Large numbers of English homes face losing water supply because of drought, report warns

Large numbers of households in England could have their water supplies cut off over the next 30 years, a report suggests.

The country's homes and businesses face having their supplies cut off in times of severe drought if the water industry does not improve infrastructure and water efficiency.

The finding is published in a report by the National Infrastructure Commission - the body set up to make recommendations to the Government about the country's long-term infrastructure needs.

It says the water infrastructure is already under strain, with one fifth of the country's supply lost each day to leakages.

The report also finds that over the past two decades the amount of water families consume each day has reduced by less than 10 litres per person, per day.

Commission chairman Sir John Armitt said: "We take for granted that we will always have a reliable water supply, but despite our reputation for rain, the country risks water shortages.

"Climate change, an increasing population - particularly in the drier south and east of England - and the need to protect the environment bring further challenges.

"We want the Government to deliver a 'twin-track approach'; to ensure plans are in place to create additional infrastructure, including a national water network and a significant reduction in demand."

One of the recommendations made in the report is that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) should set an objective for the water industry to halve leakage by 2050.

Another is allowing companies outside water stressed regions to be able to apply for compulsory metering alongside other water efficiency measures.

In addition, there is the need to develop further infrastructure such as new reservoirs or desalination plants, the report says.

The report entitled Preparing For A Drier Future highlights the one in four chance, over the next 30 years, that large numbers of households will have water supplies cut off for an extended period because of severe drought.

Sir John said: "If we are to avoid our taps running dry, in times of extreme drought, we need the Government to act on our recommendations without delay."

The report is a key part of the Commission's National Infrastructure Assessment which will be published in July.

A government spokesperson said: "Having the appropriate water infrastructure in place is key to safeguarding one of our most important resources.

"We will consider the recommendations in this report and respond in due course."

Press Association