Ensure you have your say on the future of water supply

London faces a shortfall in water supply over the next twenty-five years unless action to rectify the conflict between supply v demand is taken. Factors ranging from climate change, increased demand, leakage and the expanding population of the South East are expected to play a part in reducing the amount of water we have available in the future. This has prompted Thames Water to consider a variety of options to find long-term solutions to these on-going issues, now.

The severity of the problems, along with the company's proposals to address them, are set out in its draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) 'Water - planning for the future', which is published today.  Customers are urged to find out more and take part in the 16-week public consultation, which also launches today.

The plan shows how the company will cope with increased pressure on water supplies, from population growth, climate change and increased demand. Much of Thames Water's supply area, which covers 8,000 sq km, is classed by the Environment Agency as 'seriously water stressed', with customers in London, Swindon, North and South Oxfordshire particularly at risk of water restrictions.

Thames Water Chief Executive David Owens said:

"The long and difficult drought we experienced in 2005 and 2006 brought home to all of us that we cannot be complacent about our water supplies. London actually gets less rainfall than Rome, Dallas or Istanbul, and only about half as much as Sydney. We're working hard to reduce the risk of hosepipe bans or more severe restrictions, and making plans now to ensure that we are able to provide enough water to meet future needs."

Thames Water will be opening a public consultation for 16 weeks, starting on 7 May and closing on 27 August this year where those living in the South East will be able to offer their input on how things should be going forward.  A summary of responses from the consultation will be published in October 2008, which will explain how comments from the general public will be taken into account in the preparation of a final Water Resources Management Plan. 

For more information visit the consultation website: www.thameswaterconsult.co.uk

MyVillage, 07th May