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Water UK set out for MPs some of the water industry's key challenges in adapting to climate change.

Consumers in the West are used to having the choice of an almost infinite variety of food from around the world, but recent research indicates that food security may become far more fragile as a result of climate change.

The winter of 2014 was the wettest on record, and as whole areas were flooded the capacity of drains and sewers was overwhelmed. But it is important to remember that the floods came a year after two consecutive years of drought. Water, like many other sectors, faces a huge challenge to adapt to these impacts of climate change.

Many commentators have pointed out that, despite the rise of the Green Party as a force in national politics, the environment has not been a mainstream issue during this election campaign. At a time of austerity, it’s argued, voters see concern about environmental issues as a marginal issue, which pales into insignificance compared to worries about jobs, homes and health. And yet the predictions are more alarming than ever.

Figures released from Defra show that this year, 605 out 610 bathing sites met the mandatory standards set by the European Commission. The water industry plays a key role in keeping beaches free from pollution by ensuring that water returned to the environment is as clean as possible.

The Environment Agency’s declaration of a drought for parts of the country underscores the severity of the current situation