South West Water is making progress towards bringing desalination to Cornwall after appointing Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions to move to the next phase of development.

The National Drought Group has reiterated the importance of sectors continuing to plan and invest for all weather events, despite the third wettest autumn this century.

A comprehensive and detailed 669 page review of the current scientific knowledge about drought in the UK has flagged up gaps in current understanding of the causes, impacts and management of drought.

Experts are pushing for more investment now to ensure England is in the best possible position ahead of future droughts, the National Drought Group (NDG) heard this week.

National Infrastructure Commission Chair Sir John Armitt is warning that cutting leaks and reducing demand alone isn’t sufficient in the face of population growth and increasing drought risk - there also has to be significant investment in a broad mix of new infrastructure.

Anglian Water is investing £7 million in 16 river restoration schemes across the region, that will improve drought resilience and restore rivers to their natural shape.

A new report by the British Standards Institution (BSI) is warning that low levels of trust in the UK’s water infrastructure, brought about by persistently high levels of sewage in the country’s waterways, is endangering public cooperation in reducing water use.

As many parts of the world experience extreme heatwaves and severe drought, the Environment Agency will continue to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn, it confirmed this week.

The Met Office’s Climate Data Portal went live yesterday, giving organisations improved access to climate data and other resources, allowing them to better understand and respond to climate change.

South East Water has announced a hosepipe ban for its customers in Kent and Sussex and the use of a hosepipe or sprinkler is now restricted.