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UK's Driest Region Faces Water Crisis
13 Aug
Summary
- Record dry July exacerbates water shortage for 7 million customers.
- New reservoirs and desalination plants are planned for future supply.
- Anglian Water urges further water use reduction from all customers.
The east of England, supplied by Anglian Water to seven million customers, is experiencing a severe water shortage following the driest July on record. This situation has led to a hosepipe ban for residential users, with authorities urging further reductions in water usage from both domestic and business customers. Rivers are at exceptionally low levels, particularly concerning in Norfolk where drinking water sources are strained.
Anglian Water is actively addressing the escalating challenge by planning significant infrastructure investments. These include the construction of two new reservoirs to capture winter rainfall and the exploration of desalination plants. These measures aim to bolster supplies for the future, anticipating hotter, drier summers due to climate change and a growing customer base of 70,000 new users annually.
While customers are asked to conserve water, Anglian Water is also working to address an increase in leaks across its network, exacerbated by hot weather. The company is prioritizing repairs on larger mains while assuring that smaller leaks will also be addressed. To meet future demand and environmental needs, Anglian Water is also exploring groundwater recharge and reducing river abstraction.
