Water supply and demand management
Water shortages are an impending risk for the UK. Parts of the country face a significant risk from drought, while neighbouring regions have surplus water. In its 2017 climate change risk assessment, the Committee on Climate Change highlighted shortages in water supply as one of five priority climate change risks that needed stronger policies and urgent action. Research commissioned by the Committee estimated the demand for water in England will exceed supply by between 1.1 billion and 3.1 billion litres per day by the 2050s, depending on the extent of climate change and population growth. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has overall responsibility for setting the policy and regulatory framework for water in England. Its policy has one overarching objective: “to ensure clean and plentiful water”. It expects water companies to provide resilient water supplies supported by robust water resource management plans.

Related Content
- World water development report 2023: partnerships and cooperation for water
- State of global water resources 2021
- Climate proofing transboundary water agreements in Africa
- Participatory management and sustainable use of groundwater: a review of the Andhra Pradesh Farmer-Managed Groundwater Systems project in India
- Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal: reforms in rural drinking water supply
- A guide to forest-water management