Is the UK’s infrastructure ready for climate change, with periods of dry weather becoming more common as a result of the climate crisis?

No new reservoir has been built in the UK since 1992, shortly after water companies were privatised. While there are some plans to build new reservoirs these are not expected to be completed until the 2030s.  Meanwhile the average household bill is expectedly to increase by £31 a year to pay for infrastructure upgrades.

Almost a fifth of England’s water supply is lost by water companies before it reaches customers, more than enough to supply Greater London.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs blamed “crumbling” water infrastructure on “years of underinvestment”. They added: “We are monitoring water levels and expect water companies to cut leaks and take action to protect supplies.”

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