Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, is warning that the impacts of climate change and population growth could see England run out of water within 25 years.

The EA chief is about to make a speech at the Waterwise conference in London today, where he is expected to say that the country is facing “an existential threat” and call for everyone to use less water.

Failure to do so means that in around 20 to 25 years, England will be at the “‘jaws of death’ – the point at which we will not have enough water to supply our needs, unless we take action to change things,” he is expected to warn.

According to the speech, the UK water companies all flag up climate change as their biggest operating risk.

Measures Sir James is expected to put forward to tackle the issue include:

• Reducing leakage by 50%
• Cutting personal use from 140 litres a day to 100 litres
• Major new reservoir construction
• More desalination plants
• Water transfers via pipelines or canals to water-stressed areas

Sir James is returning to the attack on the issue – in a speech in September last year on climate change he warned his audience “ it’s not as bad as you think – it’s worse”.

National Infrastructure Commission - we look forward to seeing themes reflected in Government's upcoming National Infrastructure Strategy

 At the beginning of March the National Infrastructure Commission launched a consultation to gather views as part of its new study into the resilience of the UK’s infrastructure network. 

The study will examine what actions the Government should take to ensure that the UK’s infrastructure can cope with future changes, disruptions, shocks and accidents – including the increased risks resulting from climate change.

Responding to Sir James’ speech, a spokesperson for the National Infrastructure Commission said:

“England faces the very real prospect of drought over the next thirty years, so we welcome the Environment Agency’s call for decisive action now to change our whole approach to water management.

“We’re also pleased Sir James highlighted the need for new reservoirs and water transfers, which are key elements in building a more resilient approach that we have recommended, alongside tackling leakage.

“We look forward to seeing these themes reflected in the government’s National Infrastructure Strategy later this year.”