The Water Minister has said Britons do not need to be concerned about water shortages, even as post-heatwave droughts continue to affect the UK. Emma Hardy MP, speaking in an interview with The Mirror, urged the public to consider small changes in daily habits that could collectively make a difference.
Minister urges small changes amid ongoing drought
Ms Hardy acknowledged that many people find it "infuriating" to be asked to save water when they see leaks in their streets, but she pointed to a "huge push" to reduce wastage. She suggested using eco settings on dishwashers and washing machines, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and using the correct toilet flush.
She highlighted Ofwat's Let's Save Water campaign, which was launched in May. "I mean, really small and minor changes that help us all collectively save water because we've just had the driest summer in a century," she said. "We are entering into winter now, and we need in some areas of the country 120% of average long-term rainfall to make sure that we start next year out of drought."
Risk of wider drought next year
The minister warned that more areas could enter drought next year if recent patterns of longer, drier, hotter summers continue. "There is a possibility that we will next year enter into drought in more areas of the country if we continue to see what we're seeing more recently," she said.
Ms Hardy also shared her own efforts, saying she has started saving water for watering plants and plans to install a new water butt on her drain pipes after moving house. "Before I got this brief, water use wasn't something I thought about," she added.
Official update on drought conditions
The latest official update reports that severe droughts remain in parts of the country. England would need at least 120% of average rainfall over the next six months for the entire country to be out of drought conditions by spring. Public water supplies remain under pressure in affected areas, with reservoir and groundwater levels continuing to decline.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to repair the water industry, saying he will bring in laws so the government can retake control. He told The Mirror: "Water, housing, energy and transport are the essentials of everyday life and the everyday economy. We rely on them. We pay for them. And we should have more power over them."
