One in three fear drought while half think government is falling short on safeguarding supply

Nearly half of the public (48%) do not think the Government is meeting its responsibility to maintain access to safe, usable water. That’s according to research by Affinity Water and Demos into public perceptions of water supply security.

The partners pointed out that the Government has set water companies the target to ensure personal water usage drops to 110 litres per person per day by 2050, but water companies can’t just turn off the taps so collaboration is needed.

The research found that 66% of people feel the UK government has as much of a role to play for maintaining water access as water companies. Meanwhile only 28% of people believed it is the responsibility of individual households to take action to reverse water scarcity in the UK.

Elsewhere, the study found one in three are concerned about the potential for increasing drought events and water shortages in the next five years, with those in London and the south of England most concerned. Those in northern and coastal regions were concerned about the impact of more severe weather events due to climate change, such a storms.

Affinity Water chief executive, Keith Haslett, said: “We are making significant investment in identifying new sources of supply, and supporting our customers reduce water wastage, but what is needed is a more joined-up approach from the water industry, Government, house builders, domestic appliance manufacturers and households. To find a long-term solution to the water shortage in the UK, it will take openness about the reality of the future supply, introduction of innovative solutions, and new national policies and drive from the Government to engage the public and business in behaviour change.”