will be published in April 2008.

Strategic Direction Statements
In preparing for the next investment cycle (2010-15), each water company in England and Wales last December published its own Strategic Direction Statement for the economic regulator Ofwat.

Water Ration Britain Threat
Daily Express, 06 March 08