The National Audit Office (NAO) is warning that the government must take more concerted action now to prevent parts of southern England running out of water within 20 years.

Lord Adonis, former chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, has warned that the Government is “ducking” key issues on critical water infrastructure, accusing them of kicking the can down the road.

Following the prediction by Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan last week that England will face water shortages within 25 years, Xylem Managing Director Jason Howlett is warning that industry will need to change its mentality in order to combat the crisis.

Ofwat has expressed its concerns over aspects of Thames Water revised draft water resources management plan for 2019 published by Thames Water in October 2018 for re-consultation.