A new report from the House of Lords warns that England must take urgent action to harvest rainfall and reduce water usage or face daily water shortages of 5 billion litres by 2055. The Environment and Climate Change Committee emphasizes that without intervention, climate change, population growth, and water-intensive industries like datacentres will strain supplies dangerously.
Imminent Water Crisis
The report predicts daily shortfalls equivalent to 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Last year's driest spring in 132 years led to prolonged drought, and government climate advisers have warned that global heating will make droughts more frequent. The committee chair, Shas Sheehan, stated: "Climate change increases drought risk through hotter summers and heavier winter rains, making rainwater capture and storage vital."
Key Recommendations
The committee calls for several measures to avert crisis:
- Building regulations: New homes should limit water use to 105 litres per person per day, with accelerated grey water reuse.
- Nature-based solutions: Restore peat bogs and reconnect rivers to flood plains to improve water retention.
- Public awareness campaign: Urgent nationwide effort to reduce water consumption.
- Economic assessment: Full evaluation of drought costs versus resilience investments.
- Wider rollout: Expand nature-based solutions in urban and rural areas.
Infrastructure Gaps
No new reservoirs have been built by water companies in over 30 years, though nine are planned. However, the report warns these will take years to complete and should not replace demand reduction. Leaks from pipes, mostly owned by water companies, account for 19% of water demand. "Action to reduce leakage must remain a priority," the report states, as it undermines public support for other measures.
Urgent Call to Action
Peers describe drought as an ever-present threat that "may feel dormant in winter but looms large in summer." They conclude: "Water is the foundation of life itself; the government must act now to secure England's most vital resource for the future."
