Environment Agency Warns England Faces 5bn Litre Daily Water Shortage by 2055

The Environment Agency has warned that England could face a public water supply shortfall of five billion litres a day by 2055 due to climate change, population growth, and increased demand from businesses and emerging technologies. This deficit, equivalent to a third of current daily use, is expected to be most severe in the densely populated South East, which may require an additional two billion litres daily between 2030 and 2055. To address this, the agency anticipates that 60% of the shortfall can be managed through demand reduction and leak prevention efforts by water companies, including pledges to cut leakage by 17% in the next five years and 50% by 2050. The remaining 40% must come from supply-side solutions like new reservoirs, desalination plants, and water transfer schemes. The government has secured significant private investment, over £8 billion, to enhance water infrastructure and resilience. The report emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated action among utilities, regulators, businesses, and the public to avoid environmental damage, economic disruption, and threats to food and energy production.