UK representative unveils surprising state of water supplies
(MENAFN) The UK is nearing a water crisis and could soon face rationing due to long-standing neglect of its water infrastructure, Environment Minister Steve Reed has warned. Speaking to The i Paper in an interview published Monday, Reed said the situation is so severe that the UK may soon have to adopt water-saving measures typically seen in drought-stricken Mediterranean countries.
Reed revealed that during the last general election, the public was largely unaware that the UK was less than a decade away from potential water rationing. He stressed that rebuilding vital infrastructure — including the water supply system — is a long-term challenge that cannot be resolved within just five years.
The rising strain on the water supply is being driven in part by the expansion of new industries, such as battery manufacturing and data centers, which require substantial amounts of water for cooling. “These industries can’t function without huge volumes of water,” Reed noted.
Without immediate action, the UK could face water shutoffs during certain parts of the day, he warned. The statement follows an unprecedented June heatwave in the UK, with forecasts predicting more days above 30°C (86°F) in the coming week.
In response, the government has allocated £104 billion (approximately $136 billion) for infrastructure improvements over the next five years, based on recommendations from regulator Ofwat. The funding will go toward building new reservoirs and reducing water leakage, Reed said.
Still, he cautioned that despite growing public concern, restoring the water system will be a long-term effort requiring more than just a single funding cycle.
Other nations have already taken aggressive steps to manage water shortages. Spain, for example, limits household water access to certain hours during droughts. Australia uses tiered restrictions, Singapore recycles 40% of its water through high-tech purification, and South Korea employs smart meters to track consumption and detect leaks.
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