The Environment Agency has warned that within 25 years, England may not have enough water to meet rising demand — a serious concern for both homes and farms. So how can we, as individuals, businesses, and farmers, use water more efficiently and reduce waste?
Why will water shortage become a problem?
Climate change and population growth are creating what the Environment Agency has called an “existential threat” to the UK’s water supply. Speaking at the Waterwise Conference in London, the agency’s head said wasting water should become “as socially unacceptable as blowing smoke in the face of a baby.”
To secure future water supplies, we need to both reduce consumption and improve infrastructure — from building new reservoirs to creating water transfer networks across regions, such as moving water from the North to the South East.
What can we do as individuals?
On average, people in England use 140 litres of water per day. The Environment Agency aims to reduce this to 100 litres — saving 40 litres daily per person.*
Here are a few simple ways individuals can reduce water usage:
- Install low-flush or dual-flush toilets.
- Use water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers.
- Take shorter showers instead of baths.
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
- Collect rainwater for garden and outdoor use.
What can we do as businesses and farmers?
Water is vital for many industries — especially agriculture, where crops and livestock depend on reliable supplies. Extended dry periods, like last summer’s heatwave, highlight how vulnerable farms can be to climate extremes. That’s why water efficiency and sustainable water storage are becoming essential.
One of the best solutions is rainwater harvesting — the collection and storage of rainwater on-site instead of allowing it to run off. This stored water can be used for irrigation, livestock drinking water, or cleaning equipment during dry spells.
At Cotterill Civils, we provide a range of rainwater harvesting tanks and water storage lagoons for farms and commercial use. Many of our customers have reduced their overall water costs by up to 40% using these systems.
We supply a wide range of tank sizes and can both supply and install your rainwater harvesting system or lagoon. Call our expert team today on 0121 351 3230 for professional advice tailored to your project.
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*Source: BBC News – Environment Agency warns of water shortages