You may have already noticed, but if you haven’t, it’s hot and has been for the last few months. In fact, it has been the driest 8-month period since 1976 according to Sky News. As a result, the UK is likely heading towards a drought. This could lead to a number of things, the most likely being a hosepipe ban. But one expert believes there is another solution, but the people probably won’t like it.
Discover our latest podcast
A potential water shortage
As reported by Sky News, Sir John Armitt, chair of government advisory group the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), said that to avoid a shortage of water and people queuing for emergency water supplies, water bills should increase.
He warned:
The country will face collecting [water] in bottles or large canisters from emergency supplies.
But according to Sir Armitt, there is a reason why the shortage could happen, but also a ‘simple’ solution.
📈 As energy costs soar, be prepared to pay more for water too or else face shortages and queues for emergency supplies in the future, an infrastructure chief has warned https://t.co/S7qWpGThTq
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 31, 2022
20% wasted water and price increase
Sir Armitt explained to Sky News that to avoid a shortage of water, companies need to do something about the 20% of the water that is wasted through leaks, which comes to around 3 billion litres a day.
First, Sir Armitt suggested that water companies should cut households' water supply from 125 litres a day to 110 litres a day.
According to Sir Armitt, an increase in water bills is inevitable:
Bill increases are almost inevitable in order to make sure that we have that water security in the future.
Read more:
⋙ Potential heatwaves predicted this summer, here's what you need to know
⋙ You’ve been drinking water wrong all your life, according to doctor
⋙ The British government is handing out £400 for energy bills, here’s how to claim it
